On Sun, 8 Aug 2004 at 19:48:14, Sarandipidy
wrote:

i personally think one should balance everything in a diet-- cutting out carbs
as a whole is a bad idea, and even limiting them to a very low level is
probably not the best idea for the body. it is a good idea, however, to cut out
certain carbs completely that are made with enriched flour, and basically any
empty, starchy carb.

Don't forget sugar. That's the worst culprit, and there is so much
sugar hidden in things - look at your average tin of beans, for
instance. And good old sucrose has *no* nutrients except energy.

look for *multigrain* pastas, breads, etc. and eat fruit
and drink lowfat milk. if you cut out carbs from almost your entire diet, you
have a high chance of gaining the weight back if you reintroduce them at some
point-- at least i've seen it happen to people. it would have to be a lifetime
commitment and carefully administered.

I believe - and I haven't studied it carefully, but I am given to
understand - that on Atkins, South Beach, etc, you monitor your weight
very carefully when going into maintenance, and work out how much you
can successfully incorporate into your menus before the weight starts
going on.
--
Annabel Smyth
http://www.amsmyth.demon.co.uk/index.html
Website updated 7 August 2004 - for a limited time, be bored by my holiday
snaps!