Has Low-Carb Officially Fizzled?

News from yesterday's USA Today proclaimed the official downfall of Atkins Nutritionals, as the former diet god filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Can it be true? Has the low-carb craze officially passed us by? Will I again be able to order pasta at a restaurant without a look of disgust from the server? Can I once again serve loaves of french bread at meals without my guests feigning feelings of fullness as they ask me to pass the meatballs? Can it be true?!

As one AP reporter notes, "Low-carb might be waning, but no one should write its obituary just yet. About 2 percent of adults remain on a low-carb regimen. And The New York Times best seller list still includes The South Beach Diet."

But although low-carb may be losing its seat at the popular kids' table, that only means it makes way for other, equally as ridiculous fad diets to take over mainstream attention. The 3-hr diet and the French Women Don't Get Fat diet are already patiently waiting in the wings.

But what can I say... I have an extreme bias (as well as complete lack of tolerance) when it comes to fad diets. More power to you if it works... heavens knows these diets can be like Godsends for certain lucky individuals. However I feel like it gives more false hope than anything else. Eat healthy. Exercise. There's no way around it.

Oh yeah... and don't be afraid to indulge in a little diet can of joy every now and then. It's good for the soul. :o)