This week I've been rereading Art De Vany's "The New Evolution Diet. DeVany is considered the grandfather of the Paleo movement. He recounts in his book how he stumbled upon the diet in the 70's while dealing with his diabetic son and wife. Being an economist and statistician, he carefully noted which foods caused their insulin levels to rise. Pastas, sugars, sodas, etc were all culprits. It wasn't long before he found himself shopping the aisles of the grocery store for items like veggies and various proteins. A new (yet old) diet was discovered.In addition, DeVany emphasized posture, sleep, natural foods, and exercising outdoors, as a pathway towards health.
To sum up his book, De Vany emphasizes these basic points in his conclusion (paraphrased here):
1- Eat fresh veggies, fruits, nuts, meat, and fish. Avoid grains, legumes, potatoes, carbs, and sugar. Limit alcohol.
2- Skip one dinner each week.
3- Exercise with intensity. Lift weights, run sprints, play a sport. 2-3 gym visits for 30 minutes should be enough.
4- The goal is to east and exercise as humans did c. 40,0000 years ago. But don't overdo it.
5- Give up a regimented approach to diet and exercise. Relax and let it happen.
Critics have taken issue with DeVany's science, saying he contradicts himself, or that some of his points are fuzzy. As a reader, I found his tone colloquial, friendly, and direct. It's as if you're sitting down to a meal with him and he's explaining what's worked for him. The guy is clearly in amazing shape, and especially for a 73 year old. I'd highly recommend it and enjoyed his views on vegetarianism, the worst foods you can eat (french fries), and his back to basics take on exercise.
Here's a link to his book on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/New-Evolution-Diet-Paleolithic-Ancestors/dp/1605291838/ref=tmm_hrd_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1291770304&sr=1-1
Here's a video on DeVany:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsLyp8XloCE&feature=player_embedded
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