There was an article in my local paper this morning that I thought would of interest to everyone here. It seems to reinforce the tenets of the low car lifestyle.

http://www.gomemphis.com/mca/nation_...633091,00.html

I saw a similar article in the Boston Globne this morning, but it was not nearly as positive as this one. http://www.boston.com/news/nation/ar...ttle_of_bulge/

It said that even though the CDC thought an increase in carb intake was an issue, their findings should not be interpreted as supporting low carb diets. I ask you, why the heck not?

Jen
175/129/120

Jestey, I would say because it isn't politically correct!

Timothy, that was a really great article. Thanks for sharing it!

Blessings!
Sharron
Author of "Low Carb Cooking at Sharron's Place," and "Extreme Lo-Carb Cuisine," available where ever books are sold.

www.thelowcarbcook.com

"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart." Colossians 2:2

Timothy and Jen,

I enjoyed both of the articles. The one item that concerned me was that women eating 1800 will gain weight. According to fitday, my daily output of calories is over 2000 and that is BEFORE exersizing. I would think that women eating less than 2000 would LOSE weight. I try to stay around 1200 calories anyway, but many days am at 1400-1600. The first article recommended women to eat 1600 to just MAINTAIN, not lose. What do you all think?

Peace, Joanna
Atkins since 12/3/03
299/269/130

Joanna,

Go back and check your DANDR again. Re-read the section on calories. Remember the lady who regularly consumed, what was it? 3000 a day????

Calories don't count, certainly not in the beginning. They MIGHT be a factor for vets, but then I'm not even convinced of that!

If you can't ignore them, I strongly suggest you stop using fitday and just use tally marks to record your carbs on paper.

(((hugs)))

Blessings!
Sharron
Author of "Low Carb Cooking at Sharron's Place," and "Extreme Lo-Carb Cuisine," available where ever books are sold.

www.thelowcarbcook.com

"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart." Colossians 2:2

I'm using fitday, and seeing the calories - but that is because I'm just not getting enough! the numbers are too low for what I am expected - but I feel fine. (better than in years) - I'm not trying to keep them low, I'm just not feeling hungry. I don't seem to be able to finish a meal anymore. Good- I think, but I'm not sure if it is or not?
Should I be concerned if they are too low. I'm in the 220-230 range, and am running 1200-1400 cal/day at the 25-30 carb rate.

Mary Kay

01/02/04 - 230/220/150 Atkins
225/220/205 VDC

OK, a little mini-rant here:

Sharron is right, IMHO. There seems to be a fixation on calorie counts lately, and what people seem to forget is that we metabolize calories differently on low carb. The old rules just don't apply.

And, as far as a lower calorie count is concerned, in DANDR, Dr. Atkins says:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>And if you eat fewer calories-as many Atkins people do because their appetite is usually diminished-you'll likely lose weight even faster. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I don't think it's a problem. If you are sticking to plan, eating veggies and drinking your water; if you feel good and are losing at a healthy rate, then forget calories.

I'm done now. Thank you.

Oh, and Timothy, thanks for posting that article.

Cooking is at once child's play and adult joy.
And cooking done with care is an act of love.
- Craig Claiborne

Cheftrina and Sharron,

I can not speak for others, but from my own point of view, if someone does not want to count calories that is their decision. And if it works for them, wonderful!

I do not feel that I am fixated on counting calories, but at the end of the day I do note how many calories I have consumed. My main priority is low carb, however I also watch how much fat and protein I eat. I record the amount of exersize I do daily as well.

I think the quote Cheftrina included from Atkins explains why I consider calories. I am doing this woe for two reasons - I believe it is healthy and I believe that I can lose weight doing it.

For some people forgetting calories is the way to go. If they counted, perhaps they would feel this is a diet rather than a way of life. Then, they might feel deprived and get discouraged and abandon this woe, but I have always been the "want to know" type person. I do not want to be a person who says I am low carbing, but eats so much fat that it really doesn't give me the results that I want, both healthy and weightwise. Of course, if I eat the suggested vegetable and salad daily amounts, most likely I will be too full to consume too much protein and fat, but I can not
trust my internal registrator yet. Sometimes my stomach is full, but my mind still craves.

Anyhow, in conclusion, I respect both Sharron and Cheftrina's opinions, and all the other people who post, but in all respect, I will continue to watch my calories. I might cease journaling daily everything I eat after much time on the woe, after I am more secure. I might not.

My method works for me. I passed my two month anniversary on this woe and I have lost 31 pounds.

Peace, Joanna
Atkins since 12/3/03
299/268/130

Joanna,

Please know that I was in no way criticizing you; if counting calories works for you, and you feel comfortable with it, then that's great.

What I was trying to do was bring up the fact that some people seem to be fixated on calories (as I've read in some other threads), and to remind them that this should not be an issue. For some, doing their plan correctly, and calculating carb grams is enough to worry about without throwing calories into the mix.

You obviously have a good handle on what to do; you've gotten great results and feel in control. However,some others may be confused as to just what role calories play. After years of worrying about calories, forgetting about them can be a tough mental hurdle.

OK? I apologize for any confusion; I meant my comments in a general way, and obviously I didn't make that clear.


Trina

Cooking is at once child's play and adult joy.
And cooking done with care is an act of love.
- Craig Claiborne

Well, I'm always disgusted when I see any "authority" espousing a particular number of calories, or anything else for that matter "for women"! Who the heck is the typical woman, anyway.

Are we all alike? Same age, height, muscles mass, bone mass, activity level, state of health, metabolism rate?

Just stick us all in a little box, for heaven's sake....

Ok, rant over

More to the subject. I don't count calories daily. However, I know what I can eat and the average calorie level that turns out to be daily. It's another piece of information that can be useful.



BC
172/108/108--5'2"
Zone since 4/98

Like Trina, I was responding to a more general "calorie phobia" that I've sensed on the boards. No offense intended..

Blessings!
Sharron
Author of "Low Carb Cooking at Sharron's Place," and "Extreme Lo-Carb Cuisine," available where ever books are sold.

www.thelowcarbcook.com

"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart." Colossians 2:2

Smiles....

I did not feel offended. I only wanted to explain why I consider calories. I think you are both nice, intelligent women whose opinions I respect. Your advice has helped me often. Smiles again....

BC, yes, I agree...that is what was bothering me in the article. How can they say that they will gain if over 1600 calories when I have been losing?

Oh and btw, in my earlier post I said 31 pounds...but it is 32!! LOL went down and weighed myself since then....hehehhehehehe

Peace, Joanna
Atkins since 12/3/03
299/268/130

Congrats on another pound, Joanna. Nice surprise, eh? You're doing great.



BC
172/108/108--5'2"
Zone since 4/98