Wilshire Challenge Bets $1,000 AHA Diet Is Bunk

Regina Wilshire wants to see a nutrient-dense menu using new AHA plan

After reading about the new American Heart Association (AHA) recommendations for a healty diet and lifestyle change earlier this week, my friend and fellow low-carb blogger Regina Wilshire (from the fantastic, must-read "Weight Of The Evidence" blog) was surprised to see these brand spankin' new suggestions to be so devoid of good nutrition.

Regina noted in her latest blog post that the media has zeroed in on the trans-fat suggestion of less than 1 percent of total calories, but she believes the unrealistic less than 7 percent of saturated fat recommendation is what people need to be looking at.

"To acheive this, one must strictly limit consumption of animal foods and regular dairy. There is no way around it when we consider that every liquid oil provides some saturated fatty acids along with the monounsaturated and polyunsatured fats. Basically, this particular guideline is establishing a population-wide recommendation to move to a vegetarian diet without stating it as such."

Did you hear Regina? A VEGETARIAN DIET!!! EWWW! I think not! But when you stop to think about it, Regina is exactly right. How else can you keep your saturated fat to the absurdly low "less than 7 percent" mark unless you skip the meat. Well, I guess I'm not eating healthy according to the AHA.

Even more disturbing, Regina added, is that there is "no clear, convincing evidence that reducing saturated fat intake to less than 7% of daily energy will prevent chronic disease, improve quality of life in the long-term or increase life expectancy."

Then why would they even SUGGEST such a diet for people to follow? It really does beg the question. As if eating a low-fat diet wasn't unreasonable enough in and of itself for a variety of reasons, does the AHA seriously believe people will buy into this load of crap they're serving up to us? And just HOW healthy can you eat following this recommendation?

That's exactly what Regina wants to know and is willing to PAY YOU $1,000 if you can prove it is healthy in The Wilshire Challenge.

Here's her primary concern:

"Limiting saturated fat to less than 7% of calories will directly reduce intake of critical essential micronutrients, fatty acids and amino acids; reduce the absorption of essential fat soluble vitamins; and inhibit the absorption of important minerals."

So The Wilshire challenge is simple -- create a menu with a day's worth of meals that follow the AHA-recommended less than 7 percent saturated fat AND simultaneously meet all the essential nutrient-requirements for fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, minerals and trace elements.

That's it! THAT'S THE WILSHIRE CHALLENGE and $1,000 cash awaits you if you can do it.

Regina contends, "It can't be done."

Interestingly, Regina notes the AHA couldn't even provide a one sample menu in their document with their new recommendations despite having a whole staff of "experts" who could easily put one together for them. NOT A SINGLE SAMPLE MEAL!

The reason, according to Regina, is (AGAIN!), "It can't be done and meet nutrient requirements."

If a 2,000-calorie menu using common whole foods to meet the AHA recommendations can be created by someone (ANYONE!) as part of The Wilshire Challenge, then Regina promises to "eat my words, issue a public written apology and reward the person with $1000."

"If someone can create a menu, I'm willing to pay to see it."

Just in case you haven't seen the specifics of the AHA guidelines, here they are:

- 1,956-calories from food and beverages detailed with quantity to consume
- No vitamin supplements may be included to meet essential nutrient DRI's, the AHA specifically recommends foods for meeting nutritional needs
- Essential nutrients must provide at least 98% of DRI: Recommended Intake for Individuals based on a female, 30 years old
- Essential nutrients not to exceed established Upper Tolerable Limits for a female, 30 years old
- Less than 7% of calories from Saturated Fat
- Less than 1% of calories from Trans-fats (industrial and naturally occuring)
- Total Fat - no specific limit
- Whole Grain foods must be included as part of grains included
- Vegetables must be included and may be fresh, frozen or canned
- Fruits must be included and may be fresh, frozen or canned
- Dairy must be included
- Nuts, Seeds, Legumes, lean meats, poultry and fish allowed in menu
- Added Fats and Oils - depends on what you can fit in with 1,956-calories
- Added Sugars - allowed, but keep to a minimum, especially beverages
- Cholesterol - no more than 300mg
- Sodium - no more than 2300mg
- Alcohol - no more than one serving (4-oz wine, 12-oz beer, 1.5-oz hard liquor)

The Wilshire Challenge is now open and will run through the end of August. Regina will post any menus she is provided by entrants who dare to take her up on this.

"If anyone creates a menu that conforms to the above, you'll know when I make a public written apology here on my blog and cut a check to the person who created the menu."

Okay, low-fat supporters and vegetarians, here's your chance to make the case for your way of eating. Can you supply Regina with a healthy one-day menu that follows the AHA recommendations and remains nutrient-dense? Are you up for The Wilshire Challenge?

If so, then CLICK HERE to e-mail Regina with your menu. If you oppose livin' la vida low-carb, then here's your chance to PROVE IT! That is, if you think you are up to The Wilshire Challenge!