Fat Head

So I’m not the kind of guy that goes around waving the banner of the latest thing i’ve heard. In other words I tend to approach most things I encounter with, what I consider to be, a healthy amount of skepticism. Which is why when I watched Morgan Spurlock’s documentary, Supersize Me, I didn’t bite. For one thing, I couldn’t get over the fact that choice ultimately resides with the consumer. Anyway, I digress. I still eat at McDonalds (mainly because I meet with a guy for breakfast weekly and it’s about the only place open in Galway early in the mornings) and I like it! All that to say that I’m not easily sold on the latest conspiracy theory to come down the pike.

Well, recently someone recommended another documentary about food (there are so many). It’s called Fat Head (it’s available on Hulu if you’re interested). Perhaps the best way to describe it is to say that it is the bizarro Supersize Me. The writer and star attempts to debunk Spurlock’s conclusions. But he doesn’t stop there. In the second part of the film he goes after everything that we have been told about cholesterol, fat, carbs, etc. Nothing sacred is spared! Of course he pulls in a lot of men and women in white coats who are saying the same thing. Here’s the premise: he decides, mimicking Spurlock, that he will eat fast food for each meal for a month. But (and this is the important bit), he limits his total daily calories to 2000, his total daily carbohydrates to 100g, and continues his normal routine of light but consistent exercise. Anything else goes. In the end he loses weight, body fat, and his cholesterol stays steady. At the end of the film he ups the stakes a bit. He decides that he will zero carbohydrates and nothing low fat. The results are pretty amazing.

So here’s the thing…

I’m not saying I’m sold, and I’m certainly not interested in being an evangelist (I could probably assemble some white coat guys to say anything I wanted). I’m just saying that I’m interested in doing some more research. There are some great explanations on cholesterol, why high cholesterol can be good (which is what I’ve always thought ), and why a relatively fatty diet can actually increase the level of good cholesterol in our blood. Can you imagine? What a world that would be!

Anyway, it’s at least worth a watch.

One highlight: In the very beginning he conducts an experiment at several different McDonalds, Wendy’s, and Taco Bells where he stands outside the door to see if any employees will drag him inside and force him to eat. Classic.

Again, if you’re interested, it’s available on Hulu.

Well, I’m ready for a nice juicy steak topped with bleu cheese and garlic. mmmmmm

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