16 Myths of a Diabetic Diet. Karen Hanson Chalmers

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      Diet? In recent years a fresh batch of new diets—The Zone, Dr. Atkin’s New Diet Revolution, and The South Beach Diet—have appeared, many of which tout the same claims as their older cousins. The underlying premise for most of these books is that a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet can actually make you fat because carbohydrates cause the body to release insulin, which, in turn, leads to fat storage. What many readers who are desperate for the quick, easy solution to permanent weight loss do not realize is that there are no good studies showing that insulin causes weight gain (a common theme found in many of these books). Unfortunately, they may be led to believe that these lower-carbohydrate, higher-protein diets are the answer to their weight-loss woes, particularly when they actually do lose weight.

      How can we explain the weight loss that does result from these diets? Well, what they have in common is that they all manage to cut calories, some more drastically than others. There really is no special magic here. Whenever you decrease your caloric intake, weight loss will result. Keep in mind, too, that some of these diets have much more fat, especially saturated fat, than we should be consuming, which may spell trouble for your arteries down the road. Plus, if you follow the advice of some of these diets, you’ll find yourself following strict rules as to when you can eat, what you can eat, and what combinations of foods you can eat. Once again, there is no solid evidence backing up these claims. As we mentioned earlier, a slightly higher protein intake may help people lose weight—along the lines of 30% of calories from protein and no less than 130 grams of carbohydrate per day. But ultra-low carbohydrate plans are not realistic, or healthy, to follow for long periods of time.