Duel of the Diets: Low-Carb Wins vs Low-Fat
SHARED by alysiak on July 18, 2008 - 6:34pm
(CBS/AP) The Atkins diet may have proved itself after all: A low-carb diet and a Mediterranean-style regimen helped people lose more weight than a traditional low-fat diet in one of the longest and largest studies to compare the dueling weight-loss techniques.
A bigger surprise: The low-carb diet improved cholesterol more than the other two. Some critics had predicted the opposite.
Have you tried either the Atkins or Mediterranean Diet?
Have you tried any other low-carb or low-fat plan?
If yes to either question, how did you feel while on the plan? Did you regain any of the weight?
Comments
I've also never been "into" diets, as I feel many of them are too restrictive, inflexible and regimented...and that is not how most of us thrive in our eating habits, much less anything else in our life! The problem with diets is that they work...for a little while...then "real life" gets in the way of the strict eating schedule and weight is gained back. Weight is lost, gained, lost, gained...what is known as the "yo yo" effect, and we never actually LEARN how to eat for the long-term lifestyle: in a healthy, well-balanced, satisfying, flexible, nutritious, appropriately-portioned and enjoyable manner.
What is important to note about this article is the amount of weight lost, as I feel it is hyped up that "this diet is a success!" and it is implied that lots of weight was lost in a short period of time... when in fact the most successful diet in this study had a weight loss of TEN pounds over TWO years: "Average weight loss for those in the low-carb group was 10.3 pounds after two years. Those in the Mediterranean diet lost 10 pounds, and those on the low-fat regimen dropped 6.5."
I was on the Atkins plan for several months,I lost about 25lbs. However my Dr. was not in favour of the plan so I quit it. Sad to say I gained all my weight back. I did feel good when I was on diet.
seems to be a low(er) carb version. What I have noticed is any 'white' food bloats me. I used to hear about avoiding white foods (like white breads, rice, pasta, potatoes etc) and thought it all a bit of a fad but when I eliminated most white foods from my diet, not only did I feel better but I had no stomach bloating anymore.
I have also noted that 'brown' foods seem to have a lot more fiber which probably helps with the bloating issue too.
I have never subscribed to a particular diet (Atkins, South Beach, Mediterranean and such) but I feel better with more protein and fewer carbs.
If you have any questions on the health benefits of low carb diets, the Nutrition & Metabolism Society has a website with all the current science available. This science has been shunned by the NIH, AHA, ADA ect.... as it contradicts what they have been promoting for so many years now which has lead this country into an obesity & diabetes epidemic! ( www.nmsociety.org )
I am truly thankful for all the media reports on this study as it will bring attention to all the past studies that have already proven the benefits of low carb over & over again.
Thanks for running the story!
Lauri Cagas
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