The Atkins folks have long spoken against the USDA Food Pyramid — I’m not a particular fan of it either and, indeed, the government plans on revising it by early next year. However, the Atkins group decided not to wait that long and they released their own food pyramid.
As you might expect, this pyramid has protein sources on the bottom tier (“eat more”) and grains at the top tier (“eat fewer”) — almost the opposite of the USDA version. Interestingly, even though a geometric food summary such as this may seem to oversimplify an eating plan, this one actually clarifies many aspects.
For one thing, many people think of Atkins as all “meat and cheese”. But, a quick look over their pyramid would show that’s not really the case — cheese is on the second-to-the-top tier, only just below grains. Many people also overlook the diet’s vegetable component. Veggies such as broccoli, cauliflower and asparagus (all of which are considered healthy on just about any diet) are on the second tier, just after protein sources.
I was also impressed that one of their footnotes emphasizes that hydrogenated oils should be avoided. Otherwise known as trans fats, they’re a rather bad type of fat as they not only raise your bad cholesterol but also lower your good cholesterol (even saturated fat doesn’t effect good cholesterol).
I don’t follow Atkins; rather, I go with The Zone which has a 40/30/30 ratio between carbs, protein & fats. All the same, Atkins seems a little more reasonable each time I learn more about it.
I’m on the eat-whatever-the-hell-you-want diet.
Right now, I’m enjoying some Herr’s Mexican Cheddar chips. Don’t know how they integrated black beans into the chips, but they’re goooood.
I am with ulysses on this. I eat whatever-the-hell-I-want just in moderation and only when I actually need food (a.k.a. stomach grumbling). It works wonders; not only do I get to eat good food I also maintain a decent weight.
But you do have to mix in a regular workout.