Low Carb craze...

Why are we so stupid to not understand that excersize and healty eating habits are the best way to lose weight and keep it off? I understand that us Americans need to have everything asap, which includes losing weight. I also understand that the media doen't help the situation by advertiseing such programs as "Atkins" and other low carb diets. The real way(healthy) to lose weight is at a rate of abot 2lbs. per week. Granted some would experience a +\- on that, but that's adverage. What's the hype about no carbs? It is dangerous. In a nutshell, we need carbohydrates to fuel ourselves. Sugars are needed in everyday activity to burn and give us energy. That's not to say eat a whole cake in the morning. Examples of healthy sources are lettuce and broccoli. Examples of low-fiber, complex carbs are banana, tomato, squash and all cereals and grains (therefore bread and pasta), potatoes and rice.

Have any of you felt the need to meet this new diet craze and put "low carb" items on the menu?

By Beachbumcook (Beachbumcook) on Friday, June 18, 2004 - 09:14 pm: Edit

Just a quickie here at work-

We were originally carnivores.

Our systems were designed to digesting lots of proteins and fats.

Carbs were very hard to come by.

We were first hunters then became gathers then farmers, Learned how to make breads and beer and then we became couch potatoes. (It takes thousands of years for an animals metabolic system to change, but behavior in humans changes very quickly.

Carbs increase the out put of insulin so you crave more food (we were not desibned to consume so many of them). The easiest, cheapest and tastiest foods are high in sugars and simple carbs and fats, we become fat.

Gotta run late rush.

YMMV

BBC

By Cheftim (Cheftim) on Saturday, June 19, 2004 - 01:53 am: Edit

I'm not sure about originally but for the last 12 million years or so we've been omnivores. We were never "first hunters and them became gatherers". Hunter gatherer go hand in hand if anything it was first scavenger gatherer. We ate what was left after the real hunters ate and used a stick for digging tubers long before we turned it into a spear.
The only groups of people that have ever lived on an almost exclusive diet of animal flesh were those that lived in the extream Northern climes.

By Jonesg (Jonesg) on Saturday, June 19, 2004 - 03:40 am: Edit

If anyone can use those low carb diets and KEEP the weight off, thats all they need.
Research shows that most can't.

Research also shows high carb diets work just as effectively as low carb.
The common denominator missing in peoples lives then becomes some sort of lack of discipline.

For the obese types who cannot get what they need from these diets, they aren't stupid , they're extremely sick , somewhere along the same lines as drunks and compulsive gamblers and they need a different sort of help.

I don't cater to them ever , I also don't give fad diets a seconds thought.
If I had to use Atkin freindly menus to attract business, something else would be missing in my food and a fad is a poor substitute for quality and/or service. So I'll leave Atkins freindly menus to Burger King and the desperate.

By Chefmanny (Chefmanny) on Saturday, June 19, 2004 - 07:23 am: Edit

I'm sure we'll find out this diet like some others cause cancer or sometype of artery clogging! Eating in moderation seems to be part of the answer along with a little exercise, which we don't do as a people!
I don't know if you all have seen this or not but it's funny check it out......

http://www.scarysquirrel.org/special/movies/foamy/fatkins.html

By Rpd144000 (Rpd144000) on Saturday, June 19, 2004 - 03:10 pm: Edit

nice language

By Snuffaluff (Snuffaluff) on Sunday, June 20, 2004 - 08:16 am: Edit

geeze Manny, a warning would be nice next time. ;)

Wonder if that's a Dennis Leary thing? Sounds like him ranting.

Beachbum, I don't believe in evolution, so I can't agree with your post. Sorry

By Chefrev (Chefrev) on Sunday, June 20, 2004 - 06:07 pm: Edit

Hey all

My wife swears by the South Beach Diet which allows some carbs in moderation and lots of protein and veggies. She's had good results with that and moderate exercise.

In general,the reason we gain weight is we're too sedentary in our culture. Regardless of what the latest craze might be, most people simply don't watch their food intake or exercise enuf (myself included). No other way around it, exercise and a sensible diet are the keys to good health. Can't blame our forebears for that, let alone the THEORY of evolution. The fact is right NOW when it counts, in the U.S., we're a FAT nation. We could take some pointers from other countries.

My $.02

By Chefmanny (Chefmanny) on Sunday, June 20, 2004 - 07:22 pm: Edit

Sorry guys, I did forget to warn about the language!.........Doug, you don't believe in evolution???...in Texas???....and support Busch???
You're living on the edge out there no????

By Beachbumcook (Beachbumcook) on Monday, June 21, 2004 - 08:16 am: Edit

That's the last time I get my information from a bulemic waitress with tatoos of george bush on her arms...

Snuff- it takes pretty strong faith to not believe in something so obvious. Your call dude.

By Snuffaluff (Snuffaluff) on Monday, June 21, 2004 - 08:46 am: Edit

it's not obvious and that's a whole nother thread... want to debate it? Bc you have not proof of it, and you know there's none. Please o please post some proof of evolution... not adaptation, but evolution.(there IS a difference)

As for the diet thing...Rev, I'm glad your wife is doing well on the diet. She exercises and eats right. When she gets to the weight she wants to be at, she should start eating more carbs for more energy/fuel. I think the only good thing about the low carb diets is that they do teach people how to eat better. Once you've lost some weight, you can go back to eating "normally"; with the exception of junk foods ofcourse.
Heck, Atkin's himself died over weight and w/ heart problems...lol

By George (George) on Monday, June 21, 2004 - 08:59 am: Edit

If you folks want to discus things like evolution PLEASE take it to the Lockerroom before it gets going and out of hand.

If any regulars need the password contact me.

G

By Chefmanny (Chefmanny) on Monday, June 21, 2004 - 09:20 am: Edit

Evolution or the lack thereof thread started in locker room!

By Ladycake (Ladycake) on Monday, June 21, 2004 - 01:45 pm: Edit

My family is overweight, and have been for generations. My parents have been on every diet known since Metracal (remember that?) I determined that I would not do that (I fall off the wagon from time to time to lose 50 pounds or so). The only thing we have found that works is a combination of eating right and exercise (thank you Manny); the problem is - we are FAT people and no matter how hard or how long we try, we stay fat in the end.

I have come to the belief that some of us are supposed to be bigger than others. Those of us who are stocky are going to be stocky, no matter what. The Atkins diet sent my dad's cholesteral over 380! That can't be good. His doctor told him to stop it immedietely. They are just back to counting calories now, it always seems to be the best in the end.

Just my .02

By Chefmanny (Chefmanny) on Monday, June 21, 2004 - 02:12 pm: Edit

True, different bodies behave different, I'm big also, I have never been skinny nor will I be!
Some diets work for some people and some for others, there is a blood test of some sort that lets you know what type of foods you should and should not be consuming for your body chemistry. too much $$$$ though and insurance co's consider it cosmetic so they don't pay for it!
When you number is up though it doesn't really matter, you're gone, skinny or fat! Might as well enjoy it in the mean time. Now I'm trying to avoid the sugar a bit with the desserts but, I love bread (Italian-Spanish heritage), and starches!

By Chefrev (Chefrev) on Monday, June 21, 2004 - 07:03 pm: Edit

There's nothing new under the sun. (Eccles. 1:9)

Regardless of body type, chemistry, etc. the above good advice has always been with us for as long as people understood how diet and lifestyle affect health. Whether we follow that advice or not is up to the individual.

Tangent off the subject: Anyone seen that movie, "SuperSize ME?" about that guy who ate nothing but McDonald's for a month? His movie is not science, and another guy recently did the same thing, BUT he exercised at the same time, unlike the first guy. 2nd guy lost weight. He just doens't have an agent to publicize the fact. Besides, the Supersize Movie sells tickets--at least at Sundance.

By Snuffaluff (Snuffaluff) on Tuesday, June 22, 2004 - 09:34 am: Edit

I didn't see the movie, but I heard about it. He would only supersize if they asked him, and you know they ask all the time.
I think the exercise for the other guy would work... whynot, if you burn more calories than youre taking in, you'll lose weight. He's just not eating healthy.
Ladycake, I agree 100%. Some people are just big. My aunt is that way, she's tried everything under the sun to lose weight and has a little, but not nearly what she would like. I think she's finally come to the point to where she understands that that is how she is made.

By Andapanda (Andapanda) on Thursday, July 22, 2004 - 11:59 am: Edit

It seems to me that the only advantage to the(F)ATKINS diet is that restaurants could save much food and labor costs by not having to cook as many potatoes, french fries, or bread for the ignorant (F)ATKINS dieters who refrain from consuming carbohydrates when they eat their "steak and (no)potatoes," or hamburger sans buns and fries.
But seriously, carbohydrates do not make one obese. There is also a distinction between complex carbohydrates(beneficial and necessary) and simple carbohydrates(detrimental). A sedentary lifestyle and gluttony makes one obese. I have never seen an obese marathoner. As a matter of fact, they usually "load up" on carbohydrates the night before the race. Obese Americans need to practice portion control and exercise instead of wasting millions of dollars and endangering their well-being on fad diets, lipoplasty(liposuction), and gastric by-pass(stomach stapling) surgeries.
I have read numerous books about nutrition, and athletic performance, but I recommend the following books which refute the (F)ATKINS diet:
Get a Real Food Life: Janine Whiteson's Revolutionary 8-week Food Makeover, by Janine Whiteson, and
Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition, by Paul Pitchford.
If one were to buy only one book about nutrition, Mr. Pitchford's book is the most comprehensive book on the subject of nutrition.

By Snuffaluff (Snuffaluff) on Friday, July 23, 2004 - 09:31 am: Edit

I fully agree Andapanda... :D

By Cvincolorado (Cvincolorado) on Saturday, July 24, 2004 - 01:23 am: Edit

I must agree. I am sick and tired of people asking to hold the potatoes and the bread. We have a tavern in the hotel in which I am the chef at and serve bar food(burgers, nachos etc.) The other day a guy comes in and wants a cheeseburger with extra bacon and no bun. This to me is idiotic. It's not the bun thats getting you fat. Then to further the ridiculousness he asked for veggies instead of fries(which I agree is a healthy choice)but asked that we take out the carrots because of the carbs. People need to seriously rethink this whole Atkins thing!!!!

By Snuffaluff (Snuffaluff) on Sunday, July 25, 2004 - 11:12 am: Edit

If they can take the carbs out of food, can't they just single out the "bad" carbs and remove them, but leave the "good" carbs in? If you're gonna do it, do it right... sheesh... stupid scientist.
but seriously, if people would just wake up and smell reality for once, and know that it takes time to lose weight in a healthy manner. we'd be better off.

By Scott123 (Scott123) on Wednesday, July 28, 2004 - 05:02 am: Edit

The bottom line, Atkins works. Sure you can lose weight on a low fat diet, but what are the odds? Maybe you know somebody, somewhere that has lost weight on a low fat diet. 1 in 1000. I can show you 1000s of people who have lost weight on Atkins.

If you guys think this is a fad that will just fade away, you are dead wrong. A diet that allows you to eat rich, satisfying, healthy food and lose weight is going to be around for a very very long time.

You can grasp on to your baguettes for dear life, but the times, they are a changing. If you don't adapt, there will be chefs that will. Money out of your pockets and into theirs.

By Snuffaluff (Snuffaluff) on Wednesday, July 28, 2004 - 10:28 am: Edit

Scott, no offense, but the Atkins diet doesn't work. It's the excersize that works. The one thing that I'll give Atkins credit in is that is helps people to realize all the crap they eat on a daily basis, and to help them stop eating it. Atkin's himself died overweight and w/ heart problems... now that's a diet I'd like to get on.
Taking the carbs, or fuel out of food cannot be good.

By Scott123 (Scott123) on Friday, July 30, 2004 - 06:26 pm: Edit

Snuffaluff, no offense taken, but the diet does work. And the reason why is threefold. One, the low carber has a metabolic advantage, because the body is burning fat for fuel rather than carbs. Two, ketosis (the goal of low carbing) is a well known appetite suppressant. And three, because fat is allowed, the food is much more palatable than on a low fat diet. As a chef, I would think you'd understand the wonderful qualities fat provides food and the feeling of deprivation one experiences when it is omitted.

Excercise is an important part of any weight loss program, including Atkins.

The condition of Atkins when he passed away is not proof that the diet doesn't work. To focus on one person and ignore the hundreds of thousands of people who have successfully shed pounds is a little shortsighted. Just look around you. I'm sure you know at least one person who has lost weight while on Atkins (and kept it off). How many people do you know that have gained weight on Atkins? How many do you know that have heart problems due to it?

The science is all there. A low carb way of eating has been proven to:

Lower bad cholesterol
Raise good cholesterol
Lower triglycerides

If you have studies that show otherwise, I'd like to see them.

By Andapanda (Andapanda) on Friday, July 30, 2004 - 06:47 pm: Edit

Cvincolorado:
Next time that finicky diner patronizes your restaurant, politely suggust to him to forego ordering the hamburger, and all those other silly requests, but to order a chopped sirloin steak instead, and if he wants more lettuce, politely remind him that you have salads on your menu. If he wants ground beef and lettuce, perhaps he would be happier with a taco salad. Also remind him that carrots are not high in carbohydrates but are actually high in beta-carotene which is beneficial to the eyes, so he can read your salad section of the menu.
I wonder how Aussies deal with the Atkins' diet? The first Aussie says to the 2nd Aussie, "Hey mate, fancy a Vegemite sandwich?(and hands him a jar of Vegemite and a spoon.) " 2nd Aussie: "I'd like a Vegemite sandwich, but what is this? Where is the bloody bread?" 1st Aussie: "Oh, I forgot to tell you, I'm on this diet from the States--some Yank named Atkins." 2nd Aussie: "So? Where's the blooming bread?" 1st Aussie: "Oh, you're not supposed to eat the bread." Alright, that's an absurd scenario, but then again, so are all fad diets. Did anyone ever notice that the first 3 letters in the word diet is d-i-e?

Here are some websites which suggest that man is an herbivore, not a carnivore, nor omnivore:
http://www.vegsource.com/veg_faq/comparative.htm
http://pages.ivillage.com/ironjustice/manisaherbivore/
http://www.second-opinions.co.uk/carn_herb_comparison.html
http://groups.msn.com/CreationvsEvolution/general.msnw?action=get_message&mview=0&ID_Message=39666&LastModified=4675412639242216349
I had been a vegetarian many years ago, but no longer. I am not espousing vegetarianism, but only refuting the misbelief that man is an omnivore or carnivore. If one is going to try a fad diet, then try the ice cream diet! You might rot your teeth and get sick, but at least your taste buds will be happy! Bon Appetit!

By Andapanda (Andapanda) on Saturday, July 31, 2004 - 11:15 am: Edit

Cvincolorado:
I sympathize with your predicament. Cheer up chef! It could be worse. Imagine your restaurant being a pizzeria, that finicky Atkins dieter strolls through your dooway and cavalierly orders, "one extra-large Supreme or Deluxe pizza, and garlic-butter bread sticks, except hold the bread and vegetables--too many carbs."
If it were me, I'd give him my best Curly Howard impersonation and say, "Why soytonly!" In the kitchen in my best Rodney Dangerfield impersonation, I'd mumble, "No respect I tell ya! If he wants me to hold the bread, I'll hold the bread alright--to whack some sense into him! No respect, I tell ya!"
I'd fix a saucepan with tomato sauce, pepperoni, sausage, anchovies, cheese, garlic, and butter, heat it up and serve it to him in a bowl with some fondue sticks. Hey, is that an Atkins' pizza?--A pizza without a crust? I can just imagine Pizza Hut, Little Caesar's, and Domino's Pizza junking their pizza ovens in order to appease the Atkins dieters.

By Andapanda (Andapanda) on Saturday, July 31, 2004 - 12:01 pm: Edit

On a serious note, I have been making light of the ridiculousness of the Atkins' Diet because I am astounded at the ignorance and stupidity of Americans to follow after every fad diet which comes along without doing due diligence(a real estate term meaning to investigate a property before buying it). One Atkins dieter who nearly died is suing the Atkins' Diet promoters:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2004-05-27-atkins-diet_x.htm
The food service industry is rife with obesity, alcoholism, and drug abuse(prescription meds and illegal). My following posts will address those issues and hopefully, some cooks(including myself) will actually be educated, enlightened, and motivated to change their diets and exercise.
There are 3 body types:
http://www.weightlossforall.com/body-types-weight-loss.htm
Regardless of body type, everyone can benefit by exercising. If one cannot run, then walk, and strength-train with free weights or a Total Gym.
The infomercial Total Gym is imported, whereas the EFI Total Gym is made in the U.S.A. and better quality:
http://www.totalgym.com/
Inquire about their refurbished models. The Bowflex and CrossBow home gyms use carbon-fiber rod springs to create resistance, and come unassembled(have fun!). The Total Gym(comes assembled) and free-weights use gravity as resistance and provide full range of motion.
I had read in an NECI catalog many years ago that they had encouraged their students to keep a journal of their physical activity as part of their experience at NECI. I do not know if they currently encourage their students to exercise, but I had considered that to be quite commendable.

By Andapanda (Andapanda) on Saturday, July 31, 2004 - 12:39 pm: Edit

This citation is from the book, Get a Real Food Life, by Janine Whiteson:
"Carbohydrates"
"Carbohydrates should be an essential part of everyone's diet. Despite what gimmicky 'no-carb' diets proselytize, for the human body to function optimally, more than half of the foods you eat each day should be carbohydrates.
"Carbohydrates are the major fuel source for human beings; they provide energy and help the body function properly. Carbohydrates are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen and are found almost exclusively in plant foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. They're even found in sugar cane. Milk and milk products are the only foods that come from animals that contain significant amounts of carbohydrates.
"There are two main types of carbohydrates: simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates are sugars; complex carbohydrates are also referred to as starches and are found in breads, grains, potatoes, peas, corn, rice, beans, pasta, and cereals.
"All carbohydrates are the primary source of blood glucose, also known as blood sugar, which is either used as energy immediately or stored in the liver or muscles for future use. Stored glucose is called glycogen. When the body needs more energy, glycogen is taken out of storage and converted back to glucose. It is a major source of fuel for the body's cells and is the preferred source of fuel for the brain and red blood cells.
"Carbo-Phobia?"
"The increasing popularity of high-protein/low-carbohydrate diets has given carbohydrates a bad reputation. People who have lost weight on these fad diets are afraid to eat any variety of carbohydrates because they fear they will 'get fat' from them.
"High-protein/low-car diets are usually extremely high in saturated fat, since the basis of this type of diet is meat and dairy. These high-protein diets overwork the liver and kidneys, dehydrate the body, leach calcium from the bones, and may compromise the immune system.
"These diets do often cause you to lose weight because calories are significantly reduced in the long-term. The weight loss isn't particularly healthy, though, nor is it usually permanent. The glycogen stores of people on these diets diminish as their bodies try to manintain the blood glucose levels needed for proper body functioning. During the process, a lot of water is lost through urine as the glycogen storage tanks become depleted. This process happens fast, and dieters love what they see on the scale. However, since the weight loss is mostly water weight, especially in the beginning of the diet, it is always reagined when the dieter begins to eat carbohydrates again.
"Another reason people lose weight on these diets is because they're required to eat the same high-protein(and generally high-fat) foods all the time, so they literally become uninterested in eating. As a result, they will consume less than usual. Also, the body is more satiated with high-fat foods, but a high-fat diet can lead to high cholsterol and blood pressure levels. I am against any type of diet that requires people to forgo an entire category of food and that has the serious health implications of high-protein/low-carb diets.(pp.67-9.)"

By Andapanda (Andapanda) on Saturday, July 31, 2004 - 01:24 pm: Edit

This citation is from the book, Healing with Whole Foods:..., by Paul Pitchford:
"The Low[-]Carbohydrate, High-Protein, Limitless-Fat Diets"
"A change in perception in the public mind involves the recently maligned carbohydrate, particularly in the form of grains. Carbohydrates from grains and sugars have been blamed for the extensive overweight and obesity epidemic in the United States, which affects more than 60% of the adult population, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Carbohydrates have also have been held accountable for other ills, including diabetes and blood sugar imbalances in general.
"Reacting to this connection between grain- and sugar-carbohydrate consumption and poor health, a minor segment of the population has moved away from protein-, fat-, and carbohydrate-rich diets to ones with large amounts of protein and fat, particularly in the form of animal meats and dairy foods. A number of high-protein diets based on animal products, with their mininscule carbohydrate in the form [of] non-starchy vegetables, have come and gone in the past 35 years. And in many cases people have lost weight.
"However, thinking back to the early 1970s, I cannot recall anyone who started one of the popular low[-]carbohydrate, protein-rich diets who continued with it for more than a few months, although undoubtedly some adherents stayed with it much longer. It is, nonetheless, difficult to maintain a diet that contains only half the carbohydrate required for healthy functioning of the body. Carbohydrate deficiency resulting in ketosis is routinely experienced by those on the high-protein, low-carbohydrate regimens. When this happens, the body tends to burn more stored fat than carbohydrate for energy needs, which results in weight loss--as intended by the diets. Signs of ketosis may include nausea, fatigue, bad breath, constipation, muscle cramps, and headache.
"Weight control is a life issue that requires sustainability rather than temporary improvement, followed by disappointment. According to researchers at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, for the majority of obese persons, reaching their ideal body weight is an unattainable goal; in fact, few people are able to maintain even modest weight losses over the long term. This information affirms the perception that most 'diets' are not a long-term solution to weight-loss or any of the other health benefits they promise. The diet-failure syndrome that may repeat itself a number of times can result from unbalanced eating plans that feature poor-quality foods. The dieter may wisely intuit the imbalance and stop such a plan. Another cause of failure: the plan may not support the current state of one's health or unique body type and constitution. A final cause is little or no dietary transition time to allow one to adapt lifestyle, emotions, and mentality to the new diet.
"The low-carbohydrate, high-protein eating plan are marked with one well-known side effect; over 30 years of research studies all concur that high-protein consumption greatly puts one at risk for bone loss and kidney failure.
[cont.]

By Andapanda (Andapanda) on Saturday, July 31, 2004 - 01:50 pm: Edit

[cont.]
"Let's understand why such diets, which make nutrient imbalance a therapeutic feature, can be attractive.
"It's well-known that refined carbohydrates, either from refined-grain products, including white-flour baked goods, or from concentrated sweeteners such as refined sugar, make blood sugar levels soar. When blood sugar is elevated over time, the pancreas becomes stressed and may fail to produce sufficient insulin to control the sugar. Additionally, if obesity is a factor, the cells of the body tend to become less responsive to insulin. Consequently, fat is burned(oxidized) more slowly and a portion of the sugar excess converts into fat, to be stored in the body. Thus diabetes, a condition of chronic high blood sugar, regularly occurs in conjunction with obesity and overweight conditions. (Note that there are other patterns of development for diabetes.)
"Obesity as a result of high blood sugar predisposes one to several illnesses; among them are infections, heart disease, and shortened life span. If we consider how most overweight and obese individuals arrive at their condition, we realize that they have eaten a standard American diet (SAD) that included a great deal of fat, protein, and refined carbohydrates. They also have been alerted by their doctors and the media to the health risks accompanying their overweith conditions and therefore are looking for a cure.
"It is a physiologic fact that blood sugar can be controlled by dietary protein. And dietary fat does not directly increase blood sugar, although ingesting excesses of fatty foods, especially foods rich in saturated fat, tends to be a major long-term contributor to diabetes. Nevertheless, the related conditions of obesity and high blood sugar can be at least temporarily counteracted by removing just the refined carbohydrates from the SAD. And for most people with the SAD background, simply to continue eating the regular fare of fatty, high[-] protein animal foods--minus the carbohydrates--is far easier than a complete dietary makeover.
(cont.)

By Andapanda (Andapanda) on Saturday, July 31, 2004 - 02:20 pm: Edit

(cont.)
"Quick 'n[sic] Easy Fixes"
"For Americans with rich dietary backgrounds, a low-carbohydrate, high-protein/fat diet is not only easy to start but provides fairly quick results as well. Most begin shedding pounds within days or at least weeks.
"The phrase 'quick and easy' applies here as it does with so many of the health fixes we have in wealthy countries: For instance, millions take antacids daily for acid indigestion; when a little tired or weak, coffee, especially with sugar, is used as an energy stimulant; stress can be somewhat ameliorated with an alcoholic drink; people smoke a cigarette for momentary sedation; and for overweight conditions, the quickest fix is liposuction; ephedrine, a potentially dangerous drug originally obtained from the ephedra plant, starts to work immediately; and a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet is quick too, though it becomes less easy with time as one will eventually, and uncontrollably, crave carbohydrates to balance massive protein intake.
"The final point explains how the SAD diet in this country began. By loading up on the protein, we fell victim to the physiologic equation: large amounts of protein in the diet require large amounts of dietary carbohydrate. (Protein and carbohydrate must be balanced for health to manifest.) And when protein is grossly overstated in the diet, one will crave concentrated carbohydrates in the form of refined sugar, sweets, pastries, polished rice, and the white-flour breads and pastas. Alcohol also enters into the equation, as it is essentially liquid sugar.
"One of my students who worked in food service on a cruiseship noted that those on high[-] protein diets would avoid the biscuits, potatoes, and rice but 'drink like fishes,' meaning they took in great quantities of alcoholic beverages. Eventually most people will give in to their true needs. By eating too much protein one ends up in a pathologic state. To find temporary balance, unfortunately most succumb to another pathologic extreme by over-indulging in refined carbohydrates and/or alcohol for balance. (Many alcoholics have told me they never crave sweets. They don't need sweets--they simply drink their sugar.) Another step in this scenario is drugs, both prescription and illegal drugs, and is discussed in the Meat, Sugar, and Drug Syndrome, page 189.
"The solution to the excess-protein dilemma is quite simple: Eating moderate amounts of protein balanced by carbohydrates, such as those from whole grains, legumes, starchy veegetables, and fruits. The high-protein promoters, now realizing the need for more carbohydrate, are suggesting that dieters slightly increase complex, unrefined carbohydrates after an initial minimal-carbohydrate phase of the diet.
"Lacking nutritional soundness and long-term viability, even when complemented with additional carbohydrates, the high-protein diets are popular because they tend to be quick and easy remedies.
"Each remedy, nonetheless, comes with a price that must be paid for its expediency and convenience. And that price is all too often serious health challenges. In the case of any high-protein diet, the health risks include the aforementioned degenerations--osteoporosis and kidney failure; in addition, heart disease and cancer become more likely with eating too much protein and saturated fat from animal products. (pp. 26-9.)"

By Andapanda (Andapanda) on Saturday, July 31, 2004 - 02:29 pm: Edit

In closing, one medical study had concluded that the Mediterranean diet is probably the healthiest diet to follow. This is the position of the American Heart Association:
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4644
I was only joking about the Ice Cream Diet!
http://www.chasefreedom.com/icecreamdiet.html
http://www.wpxi.com/health/2347671/detail.html
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/GMA/GoodMorningAmerica/GMA020724Ice_cream_diet.html
My ancestors might have invented flavored ices, and the Italians developed gelato, but I still enjoy Italian gelato!

By Snuffaluff (Snuffaluff) on Sunday, August 01, 2004 - 12:21 pm: Edit

damn I didn't read even 1/2 that...lol sorry!!

Scott, since the diet is based off of the man himself, you can direct the fact that he died in that manner towards his diet. You can lose weight by snorting cocaine too, but it will kill ya in the long run. I know plenty of people that have lost weight that way... sadly. Maybe that's a bad comparison, but still the same in my book. Atkin's is bad brudda... That's all i have to say about it other than the support I've given it already.

By Steve9389 (Steve9389) on Sunday, August 01, 2004 - 12:36 pm: Edit

As a medical writer (which I am no longer, as of about a month and a half ago), I wrote articles about several clinical studies of low-carb diets. The research is pretty clear that these diets are better in the short term than others in terms of weight loss, about the same in the long term, and they actually provide surprising benefits in several areas of cardiovascular health for MOST people. I'd be happy to post some links to the studies if anybody's like to read them.

One caveat: This is only if the diets are done CORRECTLY. Neither Atkins nor South Beach advocates a diet of steak and cheese. Both also call for a reasonable amount of whole grains, which carry carbs but also lots of fiber, which negates the effect of carbs in weight gain. They also call for moderation in portions and exercise, which is a huge key to any effective diet (or lifestyle).

Just like how the Snackwells of the world bastardized the low fat craze to the point where it became a joke, the likes of low-carb marshmallows (I'm not kidding) and low-carb Coke and Pepsi are threatening to do the same thing here. Read the books, follow the diets, resist the rationalizations, and they do work.

- Steve

By Chefgibz0 (Chefgibz0) on Sunday, August 01, 2004 - 09:32 pm: Edit

I hate to say it steve but in the time line of things atkins did come out with his diet as a strict no carb, not low carb as they now call it. Where as a low carb diet puts one into ketosis which is bad for lean body mass and vital organs, and a high carb diet rich in complex carbs just gets packed away as reserve energy...(FAT). And as far as the south beach diet and the "revised" atkins diet Mr. Barry Sears of "the ZONE" diet came way before these bandwagon hoppers. a proper balnce of protien, carbs and fats, 30-40-30 respectively maintains a proper hormonal balance to keep one heathy and fit. Not to say that it is diet alone, of course exercise plays a vital role in the heath of one self. the Zone calls for everything in moderation with a focus on eating whole foods and not highly proccesed foods. The closer to the way "god" made them the better. And besides Fugged about all this low carb high carb crap! Eat what you like. Besides the romans and greeks revered a ample bossom!!!!!!!

By Snuffaluff (Snuffaluff) on Monday, August 02, 2004 - 10:03 am: Edit

the key thing is excersize... none of that and you get fat, I don't care what ya eat! lol Ok, maybe not, but it still isn't good to get no excersize other than the walkin' around the kitchen or office or whatever. People gotta burn the calories and carbs off that they consume or they get fat... plain and simple. People today just want to lose weight. They don't want to work at it. They feel that they can take a pill or eat "special" foods(low carb/cal/fat) and that's good enough. Never reading the "fine print" that says excersize is needed. They go by the commercials they see which offer people losing 10+ lbs a week(which isn't healthy either) and dropping 40 pants sizes in a month. They never research ways to lose weight on a healty diet/excersize. makes me sick the laziness of poeple, both mentally and physically.

By Andapanda (Andapanda) on Monday, August 02, 2004 - 08:51 pm: Edit

Hungry anyone? The dangers of fried foods:
http://www.fitamerica.com/famd/articles/knowwhatyouareeatingBOCA.asp
http://www.fitamerica.com/famd/articles/10topfoods.asp
http://www.emcmarketing.com/afb/winter/potatoes.pdf
The dangers of canola oil:
http://www.breathing.com/articles/canola-oil.htm
http://www.karinya.com/canola.htm
http://www.aspartame.ca/page_oho3.htm
http://www.healthcoalition.ca/bse.html
http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/madcow/
http://www.britannia.com/news/madcow.html
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OA/topics/bse.htm
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2001822407_madcow24.html
http://www.bhawkindustries.com/blank?pageid=41&catstart=0&prodstart=0
http://www.besthealth.com.au/canoladangers.htm
http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/canola.htm
http://www.mercola.com/2000/jan/16/dangers_canola_oil.htm
http://www.mercola.com/2000/jan/23/canola_oil_update.htm
http://www.warrenking.com/DitCanP.html
http://www.westonaprice.org/know_your_fats/conola.html
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art15728.asp
http://www.bereanpublishers.com/Health_Tips_and_Articles/canola_oil_under_review.htm
http://www.hsibaltimore.com/ea2002/ea_020820.shtml
http://www.holistic-physician.com/articles/canola.htm
http://www.aboutbreathing.com/articles/canola-oil.htm
Interesting links about culinary history:
http://www.gti.net/mocolib1/kid/food1.html
http://www.gti.net/mocolib1/kid/food.html
http://www.castellobanfi.com/features/story_3.html
If the definition of the word "ristorante" means: refreshingly, refreshing,
http://www.freedict.com/onldict/onldict.php
How then can we as professional cooks be serving foods that are detrimental to one's health? It behooves all of us professional cooks to learn about the sound fundamentals of nutrition and not chase after every silly fad that comes along. Did anyone ever notice that most of the fad diets are created by M.D.s? M.D.s receive little or no training in nutrition. Then why is it that the ignorant American public is so gullible to believe them? If they knew what they were doing, then, why do they have to "practice?" Doctors do not make mistakes, they just bury them! I apologize if any medical professionals take this message as an affront. I was previously trained in EMS. I come from a family of medical professionals. My mother is a microbiologist, my aunt is a registered dietician(R.D.), my father originally was going to train to become a dentist, but later studied architecture instead, and the rest of my relatives are physicians. I respect the medical profession. Allopathic medicine is fine if one is injured in an automobile collision. I would want an orthopedic surgeon to fix my bone fractures, and have the M.D. check me for internal hemorraging, concussion, etc., but I would not want an herbalist to grind some deer antler, rhino horn, or sea horse, for me. However, allopathic doctors do not know much about nutrition, unless they were willing to learn homeopathic, or wholistic(vis-a-vis holistic, holistic medicine deals with the spiritual realm, whereas wholistic medicine deals with causal effects of the physical realm) medicine.

By Andapanda (Andapanda) on Monday, August 02, 2004 - 08:53 pm: Edit

White Castle had hired an M.D. to publicly eat their hamburgers to convince the American public that it was safe to consume hamburgers. How safe is it to eat beef?
http://www.howstuffworks.com/mad-cow-disease.htm
http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/bse.html
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/bse/en/http://www.bseinquiry.gov.uk/
http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/Facts_about_dementia/What_is_dementia/info_CJD.htm
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/madcow/
http://www.newscientist.com/hottopics/bse/http://www.bseinfo.org/
http://www.mad-cow.org/http://www.purefood.org/madcow.htm
http://www.cyber-dyne.com/~tom/mad_cow_disease.html
http://www.theatlantic.com/issues/98sep/madcow.htm
http://www.earthsave.org/news/madcow.htm
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/health/mad_cow.html
http://www.drday.com/madcow.htm
http://www.mercola.com/2000/dec/17/bovine_spongiform_disease.htm
http://home.earthlink.net/~electrikmonk/Neuro/artMadCow.htm
http://www.organicconsumers.org/meat/newsweekmadcows.cfm
http://www.stayinginshape.com/4trover/libv/p27.shtml
http://home.earthlink.net/~astrology/udder.htm
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/issues/bse/bse.html
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/cjd/cjd.htm
My point here is not to discuss acrylimides, nor BSE, but rather to point out to no- and low-carb dieters that if they insist on consuming a high-protein diet, then it is their own health that they are endangering. Personally, I could not care less if they choose to abuse themselves, nor do I have any vested interests in the vegetarian movement, since I am no longer one. I am merely trying to provoke cooks to think about what we as a trade are doing. Is it any wonder that we Americans are plagued with such diseases such as diabetes type II, heart disease, or cancer, etc.?
Perhaps I should start another thread about the risks of cooking food with microwave ovens, magnetic induction burners, fluoridated water, etc.?
Bon Appetit!

By Point83702 (Point83702) on Monday, August 02, 2004 - 08:54 pm: Edit

Damn-you must really have a lot of free time!

By Ladycake (Ladycake) on Tuesday, August 03, 2004 - 03:40 pm: Edit

After all of that (and it was a LOT) all I know is that obese people are obese because we eat too much of the wrong things. Atkins faded from use after the craze (and I do mean craze) in the 50's or 60's and it will fade again.

It is popular because people who have dieted for years believe that they can eat what they want and still lose weight. That is not true. If you eat too much meat, fruit, and vegetables you will still be fat. If you follow a balanced meal plan, overeat and do not exercise, you will still be fat. If you follow whatever fad diet you choose ... yes, you may lose for a while, but it will come back! The key, as always is to control your food, fiber, vitamin, etc. intake in relation to your activity level. That has always worked and always will (barring medical problems). It is the only long term solution to obesity. ANY miracle cure is a lie. Why do you think Americans spend millions (maybe billions) a year on diet plans?

By Snuffaluff (Snuffaluff) on Wednesday, August 04, 2004 - 10:09 am: Edit

AMEN ladycake!!!

By Andapanda (Andapanda) on Wednesday, August 04, 2004 - 11:24 am: Edit

Ladycake:
THANK YOU! ;-D

By Fritz (Fritz) on Sunday, August 15, 2004 - 03:49 pm: Edit

Bring on the bread!!!

I have had a few guests here @ my place who used Atkins to remove initial weight, & gone back to including carbs in a sensible manner (as we should include all things), & been happy w/ their results. Not 1 of them has chosen Atkins as a "life plan", but they do credit it w/ shedding the initial pounds, which gave them the motivation to reassess their former lifestyle of sedentary behavior combined w/ poor eating choices. This also is reflected in their behavior here @ the inn - they are "treating" themselves, because they are "on vacation", so I rarely have to worry about accomodating a strict dietary system.... "Low fat/no fat - we don't do none o' that!" is my motto.
Since I am a small place, I can customize for my peeps, but I have a relatively set menu, including breakfasts & arrival appetizer type things (usually bread(!) & cheese, served w/ either fresh tomatoes/basil, or fruit, & wine)... I have not had a single problem, in 5 years (I know... Never say 'never'). & I also am not able to keep an extensive selection of alternatives on hand - I'd lose more inventory than I would use, unfortunately, because we are so small... So, while I am flexible, I am not made of Jell-o, & my folks get the picture that, while I'll do my best, I'm still The Queen of the castle, & I've had (so far) only raves, when I 'play w/ their food'. I also make a point of asking, when they book reservations, if they have any allergies/special diets, so I can go beyond usual efforts.

Also, as a side-note: My Frog (the French guy I've made my life w/) cannot survive w/out bread - baguette, whole grain, or otherwise... He stayed in this country for Sam Adams beer (before they sold out w/ 'Light'). He's a lean, mean muscle machine - but he is also a physically active wood/cabinet maker. His mother - all of 4'11, about 80 lbs., & a retired doctor, plows through an entire loaf of bread per day, when she visits. She's 76, & is very busy & active. If you ask her to, she'll spend 10 hours plucking weeds out of your herb garden w/ tweezers. If you don't, she'll do it anyway.
I think it really boils down to balance, & also to metabolic status, which can fluctuate based on our level of activity, as well as mental state. I've been bummed about business here, & sit in front of my puter too much, now - I've gained some weight, as a result. I don't eat any more than I did before now - but the weight makes me sluggish, more bummed out, & it becomes a cycle. A vicious 1, no less.
Ouch, Fritz.. Long rant.
Sherry

By Chefmanny (Chefmanny) on Monday, August 16, 2004 - 01:46 pm: Edit

Bread Rules!!!!

By Snuffaluff (Snuffaluff) on Tuesday, August 17, 2004 - 09:42 am: Edit

Sam Adams.... I hate that stuff... I think it tastes like... well, I won't go there, but I don't see how it has won so many medals and stuff. There is much much better tasting beer around.

Yes, Bread rocks! How can you not have bread w/ every meal? lol Heck, even dessert!!!