Has there been any debate, publications, opinions generated related to kids and teenagers following a low-carb, high-protein way of eating?

For example, has Dr. Adkins published any information? If so, has it triggered a debate and alternate opinions?

Hello drmaddox,

I don't know of any studies, but I can give you my own experience.

When I was 13 (31 years ago!) I went on what was then called a high-protein diet. Atkins had just been published and it was all the rage. I lost 30 pounds in two months and was at 130 pounds. What I did was severely restrict my carbs.

I would eat bread, but would cut a slice so thin you could see through it. I would have one very small serving of potatoes. I can't remember if I ate any sweets though. I ate cheese and chicken wings for snacks. The weight stayed off for years. I went through a vegetarian period of 5 years and then my weight started creeping back up when I hit 25, after discovering the joys of Italian food and wine. I reached an all-time high of 235 pounds at 40.

I don't know if you are asking for your own children, but I see no harm (if they are otherwise heatlhy) in helping them learn a better way to eat by making better food choices. Just cutting out all refined sugars and starches and eating low on the glycemic index would benefit people of any age.

Karen