The Low Carb Junk Food Glut & Low Newsgroup Traffic

Question:

| That’s my motto as well Dan. If you have to read the label, (((MAYBE))) | you shouldn’t be eating it. I do understand that you were stating the idea as an abstract principle, but I think it was misstated and misleading. What you meant to say — I believe — was that in your opinion natural foods are preferable over manufactured foods with artificial ingredients.

Yes that is what I mean. If there is label, it is likely processed. Meat that has a label probably has cereals and preservatives. Canned vegetables usually have added salt. I do not normally eat sausages or canned vegggies for that reason. Frozen, yes on occasion. Although it is difficult to eat everything without a label, it is best that they do. No rule covers everything. Tom

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been reading this newsgroup daily since 1998 (with one year off). I’ve never seen such a small amount of traffic as has been here over the last month or two. And that includes many periods with heavy trolling and flamewars which drove people away. My guess is that the problem is that, as I predicted, the wide availability of supposedly "low carb" food in the marketplace, most of which is either empty calories or full of hidden carbs has caused a lot of new low carb dieters to fail at the outset. I suspect that what is happening is that people are trying what they think is a low carb diet, full of junk foods, and when they don’t lose weight, their abandoning it. I already saw that happen with several acquaintances years ago whose "low carb" diets included several Advantage bars a day and not so surprisingly didn’t work. What do you think?

Very likely true. When I started, I quickly added the low carb wraps and the low carb bars and even some low carb bread. It didn’t work, just like you predicted. Then I reread the book DANDR and started again, following instructions. Finally, success. With the usual stalls here and there and one or two minor falling off the wagon episodes. I think another factor is the low carb fast food and the low carb entries in restaurants. A friend of mine went "low carb" and all he did was to buy low carb foods off the restaurant menu. He did tighten his belt a few notches, but he has not bothered to learn anything except "low carb". I don’t know how he is fairing now…. he could be a reconversion back to carb gluttony. Jim

Response:

Damsel said: Look at you! You’ve surpassed your goal! Whoo-hoo! Hi Damsel. I’m actually at my goal weight. It’s just natural fluctuation between 178 and 181. The plan now is to increase my excercise to be become leaner, but stay around 180. The guys at work think I’m still losing weight, and there is a lot better muscle definition than a few months ago at the same weight. Perhaps I should just say 180/180 unless there is a definite trend in either direction?

How about 210/180/maintenance? Your idea works, too. Anyway, I’m surprised that you’re still here, TOM, since so many women blame you for temporary weight gain and bloating. Glad you stuck with us! <G Hehe. I thought it was a good joke that TOM was being blamed all the time.

Yeah! You bastard!! I see in another thread that you are switching diet plans and that you have lost a little more weight. I saw your latest pics as well. There is an improvement. You have lost 1/5th of the weight that you want to. Keep up the good work.

Wow, I hadn’t thought of it that way. Putting weight loss into a fraction of goal is really encouraging and uplifting. Thanks for doing the math. <G Carol — 227/211/150 (Thursdays) Fasting BG: 97 Reduced Carb 5/25/2004 Diabetes Dx 5/15/2001 http://photos.yahoo.com/carol_arie

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|| What do you think? Very likely.

Response:

Hi Nancy! Good to see that you’re still here, even if it’s in Invisible Mode. Just KF a very choice people, and it’s much nicer around here. <chuckling to self You can either Kill File them, or Kentucky Fry them. I’m sure you can think of some folks you’d like to fry. LOL! Carol — 227/211/150 (Thursdays) Fasting BG: 97 Reduced Carb 5/25/2004 Diabetes Dx 5/15/2001 http://photos.yahoo.com/carol_arie

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So you’re still blaming everyone and everything else because you won’t eat less. How stupid are you? — You take stupid to a new level. – MFW

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been reading this newsgroup daily since 1998 (with one year off). I’ve never seen such a small amount of traffic as has been here over the last month or two. And that includes many periods with heavy trolling and flamewars which drove people away. My guess is that the problem is that, as I predicted, the wide availability of supposedly "low carb" food in the marketplace, most of which is either empty calories or full of hidden carbs has caused a lot of new low carb dieters to fail at the outset. Typically here on the newsgroup most of our traffic has been people who have been on the diet for a few weeks, who have lost a bunch of weight and perhaps hit the 3 week stall, but who are enthusiastic and want to know more. There’s been a real lack of those of late. I suspect that what is happening is that people are trying what they think is a low carb diet, full of junk foods, and when they don’t lose weight, their abandoning it. I already saw that happen with several acquaintances years ago whose "low carb" diets included several Advantage bars a day and not so surprisingly didn’t work. What do you think? As I delurk for a moment to speak my mind, I think it’s because of the nasty attitude in the group. Even serious people have been driven "off." I read to see if there’s anything new, interesting, but mostly it’s just the very unsupportive views of people who are losing weight easily. For those of us with underlying issues that assist in keeping us from taking it off quickly and easily, there’s derision and insults. For someone who is truly struggling, this kind of attitude doesn’t help. Maybe that’s why the volume’s dropped off, Jenny. I found that decreasing the stress of dealing with "how stupid are you????" posts actually helped me do better. And before I get the "well, if you’re struggling…" let me say this: I’ve been eating ‘clean’ (read into that what you will) since the end of June, and the movement is still very, very slow. I’ve been learning a lot about my body, and unless you’ve struggled with what I now know to be PCOS, insulin resistance and the inability to push into certain exercise patterns (I’ve had a major flare of the psoriatic arthritis that keeps me from pushing my body too hard – crumbling neck joints will keep you in line, believe me), you don’t know squat. What I’ve learned is this: I could be just like those of you who are so judgemental, if I’d chosen my parents a little more wisely. — Nancy Howells (don’t forget to switch it, and replace the to send

mail).

Response:

I guess my advice to new LCers would be: the fewer things you eat where you have to puzzle over the nutrition label before you buy them, the better. Even better, eat mostly those foods that DON’T have nutrition labels! Dan

That’s my motto as well Dan. If you have to read the label, maybe you shouldn’t be eating it. Tom 210/179/180

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I agree that it’s probably harder to be a first-time LCer nowadays. One can be mislead into eating all sorts of prefab foods which will make success all the more elusive

Yes, this is very true. Having first started low carbing when few if any of these things existed I find it nice that there can be more variety now. Like Jenny I’ve been around here since this group started in 1998, though also with about 12-18 months off at one point. Back in 1997 when I first started LC there were few options, and not even this newsgroup. I had to be part of alt.support.diet then, where the few low carbers in the group were often flamed by the othe dieters. But my daily diet does *not* consist of these junk products that flood the market. A typical daily menu for me is something like: Breakfast: 1 carton of Total imported Greek yogurt (plain) mixed with a little splenda and cinnamon a few sliced strawberries on top (about the size of a ping-pong ball in volume) a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans Lunch: usually salad, a largish variety of greens with a bit of mushroom and chopped onion, etc. usually with some caesar dressing, and topped with some chicken or tuna and shredded cheese Snack: a handful of nuts Dinner: Some meat cooked in the crockpot, often chicken, sometimes a roast, Italian sausages, and generally a serving of green veggies which I usually sautee in olive oil with chopped garlic. But it’s nice to to know I *can* have other things occasionally. Today I’m going to my sister’s house for a birthday party for her son who turns 17 tomorrow. Seventeen is a big birthday in New Jersey, as that is the age at which you can get your driver’s license, and he has a test already scheduled for Monday morning to get that license. My sister low carbs on and off, and is an occasional poster to this group as well (she posted here just recently asking for low carb Greek food suggestions, as she is planning a Greek menu for the party today). Anyway, I know she is having ice cream and vanilla cake, which of course I won’t be eating, but she also told me that she is making a "surprise" sugar-free, low-carb dessert as well. I don’t know what it will be, but my sister is an excellent cook and I’m sure I’ll probably give it a try. I also enjoy Splenda, which was not available in the US in 1997, and I like DaVinci SF syrups, and I like all of the products from Expert Foods. I like almond flour, I like deep, rich Lindt Excellence 85% chocolate bars (one sqaure at a time, please), I like the occasional protein shake for dinner when I’m just not in the mood to cook. But I *know* I can’t do these things every day, and I’m sure many of the LC newbies feel they can, and that that may indeed be a big part of the problem. — Debbie

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – As I delurk for a moment to speak my mind, I think it’s because of the nasty attitude in the group. Even serious people have been driven "off." I read to see if there’s anything new, interesting, but mostly it’s just the very unsupportive views of people who are losing weight easily. For those of us with underlying issues that assist in keeping us from taking it off quickly and easily, there’s derision and insults. For someone who is truly struggling, this kind of attitude doesn’t help. Maybe that’s why the volume’s dropped off, Jenny. I found that decreasing the stress of dealing with "how stupid are you????" posts actually helped me do better. And before I get the "well, if you’re struggling…" let me say this: I’ve been eating ‘clean’ (read into that what you will) since the end of June, and the movement is still very, very slow. I’ve been learning a lot about my body, and unless you’ve struggled with what I now know to be PCOS, insulin resistance and the inability to push into certain exercise patterns (I’ve had a major flare of the psoriatic arthritis that keeps me from pushing my body too hard – crumbling neck joints will keep you in line, believe me), you don’t know squat. What I’ve learned is this: I could be just like those of you who are so judgemental, if I’d chosen my parents a little more wisely. — Nancy Howells (don’t forget to switch it, and replace the to send

mail). I know how you feel, Nancy. When I started out last October, I was DETERMINED to be successful and I remain DETERMINED. While I don’t believe it’s a general attitude, there is an unsupportive element to this ’support’ group. I refused (and still do) to let them/it discourage me from doing the healthiest thing I’ve ever done for my body. I just make good use of killfiling the noise. And I will continue to be supportive and encouraging whenever I can in this newsgroup. — Linda 296/208/160 LC since Oct. 13, 2003 http://home.att.net/~lewis_linda/index.html

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<snip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -<soapbox mode – To succeed in any self-improvement program — be it health, weight loss, fitness, et. al. — takes determination, perseverence and a positive attitude. Whining does not do it, complaining does not do it, nor does blaming others for one’s failures or shortcomings — be it in real life or posting on a newsgroup. Six years ago I suffered a major brain stem stroke and was hospitalized for nearly four months, paralyzed on my right side and with a plethora of associated health problems. I was told I would never walk again, write again, drive again, work again, or have any kind of normal life. Through sheer determination, pigheadedness and extremely hard work I proved all the experts wrong; made a 95% recovery and within a year returned to my life and career. It took months, even years of doing physical therapy exercises completely on my own after my insurance ran out. I can’t count the days when I literally would sit on the floor and cry like a baby when I thought I couldn’t do any more exercise because of the pain and fatigue, yet I still did it because I pictured myself in the future without the wheelchair or cane. It paid off. And I guarandamntee you that the people back then who tried to coddle me, baby me, pity me or to get me to sign up for disability and other quick fixes that would make my life easier were NOT the ones who showed me true support. The ones who really supported me were people like my sister who refused to do things for me; if I wanted a glass of water she would tell me to get across the room and get it myself — then would put my wheelchair out of reach. I may have cursed her at the time, but being pushed to my limits by those who really cared was what led to my ultimate victory. True support involves much more than sympathy and commiserating, it also means encouraging, motivating, being honest, and yes, tough love. I have little sympathy for those who constantly whine and complain about their lot in life and lack of support by others, yet aren’t willing to do what they have to change their cicumstances if it involves a bit of work or sacrifice. </soapbox mode – Peter 270/215/180 Before/Current Pix: http://users.thelink.net/marengo/weightlosspix/weightlosspix.html

BRAVO, Peter!!

Response:

| I know how you feel, Nancy. When I started out last October, I was | DETERMINED to be successful and I remain DETERMINED. While I don’t | believe it’s a general attitude, there is an unsupportive element to | this ’support’ group. I refused (and still do) to let them/it | discourage me from doing the healthiest thing I’ve ever done for my | body. I just make good use of killfiling the noise. | | And I will continue to be supportive and encouraging whenever I can | in this newsgroup. Linda, I just visited your web site again and you look fantastic! You’ve done an awesome job and must be so proud of yourself! Regarding the "unsupportive attitude" of the newsgroup, I think there are a few different things going on: — WIth the new low-carb craze in the past few months, there are a lot of newbies on ASDLC now. Many have been low-carbing for only a short time, yet present erroneous ideas as if they were fact. Then the old-timers (long-timers?) step in to correct the misstatements, sometimes in an unkind manner, and the OP gets offended and says that they’re not being supported by the group. I know I’m guilty of letting myself get too worked up over misinformation and opinions presented as science. I’m trying really hard to just ignore the posts that I disagree with.. But is it really being supportive to just let incorrect statements/opinions go unchallenged? — The acronym "YMMV" should be used a lot more; when I started posting here four or so years ago it was very common to see posts include the "Your Mileage May Vary." But many posters are exremely opinionated and believe that their way is the only way, and again present their ideas as absolute fact rather than a personal opinion or general guideline. This starts flame wars with those who have a differing point of view. We need to realize that none of us have all the answers,, and maybe should show our support in a kinder, gentler fashion — myself included. — There are always those posters who will claim that the group is not being supportive if we don’t tell them exactly what they want to hear whether it’s the truth or not. Kind of like alcoholics who want to keep drinking and have eveyone tell them that it’s ok. It is most definitely not supportive to coddle people and help enable them to continue in their ways that made them fat in the first place or that prevents them from succeeding in their weigt loss or health goals. If you read through this thread (without naming names) you will see what I am talking about. <soapbox mode — To succeed in any self-improvement program — be it health, weight loss, fitness, et. al. — takes determination, perseverence and a positive attitude. Whining does not do it, complaining does not do it, nor does blaming others for one’s failures or shortcomings — be it in real life or posting on a newsgroup. Six years ago I suffered a major brain stem stroke and was hospitalized for nearly four months, paralyzed on my right side and with a plethora of associated health problems. I was told I would never walk again, write again, drive again, work again, or have any kind of normal life. Through sheer determination, pigheadedness and extremely hard work I proved all the experts wrong; made a 95% recovery and within a year returned to my life and career. It took months, even years of doing physical therapy exercises completely on my own after my insurance ran out. I can’t count the days when I literally would sit on the floor and cry like a baby when I thought I couldn’t do any more exercise because of the pain and fatigue, yet I still did it because I pictured myself in the future without the wheelchair or cane. It paid off. And I guarandamntee you that the people back then who tried to coddle me, baby me, pity me or to get me to sign up for disability and other quick fixes that would make my life easier were NOT the ones who showed me true support. The ones who really supported me were people like my sister who refused to do things for me; if I wanted a glass of water she would tell me to get across the room and get it myself — then would put my wheelchair out of reach. I may have cursed her at the time, but being pushed to my limits by those who really cared was what led to my ultimate victory. True support involves much more than sympathy and commiserating, it also means encouraging, motivating, being honest, and yes, tough love. I have little sympathy for those who constantly whine and complain about their lot in life and lack of support by others, yet aren’t willing to do what they have to change their cicumstances if it involves a bit of work or sacrifice. </soapbox mode — Peter 270/215/180 Before/Current Pix: http://users.thelink.net/marengo/weightlosspix/weightlosspix.html

Response:

Look at you! You’ve surpassed your goal! Whoo-hoo!

Hi Damsel. I’m actually at my goal weight. It’s just natural fluctuation between 178 and 181. The plan now is to increase my excercise to be become leaner, but stay around 180. The guys at work think I’m still losing weight, and there is a lot better muscle definition than a few months ago at the same weight. Perhaps I should just say 180/180 unless there is a definite trend in either direction? Anyway, I’m surprised that you’re still here, TOM, since so many women blame you for temporary weight gain and bloating. Glad you stuck with us! <G

Hehe. I thought it was a good joke that TOM was being blamed all the time. I see in another thread that you are switching diet plans and that you have lost a little more weight. I saw your latest pics as well. There is an improvement. You have lost 1/5th of the weight that you want to. Keep up the good work. Tom 210/179/180 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Carol — 227/211/150 (Thursdays) Fasting BG: 97 Reduced Carb 5/25/2004 Diabetes Dx 5/15/2001 http://photos.yahoo.com/carol_arie

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It’s the difference (literally) between my being successful or

unsuccessful. That does work for some people. For most of the others, in my observation, it hinders rather than helps. And also, you lo-carb product buyers have to lighten up. Your opinion and mine are just different. It is not an attack. I realize that some find meat and vegetables unpalatable or boring. Lo-carb products can be used as a tool, but should not replace real food. The further one strays from the original plan, the more likely that the diet will not work. This goes along with the number of health problems a person has that will not help their weight loss efforts. If there are too many negative factors, a person will have to be more strict with the foods they choose. Tom 210/179/180

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People also claim that without the great lo-carb food choices, they

would not be able to continue the boring meat and vegetables menu.<< I for one, am grateful for all the low-carb food choices. I HATE vegetables (sorry, but I just can’t gag most of them down and I’ve tried). I’m not a "loser" or a "criminal" because I eat non-newsgroup-sanctioned low carb snacks. I AM however, continuing to lose weight, eating only one of these snacks daily. It’s the difference (literally) between my being successful or unsuccessful. I think a lot of people should lighten up on those who "dont’ think or eat the way they do". I am old enough to have been on Atkins back in the mid-70’s, when I lived at home and had my beloved mother cooking my food for me. Believe me, if you could have seen the soybread she made me, you would have sworn off lowcarb "the way it was" forever!

Response:

The further away from "real foods" we get, the higher the chance of failure – at least without knowledge and understanding of how to use the bars, shakes, and other products.

You got that right! ~Carol Ann www.lowcarblosers.com ~ Home of the FREE Monthly Weightloss Challenge http://tinyurl.com/33uk7 <—Recent Pictures of Morgan born 3.24.04

Response:

| I’ve been reading this newsgroup daily since 1998 (with one year | off). I’ve never seen such a small amount of traffic as has been here | over the last month or two. And that includes many periods with | heavy trolling and flamewars which drove people away. | What do you think? I think that it’s summertime and people aren’t spending as much time sitting indoors at their computers. — Peter 270/215/180 Before/Current Pix: http://users.thelink.net/marengo/weightlosspix/weightlosspix.html

Response:

We now have Advantage bars here in the U.K..so I thought I’d try one yesterday. I don’ think I’ll bother again. To me it tasted very sweet and a bit yucky, and it was expensive. Joy

Response:

| | That’s my motto as well Dan. If you have to read the label, maybe | you shouldn’t be eating it. As a blanket statement, that’s ludicrous. What you mean to say is that maybe YOU shouldn’t be eating it if you have to read the label; that’s your personal choice. Please don’t presume to speak for eveyone else on something that is strictly a neurotic individual idiosyncracy. So you are instructiing us to eat only fresh vegetables? Meat in the U.S. comes packaged with nutritional labels by law, so that’s off limits too according to your idea. Eggs have nutritional information on the container; also cheese, butter, cream, nuts, et. al. You would preclude frozen and canned vegetables also. Please post your daily menus for a typical week; I’d be interested to see what you eat every day that doesn’t come with a label. I do understand that you were stating the idea as an abstract principle, but I think it was misstated and misleading. What you meant to say — I believe — was that in your opinion natural foods are preferable over manufactured foods with artificial ingredients. This makes more sense, but would also make nutritional labels even more important to read. — Peter 270/215/180 Before/Current Pix: http://users.thelink.net/marengo/weightlosspix/weightlosspix.html

Response:

They don’t seem to realize that they are just switching to different junk food. People also claim that without the great lo-carb food choices, they would not be able to continue the boring meat and vegetables menu. Many try to add Splenda to everything they cook or drink. As for low traffic. It could just be the summer holidays. Tom 210/179/180

Look at you! You’ve surpassed your goal! Whoo-hoo! Anyway, I’m surprised that you’re still here, TOM, since so many women blame you for temporary weight gain and bloating. Glad you stuck with us! <G Carol — 227/211/150 (Thursdays) Fasting BG: 97 Reduced Carb 5/25/2004 Diabetes Dx 5/15/2001 http://photos.yahoo.com/carol_arie

Response:

I suspect that what is happening is that people are trying what they think

is a low carb diet, full of junk foods, and when they don’t lose weight, their abandoning it. I already saw that happen with several acquaintances years ago whose "low carb" diets included several Advantage bars a day and not so surprisingly didn’t work. What do you think?<< Hey Jenny! I’m still here, 20+ pounds lighter thanks to my low carb lifestyle. Now maybe lifestyle is a little harsh in my case, because I have found that I must have my "little bit o’ junkfood" daily or I will not maintain my food plan. By "little bit o’ junkfood", I mean some sort of frankensnack once a day.I know there are a lot of people here who would criticize that, but to each their own. As lots of people have said, a person needs to find a system they can stick to – I started lowcarbing for medical reasons, so I really can’t just "go off", so I manage as best as I can. My last bloodwork numbers were almost normal, and my doctor was happy, so I guess I’m doing okay.

Response:

As I delurk for a moment to speak my mind, I think it’s because of the nasty attitude in the group. Even serious people have been driven "off." I read to see if there’s anything new, interesting, but mostly it’s just the very unsupportive views of people who are losing weight easily. For those of us with underlying issues that assist in keeping us from taking it off quickly and easily, there’s derision and insults. For someone who is truly struggling, this kind of attitude doesn’t help. Maybe that’s why the volume’s dropped off, Jenny. I found that decreasing the stress of dealing with "how stupid are you????" posts actually helped me do better. And before I get the "well, if you’re struggling…" let me say this: I’ve been eating ‘clean’ (read into that what you will) since the end of June, and the movement is still very, very slow. I’ve been learning a lot about my body, and unless you’ve struggled with what I now know to be PCOS, insulin resistance and the inability to push into certain exercise patterns (I’ve had a major flare of the psoriatic arthritis that keeps me from pushing my body too hard – crumbling neck joints will keep you in line, believe me), you don’t know squat. What I’ve learned is this: I could be just like those of you who are so judgemental, if I’d chosen my parents a little more wisely. — Nancy Howells (don’t forget to switch it, and replace the to send mail).

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My guess is that the problem is that, as I predicted, the wide availability of supposedly "low carb" food in the marketplace, most of which is either empty calories or full of hidden carbs has caused a lot of new low carb dieters to fail at the outset. I totally agree, Jenny. It’s just like the "low fat" idea that if it’s low in fat, you can eat the whole box without harm. I am totally disappointed that the Atkins plan has changed so much to include the so-called fake foods in their allowable lists. People who read and research their low-carb plan will understand the nuances of the program, and how to tweak it for themselves. Unfortunately, so many just jump in and eat whatever their concept of "low carbing" might be – even if they don’t really know – and then complain when it doesn’t work for them. The further away from "real foods" we get, the higher the chance of failure – at least without knowledge and understanding of how to use the bars, shakes, and other products.

Hear, hear. I remember somebody posted that when they described the diet to their (presumably older) mom, she thought it sounded reasonable. My mom’s diet prescription was always, "eat healthy, cut back on starches, eat smaller portions, and skip desserts". This advice, of course, dates from the days before easy fast food and restaurants with enormous portions, back when most Americans were eating most of their meals at home. Now in perfect hindsight, it sure sounds like the layman’s low(er) carb diet. My wife says that she does almost all her shopping around the edge of the store because this is where the foods without nutrition labels are. I agree that it’s probably harder to be a first-time LCer nowadays. One can be mislead into eating all sorts of prefab foods which will make success all the more elusive especially if one has also been mislead to believe the "eat all you want" fantasy that seems to come with the uninformed public perception of LC. In some ways, this explosion of new so-called low carb products will probably make it harder for LCers in general. It’s nice to have some genuine LC options, like decent pasta, but I think it comes at the expense of a subtle mind warp which says, "See? You can SO eat just the way you used to eat!" Then you have to make intelligent, informed choices and practice moderation, something which is difficult to sustain without a lot of practice. I guess my advice to new LCers would be: the fewer things you eat where you have to puzzle over the nutrition label before you buy them, the better. Even better, eat mostly those foods that DON’T have nutrition labels! Dan 325/211/180 Atkins since 1/1/02 (yeah, it was a New Year’s Resolution) Besetting sins: good beer, German bread, and Krispy Kremes

Response:

I’ve been reading this newsgroup daily since 1998 (with one year off). I’ve never seen such a small amount of traffic as has been here over the last month or two. And that includes many periods with heavy trolling and flamewars which drove people away. My guess is that the problem is that, as I predicted, the wide availability of supposedly "low carb" food in the marketplace, most of which is either empty calories or full of hidden carbs has caused a lot of new low carb dieters to fail at the outset. Typically here on the newsgroup most of our traffic has been people who have been on the diet for a few weeks, who have lost a bunch of weight and perhaps hit the 3 week stall, but who are enthusiastic and want to know more. There’s been a real lack of those of late. I suspect that what is happening is that people are trying what they think is a low carb diet, full of junk foods, and when they don’t lose weight, their abandoning it. I already saw that happen with several acquaintances years ago whose "low carb" diets included several Advantage bars a day and not so surprisingly didn’t work. What do you think? — Jenny - Low Carbing for 4 years. Below goal for weight. Type 2 diabetes, hba1c 5.7 . Cut the carbs to respond to my email address! Jenny’s new site: What they Don’t Tell You About Diabetes http://www.geocities.com/lottadata4u/ Jenny’s Low Carb Diet Facts & Figures http://www.geocities.com/jenny_the_bean/ Looking for help controlling your blood sugar? Visit http://www.alt-support-diabetes.org/Newly%20Diagnosed.htm

Response:

My guess is that the problem is that, as I predicted, the wide availability of supposedly "low carb" food in the marketplace, most of which is either empty calories or full of hidden carbs has caused a lot of new low carb dieters to fail at the outset.

I totally agree, Jenny. It’s just like the "low fat" idea that if it’s low in fat, you can eat the whole box without harm. I am totally disappointed that the Atkins plan has changed so much to include the so-called fake foods in their allowable lists. People who read and research their low-carb plan will understand the nuances of the program, and how to tweak it for themselves. Unfortunately, so many just jump in and eat whatever their concept of "low carbing" might be – even if they don’t really know – and then complain when it doesn’t work for them. The further away from "real foods" we get, the higher the chance of failure – at least without knowledge and understanding of how to use the bars, shakes, and other products.

Response:

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