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"The controversy that has always surrounded
Atkins continues to swirl around even
independent research conducted by reputable
institutions."
— Colette Heimowitz, M.S. |
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 Recently
the media reported extensively on two
new studies published in the May 22
issue of The New England Journal of
Medicine. Both studies compared the
results of individuals who followed a
low-fat diet with those who did Atkins
or an Atkins-type low carbohydrate
program.
The results of the studies add to the
growing body of evidence supporting the
low carbohydrate approach and are
consistent with the findings of other
recent trials comparing Atkins to
low-fat programs. In both of the new
studies, the low carbohydrate
participants lost more weight and showed
greater improvements in cardiovascular
risk factors than did the low-fat
participants.
Despite these positive findings, media
coverage was inconsistent. Let us give
you the full story, based solely on
facts, for each study.
The Veterans Administration Study
The research conducted by Frederick F.
Samaha, M.D., et al, is one of the first
studies that has looked at significantly
obese patients. The 132 subjects weighed
an average of 288 pounds—and many also
had diabetes or the metabolic syndrome
(a prediabetic condition), heart
disease, hypertension and high total
cholesterol. Half the volunteers were
placed on a low carbohydrate program,
the others on a conventional low-fat
program. After six months, the
individuals on the low carb arm of the
study had lost more weight and
demonstrated better results in certain
cardiovascular and diabetes markers than
did those on the low-fat arm.
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 You
know what the problem is: You're depressed,
anxious or fatigued—or all three. You know
what the solution is: food. You're right,
because there's abundant research connecting
mood and food. What you eat can have a major
impact on how you feel—and vice versa.
The High Carb Mood Trap
When you're feeling down—no matter
why—chances are your first instinct is to
reach for your favorite high carb comfort
food. That food may indeed lift your spirits
a bit, because eating carbohydrates can
increase your level of serotonin, a
neurotransmitter that plays a role in
depression. In the end, though, the carbs
are just a temporary fix that will probably
leave you worse off. Why? Because while the
pleasure of eating the food may cheer you
up, and you may get a slight serotonin
increase, those positive effects are far
outweighed by the ultimate negative effect
of the carbs. All those carbs may give you a
brief energy boost, but within a few hours
you're likely to experience a big energy
crash as your blood sugar takes a sharp
swing downward. How will you feel then?
Depressed, irritable, tired, unable to
concentrate—and the cycle starts all over
again. |
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This colorful Asian stir-fry is perfect for
a quick weeknight meal. For best results,
heat your skillet for 3 minutes before
adding ingredients. |
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This all-natural concentrate creates a rich,
sugar-free beverage that is one of the most
sought after drinks. It can be served hot or
cold—whatever your pleasure.
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"I used to be your typical longhaired rocker. I
stayed up until 4 a.m. and slept all afternoon.
I ate nothing but fast-food burgers, fries and
milkshakes, and it really showed. Fast food was
my only happiness, and I got sort of a thrill
just thinking about what I was going to eat
next—pizza, burgers, fries, whatever I could
pick up—or have delivered." |
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"In the middle of difficulty lies
opportunity."
—Albert Einstein |
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