I love my low-carb diet [Archive] - CookingLight.com Community

thekitchenangel

03-25-2001, 09:29 AM

Since my husband discovered he had high triglicerite levels a few months ago, we both decided to do a complete change with our eating habits. Although we were healthy eaters, we didn't realize that most of the things we thought to be healthy in our diet were the very things that were creating havic. So, we decided to put ourselves on a low-carb eating plan incorporating meats and veggies with no sugar or wheat products. This means no pasta, potatoes, rice, bread, sugar of any kind except of course Equal, Sweet-n-Low and this wonderful new product called Splenda. My husband and I were used to having a bread of some sort with dinner and most always a potato, rice or pasta. This was very hard to eliminate for us. The first few weeks were difficult but then as time went on, I started feeling more and more energetic, my mood was better, I was more alert and generally felt better than I ever had before. The real bonus of course was lossing weight not to mention the fact that my husbands triglicerite levels dropped dramatically. We have had so much fun experimenting with different dishes to satisfy our (sometimes but not much anymore) cravings for potatoes, pasta, rice and bread. We have developed some wonderful desserts that satisfies my chocolate cravings as well. In short, despite all the bashing of low-carb ways of eating, my husband and I decided that since we felt the best we ever had, had more energy and were losing weight, what's the problem? We eat more healthy and itake more vitimans than we did before hand. In this months issue of Cooking Light, on page 22 there is a column about the reasons why you shouldn't eat a low-carb diet, high in protein. I say to them "hey, I feel better than I ever did!" I also believe that people are different and that not everyone is effected the same way with what they eat so you should do what works for you. The low-carb way works for us!

lindrusso

03-25-2001, 10:24 AM

I can see the logic in watching out for filler carbs that offer little nutritional value (such as white bread, etc.). I also can see value in increasing veggies rather than serving a meal consisting of meat, potatoes, bread and other starchy foods. In addition, I find that eating more protein helps me to feel less hungry. All that said, I love pasta, potatoes, bread, etc. and have no desire to, nor do I see any need to, eliminate them entirely from my diet. My diet is a well-rounded diet that includes carbs, and I, too, have lost weight and feel better.

Perhaps your feeling good has as much to do with paying more attention to healthy eating (and exercise???) overall as it does with cutting out carbs. I can't answer that, but it's something to think about.

As long as the low-carb diet does not include eating a lot of fat (like the Atkins plan), and is not too skewed (where you start eliminating healthy foods such as beans or high fiber cereals) I don't see that they can do too much harm ~ so if it works for you, so be it. I simply could never stick to such a plan and therein lies the problem for most people.

Ralph

03-25-2001, 12:24 PM

KValley

03-25-2001, 01:22 PM

Finally, as the hype over high-protein, low carb diets begins to subside, the message that carbohydrates are not created equally is getting out.

Carbos with a high-glycemic index, such as baking potatoes, white bread, sugar, even fruits like pineapple with a high sugar content, release glucose rapidly into your bloodtream, signaling your pancreas to pump out insulin. This is that sugar rush we feel- that sugar rush that is followed by the sugar crash; and net result is that we are left feeling hungry and unsatisfied, so we eat again.

Foods with a low glycymic index- whole grain breads, rice, foods high in fiber- release this same glucose slowly and steadily, which leaves us feeling sated and therefore unlikely to overeat.

So, drop that bagel and eat a slice of whole wheat bread and a TBL of natural peanut butter (and read the excellent article on "good" fats in this month's CL!). Enjoy eating!!!!

emilycat

03-25-2001, 02:13 PM

Ah, but you can spread your pb on the bagel if it's a whole grain one! Sorry, I'm a bagel fanatic http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

kwormann

03-25-2001, 02:53 PM

ALso agree with the pb on the whole grain bagels....great breakfast on the way out the door!

KValley

03-25-2001, 03:42 PM

Whole grain bagel, it is!! Wonder if someone could devise a whole grain pain au chocolat so I could have avoided this morning's sugar rush... darn if it wasn't worth it!!

Originally posted by kwormann:
ALso agree with the pb on the whole grain bagels....great breakfast on the way out the door!

[This message has been edited by KValley (edited 03-25-2001).]

Leslie w

03-25-2001, 07:14 PM

While I agree that most people consume way too many carbos in their diets I know personally if I was going to deprive myself of a baked potato every now and then I'd probably go nuts. Carbos are taking a bashing because we've already exhausted the sugar, cholesterol and fat topics. I do eat whole grain breads and brown rice, but I also enjoy an occasional baked potato and I'm not going to feel guilty about eating one. I believe in serving sizes - something that a lot of people don't take into consideration - and I believe in moderation. Since I've been following the guidelines the ADA recommends I found I have more energy and have kept the pounds off. And I am still able to have my cake and eat it too.

thekitchenangel

03-26-2001, 06:19 AM

Originally posted by KValley:
Finally, as the hype over high-protein, low carb diets begins to subside, the message that carbohydrates are not created equally is getting out.

Carbos with a high-glycemic index, such as baking potatoes, white bread, sugar, even fruits like pineapple with a high sugar content, release glucose rapidly into your bloodtream, signaling your pancreas to pump out insulin. This is that sugar rush we feel- that sugar rush that is followed by the sugar crash; and net result is that we are left feeling hungry and unsatisfied, so we eat again.

Foods with a low glycymic index- whole grain breads, rice, foods high in fiber- release this same glucose slowly and steadily, which leaves us feeling sated and therefore unlikely to overeat.

So, drop that bagel and eat a slice of whole wheat bread and a TBL of natural peanut butter (and read the excellent article on "good" fats in this month's CL!). Enjoy eating!!!!

Fortunately, there are many versions of maintaining a low carb eating plan. Some suggest no breads, rice or cereal be it brown or white, while some suggest incorporating some fruits, brown rice dishes and whole grain breads. I have witnessed both suggestions and have seen them work just as equally. I believe it is a choice. I for one didn't mind giving up the potatoes and bread however it's the desserts that's killing me. The good part about eating with way is that you can eat a baked potato or and rice/pasta dish every once and a while just not five times a day. It's something I can look forward to. Pretty much Monday thru Friday we eat low carb and then on the weekends we treat outselves to a great pasta dish or a tasty chocolate dessert. It works for me!

thekitchenangel

03-26-2001, 06:28 AM

Originally posted by KValley:
Finally, as the hype over high-protein, low carb diets begins to subside, the message that carbohydrates are not created equally is getting out.

Carbos with a high-glycemic index, such as baking potatoes, white bread, sugar, even fruits like pineapple with a high sugar content, release glucose rapidly into your bloodtream, signaling your pancreas to pump out insulin. This is that sugar rush we feel- that sugar rush that is followed by the sugar crash; and net result is that we are left feeling hungry and unsatisfied, so we eat again.

Foods with a low glycymic index- whole grain breads, rice, foods high in fiber- release this same glucose slowly and steadily, which leaves us feeling sated and therefore unlikely to overeat.

So, drop that bagel and eat a slice of whole wheat bread and a TBL of natural peanut butter (and read the excellent article on "good" fats in this month's CL!). Enjoy eating!!!!

Hey! The good part of all of this is that you can have the ocassional baked potato or ultimate pasta dish. Since my husband and I have reached our goal weight level, we have incorporated some of our old favs into our weekend meals. Monday thru Friday we eat basically a low-carb diet and then on the weekends we treat ourselves to some of the old favorites. We still feet great and the weight still stays off. As I said before, I believe everyone is different and is effected differently by what they eat. There are lot's of people who can eat rice, pasta and potatoes and stay as thin as a rail, however, that does not necessarily mean they are eating healthy. Although my husband's triglicerite levels were ski-high, he was not overweight at all. In fact, he was in perfect health, so he thought. You don't have to be obese to see that you have a problem. I think it all depends on how you feel. I for one don't really mind not eating potatoes, rice and pasta however it's the desserts that I miss. It's funny, people complain about their weight all the time and how tired and run down they feel but when you suggest lowering their carb intake the look at you like "are you kidding? Not eat potatoes, bread, rice and pasta? No way!" So they continue to starve themselves and over do the exercise with much dissapointment. All they had to do was change what they ate a little. People don't want to do that.

thekitchenangel

03-26-2001, 06:35 AM

Originally posted by lindrusso:
I can see the logic in watching out for filler carbs that offer little nutritional value (such as white bread, etc.). I also can see value in increasing veggies rather than serving a meal consisting of meat, potatoes, bread and other starchy foods. In addition, I find that eating more protein helps me to feel less hungry. All that said, I love pasta, potatoes, bread, etc. and have no desire to, nor do I see any need to, eliminate them entirely from my diet. My diet is a well-rounded diet that includes carbs, and I, too, have lost weight and feel better.

Perhaps your feeling good has as much to do with paying more attention to healthy eating (and exercise???) overall as it does with cutting out carbs. I can't answer that, but it's something to think about.

As long as the low-carb diet does not include eating a lot of fat (like the Atkins plan), and is not too skewed (where you start eliminating healthy foods such as beans or high fiber cereals) I don't see that they can do too much harm ~ so if it works for you, so be it. I simply could never stick to such a plan and therein lies the problem for most people. The thing is that you can have the occasional baked potato and rice or pasta dish. It doesn't mean you have to say good-bye to them forever. Last weekend I had meatloaf with mashed potatoes. It's moderation. Generally, most people eat way too much carbs than they should. Why? Because they are cheap and they are everywhere. Carbo food is considered "Peasant food" at least in most European countries because it's cheap to make. Also, broccoli has as much if not more fiber content in it than a bowl of whole grain cereal, not to mention beta-carotene, antioxidants, vitimans A, B, C and calcium to boot. It's funny because most obese people who complain about their weight when told to lower their carb intake they look at you like "What? No potatoes, bread or pasta? What are you kidding?" People just don't want to give up carbs or even lower them. Hence the overweight, frustrated, starved and over-exercised obese person still exists. Also some people don't even have a weight problem (like my husband) but still have high triglicerite levels and don't even know it because they didn't see a reason to investigate. That's to me is the scary part.

emilycat

03-26-2001, 06:49 AM

kitchenangel,

I think you're completely ignoring the fact that things like potatoes and white rice are not the same thing as whole grains, whole wheat pastas and stone-ground breads. These things can easily be the foundation of a healthy diet, and while yes, everything should be consumed in moderation, a couple of times a week is not moderation. Your body is missing out on tons of vital nutrients by not getting enough whole grains, not to mention that these are its most accessible forms of energy.
And actually, while vegetables are loaded with fiber, you'd have to eat about 4 times as much broccoli as bran flakes to get the same amount of fiber.
Not to mention that there are loads of people out there getting 60-70% of calories from carbs who are active, healthy and far from overweight-- the important thing is that they're getting the right kinds in the form of whole grains. And anyone who is exercising properly cannot possibly be fueling his/her body efficiently without using carbohydrates as a primary energy source.

[This message has been edited by emilycat (edited 03-26-2001).]

lindrusso

03-26-2001, 06:53 AM

Originally posted by thekitchenangel:
[QUOTE]Also, broccoli has as much if not more fiber content in it than a bowl of whole grain cereal, not to mention beta-carotene, antioxidants, vitimans A, B, C and calcium to boot.

Yeah, but cereal is much more appetizing first thing in the morning http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif .

Although carbs may be part of the problem, for many obese people, it may be as much about HOW MUCH they are eating as WHAT they are eating. A baked potato is fine, unless you slather it with sour cream and/or butter. Pasta is fine, unless you eat a half pound at one sitting. And I'm not saying that this is the problem for everyone who is overweight - obesity has many causes.

No matter what your take is on carbs, it is certainly true that for most people, their weight problem cannot be boiled down to one problem. It's usually a combination of several issues and it often takes a bit of experimenting to find the right combination of diet and exercise that will work (for a lifetime) for that particular individual.

KValley

03-26-2001, 10:13 AM

It's getting confusing going back and forth between BBs on this topic. I promise that this will be my last post on the topic on either BB! It's just a discussion that fascinates me and that is really hitting home. Clearly, we all have impassioned and deeply personal beliefs about this and I so respect everyone's statements- I have learned much from all of you in the last few days.

My in-laws, my dad and one of my brothers have all gone gung-ho for the high-protein, low carb diet in the past year, so I've been reading as much as I can to understand their motivations and reasoning. My mom in law is borderline diabetic, so was under drs orders to cut back on carbos. Both she and dad lost a lot of weight initially, but they are meat and potatoes folks and have not been able to maintain the diet. They eat a lot of starches- white breads, white potatoes, white rice. Hopefully their impending retirement will allow them to have the time to create a more well balanced diet. My brother has gone overboard with high protein and I seriously worry for his long-term health- I know his weight bothers him and he swears by this diet as he has lost a lot in a short period of time. My dad has drifted back to adding whole grains to his diet, for which I am relieved. I get frustrated by their absolutes- my motto is (most) everything in moderation.

THe low carb/high protein controversy has caused me to examine more deeply my own diet. This is really the point that I want to make- since understanding more about how carbohydrates work, I have been striving to make the calories I consume really count, without denying myself the pleasure of eating. For examples, I've stopped drinking fruit juice and I now eat far more whole fruit; my DH and I used to have roasted red potatoes, pasta, or rice 3-4 times a week with dinner. Now red potatoes make an appearance every couple of weeks, pasta is an extremely rare occurance and we've converted to brown rice and other whole grains- which we much prefer. I haven't missed pasta at all, probably because I don't avoid it consciously. For whatever reason, like fruit juice, I just don't think about it! We've substituted a second vegetable for starch at dinner (or added, if we also have rice) and I make an effort to eat more veggies with lunch. Baked butternut squash gives me that comfort food satisfaction that potatoes used to. I adore bread, but I've moderated my consumption- lunch is generally soup instead of a sandwich nowadays. Breakfast is a healthy portion of oatmeal and whole fruit. SO, I've cut back on certain carbos and increased others. But this is what works for ME! I love food and eating too much to deny myself, I'm just working to make changes on portion sizes and content that I can sustain and that I know from my own research are valid.

And as Emily and others have stated, exercise is an such a critical part of the equation. In my early 30s I am more active, healthier and body confident than I have ever been, but as I grow older I know I can't eat with the same abandon that I did in my twenties- I want to prepare my DH, myself and eventually our children for long-term, sustainable, ENJOYABLE health.

I congratulate everyone for their efforts to be as healthy as possible, for continuing to search for what works best for their own lifestyle, AND for feeling free to expound upon their opinions in this forum. Let's continue to support each other!

thekitchenangel

03-26-2001, 12:36 PM

Originally posted by lindrusso:
Very well said KValley!

And can I just say thank you to all of you who take the time to discuss these issues????!!! I've learned so much and am much healthier for it. Got some distance to go with the whole grains, but I know I am very much headed in the right direction!!!! And if I can do this for my kids NOW, think how much better off they'll be - maybe it won't take them 34 years to figure it all out!!!

Well said! Please don't misunderstand me, I am not trying to get anyone to convert to "low-carb" eating I simply wanted to share my success story. You can eat any way you want to. However, this is a wonderful way to improve your over-all health. Trust me, I am a chef for a local spa and I make it my business to cook and eat healthy. I have studied this issue long and hard and have found that carbs are really not that important in our diet. They simply supply us with some fiber and a few nutrients but so do meats and veggies. It's not that much different than a vegetarian that omits meat from their diets. Now that I think is not very healthy.

thekitchenangel

03-26-2001, 12:52 PM

Originally posted by emilycat:
Ah, but you can spread your pb on the bagel if it's a whole grain one! Sorry, I'm a bagel fanatic http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

Believe me, no one had a harder time in the beginning than I did! I love bagels too but it's just a matter of what you are willing to let go of. Any diet requires you to eliminate something. When people complain to me about their weight and I suggest adapting a low-carb eating habit they look at me like "What? You've got to be kidding? No bread! No pasta? Forget it!" It's just that carbs are so much a part of our lives. Everything is carb. The good part of this is that you can have a bagel and you can have potatoes every now and then. You don't have to say good-bye forever.

emilycat

03-26-2001, 01:01 PM

There is absolutely no reason that you can't have a bagel every day -- if it's whole grain !!!
It is in fact, much healthier to eliminate meat from your diet than carbs -- there are so many other sources of protein found in legumes, dairy products, and yes, grains, but without carbs, you're losing out on a prime source of energy, loads of fiber, which is very difficult to make up for with vegetables and fruits as the only source, not to mention a multitude of nutrients and yes, protein -- have you ever heard of quinoa, spelt, kasha, brown rice, non-hulled barley?
With a balanced diet keyed in on moderation, and exercise, no one should ever need to eliminate whole grains even for a short time from their diet.

SusanD

03-26-2001, 01:25 PM

I'm just wondering whatever happened to the nifty little thing called a BALANCED DIET! You know, fruits & veggies, grains, dairy, protein, etc...a little bit every day. This country seems to have gotten so diet-crazy that they're constantly looking for the next best thing without any consideration of long-term health benefits. Sorry, but I believe that removing any major source of nutrients (to sound like a 50's health teacher...one of the four basic food groups) from one's diet, while it may bring short term benefits such as increased energy and quick weight loss, will only deprive my body of something it needs to function and remain healthy. The only diet that I follow is one that is low in fat and evenly balanced in the nutrients that it delivers to me.

aggie94

03-26-2001, 01:42 PM

"Any diet requires you to eliminate something."

Actually, I disagree. First of all, I don't consider my eating habits to be a "diet." I think that's a big mistake. No one can stay on a diet forever, but I can continue to eat the way I do for the rest of my life and probably be happy and healthy for a long, long time. And I don't eliminate anything from my "diet." Nothing is off-limits for me. In fact, I had McDonald's and an amazingly delicious (and chock full of fat and calories, I'm sure) piece of chocolate-amaretto cheesecake this weekend. But no, I don't do it often. Most of the time I eat well-balanced meals with meat, veggies, fruits, and grains. And I also exercise regularly and stay in good shape.

I understand the point you're trying to make, but I'm tired of hearing from people that carbohydrates, when they go unused, turn to sugar and then to fat in your body. Well, any calories, whether from protein, carbs, or fat, will turn to fat in your body if it goes unused. Quite frankly, I have little doubt that I would have the energy or stamina to keep up the level of activity I do and train for the events I do (races, triathlons, etc.) without fuel from carbohydrates. I am very happy with carbs as part of my diet, and I don't consider myself uneducated on the subject.

[This message has been edited by aggie94 (edited 03-26-2001).]

emilycat

03-26-2001, 01:57 PM

I understand the point you're trying to make, but I'm tired of hearing from people that carbohydrates, when they go unused, turn to sugar and then to fat in your body. Well, any calories, whether from protein, carbs, or fat, will turn to fat in your body if it goes unused. Quite frankly, I have little doubt that I would have the energy or stamina to keep up the level of activity I do and train for the events I do (races, triathlons, etc.) without fuel from carbohydrates. I am very happy with carbs as part of my diet, and I don't consider myself uneducated on the subject.

Aggie, you took the words right out of my mouth http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by emilycat (edited 03-26-2001).]

aggie94

03-26-2001, 02:41 PM

Emilycat:

I have absolutely agreed with all your posts on this subject -- seems you and I are coming from similar situations. Anyway, I have to admit that unlike you, though, most of my carbs are simple carbs. I grew up on white rice (the staple of the Chinese diet) and I love potato bread. I've recently started buying whole grain bread and tried to cut down on refined sugar in our diet, but I still love potatoes, regular pasta, and white rice. This thread has opened my eyes, though, and I will start checking out other whole grain products. I might just make the switch to whole wheat pastas and brown rice.

SusieO

03-26-2001, 02:55 PM

There is a really good article, I believe in this month's CL, about eating a varied diet. It basically says that if you eliminate a food group you will not get enough of all the nutrients you need, regardless of how varied the rest of your diet is. I have to believe this is true. As an example, I think most of us will agree that a vegetarian diet is a fairly healthy one, but vegetarians have to work really hard to make sure they get enough protein, iron, and in some cases calcium.

My radar goes off anytime I hear someone describe a diet that eliminates a certain foods or a food group, or requires the dieter to combine certain foods. My gut instinctively tells me that this is not a good idea, even if scientific evidence did not back it up.

I will agree that complex carbohydrates are better than simple ones. But I would also have to say that deprivation of any kind is not beneficial to long-term weight loss.

Whew! Time to get off the soap box!

BosunsWife

03-26-2001, 03:56 PM

Quote:

_____________________________________________
My radar goes off anytime I hear someone describe a diet that eliminates a certain foods or a food group, or requires the dieter to combine certain foods. My gut instinctively tells me that this is not a good idea, even if scientific evidence did not back it up.
_____________________________________________

I totally agree with this. I know of many people (both male and female) who have done the so-called low carbo/high protein diet. While many of have lost large amounts of weight, when they go off, all that weight comes right back on plus some.

I'm starting (next week) a program through a military hospital which will attempt to teach me a whole new lifestyle, i.e, diet, exercise, behavior modification. I have spent my whole life (39 years) as an overweight individual. It has taken having a child and not wanting her to see me going through all the yo-yoing, etc. to try and make a lifestyle change. I have so far been able to keep her on a good diet and hoping to find my way into a new lifestyle. This program will attempt to teach me how to eat, how to deal with my eating problems, exercise and best of all, how to incorporate everything into a healthy lifestyle.

I'm not grossly overweight, just have an annoying 40 pounds that I would like to get off once and for all.

I think all these quick fix diets are a bunch of hogwash. Unless you truly learn how to eat well from all food groups, you will forever be on a "diet". Take it from one who has "been there, done that".

[This message has been edited by BosunsWife (edited 03-26-2001).]

[This message has been edited by BosunsWife (edited 03-26-2001).]

jms0310

03-26-2001, 06:40 PM

I just posted on the other BB too! I just love these topics of eating plans because everyone has such a different opinion! I personally eat 5 balanced meals (I try to eat protein, carbs, & fruit or veggie with each meal) a day and only eat whole grains (which are great for their fiber especially). But my husband has followed low carb diets off & on for years. He's a bodybuilder so his reasons are probably different but I have to say I really think that these diets are criticized too harshly. All diets are extreme, whether it be VERY low calories, eliminating all fat, all carbs, or meat. I know some people view meat as an evil thing but our bodies do need the nutrients & protein (you can get it from other sources but it is more difficult for most people). For carb sensitive (borderline diabetics) people or people who don't work out these lower carb diets are probably a lot healthier than eating 60-70% of their diets from simple carbs and staying overweight. Plus all of these low carb diets are not high in protein & saturated fat. They often include lots of veggies, and "good" fats. These are things most other diet plans do not emphasize. I guess it all depends on what plan you are willing to follow. If it works and you lose weight, feel healthier, and have more energy than it is right for you.
Jessica

thekitchenangel

03-26-2001, 10:01 PM

Originally posted by emilycat:
There is absolutely no reason that you can't have a bagel every day -- if it's whole grain !!!
It is in fact, much healthier to eliminate meat from your diet than carbs -- there are so many other sources of protein found in legumes, dairy products, and yes, grains, but without carbs, you're losing out on a prime source of energy, loads of fiber, which is very difficult to make up for with vegetables and fruits as the only source, not to mention a multitude of nutrients and yes, protein -- have you ever heard of quinoa, spelt, kasha, brown rice, non-hulled barley?
With a balanced diet keyed in on moderation, and exercise, no one should ever need to eliminate whole grains even for a short time from their diet.

Ok Emilycat, calm down. Again, I am not trying to convert anyone here. I would like to share with you an article I read in the Physicans Better Health magazine that states that a survey was done on a few ancient mummies that were found. The mummies that did not eat meat had weak bone structure, poor skin health and skull softness. The mummies who did eat meat were found to be much more in tact with stong bone structure, and healthier skin. Their teeth were also less decade. It is believed that people were mean't to be meat eaters. Meat is very good for you if it's not pumped up with chemicals and additives of course.

lindrusso

03-26-2001, 11:04 PM

Very well said KValley!

And can I just say thank you to all of you who take the time to discuss these issues????!!! I've learned so much and am much healthier for it. Got some distance to go with the whole grains, but I know I am very much headed in the right direction!!!! And if I can do this for my kids NOW, think how much better off they'll be - maybe it won't take them 34 years to figure it all out!!!

food girl

03-27-2001, 07:33 PM

I am really proud of myself for staying out of the fracas for this long!

Hang on here goes.

Here are some things that kitchenangel is right about, a low carb diet will help lower triglycerides. A low carb diet sometimes used to bring down very high triglyceride and almost everyone who tries a low carb (LC) diet will see a reduction in triglycerides. BUT (and there is always a but) it really doesn't work long-term.

You do lose weight, sometimes dramatically on the LC diet. Your muscles can store up to 200 grams of glycogen (stored carbohydrate). When you deplete that you loose the 200 g plus 800 grams of water. This would not be a good feeling if you were exercising! Right Emily?

Glycemic index is a funny thing. Research shows that blood sugar or subsequent insulin levels can soar after eating certain foods like white rice and carrots. The puzzling thing is that the response is different for many people and the research is done on fasting with only that one food. What happens when you eat a meal with fat, protien and pineapple? You probably don't get that spike in blood sugar and insulin like if you ate the pinapple alone. Oh! Guess what food has a low glycemic index? chocolate! I think GI is interesting, not something worthy of making food choices around - yet.

AS a registered dietitian in a cancer center I must point out the very strong relationship between diet and cancer. In hundreds of population studies the evidence for a plant and grain based diet for reduced cancer risk is seen. Increased consumption of meat is linked to many cancers including colon and breast. I talk to way to many heavy carnivores ( 8 - 20 oz of meat per day) with colon cancer. A diet high in animal fat is also linked with cancer as well.

Did you all know that a LC diet was the first weight loss diet invented? It was invented sometime in the early 1800s by a London undertaker. I remember it from college, the track team called it the "fat boy diet".

I really don't get my feathers ruffled by patients, friends, family or co-workers doing the LC diet because no one ever sticks with it for long!

I actually had a co-worker who started smoking to lose weight! Sounds amazing huh? I tell you this to point out that the end does not always justify the means.

Happy eating...whatever you are having!

Lisa

lindrusso

03-28-2001, 05:35 AM

If you have not already read this on the Good Food board, Grace pointed out that Shelley Wooldridge (as she has now finally revealed herself to be) IS NOT a new member to this board. She started trouble here quite a while ago and was actually banned from the board and her messages removed. Continuing to try to intelligently debate this issue with her will serve no purpose. I suggest you do like I plan to and ignore any further responses - it can get VERY nasty if I remember correctly!

[This message has been edited by lindrusso (edited 03-28-2001).]

thekitchenangel

03-29-2001, 08:14 PM

Originally posted by lindrusso:
If you have not already read this on the Good Food board, Grace pointed out that Shelley Wooldridge (as she has now finally revealed herself to be) IS NOT a new member to this board. She started trouble here quite a while ago and was actually banned from the board and her messages removed. Continuing to try to intelligently debate this issue with her will serve no purpose. I suggest you do like I plan to and ignore any further responses - it can get VERY nasty if I remember correctly!

[This message has been edited by lindrusso (edited 03-28-2001).]

I have contacted the Editor (Doug Creighton) on the issue of people like you. I am not here to cause trouble I simply don't enjoy being attacked. If I remember correctly, I did post a message a while back in regards to personal cheffing which is what I do. Again, I was attacked by the members. I was NOT banned from the board at all but simply asked not to solicit my business in which I quickly appologized and agreed to. Get you facts straight before you make a statement. In anycase, I have found a much more understanding board in Family Fun website. You gals can have this one! The very same messages that I posted in this board were kindly approached and greeted with a welcoming approach. Something that CL board members lack.

donleyk

03-30-2001, 05:40 AM

I would have to venture a guess and say that you'll be much happier at that other board.

Good bye.

cookgirl

04-09-2001, 01:47 PM

Gosh. I'm so disappointed in this series of posts. I am an anti-atkins sort of gal. I do listen to my body and increase or lower carbs in my diet according to what I think I need at that particular time. I'm definitely proud to say that I'm for moderation in many forms including the way I handle other people. This has turned into something of a major turn-off for me.

KitchenAngel....I would have told you that I'm happy to hear of your success, but that I'm not for exclusionary pratices regarding food groups. I would ask you to consider gradually branching out your carbo intake from the weekends, but I'd also say that everybody's body is different.

I'd say it's understandable that different lifestyles call for different diets, for example, a marathon runner would require a much higher amount of carbs in their diet than a sedentary, slightly overweight person... and that special health issues can call for unusual changes in the diet (personal example, my husband has UC it is advisable the he NEVER have whole grains in his diet).
I'd then tell you that I, like most people, don't know everything about you or your diet needs, and that a nutritionist should be consulted whenever you make a big change in your diet. I'd then wish you good luck and good health.
I guess it's a little too late, though!