|
Thursday
January 11, 2001
A
New Diet War
The Zone, Atkins, Weight Watchers... Americans gobble
up 33 billion dollars worth of diet books, pills, and
products every year. But the nation is still getting
fatter!
In fact 60% of Americans are overweight or obese. That's
why the United States Department of Agriculture did
the first in depth study of diets and the results released
today have the diet gurus chewing the fat.
The study says almost any diet will help you lose weight
but only a few, including Weight Watchers, will help
you keep it off. Weight Watchers spokesperson Sara Ferguson
says she's living proof! She says, "Four years I've
been exactly the same size."
The Duchess says Weight Watchers works because you are
never restricted. You can drink wine, or eat a steak
and potatoes without guilt. Dieters follow a point system
that limits your fat and calorie intake. She says, "As
soon as you realize you are not saying no to yourself
you don't want it so badly. It's human nature."
The government recommends a diet of 20% protein, 30%
fat, and 50% fruits, vegetables and grains. That's a
recommendation that gives Dr. Robert Atkins indigestion.
He says, "The food pyramid is responsible for the twin
outbreaks of diabetes and obesity in this country."
Dr. Atkins says he's been eating a high protein diet
for 37 years. And he's kept the weight off. He says,
"If I wasn't on this diet, I'd weigh 300 pounds."
Celebrities like Madonna and Charlie Sheen keep fit
and trim on the high protein, low-carb Zone diet. Sheen
says, "It's difficult but the results are pretty quick
and pretty steady."
Though not singled out in the study, the Zone does not
fit the government plan for long-term weight loss and
neither does Suzanne Somer's food combining, here you
never eat protein with starches like pasta and potatoes.
She says, "The government is saying low fat but I'm
saying they need to eat fat but eat fat with protein
and vegetables."
Somers believes the government plan contributes to weight
gain and they missed an opportunity to educate Americans.
She says, "What they should be doing is explaining to
Americans what good fats are."
But however American's choose to get slim it's clear
the beef over which diet is best will continue to grow.
|
