Todays NJ Star ledger had an article talking about the benefits of low carbohydrate diets vs. the calorie restriction traditional type (
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/02/AR2010080204125.html) . Truth be told, low carbohydrate diets lead to healthier people with higher levels of HDL's as the study shows. As with politics, companies who have diets also have pundits who will spin and twist diets benefits, without real world proof. I have always told patients that if you wish to lose weight quickly, cut your carbohydrate intake in half and you will likely drop some weight without working too hard at it. I have gone on many diets by doing just that: lowering my carbohydrate intake. The most offensive complex carbs (
http://www.weightlossforall.com/complex-carbs.htm) are breads and pasta's because they are filling, satisfying however, easily converted to sugar by the body. Simple carbs include sugar itself (
http://www.weightlossforall.com/simple-carbs.htm), soft drinks, fruits. Please check out these links because they will give you a better and more complete list of these products.
Atkins (
http://www.weightlossforall.com/atkins%20low%20carb%20diet.htm) was persecuted for his beliefs in the low or no carb approach. Low carbs has been vindicated in this current study. I typically look at food as fuel since my job is quite physical. Carbohydrates such as cookies can be addictive and for many, their dietary downfall is through snacks which are carb heavy. I usually recommend increasing protein and decreasing carbs for a healthier diet. Carbs are often cheap fillers. If you go to any buffet, you will find food loaded with carbs at an affordable price. These places are a minefield for those who are not food savvy. You can, on the other hand do quite well at many of these by sticking with the salads, meats, cheeses and minimize the pastas, rices and other grains including the breads which cost less and people fill up on.
What do you think? As always, I value your opinion
