Hello Jeff,
I've been reading about the McDougall diet (as well as other WFPB approaches) for many years, most of those years while weighing about 430 pounds. Due to my fear of a high BMI during COVID, I was able to lose that weight, down to a current weight of 145 pounds (male, 5' 8", 56 years old), which I've maintained within 15 pounds for the past year. The weight loss was achieved on a lower carb diet (though not keto, as defined as 20g carb/net-carb) with moderate exercise as my physical condition improved. When I began to have issues with binge eating, I adopted a more rigorous keto diet, having read that it might assist in this regard. For the past few months, this seems to have been the case.
However …
I know all of this is apropos of nothing, but throughout all of my reading and research, I've always held you in the highest regard. Out of the many authorities, you hold a special place in my estimation -- hence this direct question: what is your recommendation on how best to evaluate a switch to either a Mediterranean diet or a WFPB (whether McDougall or another)? There are so many conflicting voices that I'm unsure of who to trust.
I do, however, trust you. I know that probably seems a strange statement, since we've never met, but the way that you present information and your general attitude towards people (respectful but earnest, and unwilling to compromise on the science).
I'm at sea, adrift. Could you point a fellow traveler toward shore, or provide him with a set of maps and compass to reckon by?
Thank you, if you respond. And if not, thank you anyway, for all of the intelligence and sincerity you have shown over the years.
Michael
