80/10/10

I had been meaning to get to this book, The 80/10/10 Diet by Dr. Douglas Graham for some time and finally did. And now that Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent and various traditions to change, give up something and reflect are upon us, my husband and I would like to give the regime a try.

But first, a review.  

The general premise of Dr. Graham's findings are predicated upon the paradigm of Natural Hygiene, or, the 'science of health.' From there he constructs an argument in favor of a raw vegan, high fruit, plant based diet where 80% of the calories come from carbohydrates, 10% from protein and the last 10% from fat.  

Why the ratio? All too often raw fooders fall into the trap of high fat foods such as nuts, seeds, and avocados, leaving would be health enthusiasts in a veritable slump, often reverting back to old, unhealthier eating habits. Also, he explains why excessive protein is damaging to our systems, giving way to potential health problems down the line. Graham posits that eating a higher raw carbohydrate ratio offers people an abundance of energy and potential for health and well-being, coupled with non food protocols of regular fresh air, sleep, sunshine and exercise.

Graham offers menus for the seasons with simple recipes and the freedom to explore what each individual might need to consume calorically based on weight and activity level.  Also, he doesn't shy away from the very real questions that plague raw enthusiasts and those simply striving to do better. He's honest, fair but forthright. 

While I don't agree with some of his rationales for why he thinks we are "meant" to be frugivores, because it simply isn't true (people eat non plants and are sustained), I don't disagree either. Put another way, I simply would rather be walked through the scientific implications and reactions of humans digesting animal flesh, grains, dairy and fruits over time, and definitely over and against comparing what we eat to apes or other animals. While interesting, it's not the strongest argument when there are animals of all stripes of their natural diets like horses, vultures, lions, sharks, etc. I think we can certainly learn about their digestive systems as a supportive enterprise for why human beings are unique, while making the strongest case that because we are unique, we are also set apart from other creatures. 

I think the other reason I wrestle with his paradigms is not because they aren't true, helpful or life changing, but the fact that we are born into a society and culture that is not on board. As someone who eats most of her daily food raw (50% or more), I've experienced the pitfalls he speaks about, and live in a community where people don't value Natural Hygiene like this, can't afford it, hate the idea of it and/or simply don't know what it is. Um, wait . . .who doesn't? 

But I can buy this:

"It is important to understand that foods don't heal us; the body does all the healing. Foods, cooked or raw, simply supply the materials the body uses to perform its various functions.  However, low fat raw vegan foods provide the widest range of high quality nutrients and are, therefore, more likely to furnish the perfect proportion of raw materials needed by the body for healing."Graham, p. 266

So, it is with some eagerness that my husband and I embark on a week long 80/10/10 winter menu plan starting Friday. Wish us luck. The task, it seems, is to make sure we're eating ENOUGH, as Dr. Graham overstates. How's that for Lenten disciplines...eat more, eat well!?!

We'll keep you posted. In the meantime, pick up this book and let us know what you think.