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I lost alot of weight on Atkins several years ago (low carb), felt very good, had lots of energy, etc. But is not good to do over a long period of time. I think a more balanced diet (lifestyle) is South Beach or Mediterranean. Meat as a condiment, vegetables and whole grains. Don't lose weight as fast, but with exercise it works well for me.
I've been doing well eating the raw vegan way It's improved my digestion, resculpted my body, and helped me a great deal in all health areas. I eat whatever I want--it's all healthy I look great too
I try to eat low carb as much as I can because of diabetes, but I also have thyroid disease, so it is hard to tell when I have low energy what is causing it. I exercise all the time, and have all my life, sometimes it perks me up and sometimes I feel wasted after, but not usually. I finish a workout with a low carb, low sugar met-rx protein drink, and I usually feel better, of course my sugar became much lower during the course of the workout, so this greatly helps. I also use south beach low carb, low sugar cereal bars between meals, and they keep me going also. I eat a diet with a lot of vegetables broccolli included. and chicken, turkey, fruits, and I love vegetable lasagna. I eat pretty good, and do all right on low carb foods, but never eliminate all carbs from your diet, we all need some, just moderation. I find any food item that is low carb or for diabetics is way way overpriced though. You just can't win.
The low-carb fad really got under my skin in regards to the GROSS misinformation and propoganda that spread in the late 90's. It hit a boiling point when I listened on the radio to a caller proclaim that he stays away from bananas because of "all those carbs". I nearly drove off the road. Good grief- you need carbs and I sure don't know of any our cousin-primates (apes, monkeys, etc...) who ever packed on too many pounds from that "junk food", the banana.
Eat all the carbs you want, and the earlier in the day, particularly before exercising, the better. Here's the kicker: Unrefined vs refined carbs. Generally avoid the refined variety if you are that concerned about weight and aren't induced to high-metabolic activities- just more casual exercise under an hour. Otherwise, there are times refined carbs even are good for certain segments of the population when you need a huge sugar kick. Generally speaking, though not universal, the best way to identify unrefined carbs, is think whole grain and wheat. Pasta included, as whole grain, whole wheat pasta is very much en-vogue now at your local grocery. Think brown and not white. No reason you can't fill up as much as you like on those, though don't forget those fruits, greens, dairy products, and proteins!
I get perturbed also when I hear about people losing weight on Atkins and other low carb diets. I really wish people (mostly women) would get away from the mentality that what a number says on a scale is the overriding factor to determining a person's overall health and well-being. There is much more to being healthy than simply your appearance and how many pounds you weigh.
I believe in the heart smart diet! All things in moderation, and lots of veggies, grain and fruit. Keeps the energy level up, and the weight off. Now back to exercising to get off those pounds from cake, candy and ice cream.
Different things work for different people. Don't understand why but it seems to be true.
For me, low carb is the answer. The only thing that ever worked. I eat meat, eggs, and green vegetables. Usually cabbage, broccoli, and green beans. As soon as I add grains or fruit to my diet, I will stop losing or even gain. I also lose a lot of energy when I eat carbs. When I eat carbs, I want more carbs!
Since I no longer need to lose, I can add in an occasional piece of fruit or low carb bread. I use the low carb tortillas made from oat bran that are high fiber too. I need to feel like there is always something I can eat. Deprivation is not good for me.
Physiologically, this diet is good for me. Even though I eat a lot of meat, my cholesterol is very low and I have no health issues. I very seldom even get colds and where I live, that's a miracle. I do take vitamins every day and I run 20 to 30 miles a week. I love diet soda and that's my guilt free treat.
I do have an occasional eat as you please day. I also don't diet on vacation. But I pay the price when I get home. It requires daily thought and effort not to gain weight. But it's worth it.
Unknown stuntman, very well said, no need for me to repeat the same. Cassy1 says it well too.
My only "diet plan" is to avoid the obvious "junk food" as much as possible, like carbonated soda pop, candy, fried foods and high fat meat products (bacon, sausage, fast food burgers, etc). Those are calorie loaded and don't provide much good nutrition. I still can't see why some of the low carb diet plans tell people that it's OK to eat all kinds of fat filled meats. What about all the sodium and cholestrol? That would put my blood pressure through the ceiling.
Sure, I like to munch a few cookies, or an ice cream or milkshake, but that's just a few times a week. I get plenty of exercise bike riding or running almost every day, so a few extra calories burn off pretty quick.
Yellowsnow also makes a good point, different diet or healthy eating habits do vary by individual. I have read about "blood type diet" (which I don't completely agree with), but in general we all know that the metabolism varies a lot from one person to another.
Thanks again everyone who responded for the advice as i read everybodies posts. One more question......about carbohydrates. I've read some info that says Oats, 100% Whole Wheat, Wheat Germ etc.. lower cholesterol and have low glycemic index for great energy but others say you need fruit like Apples, Blueberries, Bananas etc..for their Antioxident Polyphenols to be healthier.
Any thoughts......
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It's improved my digestion, resculpted my body, and helped me a great deal in all health areas. I eat whatever I want--it's all healthy 
