WASHINGTON—In the wake of the Atkins bankruptcy, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is advertising a new “low-carb swap” program for disillusioned dieters. Modeled after gun buy-back programs, PCRM’s new initiative offers a free 16-page Vegetarian Starter Kit in exchange for any low-carb book or food product mailed to PCRM’s D.C. office. (For details, visit http://www.pcrm.org or see below.) The program will be advertised on PCRM’s web site beginning today—and through other Internet ads later this month.

“The low-carb diet craze was never a safe, or even effective, solution to weight control,” says PCRM president and nutrition researcher Neal Barnard. “Fortunately, there is an eating plan that works, is easy to maintain, and is great for your health. It's called a vegetarian diet.”

PCRM’s Vegetarian Starter Kit offers a three-step plan for moving to a healthier diet and is packed with recipes, nutrition information, and cooking tips. Research has shown that vegetarians are slimmer than meat-eaters and have less risk of heart disease, some cancers, and diabetes.

To participate in the “Low Carb Swap,” dieters should mail their low-carb diet books or products, along with a note stating their full name and return address, to:

PCRM
Attention: Low-Carb Diet Swap
5100 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20016

Questions about the trade-in program? Please email lowcarbswap@pcrm.org.

To schedule an interview with Dr. Barnard or another PCRM nutritionist, please call Ms. Simon Chaitowitz, 202-686-2210, ext. 309.

Founded in 1985, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is a nonprofit health organization that promotes preventive medicine, especially good nutrition. PCRM also conducts clinical research studies, opposes unethical human experimentation, and promotes alternatives to animal research. PCRM has been educating the public about the dangers of low-carb, high-protein diets for several years and maintains a Web site about the diet at http://www.AtkinsDietAlert.org.