Marc David is a teacher at the Institute for the Psychology of Eating. My friend Ben was taking his course two years ago, and asked him to share his opinion on fruit based diets. Ben recorded Marc’s response on an audio file, and I am paraphrasing from it. I chose to include his opinions to reflect one of countless points of views that professionals can take on these topics. Marc has an extensive background in clinical nutrition, eating psychology, and coaching modalities. He is a highly qualified expert on these topics, and there are thousands of people equally qualified, who will disagree with what he says.

A Professional’s Opinion: Marc David

In his answer Marc shared that fruit based diets might work for some people but not for others. He thinks that a small percentage of people can handle and thrive on large quantities of fruit. Marc shared that perhaps the people who are attracted to fruit based diets are the ones who need it, a theory I find to be valid.

On the other hand, I also know of many people who aren’t attracted to fruit, but could benefit greatly from including more of it in their diet. Another of Marc’s theories is that fruit based diets might be useful for some people at certain points in their lives. Perhaps as a way of cleansing the body.

Marc also mentioned that there are no communities of long term fruitarians who are in optimal health. According to him, most fruitarians tend to be on their younger years. These young explorers are mostly trying to figure out things on their own. The biggest fruitarian communities are dispersed through the internet, are very new and experience frequent changes. It is my opinion that a well-intended group of people can find a way to live in community and thrive on fruit based diets. For me, it’s hard to imagine that being worse than the mainstream Standard American Diet.

To Fruit or Not to Fruit

My intention isn’t to convince people that fruit based diets are the best option. This book is an exploration, I don’t claim to know the absolute truth on the optimal diet for humans. At the same time, I strongly believe most people could benefit from eating more fruit. Maybe it is one more serving per day, maybe it’s a fruit fast every couple months.

I stand by my belief and intuition that fruit is one of the healthiest food sources for humans. It is delicious, nutritious and excellent for the environment. From a holistic perspective, fruit is beneficial to our body, mind, heart, spirit and environment. If done properly, it may even improve our financial and educational systems.

Throughout this book I will do my best to show the potential fruit has in our lives. At some points I may touch on some extremes, and I apologize if I’ve included any exaggerations. I tried to be as unbiased as possible, editing the entire text four times, to balance my knowledge, passion and utopic perspectives, with opposing, grounding, and fair counterpoints.

Ultimately, this book is about revealing the potential of humans and our connection to nature. Learn what is possible, explore other people’s claims and try whatever feels right to you. Results will vary, like everything in life. Allow your imagination to expand and find the right way for you.