- Aug. 15, 2005
- Atkins Gone Belly-Up
Low Carb Fever cool-down has been a huge relief! Though some good things came out of the low-carb revolution:
But despite the new popularity "good" carbs like whole grain bread, oatmeal, bananas, carrots, long-grain rice, and smaller spaghetti plates, I still hear echoes of low-carb misconceptions among even my most nutrition savvy co-workers, family, and friends.
Comments like the following make me cringe:
"I love corn, even though I shouldn't"
"The only bad thing I do is eat flour"
"Beets are high in sugar so I cut them out of my diet"
"I don't do low carb any more, but I know potatoes are bad so I avoid them"
Is it my ethical obligation as a dietitian to inform them that potatoes, beets, and corn are quite good for you? Do I a break into a long monologue about white flour not being the best source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber but still having its place in healthy eating?
With a twinge of guilt for not correcting common nutrition confusion, I often let these statements go by to avoid a big discussion while enjoying (or trying to enjoy) my own lunch or dinner.
But later, when the opportunity is right, I will slip in my all-foods-in-moderation-philosophy and continue to spread the word that food-inclusion, not food-exclusion, is the best way manage your health.
And tonight, I'm going to eat the corn from my organic veggie box. So there.
- Awareness of overeating carbohydrate foods with few nutrients (like white bread and soda)
- Choosing less-processed and more natural foods
- Searching out healthier, nutrient-dense carbohydrates (like fruits and whole grains)
But despite the new popularity "good" carbs like whole grain bread, oatmeal, bananas, carrots, long-grain rice, and smaller spaghetti plates, I still hear echoes of low-carb misconceptions among even my most nutrition savvy co-workers, family, and friends.
Comments like the following make me cringe:
"I love corn, even though I shouldn't"
"The only bad thing I do is eat flour"
"Beets are high in sugar so I cut them out of my diet"
"I don't do low carb any more, but I know potatoes are bad so I avoid them"
Is it my ethical obligation as a dietitian to inform them that potatoes, beets, and corn are quite good for you? Do I a break into a long monologue about white flour not being the best source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber but still having its place in healthy eating?
With a twinge of guilt for not correcting common nutrition confusion, I often let these statements go by to avoid a big discussion while enjoying (or trying to enjoy) my own lunch or dinner.
But later, when the opportunity is right, I will slip in my all-foods-in-moderation-philosophy and continue to spread the word that food-inclusion, not food-exclusion, is the best way manage your health.
And tonight, I'm going to eat the corn from my organic veggie box. So there.
- Posted by:
- Tara, the RD
- Category:
- Food Matters
- Add A Comment
By aimatti on 09/21/2005
Anyone that was on the stupid atkinson diet was a fool. People were screwing up their bodies. What is with this country? Anytime a fad comes along no matter how bad it is, people will be tricked into it.
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By ason on 10/24/2005
for real tho!
all foods in moderation is a good philosophy. and even mcdonalds. but not more than once a month i say.
but those n00bs who are talking about excluding corn and potatoes.. thats just rediculous.
its about inclusion, if you include better foods and more balance in your diet, you dont have to worry about exclusion.. it will work itself out.. also they should eat mojo bars and stop being n00bs.
By Jane Sampson on 09/16/2008
I’ve been on the Atkins diet for almost 2 weeks and so far I’ve been impressed with the results I’ve lost almost a stone! However, I’m not sure where to go from here my weeks are up in 3 days and I’m concerned about starting phase 3 as I dont want to gain weight but cant see how slowly introducing carbs back into your diet can work effectively especially when I craved them as much as I did, any advice?
By Tara RD on 10/01/2008
Jane,
Congrats on your commitment to a healthier lifestyle and achieving a healthy weight. Many people have the tendency to over eat carbohydrate foods and don’t realize it until they start paying closer attention.
Your body needs carbohydrates as energy for you brain, muscles, and other organs. Finding the proportion of healthy carbohydrates that is right for you is key. Introduce fruits, dairy, and whole grains back into your menu slowly, and as you do, pay attention to how you feel. Do feel sluggish or muscle fatigue? You may need to add in a little more. Visit http://www.mypyramid.gov to give you a good guideline, and adjust your proportion based on your own needs for maintaining both your weight and your energy.