Atkin's Diet - Secret Revealed
Posted by: Alex S. on 23 January 2004
Horizon's astonishing scientific revelation: People on the Atkin's diet eat less.
Posted on: 23 January 2004 by Tony Lockhart
It was an interesting conclusion.... they ate less because their appetite on the Atkins diet was reduced.
Now we just sit and wait for the long term damage to be made public. I can't help thinking that the Atkins diet is a long drawn out death.
Tony
Now we just sit and wait for the long term damage to be made public. I can't help thinking that the Atkins diet is a long drawn out death.
Tony
Posted on: 23 January 2004 by Former member
Don't know the full details of the new Atkin's, but I started on the basic premise of eliminating most carbs from my diet (mainly potatoes, pasta, bread and rice) and eating lean meats, vegetables, fruits, nuts and dairy products for a couple of weeks. Then I discovered that I was more or less following the South Beach, and was getting astonishing results. I certainly don't eat less than I used to, but more frequently.
Since starting in late November 2003, I have lost 15kg from my 117kg frame, gone down from size 41 trousers to 38, and feeling a whole lot more energetic.
Those with a predisposition to put weight on around their middle or a family history of adult onset diabetes would do well to read about the South Beach Diet. It's my new lifestyle and one that I will continue for life. I reckon it will now take me another 3 - 6 months to reach my target weight of 90kg.
James
Since starting in late November 2003, I have lost 15kg from my 117kg frame, gone down from size 41 trousers to 38, and feeling a whole lot more energetic.
Those with a predisposition to put weight on around their middle or a family history of adult onset diabetes would do well to read about the South Beach Diet. It's my new lifestyle and one that I will continue for life. I reckon it will now take me another 3 - 6 months to reach my target weight of 90kg.
James
Posted on: 23 January 2004 by Laurie Saunders
I too saw Horizon....I have strong suspicions that there is an element of "forbidden fruit" at work......I was told of an experiment some years ago in which children could ONLY eat chocolate had the effect of making them hate it
Of course, the exercise side of the equation is often forgotten......I`m told that just reducing calorie intake has the effect of making the body more efficient at utilising whatever calories ARE taken in.....please correct me as my knowledge of matters biological is rather sparse to say the least..
As for myself...I gorge myself regularly on "stodge"..potatoes, pasta, bread, but luckily I dislike sweet food and am not fond of fats either...perhaps that and 3000+ miles per year of hard cycling have helped(?) maintain my 1.84 metre frame at about 10-10.5 stones for at least the last 30 years
Laurie S
Of course, the exercise side of the equation is often forgotten......I`m told that just reducing calorie intake has the effect of making the body more efficient at utilising whatever calories ARE taken in.....please correct me as my knowledge of matters biological is rather sparse to say the least..
As for myself...I gorge myself regularly on "stodge"..potatoes, pasta, bread, but luckily I dislike sweet food and am not fond of fats either...perhaps that and 3000+ miles per year of hard cycling have helped(?) maintain my 1.84 metre frame at about 10-10.5 stones for at least the last 30 years
Laurie S
Posted on: 23 January 2004 by Former member
The problem with most calorie-restricted diets is that it forces your body to go into conservation mode. Your metabolism slows down, and you burn less energy. Also, with most calorie-controlled diets, you invariably feel hungry most of the time, and so the risk of failure is significant.
The premise of Atkins and to some extent South Beach is that you shouldn't feel hungry. Carbs are more easily and quickly digested than proteins and fats, which is why most people who have toast for breakfast in the morning feel hungry by 10am, whereas bacon and eggs lasts all morning.
The body is fueled primarily by blood-sugar. Excess blood suger is mopped up by insulin and converted into fat. In a sustained diet that is rich in carbohydrates, some people start to develop insulin resistance, which means blood sugar that is not immediately utilised is turned into fat. Over time, these people get chubby and their pancreas fails, leading to adult onset diabetes.
The premise of both Atkins and South Beach is that you need to burn body fat to lose weight. The body will burn blood sugar first, if it is available. Otherwise, it will convert fats into ketones, which is an alternate fuel for the body. Adequate (but not excessive) intake of protein will ensure muscular waste is kept at bay.
To some extent, eating the wrong foods (high carbs) actually makes you more hungry, and hence on a low carb diet, one does tend to eat less and feel sated more often.
James
The premise of Atkins and to some extent South Beach is that you shouldn't feel hungry. Carbs are more easily and quickly digested than proteins and fats, which is why most people who have toast for breakfast in the morning feel hungry by 10am, whereas bacon and eggs lasts all morning.
The body is fueled primarily by blood-sugar. Excess blood suger is mopped up by insulin and converted into fat. In a sustained diet that is rich in carbohydrates, some people start to develop insulin resistance, which means blood sugar that is not immediately utilised is turned into fat. Over time, these people get chubby and their pancreas fails, leading to adult onset diabetes.
The premise of both Atkins and South Beach is that you need to burn body fat to lose weight. The body will burn blood sugar first, if it is available. Otherwise, it will convert fats into ketones, which is an alternate fuel for the body. Adequate (but not excessive) intake of protein will ensure muscular waste is kept at bay.
To some extent, eating the wrong foods (high carbs) actually makes you more hungry, and hence on a low carb diet, one does tend to eat less and feel sated more often.
James
Posted on: 23 January 2004 by anselm
James, your description is one of the best/easiest i have seen, i do not need to lose any weight whatsoever but i am interested in good nutrition and have often pondered about low carbs and hi carb//processed foods.
I Read a book stating the glycaemic index of foods and it all makes perfect sense.
And i do work in the medical profession and understanding some physiology.
It all seems logical to me, the scientific work done on calorie controlled diets was flawed, it was just marketed well by those with a vested interest!
Anselm
all art is contemporary; it is the way we look at it that changes...
I Read a book stating the glycaemic index of foods and it all makes perfect sense.
And i do work in the medical profession and understanding some physiology.
It all seems logical to me, the scientific work done on calorie controlled diets was flawed, it was just marketed well by those with a vested interest!
Anselm
all art is contemporary; it is the way we look at it that changes...
Posted on: 23 January 2004 by Former member
all i can say is that i started using the atkins diet on january 5th. i actually read the book so i'm eating my 20g's of carbs with liberal amounts of protein plus various vitamin and mineral suppliments and amino acids. i'm also exercising (5km a day on a static bike, light weight routine and stomach crunches all increasing weekly)where previously excersise meant getting up and getting another curly wurly. so far i've lost a stone and a half and aside from the 1st 2 days i feel better than i have in over 10 years. i no longer wake up feeling like i've had no sleep. as i am roughly TWICE my ideal weight, don't drink and gave up smoking 2 years ago my weight is far more life threatening than anything else. todays meals were breakfast 30g of brie and a large slice of turkey breast. lunch 2 marinated lamb steaks and a heaped plate of spinach rocket and watercress salad with a teaspoon of mayonaise. dinner, 2 cheese strings and 100g of parmesan coated salami plus about 6 pints of water, later i'll have a drink of hot chocolate (the lowest carb count i can find) with sugar substite and some cream, maybe a pinch of cinamon or ginger in it to pep it up a bit. hardly the burger / pork chop sandwich that was mentioned in a previous thread.
Also no mention is made of the fact that 'fibre' isn;t counted as 'digestable carbs' according to atkins and the popular image of a sausage munching fattie 'doing atkins' is rubbish as most supermarket bangers have large amounts of rusk and even sugar in them which is a definate no-no.
i must say though that i have found my apetite has dropped off considerably so i'll go along with the horizons findings that protein supresses appetite, however they neatly glossed over the fact that tests showed improved colesterol levels in atkins dieters concentrating purely on weight loss rather than this potentially far more important effect. Horizon imho has nosedived, they are now the 'sensational sun' of science programming where before they were interesting, informative and impartial.
cheers
julian
Also no mention is made of the fact that 'fibre' isn;t counted as 'digestable carbs' according to atkins and the popular image of a sausage munching fattie 'doing atkins' is rubbish as most supermarket bangers have large amounts of rusk and even sugar in them which is a definate no-no.
i must say though that i have found my apetite has dropped off considerably so i'll go along with the horizons findings that protein supresses appetite, however they neatly glossed over the fact that tests showed improved colesterol levels in atkins dieters concentrating purely on weight loss rather than this potentially far more important effect. Horizon imho has nosedived, they are now the 'sensational sun' of science programming where before they were interesting, informative and impartial.
cheers
julian
Posted on: 23 January 2004 by Steve B
quote:
Horizon imho has nosedived, they are now the 'sensational sun' of science programming where before they were interesting, informative and impartial.
I agree. Horizon is crap compared to what it used to be. The only interesting science programs now are 'What the Romans did for us' and 'Time Team'. Well actually they're history programs. There isn't a decent science program on as far as I know. What happened to channel 4's Equinox?
Steve B
Posted on: 23 January 2004 by matthewr
"which is why most people who have toast for breakfast in the morning feel hungry by 10am, whereas bacon and eggs lasts all morning"
Its a myth that fat makes you feel fuller and you eat less. In fact its quite the opposite and given identical looking food that only differs in fat content you will eat more of the fatty version.
"In a sustained diet that is rich in carbohydrates, some people start to develop insulin resistance, which means blood sugar that is not immediately utilised is turned into fat. Over time, these people get chubby and their pancreas fails, leading to adult onset diabetes"
Eating lots of sugar or other carbohydrates does not give you Type II Diabetes. And it doesn't damage your pancreas (I think you are confusing it here with Type I diabetes) -- at least that is my understanding.
If you eat a lot and do little excercise you will get fat and being very fat significantly increases your risk of developing T2 Diabetes. However, although they can make you fat, its not correct to say that sugar or carbohydrates gives you diabetes. There are also significant genetic factorss as well as both family history and ethnic background are significatn factors.
"Otherwise, it will convert fats into ketones, which is an alternate fuel for the body"
Ketones are an acidic by-product of metabolising fatty acids. They are not "fuel" and are passed out in the urine. The presence of ketones in your body as a diabetic -- a condition known as Ketosis -- is considered a bad thing that means you need to go and see a doctor. Left unchecked your blood turns acidic, your brain shrinks to the size of a walnut and you go into a coma and die (a medical emergency known as Diabetic Ketoacidosis).
If you are an the Atkins diet however Ketosis is considered a good thing and a sign you are sticking to the rules of the diet.
"To some extent, eating the wrong foods (high carbs)"
I don't care what anyone says, pasta, rice, potatoes, fruit, milk, etc (all of which contain significant carbs) are good things to eat and should be part of any healthy diet.
Something good/interesting may well come out of Atkins in a few years. By this time however its current adherents may well be languishing in hospital with some horrible chronic kidney problem or soemthing.
Matthew
PS I lost nearly 2 stone in 2 weeks by not eating carbs but I don't recommend Diabetes to anyone
Its a myth that fat makes you feel fuller and you eat less. In fact its quite the opposite and given identical looking food that only differs in fat content you will eat more of the fatty version.
"In a sustained diet that is rich in carbohydrates, some people start to develop insulin resistance, which means blood sugar that is not immediately utilised is turned into fat. Over time, these people get chubby and their pancreas fails, leading to adult onset diabetes"
Eating lots of sugar or other carbohydrates does not give you Type II Diabetes. And it doesn't damage your pancreas (I think you are confusing it here with Type I diabetes) -- at least that is my understanding.
If you eat a lot and do little excercise you will get fat and being very fat significantly increases your risk of developing T2 Diabetes. However, although they can make you fat, its not correct to say that sugar or carbohydrates gives you diabetes. There are also significant genetic factorss as well as both family history and ethnic background are significatn factors.
"Otherwise, it will convert fats into ketones, which is an alternate fuel for the body"
Ketones are an acidic by-product of metabolising fatty acids. They are not "fuel" and are passed out in the urine. The presence of ketones in your body as a diabetic -- a condition known as Ketosis -- is considered a bad thing that means you need to go and see a doctor. Left unchecked your blood turns acidic, your brain shrinks to the size of a walnut and you go into a coma and die (a medical emergency known as Diabetic Ketoacidosis).
If you are an the Atkins diet however Ketosis is considered a good thing and a sign you are sticking to the rules of the diet.
"To some extent, eating the wrong foods (high carbs)"
I don't care what anyone says, pasta, rice, potatoes, fruit, milk, etc (all of which contain significant carbs) are good things to eat and should be part of any healthy diet.
Something good/interesting may well come out of Atkins in a few years. By this time however its current adherents may well be languishing in hospital with some horrible chronic kidney problem or soemthing.
Matthew
PS I lost nearly 2 stone in 2 weeks by not eating carbs but I don't recommend Diabetes to anyone
Posted on: 23 January 2004 by count.d
quote:
i must say though that i have found my apetite has dropped off considerably
Julian,
I'm not suprised it has after that day's menu.
Posted on: 23 January 2004 by count.d
quote:
The premise of Atkins and to some extent South Beach is that you shouldn't feel hungry. Carbs are more easily and quickly digested than proteins and fats, which is why most people who have toast for breakfast in the morning feel hungry by 10am, whereas bacon and eggs lasts all morning.
It's human nature to feel hungry,(and horny) this is why we succeed in dominating every other creature on the planet. It's very difficult to suppress these feelings.
So part of this diet's method is to fill you up with heavy protein so you don't feel hungry, so you eat less, so your body has to eat into your body's fat reserves, so you cosmetically look thinner, whilst all the time your organs suffer. Sounds like a good money making scheme.
To stay healthy one must eat a balanced diet of meat, greens with plenty of fibre, just like 100,000 years of evolution has taught us to. Don't eat excess (which is easy in our rich Western world and tempting) and do plenty of exercise.
My view, anyway.
Posted on: 23 January 2004 by Joe Petrik
Count,
Not so. All animals feel hungry, little ones like hummingbirds and shrews much more so than big ones like elephants and polar bears. Being hungry doesn't in and of itself lead to dominating the planet. And as for horniness, there's not a porn star on the planet who could hope to compete with our closest cousins, the sex-hungry bonobos.
It's commonly accepted that it's our big, juicy primate brains that afford us the wherewithal to dominate all and sundry. Take that big brain away and we're a rather lame-ass species.
Joe
quote:
It's human nature to feel hungry,(and horny) this is why we succeed in dominating every other creature on the planet.
Not so. All animals feel hungry, little ones like hummingbirds and shrews much more so than big ones like elephants and polar bears. Being hungry doesn't in and of itself lead to dominating the planet. And as for horniness, there's not a porn star on the planet who could hope to compete with our closest cousins, the sex-hungry bonobos.
It's commonly accepted that it's our big, juicy primate brains that afford us the wherewithal to dominate all and sundry. Take that big brain away and we're a rather lame-ass species.
Joe
Posted on: 25 January 2004 by Alex S.
<< Take that big brain away and we're a rather lame-ass species. >> A point proved almost daily here until quite recently.
Anyway, it has struck me that the Atkins diet is rather expensive to follow. In order to raise funds I'm writing a new diet book which is bound to become an international best-seller. My diet does not involve buying foood at all but instead returning to our primate roots and foraging for nuts, seeds and berries in local parks and woodlands. It is highly nutritious, low in calories and involves a lot of exercise. Its called the Catkins Diet.
Anyway, it has struck me that the Atkins diet is rather expensive to follow. In order to raise funds I'm writing a new diet book which is bound to become an international best-seller. My diet does not involve buying foood at all but instead returning to our primate roots and foraging for nuts, seeds and berries in local parks and woodlands. It is highly nutritious, low in calories and involves a lot of exercise. Its called the Catkins Diet.
Posted on: 25 January 2004 by Former member
Matthew,
"Its a myth that fat makes you feel fuller and you eat less. In fact its quite the opposite and given identical looking food that only differs in fat content you will eat more of the fatty version."
I never said you feel fuller on fat. I said bacon and eggs keep you sated for longer than toast. It's both fat and protein that satisfy for longer.
"Eating lots of sugar or other carbohydrates does not give you Type II Diabetes. And it doesn't damage your pancreas (I think you are confusing it here with Type I diabetes) -- at least that is my understanding."
Again, I did not say that. Adult onset diabetes has insulin resistance as a precursor. Insulin resistance is developed in those who are genetically predisposed and a diet high in carbohydrates in those with insulin resistance leads to the accumulation of fat.
"I don't care what anyone says, pasta, rice, potatoes, fruit, milk, etc (all of which contain significant carbs) are good things to eat and should be part of any healthy diet."
Agreed. It is highly refined and processed foods such as white flour and sugar that should be avoided. But for those on a low carb regiment, avoidance of potatoes, rice and pasta is helpful.
James
"Its a myth that fat makes you feel fuller and you eat less. In fact its quite the opposite and given identical looking food that only differs in fat content you will eat more of the fatty version."
I never said you feel fuller on fat. I said bacon and eggs keep you sated for longer than toast. It's both fat and protein that satisfy for longer.
"Eating lots of sugar or other carbohydrates does not give you Type II Diabetes. And it doesn't damage your pancreas (I think you are confusing it here with Type I diabetes) -- at least that is my understanding."
Again, I did not say that. Adult onset diabetes has insulin resistance as a precursor. Insulin resistance is developed in those who are genetically predisposed and a diet high in carbohydrates in those with insulin resistance leads to the accumulation of fat.
"I don't care what anyone says, pasta, rice, potatoes, fruit, milk, etc (all of which contain significant carbs) are good things to eat and should be part of any healthy diet."
Agreed. It is highly refined and processed foods such as white flour and sugar that should be avoided. But for those on a low carb regiment, avoidance of potatoes, rice and pasta is helpful.
James
Posted on: 25 January 2004 by MichaelC
Experiences of Atkins diet thus far.
Another thread a long time ago I mentioned that I would give the Atkins diet a go - back in early October.
By Christmas I had lost just over two stone. I have heeded voices of concern on this forum and from friends of mine in the medical profession and am no longer following the Atkins diet per se.
What I have found is that by having followed the diet I have re-educated my eating habits. I used to munch on biscuits all day long and eat more than my fair share of sweets and puddings. I ate far too little fruit and veg.
I no longer have any desire to eat biscuits and now very, very occasionally eat the odd sweet after a meal. Not a bad thing.
I have found that I am eating and enjoying more vegetables. I am also enjoying regularly eating fruit. When it comes to meals I eat a little rice or potatoes and generally eat less than I used to.
All in all a worthwhile experience for me and hopefully has led to a more balanced and healthy diet - oh, and more than two inches off the waistline.
Mike
Another thread a long time ago I mentioned that I would give the Atkins diet a go - back in early October.
By Christmas I had lost just over two stone. I have heeded voices of concern on this forum and from friends of mine in the medical profession and am no longer following the Atkins diet per se.
What I have found is that by having followed the diet I have re-educated my eating habits. I used to munch on biscuits all day long and eat more than my fair share of sweets and puddings. I ate far too little fruit and veg.
I no longer have any desire to eat biscuits and now very, very occasionally eat the odd sweet after a meal. Not a bad thing.
I have found that I am eating and enjoying more vegetables. I am also enjoying regularly eating fruit. When it comes to meals I eat a little rice or potatoes and generally eat less than I used to.
All in all a worthwhile experience for me and hopefully has led to a more balanced and healthy diet - oh, and more than two inches off the waistline.
Mike
Posted on: 25 January 2004 by Former member
I thought Horizon was interesting, not that I've ever been on a diet. However, in my days of fitness, it was always advised that if you wanted to become leaner, I should focus on a low carbohydrate / high protein diet. It all seemed common sense to me and obvious.
If I wanted to lose weight, I simply cutback on eating!
My young lady (though already slim) lost at least 1-stone while working in South Africa. Her diet consisted of mainly meats, little in the way of fruit and vegetables. She looked a little strained on her return, no doubt through stress too. I was happy to get a few extra pounds on her to be honest, I was a bit worried. I think it’s healthy to have a bubbly belly and a good appetite.
If I wanted to lose weight, I simply cutback on eating!
My young lady (though already slim) lost at least 1-stone while working in South Africa. Her diet consisted of mainly meats, little in the way of fruit and vegetables. She looked a little strained on her return, no doubt through stress too. I was happy to get a few extra pounds on her to be honest, I was a bit worried. I think it’s healthy to have a bubbly belly and a good appetite.
Posted on: 25 January 2004 by Joe Petrik
Here's a crazy diet, brought to you by a bunch of crazy researchers. They call it the food pyramid.
Joe
Joe
Posted on: 25 January 2004 by Martin D
Tony
Life is a long drawn out death
Martin
Life is a long drawn out death
Martin
Posted on: 26 January 2004 by Former member
joe,
that particular diet has given the western world morbid obesity and sky high colesterol. maybe a bit more open mindedness, research and less vested interests would find a better solution. there has been a lot of verbatim regurgitation on the dangers of the atkins diet, has anyone spouting off on the subject actually bothered to read the book?
cheers
julian
that particular diet has given the western world morbid obesity and sky high colesterol. maybe a bit more open mindedness, research and less vested interests would find a better solution. there has been a lot of verbatim regurgitation on the dangers of the atkins diet, has anyone spouting off on the subject actually bothered to read the book?
cheers
julian
Posted on: 26 January 2004 by Joe Petrik
Julian,
It's the increase in caloric intake, particularly from saturated fat and simple sugars, coupled with a decrease in daily physical activity, that have led to the rather spectacular rise in morbid obesity.
How much cholesterol is there in grains, fruits and vegetables, the base of the pyramid?
Joe
quote:
that particular diet has given the western world morbid obesity...
It's the increase in caloric intake, particularly from saturated fat and simple sugars, coupled with a decrease in daily physical activity, that have led to the rather spectacular rise in morbid obesity.
quote:
...and sky high colesterol...
How much cholesterol is there in grains, fruits and vegetables, the base of the pyramid?
Joe
Posted on: 27 January 2004 by Former member
joe,
as far as i'm aware only about 15% of the cholesterol in your blood is dietary the rest is manufactured by your liver - i suspect with the help of all that refined sugar loaded carbohydrate that is so common in the modern diet. - stuff i no longer eat btw.
cheers
julian
as far as i'm aware only about 15% of the cholesterol in your blood is dietary the rest is manufactured by your liver - i suspect with the help of all that refined sugar loaded carbohydrate that is so common in the modern diet. - stuff i no longer eat btw.
cheers
julian
Posted on: 28 January 2004 by Joe Petrik
Julian,
I can't speak for the rest of the world, but in the United States (a country for which I have figures), very few Americans meet most of the food guide pyramid recommendations. In fact, only 3% meet four of the five recommendations for intake of grains (preferably whole), fruits, vegatables, dairy products, meat and meat alternatives.
It's misleading -- not to mention wholly inaccurate -- to claim that adherence to the food pyramid is what's causing sky-high cholesterol and morbid obesity (technically defined as a BMI of 40 or more; obesity itself starts at a BMI of 30). It's not adhering to the pyramid and the general increase in sedentary lives that's causing the problem. And it's a huge problem.
The former U.S. Surgeon General, David Satcher, has said that if left unabated, overweight (BMI >25) and obesity (BMI >30) in America will soon cause as much preventable diseases and death as cigarette smoking.
But back to Aktins -- If you're trying to lose weight and nothing else has worked for you, OK, maybe give it a try. But a restricted-carb, high-fat and protein diet is not healthy in the long run. I know Aktins' proponents like to quote results from the study performed by the Robert C. Atkins Foundation (so much for "less vested interests"), but keep in mind that the study has been criticized for all sorts of methodological shortfalls.
Joe
P.S. Another link if you're interested.
I can't speak for the rest of the world, but in the United States (a country for which I have figures), very few Americans meet most of the food guide pyramid recommendations. In fact, only 3% meet four of the five recommendations for intake of grains (preferably whole), fruits, vegatables, dairy products, meat and meat alternatives.
It's misleading -- not to mention wholly inaccurate -- to claim that adherence to the food pyramid is what's causing sky-high cholesterol and morbid obesity (technically defined as a BMI of 40 or more; obesity itself starts at a BMI of 30). It's not adhering to the pyramid and the general increase in sedentary lives that's causing the problem. And it's a huge problem.
The former U.S. Surgeon General, David Satcher, has said that if left unabated, overweight (BMI >25) and obesity (BMI >30) in America will soon cause as much preventable diseases and death as cigarette smoking.
But back to Aktins -- If you're trying to lose weight and nothing else has worked for you, OK, maybe give it a try. But a restricted-carb, high-fat and protein diet is not healthy in the long run. I know Aktins' proponents like to quote results from the study performed by the Robert C. Atkins Foundation (so much for "less vested interests"), but keep in mind that the study has been criticized for all sorts of methodological shortfalls.
Joe
P.S. Another link if you're interested.
Posted on: 28 January 2004 by Joe Petrik
Julian,
I should point out that the food pyramid I posted a page back has been revised because it suggested that all fats are bad and that all carbs are good. (I uploaded that pic only to illustrate that the basic premise of the Atkins diet requires inverting the pyramid.)
The "new" food pyramid is more sophisticated and takes into account that some types of fats (in the appropriate amount) are beneficial and that some carbs are not.
Joe
I should point out that the food pyramid I posted a page back has been revised because it suggested that all fats are bad and that all carbs are good. (I uploaded that pic only to illustrate that the basic premise of the Atkins diet requires inverting the pyramid.)
The "new" food pyramid is more sophisticated and takes into account that some types of fats (in the appropriate amount) are beneficial and that some carbs are not.
Joe