Willie you are so right. There are so many misleading things being said and so many frustrated dieters out there it is easier to believe what Atkins is saying than consulting a nutritionist. So I have complied the top ten Atkins lies for anyone who may be interested.
Lie #1: The Atkins and other low carb diets don't work--If your definition of what "works" is quick weight loss, then the Atkins Diet DOES work.
Lie #2: There's a ton of new research proving the Atkins diet is effective--Truth is, these headlines are not giving you the full picture.
Lie #3:The new studies prove that the Atkins diet is healthy and doesn't raise cholesterol as previously believed--Truth is, all the information we have available at this time indicates the 'fat phobia' and 'fat makes you fat' scare has been unfounded because not all fat is the same. However, claims that diets very high in overall and saturated fat are healthy and safe for long term use are still premature.
Lie #4: The Atkins diet will help you keep fat off for good--What you will probably see in long term studies is that Atkins and other very low carb diets, while effective for weight loss in the short term, will be found no more effective for long term fat loss than any other restrictive diet (and that's NOT very effective).
Lie #5: Calories don't count and you can eat as much as you want while on the Atkins diet.--The truth is when you go on a very low carb diet with more fat, your appetite is diminished and you feel fuller. Appetite control may be a legitimate benefit of the Atkins diet, especially for individuals who struggle with hypoglycemia, hunger and cravings. As Dr. Atkins points out, "Our physical urges are hard to combat." However, this does not mean you can eat as much as you want. It means that your hunger may be blunted on Atkin's plan, causing you to automatically eat less without counting calories or even thinking about calories....that is all!
Lie #6: A brand new study just proved that the Atkins diet gives you a metabolic advantage so you really can eat as much as you want--Again! Truth is, not one study has ever proven that you can 'eat as much as you want' on Atkins or any diet.
Lie #7: The Atkins diet causes faster and greater FAT loss than conventional diets--Like many diets, Atkins overstresses total weight loss (and quick weight loss), while not stressing enough the difference between body weight, body water, body fat and lean body mass. Weight loss is the wrong goal! Your goal should be permanent fat loss and you should be measuring and tracking your body fat percentage and lean body mass on a regular basis.
Lie #8: Carbohydrates make you fat--These are very misleading statements of half-truth. The 'carbs make you fat' myth is probably the most pervasive and damaging lie about weight control ever told. It's caused tremendous confusion and frustration to already confused and frustrated dieters.First, focusing primarily on any macronutrient (protein, carbs or fat) or macronutrient ratio should be secondary to energy balance. What makes you fat is eating too many calories.To avoid confusion, I would suggest never using the word 'carbohydrate' without putting the adjective 'refined' or 'natural' in front of it.
Lie #9: Ketosis (Low Carbs) makes you feel better and doesn't affect your performance--Many low carbers believe that fat is a more efficient energy source than carbohydrates, but this is not true. Fat is not a more efficient energy source, it is only a more concentrated energy source. Truth is, a more balanced diet of natural foods combined with exercise is a much better way to take off pure fat for good.
Lie #10: Ketogenic diets (very low carb) are the secret to fat loss--Lies, Lies, Lies,the truth is, while some recent studies have suggested low carb diets do work, not a single study has proven that it's necessary to restrict carbs so severely that you go into ketosis.