For those who insist low-carb diets are useless...

[Bookworm]

BBC NEWS | Health | Diet treatment call for epilepsy

 

I told someone a while back that time was on my side, as more and more studies were showing that most, if not all, of the myths about how bad LC is for your health, were just that: myths.

 

It's a shame that to avoid being seen a complete u-turn on previous thinking, the medical body is still going on about the "not without its side-effects", without specifying what those side effects might be, or that said side-effects might not be bad ones. Still, it's a start. ;-)

[djgordyp]

I don't think any of the 'experts' really know what's good and what's not.

How many times have you heard that coffee is good for you only to hear some other 'expert' say it's not. Same with chocolate, wine, potatoes and goodness knows what else I've heard (and ignored) over the years. Milk is another one.

I believe plenty of protein is beneficial in a diet as well. But I don't know if you can combine the two without compromising either. In other words, can you have a low carb. diet and still have plenty of protein in it?

[Bookworm]

Absolutely, yes, foods high in protein often are the ones also low in carbohydrates, so a low-carb diet is usually high in protein, high in fat, high in green veg, mainly cutting out the sugar and the starches.

[djgordyp]

But I would have thought a high fat content would be the last thing you would want in a diet.

[Rooster-UK]

The classic low-carb diet was the Atkins diet. Invented by Dr Robert Atkins in 1998.

Rumour is that Dr Atkins died from CONGESTIVE HEART-FAILURE. One of the main symptoms is that the body fills with water. If not treated vigorously with diuretics, eventually the body drowns in its own juices.

Rumour is also that when he died he was clinically obese.

Effective diet? I think not!

The principle of the diet is that by starving the body of carbohydrates, the body is forced to break down the stored fats to produce the sugar that the body needs. A side effect of this process is the production of KETONES which are the cause of the smell of pear-drops that you find when a diabetic deperately needs insulin. The ketones, if not treated will usually result in keto-acidosis, which can be fatal.

 

The best diet that I've come across (and I've seen a few) is the one I was given by the heart-failure clinic. Low fats, moderate proteins and plenty of carbohydrates. (and don't forget your 5 portions of fruit and veg per day).

The cardiac diet, not only looks after my heart, it suits my diabetes, perfectly. It is, basically, just a very healthy diet.

 

What more do I need?

[sillygirl1]

If you're on a 5 a day fruit AND vegdiet you NEED carbs to counter the 'natural sugar' in fruit... carbs help calm your nerves and help you to sleep, not enough carbs for your body type means no sleep.... (ask me how I know that one!). Also too much fruit and veg and not enough carbs and fibre play havoc with arthritis...

 

I was a trained medical secretary and whilst I didn't do diet stuff I worked with people who did and they totally disagreed with the governments views on 5 a day... and this was a major London teaching hospital.

[djgordyp]

IMO thereis no one diet that suits everybody. What works for one person might not work for another. Then if your on medication then that's different again. My partner is on medication for mental problems and is currently about 26 stone. Her GP but her on slimming tablets but they are having no effect at all. I did try her with Herbalife products but she was only using them five days a week. That meant that any benefit was lost at the weekend. In that month she did lose a bit of weight but didn't have the willpower to stick at it. I might look into this pink patch thing but I suspect it may not suit very heavy people

[Bookworm]

The classic low-carb diet was the Atkins diet. Invented by Dr Robert Atkins in 1998.

Rumour is that Dr Atkins died from CONGESTIVE HEART-FAILURE. One of the main symptoms is that the body fills with water. If not treated vigorously with diuretics, eventually the body drowns in its own juices.

Rumour is also that when he died he was clinically obese.

Effective diet? I think not!

The principle of the diet is that by starving the body of carbohydrates, the body is forced to break down the stored fats to produce the sugar that the body needs. A side effect of this process is the production of KETONES which are the cause of the smell of pear-drops that you find when a diabetic deperately needs insulin. The ketones, if not treated will usually result in keto-acidosis, which can be fatal.

 

The best diet that I've come across (and I've seen a few) is the one I was given by the heart-failure clinic. Low fats, moderate proteins and plenty of carbohydrates. (and don't forget your 5 portions of fruit and veg per day).

The cardiac diet, not only looks after my heart, it suits my diabetes, perfectly. It is, basically, just a very healthy diet.

 

What more do I need?

 

What more do you need? To get your facts right would be a good start.

 

1 - Dr Atkins did not invent the low-carb diet, the first recorded instance of it goes back to the 19th century.

 

2 - Dr Atkins, a CARDIOLOGIST, by the way, did not die of CHF, he died after slipping on the ice outside his NY home, and cracked his skull, and died after 2-3 weeks in a coma.

 

3 - Dr Atkins was NOT clinically obese when he was admitted in the hospital, but his weight did balloon whilst fed intravenously during his coma, not an unusual event.

 

4 - A proper LC diet does not mean "starving" the body of carbohydrates, it means reducing the amount of carbs (sugar and starches), and increasing the amount of green vegetables and natural fat and protein instead.

 

5 - You are confusing keto-acidosis with ketosis, which is one of the body's normal processes for the metabolism of body fat. 2 very different things, and 2 very different processes by the body.

 

6 - The American Diabetic Association is now recommending low-carb diets as the natural way to get type II diabetes under control.

 

7 - The 5-a-day is a government-set initiative. There have been NO studies to show that having 5 a day is significantly better or worse than having 2 or 10, or for that matter having any positive effect as such.

 

If you're happy with your low-fat (urgh! :-|) high carbs diet, good for you, personally, I wouldn't touch it with a bargepole, but at least, please try not to roll out the PETA/Daily Mail alarmist version and do try to find out the actual facts for yourself. I did, I realised it all made much more sense, and I never looked back.

 

Incidentally, the above study confirms what low-carbers already knew, as did the turnaround by the ABA. I reckon that in a few years time, low-fat will be completely discredited as more and more long-term studies show that the way forward is the way we are genetically pre-disposed: fat and protein first, carbohydrates in very small quantities (such as provided by berries).

 

PS: I found Low-Carb through my GP, so not all doctors buy into the low-fat cliche, thank goodness. ;-)

[Spiceskull]

Here we go again...the one thing I always say when people tell me they are going on a diet, or contemplating going on a diet, is this: eat what you normally eat, but just eat less of it (subject to medical conditions)

 

The rationale is straightforward: your body and your brain have become acclimatised, over the years, to the items you put inside...you eat five bars of chocolate a day, your body and your brain are expecting chocolate...and if they don't get chocolate they will rebel, and cause you pain...

 

If you cut down from five bars to four for a week, your subconscious cravings are satisfied, so you can cut down to three bars...

 

The same is true for anything and everything you eat and drink...withdrawal leads to withdrawal symptoms, but cutting down demonstrates your will-power...

 

And finally, whatever the diet, whatever the reasons...ask yourself this: you have eaten/drunk this thing for years, you clearly enjoy it, do you really want to deny yourself this pleasure?

[barracad]

Here we go again...the one thing I always say when people tell me they are going on a diet, or contemplating going on a diet, is this: eat what you normally eat, but just eat less of it (subject to medical conditions)

 

The rationale is straightforward: your body and your brain have become acclimatised, over the years, to the items you put inside...you eat five bars of chocolate a day, your body and your brain are expecting chocolate...and if they don't get chocolate they will rebel, and cause you pain...

 

If you cut down from five bars to four for a week, your subconscious cravings are satisfied, so you can cut down to three bars...

 

The same is true for anything and everything you eat and drink...withdrawal leads to withdrawal symptoms, but cutting down demonstrates your will-power...

 

And finally, whatever the diet, whatever the reasons...ask yourself this: you have eaten/drunk this thing for years, you clearly enjoy it, do you really want to deny yourself this pleasure?

 

Here here. I've tried practically every diet on the planet and none of them have worked properly. Then over the past twelve months I've just tried to watch what I eat, eating less, cutting out 'junk' - but still enjoying some treats, and most importantly not following a diet as such. I've lost a great deal of weight so far and feel a lot better for it.

 

Low-carb to me seems unhealthy and dangerous on paper - but each to their own, if it works for you then go for it. Bookie raves about it but I personally wouldn't touch it.

 

At the end of the day you just need to do what feels right and works for you.

[Bookworm]

Low-carb to me seems unhealthy and dangerous on paper

That's because you're not supposed to eat the paper, silly!

[Spiceskull]

That's because you're not supposed to eat the paper, silly!

I'm insulted - you deign to make a witty riposte to his post, yet completely ignore mine...is this meant to imply that you actually agree with what I say?

 

If so, then it will be a first...

[Bookworm]

Dear Lord, no.

 

And finally, whatever the diet, whatever the reasons...ask yourself this: you have eaten/drunk this thing for years, you clearly enjoy it, do you really want to deny yourself this pleasure?

Apply the same reasoning to heroin and see the whole thing fall to pieces. Yes, I know we are talking about food here, but you use the word "withdrawal" higher up, and this is where you hit it on the nail: Certain foods are addictive, and there is plenty of evidence to show that sugar is one of the most addictive substances, some studies comparing its effects (and dependance) to those of heroin.

 

I'm not saying your argument is wrong, I'm saying it doesn't work the same for all: It's like stopping to smoke, for some, cold turkey is the only way to go (that worked for me), for some the gradual weaning off is best.

[MilkTrayMan]

Perhaps a continuation of peeps differences of opinion, posted HERE instead, may be more helpful??...

...

[Bookworm]

Nah, it's full of weirdos over there.

[MilkTrayMan]

HEALTH QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION

 

 

Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true?

A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it

...Don't waste them on exercise .

Everything wears out eventually.

Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer

...That's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer?

...Take a nap.

 

Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?

A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies.

What does a cow eat?

...Hay + corn.

And what are these?

...Vegetables.

So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system.

Need grain?

...Eat chicken.

Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable).

And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products

 

Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?

A: No, not at all.

Wine is made from fruit.

Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way.

Beer is also made out of grain.

Bottoms up!

 

Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?

A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one.

If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.

 

Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?

A: Can't think of a single one, sorry.

My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!

 

Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?

A: You're not listening....

Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil.

In fact, they're permeated in it.

How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?

 

Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?

A: Definitely not!

When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger.

You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.

 

Q: Is chocolate bad for me?

A: Are you crazy?

HELLO Cocoa beans!

...Another vegetable.

It's the best feel-good food around! !

 

Q: Is swimming good for your figure?

A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.

 

Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?

A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape! !

 

Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.

 

Finally try to remember:

'Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming, 'WOO HOO, What a Ride!'

...

[tiglet]

Quite agree, Milky Bar Kid:

 

"You can live to be a hundred if you give up all the things that make you want to live to be a hundred" Woody Allen

[SussexLady]

Wow am I late for this discussion - but I just joined the forum so let me in!

 

Just wanted to say that, if a low-carb diet is bad for us then how did mankind survive for millenia without wheat (i.e. bread, pasta), sugar, rice etc -- ie the things that you give up on the Dr Atkins diet?

[MONX]

Hmmmm for me the Atkins was not the answer as was every diet that is out there, and believe me I have tried them all....I have worn a piggy mask in every church hall and leisure centre within a twenty mile radius, had green days and red days, counted calories, weighed my food, traded points......all of it trying to alter what my genes have known all along that I am meant to be a fatty.

 

My rationalle now is that I try to excercise for at least half an hour three times a week and eat when I am hungry (really hungry)...it also helps that I have found a special man who loves me the way I am. (I know' sick making but none the less true) I havent lost loads of weight but I havent put any on either .... which according to most medical doctors is better for you than yo yo dieting.

 

I spent too many years of my life worrying about weight and dieting because all it did was focus my mind on food and how much I missed certain things which had the complete opposite effect as I would binge on things because I was going to have to do without them again come Monday!

 

Hope you all find the diets that work for you but they didnt work for me.

[Bookworm]

Hey, an old thread come back to life!!!

 

In a timely fashion too, as after my recent health scares, it has become more than obvious that my body is sending distress signals!

 

So, climbing back on the LC wagon with difficulty (cos of the weight, you understand)...

 

Monx, part of the problem for me is that my special man loves me the way I am too, the more the better as far as he is concerned, which is NOT helping, because it's a constant battle between my body (which is not meant to be a fatty one and can't carry the extra weight at all) and my genes which are saying: "c'me oooon, what harm can it do?" when I see a baguette. :-|

[SussexLady]

I feel rather dismayed that Monx missed my point completely.

 

I wasn't advocating the Atkins diet for anyone.

 

I am pointing out that giving up products made of wheat and sugar cannot possibly be bad for us, because these are man-made products which did not exist for millenia.

 

Prior to that we lived on meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, berries and nuts.

 

Any diet that cuts out wheat and sugar is going to be fine for us, whether you call it paleolithic, atkins, caveman, etc

[Mungypup]

Another thing about the Atkins (note I'm talking aboput Atkins, not all low carb diets) is that he designed it for people who have to eat out a lot for work, meetings etc. It was designed so that they could still eat out frequently and eat the rich foods that you tend to find in restaurants without putting loads of excess weight on. He didn't design it for everyday, every meal eating.

[MONX]

SussexLady, I didnt miss your point. I was merely pointing out on a personal note that dieting in any shape or form doesnt work for me.

 

I dont disagree that european early man lived on a diet of mostly protein but I believe that man is an opportunistic mammal and will adapt to most climates, living conditions and diets. I believe that as organised farming and static living took over from nomadic and hunter gatherer lifestyles our bodies adapted/evolved to accept carbohydrates. I also believe that very early in man's evolution most aboriginal tribes in Australia and the pacific rim have used carbohydrates in thier diets because protein was not always available. They dug up roots and root vegetables, starch, starch sugar and carbohydrate to keep them going until they could find protein.

 

I dont argue that for some people giving up wheat and sugar can be beneficial but dependant on your genetic make up. If it works for you and you get the results you want then that is really great.

 

All the Atkins did for me was make me windy, bloated and I suffered quite severe stomach cramps! Yes I did lose some weight but doubled it when due to the discomfort I stopped the diet.

[Spamalot]

The best 'diet' I ever went on... was the Tom Venuto Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle one... it meant I could eat 6 regular meals a day, I was never hungry and I lost loads of weight.

 

That coupled with having a nice long walk every day did it for me... but then we're all different.

 

Spam

[Maggie_moo]

I'm on the seafood diet - see food and eat it

 

(hiding under the table after typing that old 'joke')