Sir,
I have to agree with this article. I first heard about the South Beach diet from a coworker who lost over 100 pound and kept it off for many years this way. I’ve successfully used it myself, me, who thought I could never stick to a diet. It was developed by a cardiologist with the goal being to provide his patients with a diet that would greatly lower their risk of stroke and heart attack and improve their cardiac and blood profiles. My only caveat is I don’t agree with his recommended use of Splenda and NutraSweet. Use all natural Stevia instead. – Kathryn N.
JWR Replies: I concur! As I’ve mentioned before in the blog, I recommend minimizing the intake of aspartame-based artificial sweeteners (like Benevia, Canderal, Equal, NutraSweet, Equal, and Spoonful.) They have some profound negative health effects that are just starting to be revealed. I predict that in the long run, aspartame will have a reputation as bad as Red Dye #2.
Mr. Rawles-
I felt I must respond to the article that was presented on the South Beach Diet as a tool to get into shape before TSHTF. It is an excellent way to eat for those who suffer from hypothyroidism and in fact is one that is highly recommended by many endocrinologists for those with Hashimoto’s Disease (of which I deal with and have dealt with for years). The body turns carbs into sugar which causes an inflammatory reaction within the body and for those with hypothyroidism this means muscle aches, pains and low energy. When I stay away from processed foods, fruit and what I will term ‘bad’ carbs, I feel really good even when my TSH levels are way out of whack. Eat one doughnut, one piece of white bread or drink one soda, I can feel. I believe that if your readers who suffer from hypothyroidism just tried the diet with no other intentions except to feel better that they would find that many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism would either be lessened or go away. Protein is the hypo’s suffers best friend and carbs are not! Blessings – Rev. L.B.