More Common Sense Advice for Atkins Dieters

[VeggieKitten]

On Good Morning America this morning, Dr. Tim Johnson, Health Correspondent, and Charles Gibson were talking about the recent Atkins reports such as the New York Times Article, second guessing saturated fat intake.

It was a relief to hear Dr. Johnson explain the carbohydrate as to weight loss method, and that there is a difference between "good" carbs and "bad" carbs. He explained that although there is truth to what the Atkins diet describes when carbohydrates go through the bloodstream, hitting the pancreas which release insulin lowering blood sugar, and the end result being appetite stimulation, it should be clarified that this applies to processed, refined carbs (simple sugars, white breads, snack foods). Further, he stated that "good" carbs (such as fruits, veggies, whole grains) should never be avoided and that the dieter should actually eat as much of these as he/she wants. These types of carbohydrates simply do not behave in the same way as processed carbs, which are responsible for not only contributing to weight gain, but an array of other health problems.

I was so glad to hear this man talk about this.

[Christy]

If only they would listen! But I agree, it's nice to hear someone dispute this. I know there is a healthier way to be on this diet, but the whole thing seems unhealthy to me (ketosis, kidney damage, etc.). I find myself getting angry or rolling my eyes whenever someone mentions it, mentions they're on it, when I see an "Atkins friendly" product, etc. I don't have a point. Just a need to rant. As you were.

[VeggieKitten]

I'm with you Christy. I get very aggravated to know people I love are on it. My mom and stepdad have been on and off the diet for 3 years now. My mother has lost weight and has maintained for a good while now, but my stepdad has gained all of it back. He's very overweight and I am so concerned about the way he eats. He's been in the hospital already with extemely high blood pressure, skin cancer, and kidney stones. Yea, you could say I need to rant.

[Christy]

Did your stepdad already have health problems (before Atkins)? Seems like the Atkins diet could exacerbate that, despite any weight loss achieved. I agree, though. Luckily none of my family members are on it, that I know of. They just eat like crap in general. My husband is on the Taco Bell (meat and cheese only) and chocolate diet.

[Artichoke47]

If only they would stop worrying about instant weight loss and be concerned about the healthiness of their bodies.

[VeggieKitten]

Exactly, Artichoke, and in many cases, if healthiness of the body were the first concern, weight loss would probably naturally occur, or the gain not have occurred in the first place. Some people, like my stepfather, are naturally big-boned and is a big guy (picture the actor, John Goodman). But he is also entirely overweight which is no doubt due to his diet and eating habits (2 large meaty meals/day), lifestyle (workaholic), and lack of exercise. To answer your question Christy, some problems he's had were pre-Atkins such as the skin cancer, others like the kidney stones came after. He's had high blood pressure all along.