low-carb diets

Question
What exactly is the alleged benefit of Atkins/low carb diets? I've lost 80 pounds this year by eating less, and mostly eating fruit, salad, and pasta. Will losing all this weight with a high carb diet cause me to gain wait in the long-term?

Answer
Congrats on losing 80 pounds!  That is wonderful!!
I don't see any benefits of the Atkins or low carb diets and I do NOT recommend them to my clients.  The diet is NOT realistic so most people that start on it can't stay on it very long.  Even if they lose weight most of the weight is gained back once they go back to old eating habits.  Eating a well-balanced diet, eating from ALL of the food groups, drinking water everyday and exercising on a regular basis is the healthiest and most realistic way to lose weight.  Weight loss is a permanent lifestyle change and NOT a temporary "diet".  Eating a well-balanced diet is NOT a "high" carb diet.  All you want to do is eat carbs in moderation and choose the right ones or the healthy ones (ex. whole wheat bread vs. white bread).  Nothing will cause you to gain weight long term IF YOU ADOPT permanent healthy eating habits and a healthier lifestyle.  You have to think longterm and not just about losing a certain amount of weight and that is it.
Change you habits for good and your chances of keeping the weight off will be MUCH greater!!
I do offer online services.  If interested check out my web site at: www.Nutrifocus.net.
Thanks!
Kim Tessmer, RD LD

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