Good Calories, Bad Calories vs. The China Study

Acg67
Acg67 Posts: 12,142 Member
edited December 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
What's really the difference between these two books, in terms of information presented and the accuracy of said information?

Also you could discuss the same for something like Fathead vs. Forks over Knives

Is one better/more accurate than the other, or both full of nonsense?

Replies

  • Sidesteal
    Sidesteal Posts: 5,510 Member
    In.

    Pepper your angus.
  • CallMeCupcakeDammit
    CallMeCupcakeDammit Posts: 9,377 Member
    I have to watch this. I read The China Study, but not the other. Well, most of it until my dog puked on my book. :ohwell:
  • tsh0ck
    tsh0ck Posts: 1,970 Member
    I like cheese.
  • UsedToBeHusky
    UsedToBeHusky Posts: 15,228 Member
    I have not read those books or seen those movies. I will just follow along until the group reaches a consensus and do that.

    I'm lazy that way.
  • I'd like to read The China Study, still not managed. They need to sex it up a bit.
  • rextcat
    rextcat Posts: 1,408 Member
    their both biased
  • cjc166
    cjc166 Posts: 222
    I've read the China Study, as well as watching Forks Over Knives. I'm only vaguely familiar with Good Calories, Bad Calories. They both agree that processed foods are super bad for your health. Although, I believe they differ on animal product consumption.

    I do know that a great number of heart disease (including those with multiple bypasses), and other chronic disease patients have been successfully treated and diseases completely reversed, following a whole foods plant-based diet. This is rather impressive and more practical than studies or speculations, IMHO. For example, look at Dr Fuhrman or Dr. Esselstyn's patients.

    If there are doctors successfully treating advanced heart disease with a Good Calories, Bad Calories plan, I would be rather enthusiastic to see those results.
  • I have not read "Good Calories, Bad Calories," but I do know that the two are very different books. While "The China Study" focuses on eating animal products vs. not eating animal products, Good Calories focuses on the types of calories we eat, not where they come from. The China Study has a lot of research and evidence behind it, and is a great book to read for general understanding of the benefits of a plant-based diet. It is, however, a book absolutely stuffed with information, so the reading can be a bit dry sometimes.

    I think that by eating both a plant based diet that consists of the right types of calories (eg. low glycemic, healthy fats) is the absolute best diet.

    The movie "Forks Over Knives" does an ok job of presenting the information from the China Study, but really undermines the validity of the argument in its simplicity. Cheesy graphics and acting take away from the true message of the film, which really bothered me. I recommend watching the movie if you want to get the information quickly without having to read the book, but please don't be deterred from the science by the poor production.
  • stubbysticks
    stubbysticks Posts: 1,275 Member
    I'd like to read The China Study, still not managed. They need to sex it up a bit.
    Gawd...yeah, I read it, & it was mind-numbing. Rough read.
  • CallMeCupcakeDammit
    CallMeCupcakeDammit Posts: 9,377 Member
    They sexed up Fast Food Nation, I'm sure they can figure out something for The China Study. Massage parlors, maybe, for a happy ending?

    Edited for spelling :)
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    Tagging.
  • MoreBean13
    MoreBean13 Posts: 8,701 Member
    Bump to follow.
  • NGMama
    NGMama Posts: 384 Member
    Tagging. I've read The China Study but have not read or watched the others. I believe there is a lot of compelling information about a plant based diet.
  • jofjltncb6
    jofjltncb6 Posts: 34,415 Member
    I have to watch this. I read The China Study, but not the other. Well, most of it until my dog puked on my book. :ohwell:

    I agree with your dog's assessment of the book.

    Oh, I mean, tagged to read later.
  • DixiedoesMFP
    DixiedoesMFP Posts: 935 Member
    I like bacon.
  • ChrisGoldn
    ChrisGoldn Posts: 473 Member
    I like milk
  • CallMeCupcakeDammit
    CallMeCupcakeDammit Posts: 9,377 Member
    I have to watch this. I read The China Study, but not the other. Well, most of it until my dog puked on my book. :ohwell:

    I agree with your dog's assessment of the book.

    Oh, I mean, tagged to read later.

    'splain please :flowerforyou:
  • NGMama
    NGMama Posts: 384 Member
    You know, it's asinine to put something about liking bacon and milk on a thread like this. Why? Just to make fun of people? I think some of the foods I see on here are downright disgusting and I don't go and post stupid stuff on those threads. Grow up!

    For me, going plant based has pretty well obliterated the migraines I have had since I was nine. I have tried just about every remedy that is out there and the best I ever got down to was one migraine a month. If you have an opinion or research to share, great. This other stuff is just mean spirited. I bet next someone will show some picture of a bloody steak. What works for you isn't right for everyone so have a healthy debate or read another thread!
  • tsh0ck
    tsh0ck Posts: 1,970 Member
    bloody? no thanks!

    (I prefer medium well, actually.)
This discussion has been closed.