The Atkins, South Beach Diet "CRAZE!"

[azsnowman]

Reading about the new FOX Reality show got me thinkin' (smells smoke lol!)......what is UP with ALL this LOW CARB craze? EVERYWHERE you LOOK and I do mean EVERYWHERE...everybody is going LOW CARB I don't understand it! Yes....I SWEAR by the Atkins diet, I was on it last year, I needed to drop a quick 20 lbs and did so in rather short order BUT.....I've gone back to a normal diet since with SOME carbs and I've held my weight rather well. Personally, I truly believe that we NEED SOME carbs in our diets, eatin' ALL protien plays havoc on your kidneys etc.....

Dennis

[weatherlover427]

At least someone agrees with me!! I tried a low carb diet and it is almost impossible to do. It is very hard to eat a limit of 35 carbs a day.

[azsnowman]

At least someone agrees with me!! I tried a low carb diet and it is almost impossible to do. It is very hard to eat a limit of 35 carbs a day.

"35?" I was doing "17" carbs a day It was TOUGH! I LOVE bread, rice and especially PASTA! I firmly believe "Everything in Moderation".....my BIGGEST downfall is SODA, I was drinking 2-3 per day, I've since quit, gone to iced tea and the pounds are staying off! Moderation, excercise and no sodas to me, is the IDEAL diet!

Dennis

[azsnowman]

Oh....."Beer!" I love my beer but talk about CARBS! I see where Budwieser is making a Low Carb Michelob, I mean, why drink a low carb beer if your drinking beer at all, it's kinda like eating at Carls Jr. now, a BUNLESS Hamburger, what's the point?

Dennis

[HurricaneGirl]

Actually the Michelob Ultra light beer is good. It's light, refreshing and leaves no icky aftertaste!! I won't drink any other beer now. I absolutely love it and so do my size 3 jeans!!

[GalvestonDuck]

It's light, refreshing and leaves no icky aftertaste!! I won't drink any other beer now. I absolutely love it and so do my size 3 jeans!!

*snicker* You need to send that in to an ad agency!

[vbhoutex]

My wife and I do a moderate version of the South Beach diet. I've dropped 42 pounds on it and she has dropped ?? lbs(you know how women are! ). As much as I love my carbs, I do pretty well without them. One thing I have never done is actually count the carbs, but I do read labels when buying things to be sure the carbs aren't too high. There really are a lot of good alternatives to the pastas, etc. that we all love. Don't get me wrong here. It isn't easy even with the low carb diet and we are by no means angels, but I sure don't think they are bad for a person if one, as Dennis says, does everything in moderation. Unfortunately the exercise in moderation is not an option, at least not yet, for me or my wife(back). Hopefully, we can begin to use the treadmill we hang our clothes on soon again. And Dennis, is correct-EVERYTHING IN MODERATION will at a minimum help you maintain your weight or lose slowly(which is good).

[j]

I did South Beach and it sucked...plain and simple.

I'm resolved to being slightly over my ideal weight, and if I can ever find some time, I think I might try that thing called exercise.

[stormraiser]

Dennis, you are right about it not being healthy. I mean it works for a while, but excess protein is excreted by your kidneys and makes them work harder than they are able.

Also, there was a study recently on people on Atkins. Their levels of serotonin were off, and that caused some of them to act like royal @%$#@^#$es. It turns out that the carbs actually help elevate your mood.

Moderation is the way to go. Some people do need to watch the carbs and it will help, but I know a woman who did the Atkins thing with her brother in the 60's and 70's. He must have had a weakness in his kidneys, but they both ended up having kidney problems and more, that their doctors attributed to the excess protein.

[stormraiser]

Sorry, this was a double post, but I couldn't erase it, so I thought I would use the space for something else.

I saw a story last week on High Fructose Corn Syrup and how since it started being used in everything, scientists have noticed our waist lines expanding. They have think that the chemical structure of that substance turns to fat more readily than Glucose, so since it is in everything, we are getting fatter, because it isn't as readily used for energy by our bodies.

[coriolis]

Humans are omnivores. If we were supposed to be exclusive meat eaters, we'd have different teeth.

Carbs are supposed to be the main energy source. Of course if you cut that, you'll lose weight. I don't think that it can be sustained for long without adverse consequence.

If you're going to cut carbs, cut out sugar! Cut out excess fats next. Get a little excercise and you're set.

If I cut out everything between meals and get moderate exercise, my weight drops like a rock.

[Lindaloo]

I do not rely on the label saying it is low carb. I read it all. If it says low carb it could also be packed with grams of sugar. And watch out for fat grams and calories in this low carb craze.

[coriolis]

I think that sugar is supposed to count in total carbohydrates.

[Lindaloo]

I think that sugar is supposed to count in total carbohydrates.

Thanks Ed.

[janswizard]

I'm doing the South Beach diet and I don't think I've ever eaten as much food. I'm ashamed to say my previous diet consisted of lots of sugars and starches; I grew up on pastas, meat and potatoes and lots and lots of various desserts. (My mom is an excellent baker). Previously, if I had had a choice between a juicy steak and a chocolate cake, I would have chosen the cake - and made it my whole meal.

The South Beach Diet is teaching me how to eat sensibly. Tonight, for instance, we had brussels sprouts as one of our vegetables. I don't think I had ever had one before and found that it's something I actually like. I also ate cherry tomatoes; and I'm not a tomato person. In fact, since starting this new way of eating, I will eat the cherry tomatoes but still won't eat regular ones. My protein for dinner this evening was a lean sirloin burger - no toppings other than sauteed onions and mushrooms.

The South Beach has taught me that I can still have lots of food; I just need to be careful of what kind of food. I avoid all white flours and processed foods, no white rice (brown and wild rice is allowed) and no white potato (but sweet potato is okay). It's about trying to keep the total number of carbs down and trying to avoid foods that are high in fats. We are still allowed foods that contain fats - it's just the ones that contain transfat that we don't eat.

Maybe the diet isn't for everyone but it's working for me. I had a quick weight loss to begin with and now it's coming off much slower; I've recently added exercise to my life which will help tremendously. I've noticed that my skin is much clearer and brighter and I have a bounce to my step again. And I'm not experiencing the pain in my knees and other joints that kept me from enjoying an outing to a flea market or other activity when my legs hurt so bad.

I guess it's to each his/her own. I still plan on splurging Easter Sunday on my mother's homemade ravioli but I'll avoid the array of desserts. I'm content with a bosc pear or a sugar free popsicle/jello/fudgesicle when I feel the need for something sweet. And Monday I'll go back to my new eating habits because they are working for me. I have 2 more pounds to go and I'm halfway to my goal of 40 pounds overall.

[Stephanie]

I LOVE my carbs too, and I know that's part of my problem. As j said, if I took up a little thing called exercising I probably lose a few pounds. I have been more conscious of making sure that I eat more protein to help burn the carbs. Also, I've switched to wheat English muffins instead of the white bread. Anything that is made from white flour or processed sugars turn to fat quicker than being used by your system. It does depend on the type of carbs that you eat. Lindaloo is right, anything that says "low fat" or "low carbs" probably has sugar making up for the difference.

I think that Atkins and South Beach do help. I think that South Beach teaches you how to eat BETTER and the same with Weight Watchers. I personally think that Atkins is too dangerous. I think that it all comes down to what you are eating and how much.

[vbhoutex]

I'm doing the South Beach diet and I don't think I've ever eaten as much food. I'm ashamed to say my previous diet consisted of lots of sugars and starches; I grew up on pastas, meat and potatoes and lots and lots of various desserts. (My mom is an excellent baker). Previously, if I had had a choice between a juicy steak and a chocolate cake, I would have chosen the cake - and made it my whole meal.

The South Beach Diet is teaching me how to eat sensibly. Tonight, for instance, we had brussels sprouts as one of our vegetables. I don't think I had ever had one before and found that it's something I actually like. I also ate cherry tomatoes; and I'm not a tomato person. In fact, since starting this new way of eating, I will eat the cherry tomatoes but still won't eat regular ones. My protein for dinner this evening was a lean sirloin burger - no toppings other than sauteed onions and mushrooms.

The South Beach has taught me that I can still have lots of food; I just need to be careful of what kind of food. I avoid all white flours and processed foods, no white rice (brown and wild rice is allowed) and no white potato (but sweet potato is okay). It's about trying to keep the total number of carbs down and trying to avoid foods that are high in fats. We are still allowed foods that contain fats - it's just the ones that contain transfat that we don't eat.

Maybe the diet isn't for everyone but it's working for me. I had a quick weight loss to begin with and now it's coming off much slower; I've recently added exercise to my life which will help tremendously. I've noticed that my skin is much clearer and brighter and I have a bounce to my step again. And I'm not experiencing the pain in my knees and other joints that kept me from enjoying an outing to a flea market or other activity when my legs hurt so bad.

I guess it's to each his/her own. I still plan on splurging Easter Sunday on my mother's homemade ravioli but I'll avoid the array of desserts. I'm content with a bosc pear or a sugar free popsicle/jello/fudgesicle when I feel the need for something sweet. And Monday I'll go back to my new eating habits because they are working for me. I have 2 more pounds to go and I'm halfway to my goal of 40 pounds overall.

Well said!! That is how we eat. Cutting out the excess surgars is a large part of it. We have had the excess fat out of our diets for years as well as excess salt. I like you have learned I can eat VERY WELL, BE FULL, AND EAT HEALTHILY and I can do it on the South Beach diet. None of my dinners are strictly protien by any definition. SB encourages lots of veggies and salads also. I have learned to use spices, etc. to really perk up what used to be bland food and there just aren't too many veggies I won't eat now(EXCEPT BRUSSEL SPROUTS-EEEEEEWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!).

And of course exercise will help also!!!! To each his own on the diet front, but I would urge those who have tried other diets and have not tried the SB diet to give it a try for one month. I think you will be very pleased with the results. I recommend getting the book and reading it. JMHO!

[stormraiser]

I try to keep back on the sugars, except my tea, I need honey in my tea!!!!

I love carbs too, but I try to eat a balanced meal, with lot's of raw veggies and not too much fat.

If it weren't so cold, I would get out more for a walk. A week or so ago when it was warm, I would get up and walk a mile before work. But it snowed here yesterday, so I am huddled up in the house again

[azsnowman]

I'm doing the South Beach diet and I don't think I've ever eaten as much food. I'm ashamed to say my previous diet consisted of lots of sugars and starches; I grew up on pastas, meat and potatoes and lots and lots of various desserts. (My mom is an excellent baker). Previously, if I had had a choice between a juicy steak and a chocolate cake, I would have chosen the cake - and made it my whole meal.

The South Beach Diet is teaching me how to eat sensibly. Tonight, for instance, we had brussels sprouts as one of our vegetables. I don't think I had ever had one before and found that it's something I actually like. I also ate cherry tomatoes; and I'm not a tomato person. In fact, since starting this new way of eating, I will eat the cherry tomatoes but still won't eat regular ones. My protein for dinner this evening was a lean sirloin burger - no toppings other than sauteed onions and mushrooms.

The South Beach has taught me that I can still have lots of food; I just need to be careful of what kind of food. I avoid all white flours and processed foods, no white rice (brown and wild rice is allowed) and no white potato (but sweet potato is okay). It's about trying to keep the total number of carbs down and trying to avoid foods that are high in fats. We are still allowed foods that contain fats - it's just the ones that contain transfat that we don't eat.

Maybe the diet isn't for everyone but it's working for me. I had a quick weight loss to begin with and now it's coming off much slower; I've recently added exercise to my life which will help tremendously. I've noticed that my skin is much clearer and brighter and I have a bounce to my step again. And I'm not experiencing the pain in my knees and other joints that kept me from enjoying an outing to a flea market or other activity when my legs hurt so bad.

I guess it's to each his/her own. I still plan on splurging Easter Sunday on my mother's homemade ravioli but I'll avoid the array of desserts. I'm content with a bosc pear or a sugar free popsicle/jello/fudgesicle when I feel the need for something sweet. And Monday I'll go back to my new eating habits because they are working for me. I have 2 more pounds to go and I'm halfway to my goal of 40 pounds overall.

Well said!! That is how we eat. Cutting out the excess surgars is a large part of it. We have had the excess fat out of our diets for years as well as excess salt. I like you have learned I can eat VERY WELL, BE FULL, AND EAT HEALTHILY and I can do it on the South Beach diet. None of my dinners are strictly protien by any definition. SB encourages lots of veggies and salads also. I have learned to use spices, etc. to really perk up what used to be bland food and there just aren't too many veggies I won't eat now(EXCEPT BRUSSEL SPROUTS-EEEEEEWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!).

And of course exercise will help also!!!! To each his own on the diet front, but I would urge those who have tried other diets and have not tried the SB diet to give it a try for one month. I think you will be very pleased with the results. I recommend getting the book and reading it. JMHO!

Now....my grandfather on my dads side lived till he was 97 years old, ate salt, sugar, FAT by the BUSHEL full, cooked with LARD.....he didn't die from heart failure, cholest........old age got him, my father in fact, uses a TON of salt, sugar in everything he eats. The difference? They worked their ever loving butts off back in those days, they had a farm in East Texas, Trinidad Texas....... THAT'S the difference in then and now, we Americans have become SO blasted LAZY, sitting watching tv for HOURS on end etc. etc.

Funny, there was a piece on the news last night about the "Low Carb Craze!" They said and this is WHY these diets are working, "Any diet WILL work, no matter if it's the Atkins, SB, The Grapefruit diet.....it all boils down to EVERY diet makes you aware of what your shoveling in your mouth!"

Dennis

[Miss Mary]

I've been following this topic off and on since it started. I firmly believe in moderation also Dennis. I can't cut out carbs though, personally speaking, because I have to follow a low residue diet still (post colon surgery, from nearly 5 years ago).

But I have a personal testimony to make - prior to my surgery, I was a size 12 bordering on a 14. I had to watch very carefully what I ate, post-surgery phase. I eventually discovered that eating 4-6 small meals or snacks a day, greatly helped me. I also only ate for 12 hours, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Prior to cancer/surgery, my husband and I would enjoy a big snack with our evening TV shows. We stayed up late to watch the news each evening, and often didn't even begin this snack until at least 9 p.m. So going to sleep with all that food in my stomach was not good. After surgery, if I got hungry in the evening, after dinner, I would drink 10-12 ounces of water, tricking my stomach into thinking it was full. I did this again at 9. I went to sleep without food in my stomach, which didn't transport itself to my hips, as in the past. So long story short, I went down to a size 6! Yes, I did. I am now an 8 though, so I've enjoyed food a bit more since those days. But I will say that after I no longer ate solids after dinner, I slept much better. I woke up fully rested and energetic. I'm sorry to add that I've indulged in evening snacks again, just not every day. I know I need to get back to those 4-6 small meals and no food after dinner. I just felt so much better when I did all of that.

And finally, just a short 20-25 years ago, dinner sized plates were smaller than they are today. I began a Hope chest prior to my first marriage, around 1974. And I won a set of dishes, blue and white design, and I swear those dinner plates were almost the size of a salad plate today! Just look at the size dinner plates the Olive Garden uses - no wonder our waist lines in this country have expanded. People think they have to eat all that food!

Mary