This is the way our ancestors ate. No bread, no starchy carbs, and no sugar.
Why do farmers feed grain to cattle and potatoes to pigs?
And nobody, including kids, needs to drink milk. Ever.
As to which athletes are on Atkins, I'd wager very few. But most of them burn up carbohydrates pretty quickly. But, there are lots of pro football players, especially linemen, who are simply fat and would be stronger and quicker if they lost a few pounds.
Yes, building muscle mass is the best way to lose weight. But, as you know, professional bodybuilders "diet down" to get in shape for competition.
The FIRST thing they do is cut the carbs, especially the starches.
But they're freaks. More than a few take steroids, andro, ephedra, diuretics, etc....
The whole point of getting in shape is not to lose weight, but to feel healthy. For most folks, diet is tertiary, behind cardio workouts and muscle increase to successfully atttain that goal.
Disclaimer - since 9/12/01, I have not done a stitch of exercise and I've eaten whatever I've wanted - recent developments in my life have convinced me to get back on the stick!
http://www.idfa.org/news/gotmilk/2002/jama.htm
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE NATIONAL DAIRY COUNCIL
For Immediate Release
For more information, please contact:
Nutrition and Health News Bureau, 312/988-2494
E-mail: ndc@webershandwick.com
GOT MILK? GET GOOD HEALTH
New JAMA Study Shows Milk, Cheese and Yogurt May Help Prevent
Obesity, Type-2 Diabetes and Heart Disease
ROSEMONT, IL., April 23, 2002 - A new study published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that young adults who consume more dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, may be less likely to become obese and develop type 2 diabetes and heart disease. These findings are consistent with a growing body of research that demonstrates dairy's role in reducing the risk of obesity and other chronic diseases.
The multi-center epidemiological study examined the correlation between dairy intake and Insulin Resistance Syndrome (IRS), a condition many Americans don't know much about, but which may affect about one in four adults. IRS occurs when the body's cells are resistant to the insulin produced by the pancreas - which means blood sugar is not properly controlled and the body may compensate by trying to produce even more insulin. Studies indicate that IRS may increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and elevated blood cholesterol, which can increase the risk of heart disease.
The researchers looked at the eating patterns of 3,157 African American and Caucasian young adults, both male and female over a 10-year period. Two comprehensive food intake reports were averaged - one taken at the start of the study and one taken seven years later - to determine participants' habitual intake of dairy foods.
The results showed that individuals who consumed more dairy products had a lower risk of developing IRS and were less likely to be obese and have high blood pressure. While overweight individuals typically consumed fewer dairy products than their normal-weight counterparts, those who consumed the most dairy products had a two-thirds lower incidence of IRS than those who consumed the fewest dairy products. In addition, those who consumed more dairy foods were more likely to have healthier eating habits overall with higher intakes of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and lower intakes of sugar-sweetened soft drinks.
Nutrient Package May Play a Role
While the researchers were unable to explain how dairy foods impact IRS, they speculate that several components, such as calcium, lactose or protein, may play a role. Additionally, they note that dairy foods are more filling than other foods and beverages, which may help minimize the likelihood of overeating. Finally, the researchers refer to the growing body of research that links dairy food consumption to body weight regulation and reduced risk of high blood pressure.
Specifically, the DASH studies (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) funded by the National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute, have shown the including at least three servings of lowfat dairy foods and 8 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables in the diet provides heart-healthy benefits including lowering blood pressure.
"We've known for some time that adding more dairy foods, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, may help reduce the risk of, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and possibly even colon cancer," said Deanna Rose, a registered dietitian for the National Dairy Council. "Now we can add to that list the important role dairy foods may play in helping control weight and reducing the risk of heart disease and type-2 diabetes."
Rose offers the following tips to help consumers sneak more milk and dairy foods into the diet.
Source: Pereira, M.A. et al. Dairy Consumption, Obesity, and the Insulin Resistance Syndrome in Young Adults. JAMA 2002; 287: 2081-2089.
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The National Dairy Council® was founded in 1915 and conducts nutrition education and nutrition research programs through national, state and regional Dairy Council organizations, on behalf of America's dairy farmers.
INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE: To schedule interviews, call 312/988-2494