Love this interchange between Stefani Ruper and Jimmy Moore in Stefani’s latest Live. Love. Eat. podcast (lightly edited for style):
Jimmy: These issues [referring to Safe Starches panel at AHS12] are important to talk about, but at the end of the day we’re still talking about millions of people out there who are still eating crap. And if we could get them to eat potatoes and white rice instead of Ding Dongs, Ho-Ho’s, and Coca-Cola’s, we’re 90% of the way there with them.
Stefani: Yeah, it’s a very interesting bit of discernment I think that we have to do as leaders or what-not in the paleo field. Are we going to try really, really hard to try to optimize the specific perfect diet for people within this group? Or are we going to try and reach out to the 300+ million Americans out there who all they need to do is stop eating Ho-Ho’s?
Me, I’d rather get folks 90% of the way than cause them to throw their hands up in the air because they don’t have the time, energy and/or education to choose a camp in the various diet wars.
Weight Maven is written by Beth Mazur. Beth believes that obesity is more symptom than cause and that the real problem is our modern culture -- especially diet. Beth writes about ancestral health, health policy, & mindfulness. And cats! 
Word. Totally agree.
No, we are 100% the way there because those foods are not unhealthy. Even more radical…the scientific evidence shows they are probably more healthy than the foods Jimmy thinks are healthy.
Oh wow, Jimmy grudgingly admits whole foods carbs are not as bad as Ho-Hos. I’m so thrilled.
I read this initially thinking you meant Ho-Ho’s and Ding Dong’s were more healthy. Scared me there for a minute!
That would be what Matt Stone would say Beth! Great post
Intellectually, I know that SOME people must be buying and eating Ho-Hos and Ding Dongs, because presumably those items continue to be produced and sold, but it is hard for me to truly BELIEVE that there are large numbers of people actually eating such things. Is it possible that these kinds of products serve some other (mysterious or secret) purpose? Maybe folks use them for art projects? I say all this jokingly, of course, but honestly I’ve never eaten or even SEEN either product. It might be a class issue (food snobbery on my part?). I’ve never had the slightest interest or curiosity about the taste or flavor or appeal of “foods” of THAT sort. Yes, I dabbled in Mike’n’Ikes and Hot Tamales for a spell, but those are CANDY for god’s sake! Candy! (People haven’t turned against CANDY, have they?)
Even my 1950s Meta Given’s Modern Encyclopedia of Cooking states: “Under the proper circumstances, candy is good for children! When wholesome candy is eaten in suitable amounts at the proper time so that it doesn’t interfere with regular meals, it’s safe to give that ‘sweet tooth’ something to work on. As for yourself, Mother-just take a good look in the mirror and make your own decision!” (p. 621).
Well, I looked-and decided the sugar-based candy had to go. But I still eat my 90% Cocoa Supreme Dark Chocolate everyday (unless I forget).
People who eat junk food may also be eating potatoes and rice. Who says the two are exclusive?
<> What about “knowledge”? Do they even “know” that a Paleo diet even exists? Go to a grocery store (not Whole Foods or a health food store) and observe the people who are buying junk food. I doubt that they’re thinking, “I don’t feel like eating Paleo today.”
Beth, I’m sorry if I sound as though I’m raining on your parade. You provide valuable information to people who are interested, but I believe that people who know about Paleo or the others in the diet war are in the minority. It’s like movies with sub-titles. Their showings are usually very limited and not at the megaplexes.
Hopefulandfree, do you mind sharing the brand of that 90% Cocoa Supreme Dark Chocolate?
@MrsS: Sure, I’m happy to! It’s called “Lindt” Excellence 90% Cocoa Supreme Dark made by Lindt & Sprungli-master Swiss chocolatier since 1845..trade slogan: “Deliciously intense, Surprisingly balanced.” It’s sold in 100g bars, with 2.5 generous servings (I hardly ever eat all 4 squares in a serving, it’s THAT satisfying), 12g carb per serving, 5g fiber, 22g fat, 4g protein, 240 cals. I wouldn’t do a free ad for it, here, if I didn’t LOVE it. Enjoy!