Is Low-Fat Required For Weight-Loss?
A meal plan user emailed:
"I am currently reading The Starch Solution and finding it very interesting. I know that his and your recommendation is to limit fats (non-oil) when losing weight. What I am wondering is how much fat is too much fat? Is there a certain percentage or number of grams that you've found is your 'limit'?"
I defer to Dr. McDougall here, which is that you shouldn't eat any added fats if you are trying to lose weight. Once weight-loss is obtained, you might be able to add a little fat here and there back in, though Dr. Essy recommends avoiding all added fats for life for maximum heart health. Individuals with or at risk for heart disease or t2, should stick to low fat for life.
I've never had much luck adding fat back in. Even small amounts like a 1-2 tbsp of nuts, or 1 avocado across and entire week, seems to make me gain, but my husband and many of our meal plan users can have a little here and there. You can see the amounts of fats in the recipes to gauge how much we add in terms of appropriate portion size.
The meal plans do have lower fat options, though -- not nuts, seeds or avo -- which is inline with Dr. McDougall and Dr. Essy's recommendations.
The Starch Solution is a great book! I based the meal plans off his teachings.