Welcome to Goldivas.com, for women over 50 who are too young to be old.

 

How Did I Let This Happen Again? The February issue of Oprah’s magazine has a feature called “The Battle of the Diet Plans”, comparing Low Carbs, Low Fat, Zone, Mediterranean and Ornish plans. The winning diet is (drum roll) low carb! (But, Oprah hasn’t tried that yet, she needs new advisors). Women over 50 often experience hormone-related weight gain and we need all the help we can get to keep that to a minimum.   If you read “Good Calories, Bad Calories”, by Gary Taubes, that low-carb revelation would not be a surprise to you. Mr. Taubes is a science writer who has nothing to gain by promoting any particular diet plan. His book starts out with a true story about a fat man, William Banting, who in 1862 was struggling with excess weight. Mr. Banting tried vigorous exercise and a large number of diets, all to no avail. Until he consulted with a physician who put him on a diet that largely abstained from sugars and starches (a small dish of fruit and a small piece of toast was allowed). Mr. Banting lost a total 50 pounds over eighteen months, and found many other ailments he had suffered were now gone. In 1863, Mr. Banting published a pamphlet, “Letter on Corpulence, Addressed to the Public”, in which he described his experience. Over the next hundred years, many variations of this diet were introduced, but all contained the same basic idea: avoid sugar and starches, consume meat, green vegetables, eggs and cheese.   But, the tide turned in the seventies, when fat became the villian and carbs were deemed healthy. Coincidentally, or not, the obesity epidemic began at this time! Mr. Taubes goes on to trace the development of various trends and closely examines the research behind each trend. He finds that there is no compelling evidence to support the current trend of limiting calories while consuming a “balanced diet” and avoiding saturated fats. It seems that once medical authorities take a particular position on a subject, they will seek out evidence to support their position while ignoring evidence that disproves it. Mr. Taubes also points out that although there are known diseases resulting from protein and fat deficiencies, there is no disease associated with low carbohydrate consumption. This book is a good reference to have on hand, especially if your family and friends are trying to tell you that a low-carb diet isn’t healthy.   Probably the most famous proponent of low-carb eating was Dr. Robert Atkins, whose “Dr. Atkins Diet Revolution” was first published in 1973, with subsequent editions published until the last one in 2003. Dr. Atkins was subjected to a Congressional investigation and ridiculed by the medical profession in the early years. But by 2002, even his detractors had to admit he was right. But, the mainstream media and many dieticians and doctors are still pushing low fat, “balanced diets” that do include a lot of carbs. One wonders if the sugar and grain industries have somethng to do with this. Important note – fats are not dangerous when the carbs are restricted.   A slightly more liberal version of Dr. Atkins diet, “Protein Power”, by Michael R. Eades, M.D., and Mary Dan Eades, M.D., was first published in 1996. Protein Power includes the usual recipes, but also has ways to modify some of your own recipes to fit into your diet plan, and tips for making good selections at restaurants. Also, some good tips for staying motivated. The book contains a good explanation on the workings of cholesterol and how to lower “bad” cholesterol levels while raising the “good” levels. This book is easy to read, and would be a good companion if you’re interested in losing weight or just maintaining a healthy diet.   In addition to the Protein Power book, be sure to visit the Protein power website, authored by Mary Dan Eades and Michael R. Eades: http://www.proteinpower.com/. There you’ll find more recipes, articles and discussion pages that will help to keep you informed and motivated. Also, try one of the many diet buddy websites – just Google “diet buddy” and you’ll find websites that match you with a buddy, send you an email for your weekly weigh-in, and provide many encouaging words. E-mail this article to a friend

On Mar 6 2009 7:10AM Maravonda, said:
As a present member of the How did I let this happen again? group, it still amazes me that people don't have enough common sense to understand that protein, vegetables and some fat are the staples, the carbs are the extras, and that not only fixes your weight and your health, it keeps your skin nice. I have eaten real butter gasp! all my life, thin or fat, and have always had great skin. Now, more than ever, good skin matters to me, I can't stop the smile lines, and wouldn't want to, but t


On Mar 7 2009 5:50AM Lennie, Chicago said:
I think real butter is safer - remember in the 60's we were told butter was bad, that we should use margarine instead. Then it turned out that was very bad for us. So real food butter is probably safer than fake food.


On Mar 23 2009 2:17PM Lean, much past fifty, Illinois said:
Jack Spratt could eat not fat, His wife could eat no lean, So twixt the two they licked the plate and left the platter clean. That was my mother-in law and father-in law. He only lived to 89 but she made it to 91 eatiing butter and no veggies.


On Mar 31 2009 12:21PM Aging But Dangerous, Mpls said:
I LOVE butter!! I can give up sugar, starches and about anything except butter. And I don't eat that much - I just butter my toast in the morning and that even makes me feel guilty! Do we have to give up everything?


On Apr 1 2009 7:32AM Rita@Goldivas, said:
Don't feel guilty, Aging - butter is good, and it's good for you! Get Dr. Eades book, or visit his blog.


On Feb 7 2010 7:07AM Guest, said:
Oprah still hasn't caught on to this. I think she's brainwashed by her trainer.

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