Via Yoni Freedhoff on Facebook, I learned that there’s a new Kickstarter campaign for Carb-Loaded, a documentary looking at “the reasons behind the enormous spike in diabetes and obesity over the last three decades.” Here’s the trailer:
I am cautiously optimistic about this project, though I have a couple of reservations. Like a commenter on Yoni’s FB post, I worry that the title and some of the interviews suggest a TWICHOO frame. While I am on board with the idea that we eat way too many refined carbs, I don’t think the problem is insulin in response to those carbs, nor do I think the answer is removing all/most carbs from one’s diet. Yoni’s response on FB to a similar concern from another reader suggested we shouldn’t worry, since neither he, David Katz, nor Marion Nestle had that view.
Well, the devil is in the details … or the editing, isn’t it?
The other thing that concerns me slightly is the overlap between this project and another Kickstarter project: In Defense of Fat: The Documentary. On the one hand, I think the more the merrier on this subject. But I hope this isn’t the case that it would have been better to combine these projects and limited resources to get the better bang for the buck.
Speaking of which, I’m a backer of In Defense of Fat. And I expect to back Carb-Loaded. I do hope the latter didn’t make the mistake IDoF made, which was asking for too many funds. If they don’t make their goal, they don’t collect anything. IDoF was able to launch their project by creating a new Kickstarter campaign for a lesser amount. I wonder if it’s possible that it’ll be harder for Carb-Loaded to go to the same well(s).
PS!
BTW, speaking of Kickstarter, there’s just a couple of days left for this one: Food Huggers. Food Huggers preserve your leftover fruits and veggies with a tight seal (that’s the large avocado hugger at right).
I just tossed a half of tomato because setting it out on a Gladware top wasn’t sufficient. These look pretty cool … and I really hope the avocado hugger works! If not, I’ll be sticking with Wholly Guacamole’s snack packs ;).
Weight Maven is written by Beth Mazur. Beth believes that obesity is more symptom than cause and that the real problem is our Western diet -- especially sugar, refined grains, and industrial oils. Beth writes about nutrition, ancestral health, & food policy. And cats! 
Beth,
Thanks so much for sharing our trailer. We are very excited at the progress thus far and the summer is shaping up to be a busy one. A couple of quick thoughts:
- Based on our interviews thus far, we certainly do not feel that ALL carbs are created equal. Complex carbohydrates have been proven to benefit our health and balanced eating is a must. However, the big issue today is not people stuffing their face with broccoli or yams. The refined/processed carbs and the sickening amounts of sugar that are part of a daily regimen for many are absolutely causing a variety of health issues as more and more studies are revealing.
- Our goal is to edit these interviews objectively and be sure to convey what each expert shared on camera. We actually left some great content out of the trailer for that reason…taken out of context it would not have been fair to the participants.
- Portion size of our meals also plays a role and we have some incredible interviews that speak to this topic in particular.
We have spent the better part of a year prepping to be where we are at the moment. The support has been tremendous and we can’t wait to finish production. Thank you for your feedback and straightforward approach.
Best,
Eric
Co-Creator of Carb-Loaded Documentary
Thanks Eric! That’s really great news. I look forward to seeing the full version!