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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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 Last week 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.
Regular Price: $7.49
On Sale: $5.99 |
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"In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity." —Albert Einstein |
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