What to do about fat, protein, carbs

It seems we keep going over and over the topic of what to eat and how to eat it. I guess we keep asking the same tired diet questions because we forget the answers or we worry popular opinion has changed. It happens. Remember when coffee was an evil drink? Now it's practically considered a health food. And then there's the fact that people disagree. Some experts believe in low-carb diets. Others say don't worry about the darned things. So we search and search for guidance, hoping to one day locate the final word on proper nutrition.

And here I am with another expert opinion. It comes from Discover Magazine's Robert W. Lash, M.D., who reveals his take on fat, protein, and carbs. See what you think.

Lash says the lower the fat the better, within reason. Twenty percent is a good goal but can be difficult to maintain over the long haul.

Protein? Lash says we generally consume far more protein than we need. A general rule for choosing our proteins: Opt for vegetable protein over animal protein. And for those who eat a vegan diet, proper supplementation is necessary. Oh, and it's not a safe diet for children, Lash says.

Lash belongs to the carbs-are-not-evil camp and believes they just need a better PR agent. Modest amounts of carbohydrates are just fine, he says. Whole grains are best.

The diets we consider most "healthy" -- like Mediterranean and Asian diets -- are in line with Lash's way of thinking. They are low in fat with reasonable amounts of protein and moderate servings of carbs. Maybe we should get in line too.