Intellectually I do not support McDougall's diets at all. They would seem to be dangerously low in protein and fats. So even though I can't stand the idea that his diet could be healthy - it is my only alternative right now, since I can't handle fats right now. I do not intend on staying on this type of diet over the long run, as I am concerned about a lack of Essential Fatty Acids. I think McDougall is incorrect in his belief that EFAs are provided by a vegetable plant based diet with absolutely no added fats of any kind. I believe that this could be dangerous. A lack of EFAs is not something to play around with. In the absence of adequate protein sources, your body can meet some of its protein needs through mucsle and organ catabolism as a last ditch effort - but there is no such safeguard regarding EFAs.

Also, McDougall avoids dealing with gall bladder problems by simply avoiding all fats and proteins so the gallbladder never contracts (thereby passively preventing attacks). The upside is an avoidance of pain. The downside is that those toxins that the accumulate in the liver and gallbladder will never be released on a no fat/no protein diet unless you do liver/gallbladder cleanses - which McDougall doesn't believe in. Damned if you do - damned if you don't. Hence my continuing distaste for McDougall et al. Some fats are good - McDougall will never get this.

Even Robyn Landis of Bodyfueling fame (low fat/high carb/) has changed her position on fats in the last several years. She now adds EFAs to her diet. She used to take McDougall's approach to fats. With 25-30% fat, Landis says she is in better shape than 10 years ago.

Only time will tell me what my body will ultimately prefer in terms of fats. I have to get my liver cleaned first before I will ever know.

Thanks John. I will keep going. I know I will get through this - I have made so much progress so far.