The Atkins approach

[Guest]

It basically says that the Atkins diet is in an "evolving" state. Currently it resembles more like a plain old square meal and yeah, they encourage chicken, fish and broccoli.

[Bill Glasheen]

Good... At least the guy is paying attention to the literature.

There's a lot we know now that we didn't know even a few years ago. I'm glad the folks that take diet seriously are absorbing and using the new information.

- Bill

[Guest]

What diet is it now? It's evolved into a simple 3-squares-a-day diet. why even buy the book if theres nothing unique about it?

[Frank DiMeo]

Hi Susie--
I really appreciate your insights on these subjects. Last April I wanted to take off some weight. I did lower my carb intake for 4 weeks, kept eating fruits & vegetables, drank plenty of water, took good multivitamin/mineral supplements, and walked a couple of miles per day. I kept up most of my regular workouts, though I could tell my energy level had dropped slightly. During that time period I kept my food portions small; later, I increased them for about 2 weeks. I repeated that cycle again, then went on eating very similar to what you've suggested here.
The weight I lost has stayed off; my energy level is the best it's been in years! This seems to be a very good way to maintain a change of habit nutritionally. The concept of "dieting" had to be replaced with just that, a change of habit.
Thank you for the sensible outlook.
Respectfully,
Frank DiMeo
Sarasota, FL
Frank

Okay, here's the deal. To start with the simplest basic human nutrition needs: The human body requires 6 things: water, vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrate, and fat. All are essential to survival. Optimal health depends on having the correct amount of each.

We need some nutrients in greater quantities than others. For example, we require only micrograms of certain minerals (a microgram is one one-millionth of a gram), our protein, carbohydrate and fat requirements are expressed in grams, while our water needs are approximately 2.5 liters per day. So, to list requirements in quantity order: water (2.5 liters per day), carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals.

Carbohydrates provide the fuel our bodies need (just like gasoline provides the fuel our cars need). Your car also needs other things, such as oil, water, brake fluid, transmission fluid, etc., but it requires more gasoline than anything else. Same thing in the human body. We need more carbohydrate than any other nutrient, because we burn it up constantly.

We need AT LEAST 50%-65% of our incoming calories to be carbohydrate. In Sept. of last year the Institute of Medicine issued a report stating that the MINIMUM amount of carbohydrate need JUST TO FUEL THE BRAIN is 130 grams per day. That figure doesn't include fuel to power the skeletal muscles. So, it becomes obvious that low-carb diets, such as Atkins are ridiculously inadequate. Since the human requirement for carbohydrate is so great, your body is equipped to do what it has to do in order to survive when dietary carbohydrates aren’t available. It will cannibalize your muscles and other lean tissue in order to convert that protein into carbohydrate for the fuel that it so desperately needs. That process produces large amounts of metabolic by-products that must be detoxified by the liver and kidneys and eliminated from the body.

It is also important to be cognizant of fueling our bodies with high grade fuel. That means, not to decrease carbohydrates, but to make appropriate choices. Get rid of junky, low-nutrient, highly refined carbohydrates, and choose instead wholesome carbs ,including any whole grain (such as wheat, rice, rye, barley, etc.), fruits and vegetables and legumes. Choose abundant amounts of whole wheat bread, whole grain cereals, brown rice, and whole wheat pasta. Strictly limit refined carbohydrates (bagels, crackers, white pasta, Twinkies, cookies, white rice). By the same token, I also recommend that you avoid the junk proteins and fats as well (hot dogs, ground beef, bacon, hydrogenated fats, etc.), and choose wholesome lean meats, low-fat dairy products, vegetable oils, nuts & seeds.

So, after all that is said, we should be eating a diet that is balanced, including all food groups in appropriate amounts - not high-protein, high-carb, or high-fat - just balanced. The USDA Food Guide Pyramid illustrates that concept beautifully, and serves as a wonderful guide, as long as we choose wholesome foods in each recommended category.

Susie Harrison, RD, LD
Registered and Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist

[JimFaul]

I have been following the body for life program to try to loose some weight. In my opinion it is the most complete plan out there. The diet plan is sensible and very doable. It really teaches you how to eat more healthy combining the right amount of carbs and protein. It also accounts for the need to exercise to help maintain a healthy body. I am convinced diets cannot and will not ever work when comes to maintaining a life long healthy body.