Andy, welcome to the forum.

To answer two of your questions; Yes, there are many people who follow LC plans who are very active. I invite you to take a look at my Gym Log in the Exercise forum for one example. We also have a resident Body builder following a LC plan, Trainerdan who co-moderates the Exercise forum , have a looksee when you get the opportunity.

As for convincing you that LC is healthy, only you can do that. Of course you need the proper information. I suggest chekcing out the link at the top of every page "Low Carb Studies" for some emperical evidence. I also suggest you get yourself a copy of "Protein Power". The Eades go into great detail explaining the how's and why's of LCing and it's benefits for your health. It is by far the most scientific of the LC plans; there is a brief synopsis of it here . Neanderthin is another good read if you're looking for evidence that this is the way we were meant to eat. FYI, many of the LC plans are described here in detail with sample menus.

Happy reading
Nat