Hi Bert
Having just watched the clip from your link, I agree (from a UK perspective) that the coverage was reasonably balanced by typical US popular media standards. Nevertheless, I didn't feel it would give a previously uninformed viewer a very clear view of what Fast-5 is really about. For example, the presentation seemed to major on one's being able to eat "anything", even "junk" - although mentioning, somewhat in passing, that you personally recommend "healthy" eating. Surely the point is rather to separate out two distinct - and distinctly controversial - strands: i.e. the pragmatics of moderating calorie consumption (focused on weight control); and nutritional content (focused on optimal health). Fast-5 chooses to major primarily on the first strand, but is broadly agnostic on the second, the take-home point being that it can thus accommodate a range of nutritional approaches in a mutually supportive, not exclusive, way.
The other aspect that seemed to me particularly to jar was the idea of Fast-5 as a "diet", rather than a lifestyle (although again this was mentioned in passing). This leaves it open to standard criticisms of "yo-yo" rebound effects when the dieter resumes their previous patterns of consumption. Also, if people approach it in this way, they are unlikely to have time to adapt significantly and hence benefit from the long-term positive, as opposed to suffering the short-term transitional, effects.
As you say, what many dietitians say seems to have become a self-reinforcing closed loop, which probably necessitates going around them, rather than through them. I followed the link to the ADA site and was frankly nonplussed. The Coca-Cola Company??? Pepsi??? What possible unbiased motivation can such corporations have towards eating "right"? Whereas their interest in getting people to consume more is straightforwardly obvious. I must say that I hadn't given much conscious consideration previously to the potential impact of a "moderating" approach such as Fast-5 on corporate profits, but on reflection such advice is enough to strike fear into the heart of any business executive; as indeed is any intervention aimed at moderating consumerism more generally. Perhaps what's been "good for General Motors" (or Coke) isn't turning out so good for America after all.
Anyway, it must be true that if the coverage leads viewers to your book, and this forum, much good may still result.
Keep up the good work!
David
I'm not too concerned about the dietitian's comments. Conflict keeps things interesting, and the reporter, Ali Gorman, RN, did a great job of working with the testers and built a balanced story so it's clear it's "news" and not an advertisement.
I don't know where dietitians get their information--it seems to be a circular thing where nobody looks at original sources (new or old).
I know they mean well and some are clearly not in this dogma rut, but researching the literature or Googling "intermittent fasting" is apparently foreign to many.
I think I've mentioned this here before, but the corporate sponsors of the American Dietetic Association (ADA) may have inappropriate influence over the ADA's advice, and may be the reason the ADA insists people "eat right" (their website is eatright.org) rather than "eat less." Why the ADA has corporate sponsors at all puzzles me.
http://www.eatright.org/corporatesp onsors/
The link for the WPVI-Philadelphia ABC/Channel 6 story is here for those interested in watching:
http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/ story?section= news/special_ reports&id=7357401
Bert
Bert Herring
Fast-5 Corporation
--- In fast5@yahoogroups.com , "afwitmer" <afwitmer@...> wrote:
>
> I waited up last night, and was able to see the TV clip on my computer about Fast-5. It was nice to get the word out there more, Bert!
>
> I thought it was a bit ;( because that dietican had to say, "I do not recomend this diet" Grrr! =) Most poeple like that dont realize that fasting is actually really good for your body. Dieticans especially think that you need to eat all those "mini meals" several times daily to "boost metabolism"!!!
>
> ~ Thanks
> Amanda
>
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