WARNING: This is a post about the Atkins diet, and it takes a negative viewpoint on it. I know lots of people follow the Atkins diet. I don't, and I'm admittedly a little worried about it -- I have friends on it. But I know it works for some people, and no one's flat out said 'this is definitely bad', so I don't say negative things to THEM about it. I still worry about the health risks, though, and have an interest in nutrition. Please, if you're going to be offended about a negative view of Atkins, don't read this! I don't want to offend, discourage, or upset anyone. Other folks keep reading, whether you follow Atkins or not.
(Whew, disclaimer over. I really DON'T want to start a flame war or offend, honest.)
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CNN posted an article yesterday called Heart Association to Warn Against Low Fat Diets. You can follow the link to read the article. Basically, it says that the AHA (American Heart Association) has drafted a paper warning the public of the risk of high-protein diets.
Mostly it seems to warn about the high-fat in the diet, not the high-protein. They did a study of 5 different diets and estimated the fat content. Atkins ended up being 50-something percent of calories from fat. Now, from what I know of Atkins, I'm not sure how they got this number. I mean, can't the fat/protein ratio vary for different people? Anyway. It also talked about cholesterol, and potential long-term worries.
Diets and nutrition are so confusing. I follow the American Dietetic Association's guidelines, but really, how do I know those are any better for me? I could do more research in medical studies, I guess. I admit, people who eat Atkins worry me -- I have a few friends on it. I very purposefully don't nag them about their diet. Even though I am concerned, I can't possibly say anything that they haven't heard from other sources, so I don't see how me expressing concern over the diet is going to help any. So I try to be supportive. But I still worry...