While I acknowledge that these videos are good, and seem to be better than the DietDoctor ones, I found myself comparing them to those of others such as the ones by A/Prof Ken Sikaris and others. I felt there was too much "I'm a doctor - trust me" about them. Whilst I have done my own research into the diet, and read many scientific studies and reports that define the new way of doing things, I felt that there was virtually no backup or cross reference to the science, and it came across as a magic art and dictats to be followed blindly by the group. I had no disagreement with what was said, but as my wife pointed out it was clear it needed faith and obedience to do it without question.
I am glad I did my own research so I am confident that the video is showing current thinking on the LCHF diet, And the follow on sessions may well move into discussions on the science, but as a small collection of YouTube videos, I felt it had less authority than the Sikaris et al sessions. We have this Forum that helps us, but what of the general public who have been fed all the original diet plans and HCLF nutrition advice for years. This video may not empower them to stand up to the medical / nutritionista if challenged, and Westerman could be viewed as a quack simply because his science backup is missing (not wrong, just not visible). Probably if I read his books then it may be there, but is it then 'independant'?
The problem is he is a guru, a leader, and as such stands to be questioned. Even the average punter just trying to lose weight needs something to show that what they are about to do is safe, sane, and realistic. Telling them it goes against years of medical advice and dogma (but thats ok we can do that in this diet) is not quite sufficient. Even Atkins has more of an attempt to justify that sort of statement. And Atkins got panned to beggary.
Never mind the quality, feel the width!
EDIT to Add: Actually if you view the second video that Brunneria posted that was from the LC Vail conference, then it becomes clearer and answers my questions , I still had the 'trust me' feeling, but it has receded somewhat. The reason for my posting here is that I did share the first video with others who are looking for an answer, and that was the feeling they expressed too. I will try to get them back to see the second video but that may not be possible, and it may be that they left taking away an incomplete message and may not take LCHF any further, which is a shame, So I think both videos compliment each other and should be viewed together to give a stronger message than just on their own/
For those indoctrinated or taught nutrition by the current system then the sudden reversal of concepts is hard to accept, as many threads on this forum attest to in terms of confusion and argument. I remember I was a sceptic too last year until I got to see the evidence. Having had discussion with fellow diabetics I know how deep seated that indoctrination is, and it only needs one GP or dietician to say NO to stop things in their tracks. The internet is full of snakeoil salesmen and quacks, so one needs to have the backup to counteract that negativity with proper data. I do not say Westerman is one of those at all, but that can be the impression given if people go away with the trust me feeling only, Sorry, its a human condition to do that, I did. and I know it works for me!
