you say no carb, I say lo carb

[Guest guest]

I think the confusion comes from the fact that there are two distinct groups

of people using ER. The first group only wants to lose weight. They want to

lose it fast and keep it off. They are not primarily concerned with long term

good health. These folks will tend not to exercise, and when the weight is

off, will go back to their normal bad habits. When the weight starts to creep

up, or bikini season is lurking, they go " on the wagon " for a few weeks or

months, to drop the pounds. I have friends who use ER, Atkins, and other no

carb

plans expressly for yo-yo dieting. They usually look great, but constantly

complain of low energy, depression, headaches, stomach ailments, joint pain,

night sweats and bad dreams, skin problems and dull, lifeless hair. They also

tend to look older than they really are.

The second group of ER adherents are more focused on long-term optimal health

and function. I count myself in this group. For long term good health,

there is plenty of room for a small amount of carbs. I would say my eating plan

is " lo carb " , because I do love rice, and crave it sometimes. Just ignore the

traditional pyramid, that puts carbs at the base, and move the carbs to the

top. That counts for whole grain, unprocessed grain, etc. All of it goes to

the top. Our bodies need very little carbhohydrates, and we can get most of

what we need from vegetables. There is room though, to have some neutral grains

if you like them. Optimal health does include being at one's optimal weight.

Long-term commitment to ER will bring your weight in line, if it is not

already there. It will take longer than the crash course, but you will find

that

you are healthier, and will not need to go on " diets " when confronted with the

possibility of exposing some skin. If you read this list for any length of

time, you will find the long-term ER folks carrying on constantly about how

great

we look AND FEEL. None of the health issues the yo-yos are having. But this

long term lo carb approach does require that one shed old habits, and develop

new ones. That is the real work. Breaking lifelong habits is really tough.

I say it is worth it to feel great, like a kid again.