The Heart Attack Scare

My father had a heart attack on Sunday. It came out of nowhere. He is recovering well right now, but the doctors warned him that he must make a complete lifestyle overhaul. No smoking, lots of exercise, and a low-calorie diet.

This is what I am wrestling with: My research has shown me that an optimal diet consists of good fats and even saturated fat. But the doctors want to put my father on, essentially, the Pritikin Diet, which is low-fat, low-calorie, and very bland. It has a heavy emphasis on fruits and vegetables. The Pritikin Diet is seemingly opposite of The Maker's Diet or The South Beach Diet. I refer to these not as diets, but as ways of life and eating.

I feel like the research that is in favor of a diet heavy in animal protein is a bit misleading. How does a heart patient subscribe to this life plan? He simply cannot at this point. To unclog his body of plaque and atherosclerosis and waste, he must eat a diet that is heavy in plant food. I will encourage him to do this. I also need to rethink my own way of eating. While it seems like eating "low-carb" is a good way for me to lose weight, I really do feel better when I am eating like a vegetarian. My body knows that this way of eating is better for me. The nutrients and vitamins are alive and my body can use each part of the plant food. I want to encourage my dad to think about this, too. I will keep you updated.