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John Jabari Michel gave his view on the benefits and pitfalls of diets like the caveman or paleo and intermittent fasting, which is allowing yourself to go hungry but in a controlled way, both to drop pounds.
"I practice intermittent fasting (IF) for periods of times throughout the months. I can say from experience that it is very effective," said Michel.
The practice, he explained, is when you eat meals within an eight-hour window and fast for 16 hours. For example, an eight-hour window could be noon to 8 p.m. and the fasting period is 8 p.m. to noon the next day.
What does he think of the caveman diet?
"This type of diet advocate eating lots of animal fat which we know is high in saturated fat which can clog arteries. This diet advocate eating bacon every day which we know can clog arteries and raise cholesterol. I do not advocate this diet approach."
When someone's diet goal is to reduce inflammation Michel suggests "adopting a more plant-based diet, vegan, vegetarian or mostly eating fruits and vegetables,."
Thankfully, he noted, there have been popular documentary films like"What the Health" and "Forks Over Knives" that contributed to the trend of whole food diets "gaining steam."
Why are they good?
"It is good to eat mostly vegetables and fruits and whole grains. These types of foods are anti-inflammatory, cancer preventative and heart-healthy foods such as bok choy, broccoli, asparagus, kale, green beans, quinoa, brown rice, lettuce, collard greens, spinach, and apples," said Michel.
Michel has a bachelor's degree and master's degree in nutrition and exercises science.
Many of his nutrition clients are women from 30 to 60 who want to lose weight or improve their heart health but he treats men and women of all ages.
Looking back on 20 years in diet trends Michel said the "Standard American Diet" has had consequences.
"In many ways, it is the cause of many of the conditions that people suffer from. Saturated fat in foods can clog arteries changing to a more plant-based whole foods diet can help lead you to improved health," he said.
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