Atkins Nutritionals Inc responds to Calgary Health Region re: low-carb diets
CALGARY, June 8 /CNW/
- Earlier today, the Calgary Health Region made public comments about low-carbohydrate nutritional programs. It is unfortunate that the Region opted to perpetuate the many myths that surround a controlled-carbohydrate lifestyle, rather than making statements based on scientifically supported facts.
The following points respond to the inaccurate suggestions made by the Calgary Health Region today.
WEAKNESS & FATIGUE
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Fatigue may occur during the first few days of doing Atkins while the body adapts to the switch in metabolic pathways. It typically takes about three to four days for the body to convert from a sugar metabolism to a primarily fat metabolism. After the transition, those people who were tired at first usually report high energy and clear thinking throughout the day. The
explanation is simple: They have rebalanced their nutrition so that their blood sugar is stabilized. They avoid blood-sugar peaks and valleys throughout the day, putting an end to mood swings and periods of lethargy. And those people who consume a full vita nutrient program are much less likely to feel weak or tired, even at the start of Atkins.
HEART DISEASE, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE & OTHER RISK FACTORS
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Multiple research studies have shown that following a high-fat diet in a low-carbohydrate protocol like Atkins can actually improve cardiovascular health in individuals. The premise of this misconception - that a high-fat diet is bad for the heart - is based on the combination of fatty foods being consumed in a mixed diet setting along with a very high percent of the excess calories coming from carbohydrates. Recent studies comparing low-carb intakes vs. low-fat intakes have consistently shown that low-carb (high-fat) regimens improve cardiovascular risk factors. These findings have been so consistent among recent studies that even skeptics in the medical community are beginning to revisit their views on the Atkins Nutritional Approach(TM).
ALLEGED NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES, CONSTIPATION
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The continual reference to the nutrient deficiencies of this regimen is downright wrong. Even during the Induction phase (the first of the four phases of Atkins), the vitamin/mineral values for the current Recommended Daily Intake are met in all but a very small number of nutrients. As one advances through the phases and incorporates more healthy carbohydrates, the program provides a healthy balanced nutrient-complete intake. Those following the Atkins Nutritional Approach(TM) will also get 100 percent of the Recommended Daily Intake of calcium from foods such as cheese, broccoli and kale. Even fibre intake is adequate as the Atkins Nutritional Approach(TM) includes
fibre-rich foods such as spinach, eggplant, broccoli, asparagus and leafy greens. It also includes fruits such as berries. In addition, if more fibre is needed during the Induction phase, a fibre supplement is recommended.
RE-GAINING LOST WEIGHT
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To do the Atkins Nutritional Approach(TM) properly, an individual moves through four, increasingly liberal phases, culminating in Lifetime Maintenance. Unfortunately, some people instead use Atkins to lose weight and then go off the program, reverting to their previous high consumption of carbohydrates. Not surprisingly, the weight and health benefits do not last.
Common sense tells us that this is true of any diet, not just the Atkins Nutritional Approach(TM). But those who follow the program correctly and adopt it as a permanent way of life find that they are healthier, more energetic and have a better lean body mass to fat mass ratio.
SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT FOR ATKINS
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If we are to overcome this rampant epidemic of obesity and diabetes, we must be willing to keep an open mind to new options for recommendations in dietary intake. There have now been 27 published studies recently reported showing consistently that the Atkins-type low-carbohydrate diet offers a safe, healthy alternative to weight loss as well as weight management.
http://www.cnw.ca/fr/releases/archi...4/08/c2612.html
And here is an article that discusses the CHR claims:
Wed, June 9, 2004
CHR slams low-carb diets
By BILL LAYE, CALGARY SUN
If you're thinking of losing that inglorious gut by cutting the carbs, you may want to think again -- the Calgary Health Region says there's a dark side to fad diets. "We have concerns over all the low-carb diets, Atkins and South Beach are just two of many," CHR clinical dietitian Kristyn Hall said yesterday at a healthy eating reception sponsored by the region.
"We're not picking on any one in particular."
The idea behind these diets is that the dieter can lose weight by reducing his or her intake of carbohydrates -- found in bread and pasta products, among other things -- and eating more protein products, like meat.
These diets have become popular with the celebrity set, and many companies, including brewers and fast food firms, are now marketing low-carb products.
But Hall warns people who take the carbohydrates off their menu are cutting a lot of the vital vitamins and nutrients needed for healthy living.
"Consumers need to move away from all-or-nothing, black-and-white thinking and move toward a more balanced approach," she said.
She added the much-publicized low-carb revolution has really given people the wrong idea when it comes to dieting.
"Achieving a healthy lifestyle requires some work -- it's about healthy eating and about active living," she said.
It's also about considering the big picture, she said.
"We do acknowledge you do lose weight (going low-carb). However, the long-term studies show you don't keep the weight off," she said.
http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/Calga.../09/491459.html
Atkins Nutritionals Responds to Calgary Health Region Re: Low-Carb Diets
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