It is very interesting, isn't it?  I went looking for some ideas for
low-carb meals at B&N the other day and was stunned to find nearly three
entire bays of books dedicated to diet.  There were a few low-carb
recipe books but, for the most part, I was shocked to see the typical
heart association low fat/high carb diet recipe books loaded with pasta,
bread and white rice recipes.

I can personally attest to the fact that, for me, such a diet was a
total disaster.  I went on a physical fitness binge about 6 years ago,
saw a trainer once every couple weeks, and  worked out at the Y 3 times
a week.  The trainer put me on a high carb diet and, like an idiot, I
bought every word he said about diet.  Very low fat, low protein, high
carb, eat all the carbs you want because the body does not store carbs
as fat, fat makes you fat, etc etc etc.  I never lost a single pound and
was ravenous constantly!  I was doing such hard workouts that sometimes
I'd have to go home and sleep afterward because I'd be dizzy and feel
sick.  I swam laps, did the nordic track, free weights, machines and
other stuff too.  I never gained either but if I had been on the right
diet, I should have lost.  When I look back, I am shocked at the amount
of exercise I was doing but not losing.  (And then I developed a
chlorine allergy and could no longer swim laps..... and that was my
favorite thing..... so peaceful just gliding through the water like that
and so easy on the body too.  Now, if I even get near an indoor pool, I
start to wheeze  :(  )

If lots of people bought into the same line about diets that I did, then
it is no wonder so many Americans are fat and that the world is making
fun of us.  And now I am low carbing (South Beach) and losing slowly but
steadily without much of any big deal!  My worst problem is making
enough refrigerator space for all the veggies. ;)  And I am only on the
treadmill every other day.  Unless I miss a meal, I don't get many
cravings--- it's sometimes something I miss a lot like sushi or Chinese
food with a lot of rice.  I don't get any more headaches from not eating
and I feel incredibly better overall than I have in years.  My only
regret is listening to people including medical professionals who told
me not to do a low carb diet.  Sorry to go on and on--- but I bet lots
of people had similar experiences.

Elinor