here's an interesting article on low-carb diets. while i think the atkins diet is absolutely attrocious, i know that a high carb diet isn't good either. i've noticed over the past few years that i can eat a huge bowl of pasta and not feel full at all, just really thirsty. however, i think the message that needs to be conveyed the most is "everything in moderation". basically we eat too much and do too little. my stomach shrank while i was in spain, and it's made a huge difference since i've come back here (my morning bagel now makes me feel full, while before it hardly made a dent). also, don't forget to eat your veggies! (and no, potatoes don't count)