Dr Neil Barnard

[Dreamer in Ontario]

Has anyone tried Dr Neal Barnard's method for reversing diabetes?

[Mia in Germany]

HI Dreamer
As I have no diabetes, no.
But if I had, I actually wouldn't - and wouldn't recommend it. I read about it, and it is a low fat vegan diet which in my opinion cannot be really healthy. Vegan diets always bear the risk of severe deficiencies in B Vitamins and iron. Also low fat doesn't seem like the best idea because it also is shown in scientific research that dietary fat is not generally the culprit for diabetes but carbohydrates and the wrong fats like too many transfats and too many omega 6 fats.
If going on a vegan diet, people have to be extremely disciplined in order to get all essential nutrients, like enough protein, omega 3 and omega 9 fatty acids, B vitamins and iron.
Any deficiency in vitamins, minerals and fatty acids would make diabetes worse, not better.
If people do not want to become vegan for ethic reasons, personally, as a food coach, I don't think it is a really good idea.
But if somebody does try it and does have positive results, I'd sure be most interested

[Dreamer in Ontario]

Thanks Mia. There are so many "doctors" out there advocating extremely unhealthy, in my opinion, diets just so they can make money i.e. Atkins They count on the desperate being willing to try anything. Now I'm tempted, too, because I don't want to become diabetic.

[Mia in Germany]

Hi Dreamer!
I know perfectly well what you mean.
Basically, from my personal experience as a food coach, I'd say that there is no such thing as "the" one and only miracle diet.
There are some basics like enough proteins, essential fats and enough micronutrients, but every person is different. Some things that work well for one person, totally don't work for others. Some people are protein people, some mixed types. Some need lots of fibre, some can't handle too much fibre well etc.
So best thing is to work out one's personal needs, basing on the "basics" as said.

[Dreamer in Ontario]

That makes complete sense. I have a couple of family members who would not be able to tolerate this diet because of their medical conditions.

[Mia in Germany]

Yes, I've seen many cases like that.
Actually I can even speak from my own experience as someone with food intolerances. Being gluten intolerant, I was quite thrilled with the idea of a no carb diet. Lots of fruit, vegetables, good fat, protein. My husband does exceptionally well with this kind of diet. I don't - on the contrary, I nearly killed myself thinking I eat healthily. Every person has their own foods which are good for them and which aren't, and not everything that is considered healthy is good for everyone.
Best thing you can do for yourself is figure out if you're a protein type or a mixed protein-carbohydrate type, if you can do well with lots of fibre, if you can handle lots of raw food, more fruits or more vegetables, if you're okay with milk and cheese etc.

[PaulaG]

I agree that fad diets can be effective in a short range goal of losing weight. To make lasting changes it has to include long term life changes. I myself am not diabetic but did have serious issues with weight and cholesterol a few years back. After making some significant changes I have been able to maintain my weight, the cholesterol issue while still higher than the doctor would like is well within normal.

DH and I were fast food junkies. When we eat out now we try to make healthier choices and we do eat more frequently. I am a firm believer in the benefits of healthy eating and exercise.