Low carb in Negril?

[Muck]

While I applaud anyone who is making an attempt to drop some weight, I would strongly advise those who are trying a low-carb (Atkins) diet to reconsider.

Any attempt to lose weight that restricts a balanced diet while consuming a large percentage of food that is high in fat content is simply not healthy. Not only that, but stayiing on this diet long term is extremely tough, trust me, I know.....I've tried it. Sure, you drop weight quickly, but it comes back even quicker if you don't follow the strict plan. Plus, who wants to go through life constantly denying themselves the pleasure of trying new food or food that they enjoy?

I've found that the best (and healthiest) way to lose weight is by following a regiment of eating healthy "real" foods. Try and minimize the amount of processed foods like white bread and pasta while eating more whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean protein. Notice I said "minimize" the amount of food like pasta and not totally eliminate it. If you like pasta, eat it....just not as much as before. Instead of twice a week, cut back to twice a month. Eat smaller portions and don't go more than 3 waking hours without eating something to avoid that hunger feeling. Combine this with a regular excercise program and you will find that you feel better and the weight stays off for good. I don't need to deny myself any longer. If I want that piece of chocolate cake after dinner, I eat it. No guilt. Just be sensible.

I don't mean to come off sounding preachy....it's just that, from the experiences of the many I know (including myself) who have done the low-carb diet, the end result is that the pounds come back after time.

EDIT: For those that are interested, here are the results of a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology that details the hazards of a low-carb, high protein diet.

http://content.onlinejacc.org/cgi/content/full/43/5/725