You "Ask", I Answer

As far as your comments on calorie counting being the key to weight loss, I encourage you to do more research. Even consumer reports acknowledges the effectiveness of the low carb diet, albeit the difficulty of adhering to it.
-- Anonymous

Consumer Reports isn't the best source for nutrition research, but in any event, yes, I have seen the studies showing that low-carb diets are effective for weight loss.

However, if you fully read the research, you come to find that this is because low-carb diets restrict so many food groups (grains, most of the fruit and veggie groups, and some of the dairy group), that the dieters on them end up eating less total calories!

Therefore, the key to weight loss truly does come down to calorie counting. I know, it's boring. It's not about your blood type, or what time you eat, or whether or not your apple was flown in from Switzerland or picked from your backyard. It comes down to calories.

That being said, that the goal of losing weight isn't just to shed pounds, but to do it in a way that allows your body to get the nutrients it needs. Going low-carb, for instance, means missing out on fiber as well as a variety of vitamins and minerals (i.e.: vitamin C) and antioxidants found in foods not allowed in low-carb diets.

If you notice, many of my All-Stars -- which provide an abundance of nutrients -- are fruits and vegetables. Sadly, you can't have most of them if you go low carb.

Thanks again for writing!