A long time ago, I started working out with weights. My goal was to reduce body fat percentage, while maintaining my weight. I started my own version of the Atkins diet- low carbs, high protein, didn't pay attention to fat levels.
I drank alot of protein shakes (Myoplex Deluxe); ate alot of beef; ate alot of peanutbutter; and drank Diet Dr Pepper instead of the regular. I went from 165-lbs, 15% body fat to 165-lbs, 7% body fat in 3 months. My personal trainer told me to go back to 10% body fat, as I was getting to a unhealthy level for a working man.
My personal opinion is that low carbs is what is needed. Carbs convert the fat that you eat into body fat. As long as you moderate your carb intake, weight loss is possible. Most of my family (parents, sister, bro-in-law) followed the Atkins diet by the book, and lost quite a bit of weight.
Think about it- when the "food triangle" was thought of, what happened? Everyone started getting fat- finally becoming obese. Eat alot of breads- ha....and get fat. I eat mostly meat; some starches (potatoes mostly); very little bread; and almost no veggies. The only veggies I eat are green beans, corn, and some things that are actually a fruit (peppers, okra, etc.).
Anyone else share my thoughts/opinions?