probably is: I like chocolate cake AND potatoes in just about any variety. I'm like Oprah in that way - and perhaps the only way.

I've never met a potato I didn't like.

But, you know, I eat things other than potatoes, so I'm not fussed about carbs being DEATH for me, because my diet is pretty varied.

My diet got a bit out of whack and I'm having to get back on the horse with careful tracking. Anyway, the low carb (low like Atkins) may be really good for diabetics (or pre-diabetics) in terms of blood sugar, but medical studies have shown that have so few carbs can be demoralizing to people on the long term. Hard to sustain a day to day diet in which you only consume like 50 grams of carb in a day.

Most people can do a low carb diet of 2x that or 3x that and still get enormous benefits. My previous doctor told me this in so many words.

If you want to cut down on anything, don't make it so it feels abusive or dispiriting or you won't do it for long. I don't think our eating habits need to be self-abuse.

For the record: something to sing about.

darn those allergies!

My diet got a bit out of whack and I'm having to get back on the horse with careful tracking. Anyway, the low carb (low like Atkins) may be really good for diabetics (or pre-diabetics) in terms of blood sugar, but medical studies have shown that have so few carbs can be demoralizing to people on the long term. Hard to sustain a day to day diet in which you only consume like 50 grams of carb in a day.

The super-low carbohydrate portion of the Atkins diet only lasts for two weeks. After that it works its way up at 5-10 grams a week as long as you're losing weight. Somehow the first two weeks have come to represent the entire thing.

You have a pickle guy? Cool. Although, for awkward pick-up potential, nothing beats Stanley Bolander going up to that Aussie ME in the first year of Homicide all "My partner says you tend to have crabs."

Trudy, but even then, some people can't do it for 4 weeks. I know what you mean, because I was on modified Atkins for 6 weeks years ago.

Stop eating foods that have sugar in them for no good reason ( why does peanut butter have sugar in it? eat natural peanut butter because it has no added sugar)

I have been trying to cut back on sugar too, and I have definitely started to read labels more often. Why does tomato paste need added sugar? I add a little fruit juice to seltzer to try to fool myself into thinking I'm drinking soda.

The truth is, my mom being a hippie goddess is probably the only reason I watch my diet, ever(I wish I had a manual for my metabolism, I swear...you guys would get it free.) Although I do actually like to eat grapefruit and stuff, I have an urge toward garbage, that, if I'm completely honest, bathing-suit season is not a very strong incentive for...even if I knock myself out, sumus quod sumus(we are what we are...thanks, Garrison Keillor) ETA: Did I ever tell you that my crazy stepmonster(and her untreated eating disorder) used to feed me till I puked? Seriously, I think watching me eat was her porn for a year...I didn't always hurl, but I thought I had something to be concerned about...digestion-wise...

If you want to cut down on anything, don't make it so it feels abusive or dispiriting or you won't do it for long. I don't think our eating habits need to be self-abuse.

I couldn't agree more, le n. I am a fan of moderation in all things.

For good healthy snacks that stave off cravings, I like nuts, trail mix (which is still nuts in a way), and those wee clementine oranges. A friend recommended olives, and those are good too.

For me sugar is tempting, but I can feel satisfied with a little bit, so I'm OK there. But I see it in Franny, the intense craving of sugar, so I am trying to be careful about what kinds of snacks I leave around the kitchen. And I pretty much discourage the juice drinking since I figure she gets enough sugar from all the fruit and the health bars ("health" bars) she eats.