Rant. And please keep in mind, this is in the Vegetarian forum. So, this low-carb phase in the weight loss world troubles me. I mean, I've known vegans who have gone lower carb - eating more veggies and alternative proteins. So, lower-carb simpliciter doesn't bother me.
But, what bothers me is that so many people turn to low carb as a weight loss tool, and then give up vitamin rich fruit for cottage cheese or yogurt. They give up the vitamins and minerals in beans to live off of chicken breasts, eggs - well, anything that comes from a bird. And I am familiar with calorie counts, the bird and fat-free milk products are definitely the most low calorie foods out there.
First, I worry because we all know the meat/dairy that most eat come from yucky factory farming with crazy hormones. Then, I just think this way of eating is simply not environmentally sustainable for the world.
However, I am happy whenever people lose weight and I understand that issues like PCOS require low-carb food.
I dunno - I sort of feel like our culture is missing a 'middle ground' and low-carb has somewhat been taken too far. Also, what about the cholesterol in animal products and how does it affect the heart....
This is a worried rambling that I'm sure will make people angry and I don't want it to. I want to have an honest conversation about it. But, nothing I'm saying is even new or interesting. The harmful effects of factory farming on the environment and the health risks associated with it are well known.
I guess, in the end, I'm worried about long-term health problems with eating so many no-carb animal products, that also lack fiber. But, it seems taboo to talk about, at least here.
I'm not trying to change anyone - I just am interested in knowing how some justify having a large amount of animal products in their daily diet. I feel like I need some new perspectives on the topic. I really don't want to argue - instead, I want to connect our worlds and understand your view point better.