Media Mix

There has been the Grapefruit Diet, the Hollywood Diet, the Carbohydrate Lovers Diet. Now, the authors of the “Protein Power” diet book have written another volume dealing with their “Paleolithic” diet plan, “The Protein Power Lifeplan.” Drs. Michael and Mary Dan Eades supposedly replicate the diets of our prehistoric ancestors, whom the authors believe did not suffer from the heart diseases and other ills of modern times. Their diet includes more meat, fat and fewer carbohydrates than most dietary experts would recommend. They advise listeners not to worry about carbohydrates unless trying to lose weight. The authors also recommend sunbathing without sunscreen, though in moderation, as a way to produce vitamin D. Though this plan is, in some ways, a more well-rounded version of the Atkins high-protein diet, one should approach it with care. That said, it does offer beneficial explanations about the detrimental effects of trans fats and the reason free radicals are harmful. The doctors make a case for their beliefs, but always remember that most health-care authors do not cite studies that would undermine the sales of their books. The Eades describe several variations of their high-protein, low-carbohydrate regimen, from the very restricted “purist” diet to the more liberal “hedonistic” diet. Purists eat no grains and only organic foods, while hedonists actually can drink a beer now and then. There are variations in between. Most of the audio is an explanation, in scientific terms, of why the diet supposedly works. It is easier to digest than the printed version, which is quite lengthy and dry. Both authors are above-average narrators. They speak clearly, although she sounds strident at times. His manner is more congenial.