Patricia Heil wrote:
no independent studies find that it is anything
other than another way of reducing calories.

You say that like it's a bad thing Yep, the calories are reduced,
greatly. No, I don't FEEL like I am on a calorie-reduced diet. This
goes against the religion of "you must suffer in order to lose weight".
I feel so good! I am never famished and watching the clock waiting for
my next meal! My diet is largely leafy greens, some proteins (mostly
fish/eggs/poultry), good oils like olive oil, and a bit of fruit and
dairy. ("Yes, Virginia, there is such a thing as fruit on a low carb
diet"). Any of the fluff and frills of standard diets don't suit me
very much.

I don't need the confirmation of any "studies" to know that for ME, I am
no longer walking around feeling "foggy", I no longer need to go near
the antacid aisle, and I feel energetic. The fact that the calories are
reduced is a GOOD thing. It's nice to be able to have a plate of fish
and salad and be able to stop there in mixed company without even
TRYING. I remember eating things like spaghetti in the past and wonder
how on EARTH the person sitting beside me felt "full" after half a
plate!

Low-carb dieting has re-introduced the whole POINT of food, that is to
*satisfy* hunger (as opposed to make me even hungrier), and nourish (as
opposed to consuming a bunch of junky empty calorie food).

Food has to be filling and actually COUNT, for me to consider it at all.
Low carb way of life (which I stumbled upon completely by ACCIDENT) has
changed my whole mindset about food.

Cheers
CM