katielady84's Journal, 26 February 2008

Current science is re-defining what is healthy and what is not. The current USDA guidelines are out of date and were based on biased studies that were inconclusive at best. Science is catching up to the fact that low carb diets are best for most people. Sugar and processed flours are poisons to our bodies. There is nothing wrong with focusing on whole grains and low-glycemic fruit, which both SBD and Atkins allow. Both diets also focus on healthy carbs like lots of veggies. Atkins requires at least 3 cups per day and SBD suggests up to 5.5 cups of vegetables per day. You might want to read up before you discount these very successful plans.  

the Atkins Police strikes again.. 

Actually, if you are getting your carbs from veggies or fruit, you are not following a balanced diet at all. The idea of getting them from whole grains is not based on the Atkins or South Beach diet. It is based on a balanced diet that any nutritionist or dietician will recommend. Again- let me state that following a diet like Atkins or SB- you are setting your self up for failure. The only way to lose weight and maintain the weight loss for the REST OF YOUR LIFE (which is an important part) is to follow a balanced diet of which whole grains is the staple. Whole grains are, you see, the best source of energy for a body. They also contain a perfect and vital combination of vitamins and minerals that your body systems need in order to function properly. I do agree with you on one point, we do need to eat lots of veggies and fruit, but to count on them for your main source of carbs is wrong and not healthy. That having been said- there are people who have loss tremendous amounts of weight on these diets, but check up on the percentages of those people who have kept the weight off for any prolonged period of time. Not many, my friend. 

I have to agree with Sararay and you katielady84. Yes you do need to have a balanced diet and exercise. But there really isn't anything wrong with any specific diet whether it is Weight Watchers, Atkins, etc. People lose weight and keep it off with those just like any other plan. The ones that put it back on are the people who don't maintain their diet and exercise activities. In my opinion--do what works for you and keep it up. To each their own and no need to put down something that is working for others--all it does is discourage. We are a support team for weight loss and to get healthy...we should keep it that way. 

Sometimes tough love is needed, however. And I agree, if something works for you and you like it...stay with it! But there is no substitute for the facts, and like I said I learned about truly balanced diets in some nutrition classes I took. There are certain amounts and combinations your body NEEDS in order to run at optimum performance. Yes- it is true you can live a normal and happy life without these perfect amounts, but when you have the correct knowledge- why waste it? No one is being put down here, and if anyone would like me to share some of the key points and helpful hints I have learned along the way, please feel free to ask! Best wishes! 

And that is good and all...but take it from me...you aren't the only one who has taken college nutrition classes. So have I. And in all honesty, there is really NOTHING wrong with these diets that people are going on. But like I said to each their own. Do what is best for you and others will do what is best for them. And in the end, it is up to the individuals to maintain the weight that they are happy with...when they cheat and forget to work out is when they gain the weight back...it isn't the type of diet they go off of. It is called portion control and exercise.  

I believe you completely missed the main point I was making. Portion control means nothing unless you are eating the RIGHT kinds of foods. We are done with this chat- good luck! 

Why are people starting fights in others' personal journals in the first place?? OI. 

Really Lotus! Why are they? I'm not here to bicker with anyone!