It's been interesting to read the spirited discussion surrounding my entry about the role of low-carbohydrate diets. Contrary to what many readers seemed to have understood from my entry, I'm not opposed to the use of low-carbohydrate diets to promote weight loss. In fact, a well-planned, individualized low-carbohydrate diet can be very helpful with initial weight loss for obese persons.

I do believe, however, that these diets can have some detrimental long-term effects if other principles of good nutrition are not applied. It's important to restrict the intake of saturated and trans-fat sources in conjunction with a low-carbohydrate diet. It's also important to ensure that your diet is balanced and provides the necessary vitamins and minerals needed for life.

Finally, if you decide to make a drastic change in your diet, the guidance of a health professional such as a dietitian or physician can only provide additional information to help you make an informed decision about your health.