Sal.....didn't you say that you do this??? How well does it work? My hubby came home from work and said that a few of his buddies have tried it and have lost lots of weight and feel great...so now he's wanting to try it. How well does it work?

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<IMG SRC="http://www.tc.umn.edu/~hahn0053/BOD14.gif" border=0>


~Dawn

I've heard alot of goodthings about this diet. My mom works in the medical field ans has recommended it to me. I just need to get the book on it.

Jazzmyn http://www.80sxchange.com/ubb/smilies//witchbroom.gif http://www.80sxchange.com/ubb/smilies//vampire.gif

I lost about 25 pounds on this diet, it does work, but takes a TON of discipline (as most diets do) The key is, you can eat all teh meat you want, all teh eggs, bacon, etc. Just stay away from the starches and sugars. and your body will lose weight. Since thier is no energy source (carbohydrates) your body will need to use SOMETHING for energy, so, it uses your body fat. You will feel sluggish for a while, until your body really starts to use its own fat. Once your body starts to use its fat for energy, the weight will drop and you will feel great. Have fun, and enjoy!

Ron

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Ron
While I am aware that, as the saying goes, Money can't buy me happiness"
I would still like to be known as "That meloncholy guy driving the red Lamborghini"

Email me if you want: realdealmbp@yahoo.com

Sorry, but I'm gonna have to disagree with you guys on this one. Sure, you'll lose weight but with what risks? Kidney problems, bowel problems........ Diets are bad fullstop! All I'd do is cut out a little (not all as the body DOES need some fat!)fat and sugar. There are a lot of dieting myths out there and no-one seems to tell you the bad sides of dieting, only the good sides. They've NEVER helped me lose it! As well as thousands of others. Just cut back on a few things and exercise when you can!

DIETS ARE A BIG NO-NO!!!

Like anything, this is not for everyone. I know what alot of people say about Atkins but it works for me. I have lost 21 lbs so far, I eat 3 meals a day (which i didn't do before) and the best thing is that I feel great, not tired, my colosterol (sp) has gone down big time and I eat well.
I'm no exercise guru, I've tried low fat, cutting back, every other diet out there, this is the only one that has worked for me!
I have had no probs with my kidneys, I see the doc often.

Problems won't show up straight away, you know! Some like to take their time.

I've been doing Atkins since July of 2000. I've lost about 50 pounds. It's a safe way of life (not a diet) if you do it properly. But, you can never stop. If you do, you'll gain the weight back. There are three parts to the diet. The last part isn't so strict.

You MUST drink plenty of water.
You MUST eat the vegetables that you are allowed - you need the fiber.

Sugar is not allowed. There is no nutritional value in sugar anyway. Plus, your teeth will be happy.

Breads are not allowed. You don't need bread either. All you are doing is cutting out sugar and bread. That means pasta, too. No fruit, few vegetables (Spinach is good, some broccoli, asparagus is very good).

You eat a lot of meats and fats. Fats will become your new sole source of energy. Even if you eat some carbs, your body will not remember what to do with them. You'll be sluggish for the first few days..

There are plenty of carbohydrate substitutes. There is fake bread - just like real bread but no carbs. Fake pasta, fake chocolate, fake sugar - and it ALL tastes REAL. Especially the sugar - It's called Sucralose. To get a good idea just how good it is, try a Diet Rite soda. Taste better than Diet Coke or Pepsi? That's why.. It usually sells under the name, "Splenda".

If anyone is serious about this diet, let me know and I will go further into detail...

I had to do it when I was about 11-12. Did nothing for me at all. I basically starved without not eating fruit. Breads I can live without but not fruit. Man, I'd be needing tonnes of vitamin pills to cope with the lack of vits and mins if I did that. You put on weight if you stop ANY diet. Most people put it back on in a few years anyway.

Better stop now otherwise I'm going to get very cookie. This is not a subject I take lightly. Most people just don't realise that there are a few medical problems that cause you to put on weight and make it impossible to lose again. Food is NOT always the solution! Hope you guys understand where I'm coming from! <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> If I stay any longer I might even get nasty and I don't want that, so I'm out of here.

Hi Sheibub. You're right. Weight gain is often genetic and nothing can be done about it. In many cases, though, Atkins will work. Also, Atkins is not a diet - it's a way of life. You can't decide to go on it and then come off it in the future. If you're like me, and your body naturally wants to stay overweight, then you cannot eat like everyone else. Sucks for me, for sure. But, I've gotten used to it. Especially now that I can have stuff like French Toast and Pancakes! All these new low-carb inventions are awesome! But, like I said, I must always stick to this new way of life. Now that my body doesn't recognize carbs as a source for energy, the only thing it finds is fat - so, I keep the extra weight off...

I don't want you to get upset about any of this. I'm only responding here so that the people who are interested in giving this way of life a try, do so... It's worth a shot.

Also, let me add. Atkins works better for men than it does for women. That's a fact.

I have to agree with Sheibub. Plus, I am a dietitian registered with the American Dietetic Assc. I just went to an educational meeting about this, and it burns me. The "diet" industry is a billion dollar industry. People like Dr. Atkins, know that the average food consumer wants the "quick" fix. His book "New diet revolution", is a slightly modified version of his book from the 70's. Look up some of his claims, there have been no studies done to substantiate his claims. If you cut out certain foods from your diet, you are obviously going to loose weight. But your body DOES need carbohydrate. It is burned quickly for use for energy in the brain. That is probably why the sluggishness with his diet. The body adapts to what it is given, but it certainly doesnt "forget" What to do with a carbohydrate after not having it for a while. If you eat anything in excess, you will gain weight. If you control your portion sizes, using the food guide pyramid as a guide, and exercise you will also loose weight. This is what I have done and lost 30 lbs. It is also a way of life, but I dont restrict myself. If I want a small peice of cake, I have it. It also takes discipline. I ask myself if I really want to eat, or is it an emotional hunger. There is a difference. For the most part, it is more realistic for the average person to indulge every once in a while IN MODERATION. There have been studies done on the affects of Adkins diet, and as Sheibub said, it is a long term affect. I feel as a nutrition professional it is my duty to inform consumers of the truth. I know no-one wants to hear it, and would much rather have the magic bullet, but this guy is making millions off you. If anyone is interested in more information, or sources, let me know.

<FONT COLOR="#6699cc" SIZE="1">[ May 11, 2001 10:20 PM: Message edited by: D2GIRL ]</font>

I'd love to have some ideas to help me lose some weight. I don't do good on diets. Plus I have an underactive thyroid. Been thinking of talking to my doctor for some help with this. I used to be pretty thin, but some personal problems and a bout of depression caused me to gain some weight. Not sersiously overweight, but could really stand to lose some. I know I would healthier too. Would appreciate any ideas you have D2Girl.

Jazzmyn

Hah! I tried to keep away but couldn't help myself. <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0"> Genetics....yes but too many people are claiming that it's their problem! Not me! If you're a woman there are a few hormonal problems like mine that cause them to pile it on. But the one I have - PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) - the body doesn't use the carbs properly and therefore they become insulin resitant and on piles the weight. Most find that if they cut down on carbs they lose it but a lot are finding it just as hard to lose it even without the carbs. The only thing helping me lose it is a diabetic medication called Metformin. I've lost 11kg (24.25 lb) in 1-2 years, slow going but at least I'm finally losing it. <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0">

As you can see I'm only upset cause everyone thinks diets are the only way and food is the only problem. Not the case! Maybe you're supposed to be the size you are. If everyone was to be the same size we would be!

I can understand what you're dealing with Shei. My best friend has the same problem. I've learned a little about PCOS as a result. Not something fun to deal with. She's happy right now. She due to deliver her baby any day now. This after being told she would probably never have any.

I agree with what you say about diets. I might try some different things at times, but basically the easiest thing to do is just cut back on certain foods and excerise. Just watch what you eat and don't over do it. That's what I'm trying to do right now.

Jazzmyn

OK, plain an simple NO carbs & excerize! That's what ya need! So why don't I follow this because I have no one who gives a damn! You don't need to go through all the torture of the aerobics what ya need is at least 45 minutes a day of weight lifting & no carbs which converts to sugar in your body! Your body will burn solid fat faster then sugar... Muscle is heavier then fat so don't watch the scale because it'll just depress ya... Sorry if I sound mean *lol*

True, most people don't realise that muscle weighs more than fat. I only learned that myself about 2 years ago. I was exercising everyday but I was putting on weight! Even my dog was losing weight. I'm losing a little fat but building up muscle at the same time.
Nice to know someone else knows about PCOS, Jazz. Not even the doctors or gynos over here know about it nor how to treat it. I had to tell them! Stupid huh? <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> What treatment did you friend go on, if I may ask!!!?

Shortly after they realized she had PCOS she came up pregnant. They didn't really put her on any sort of treatment yet. She'll need to do that after she has the baby though.

Jazzmyn

Quite a few women I know have had kids before they were diagnosed. Unlike me, I was getting the symptoms from the age of 9-10!

Question Atkins Diet:

How do you reconcile the weight loss with having foul-smelling breath? Ketosis does that to a person. P-U!!! There is a woman at my work who does the Atkins thing, and lemme tell you, I dread it when I see her heading my way....

I'm wondering if it is worth it to struggle through the Atkins diet when it doesn't matter how skinny you are, if your breath smells that bad nobody will touch you!

There is a very good book out there regarding the 'diets,' it is called "Fad Free Nutrition."

Also if anybody is interested, this site is totally killer: http://www.dottisweightlosszone.com

http://

<FONT COLOR="#6699cc" SIZE="1">[ May 14, 2001 01:53 PM: Message edited by: relivingmyheyday ]</font>

Is it the diet that's causing her bad breath, or a lack of Oral Hygiene?

Jazzmyn,
That dotties website is really good, and The american dietetic assoc. has one called
www.eatright.org (http://www.eatright.org) if you go there, they will have the food pyramid which could give you an idea of portion sizes, and servings of the food groups you should have each day. I have to say though, if your willing to pay for a program I have to highly recommend Weight watchers. They teach you how to eat, and give you plenty of options. There are no foods that you have to avoid. I wish I had more time, but I am leaving on vacation today. So, I will check back here when I come back.
About genetics. (excluding people with hormone problems, depression, people taking steriod medictions, etc.)I have noticed that kids tend to eat as their parents do. If the parents eat lots of fried food, or junk food, then that is how they learn to eat. I think that is why I got into the nutrition field. To basically learn to eat. I have been up and down in weight all through my life. I will probably be my struggle for my life.

<FONT COLOR="#6699cc" SIZE="1">[ May 14, 2001 03:06 PM: Message edited by: D2GIRL ]</font>

Originally posted by D2GIRL:
[QB]Jazzmyn,
That dotties website is really good, QB]

Thanks! I'm glad you like it. I love it and am happy to share! <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

It's a pretty well-known fact that a high protein diet causes bad breath.

Come to think of it, I wonder if that's why carnivorous animals have foul breath?

<FONT COLOR="#6699cc" SIZE="1">[ May 14, 2001 03:50 PM: Message edited by: relivingmyheyday ]</font>

Thanks for the info on the websites. I'll check them out.

Shei, my friend has had problems with this since she was 14. Had overian cancer at 14. Had problems ever since. Only realized it was pcos in the past year.

Jazzmyn

Well, I don't think I'm going to run into any problems with my Atkins low carb diet. The only things I'm cutting out of my life are sugar and bread. How bad could that be? I'm getting my fiber from 100% pure psyllium husk and I eat spinach, broccoli, asparagus, cauliflouer (how do you spell that?!), almonds, walnuts... I eat lots of the carbs that I'm allowed to eat on this diet. But, since I've eliminated SUGAR and BREAD, I've lost 50 pounds.. This is what Atkins is about... We'll talk more later - I'm off to Sandals! <img src="tongue.gif" border="0">

Wow! Ovarian cancer at 14 <img src="eek.gif" border="0"> That's young!

Originally posted by Sheibub:
<STRONG>Wow! Ovarian cancer at 14 <img src="eek.gif" border="0"> That's young!</STRONG>

Thats scary. What a thing to go through when your 14!!! <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

I have to say...I believe that any "trendy" diet isn't good. I am a recovering, (recently), bulimic. I was bulimic for the past 16 years. I have finally come to realize that I need to do some sort of high energy excersize for 20-30 minutes, I watch my sugar, and I eat regular foods, BUT, I watch my portions. I do cheat as far as the sugars, but not much. I am just proud of the fact that I haven't had an urge to purge in the past 2 months. It's been rough, but I am still at the weight I ended at. (95lbs.) I am a size 2. But, I feel healthy, I feel good, and I feel positive. Life is really good.

~G

Well, I've lost 30lbs but it's been over a 2yr period. I definately do not like diets for myself. I decided to cut one bad thing out of my diet about every 4 months and add a few good things instead. I started with soft drinks. This one was tuff for me but now I am repulsed by them. I then started cutting out fast food for lunch. I was really bad about my lunches. I really started knocking off the weight after that. Then came some of my snacks and so on and so forth. I added apples and nuts and other good things. I also do crunches and weight lifting. Only things I can do in my home though otherwise I know I'll never stick to it. It's too time consuming to go to a gym. Anyway, I just keep cutting something bad out of my life about every 4 months. I still eat things I love. If I crave ice cream I eat a little. Just not every night. This gives me a chance to adjust to the change. It works for me and if you have a lot of patience it might work for you. I havent gained an ounce back, I keep loosing the weight at the same pace and I feel great. It really has not been hard either. I hope maybe this helps someone. <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

Imsooosure

That's exactly what it's all about. I found that if I forbade myself from eating the things I truly love, (cheesecake, italian ices, canolli), I was more likely to do a total binge on all of that and then do a purge. Which totally wiped out my system. And I felt as though I was being bad. Now, I have Saturdays as a day where if I really want something bad enough, I'll do it then. I found a great organic grocery store that we shop at and we have both become healthier.
It's really like you said, moderation, when giving into temptation!

Good Job on the loss!! And at such a good pace!!

~G

Hi there. Well, I've been doing Atkins for about a year now. Actually, 13 months. Once I stopped eating carbs, I lost my appetite for them. I went from 205 to about 140 today. There are times when I'd like to eat bread or cookies and stuff like that, but it's only a very light urge. Nothing like it used to be. I feel healthy and I look a whole heck of a lot better! Low carbing was the way for me.. It's the high glucemic (did I spell that correctly?) carbs like potatoes that put on the fat!

Thats great that you lost that much weight Sal. I would go crazy on the Atkins. I guess different things work for each individual. I would never stick to a diet where I had to completely cut out a certain food group. That shows a great deal of strength on your part. Did you talk to your DR about the Atkins diet? I have heard good and bad. I was fearful of it because my family history includes diabetes and heart disease. If you have a history of that in your family I hope you'll talk to your Dr. as with any lifestyle change it's a good idea. <img src="wink.gif" border="0">

With the knowledge that I have of Atkins diet I can only say that it sounds bloody unhealthy! That diet has been thoroughly critisised by all experts and I'm amazed that people will still follow it. So it may (surprisingly) have led to weight loss but at what cost?! Cutting down on carbohydrates and increasing fat intake is just not the way to go. And your body needs veggies and fruit in order to function and without those your body will soon lack vital vitamins and minerals. As far as I'm concerned the only sane thing that man has to say is to cut back or eliminate coffee, tea and coke and to eliminate (or rather cut back on) REFINED carbohydrates. And not to consider the fact that we need calcium (milk!) in order to have healthy bones and teeth and whatnot is just plain stupid.

The way to go is to eat lean meat & fish (makes you feel full), plenty of veggies and fruit, but cut back on white bread and pasta (refined carbohydrates) and replace it with wholegrain varitions. That way you can loose weight yet still provide your body with all it needs and thus remain healthy.

Anyway....I felt provoked and just had to offer a piece of my mind... <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0">

I don't completely cut out carbs. I actually do a little cheating. Enough to keep everything running okay. I get a lot of vitamins and minerals each day and I take a fiber suppliment. I'm actually not missing out on anything except the flour and sugar which make me gain weight. I'm actually not missing any nutrients. I'm actually writing a SMALL book about MY diet and I'll be starting a website and community to support it. I think the way I've been doing things is a little better than the 'Atkins' way...

*phew* that's good to hear Sal! <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0"> I still think you should get most of it not all your vitamins and minerals the natural way and not through supplements, but I'm glad to hear you're sensible enough not to follow that man's diet 100% <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

Thanks. I'm just glad it's working for me. I've always had far around my waist and now I can finally see some abs. <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> To me, it's worth the sacrifice. I saw some good homemade chocolate, chocolate chip cookies tonight. I wanted 'em but as soon as I thought about how happy I was to have lost my weight, I lost my desire for 'em...

Originally posted by dancingdoll86:
<STRONG>I am a recovering, (recently), bulimic. I was bulimic for the past 16 years. ~G</STRONG>

DD86. I used to work with anorexics/bulemics, (at the hospital Mariah Carey was recently discharged from, as a matter of fact) and that was the best job I've had yet. I learned so much, such as listening to your body. Am I physically hungry, or is it emotional? Or eating slowly, savoring food, and giving my body time to get satisfied. It takes about ten minutes after you eat for your body to give you the signal that its full. Thats why its so easy to overeat, and then you feel like a big pig after. Anyway, good for you for gaining control, and keep it going.

Thank you D2Girl.

I have been dealing with the whole food thing, and this past week was pretty rough. I did have one slipup, and I felt really bad about it. I talked with Aron and MDC, and I am taking it, (again), one day at a time. I feel pretty rotten for slipping...I feel like I took a step backwards. But, it happens, and I will be okay!

~G

Originally posted by dancingdoll86:
<STRONG>I did have one slipup, and I felt really bad about it. I am taking it, (again), one day at a time. I feel pretty rotten for slipping...I feel like I took a step backwards. But, it happens, and I will be okay!
~G</STRONG>

Hey,now. Take it easy on yourself. The moment its over, its in the past, and from that moment on, you just start again.
Wow, girl. From reading your other posts, you have had a lot to deal with!! You are a strong woman. Kudos

The eating disorder is basically a relic from dancing. I danced with the Cleveland Ballet in HS, and the instructors would say that I was fat. Once you are told something enough, you begin to believe it.

Not anymore!! Aron likes the stupid little "pooch" thing I have. Don't understand it, but he does. And he likes that I have some "oomph" to my body. No slipups for awhile now.....I am feeling pretty good.

Thank you so much for your thoughts. It really does help far more than you know.

*HUG*

~G

I just want you all to know that last week, I ate 6-11 servings of carbohydrates, lots of fruits and vegetables of all different colors and varieties, limited amounts of fat,(I cut out bacon, full of nitrates!!) and about 6oz of meat per day. Also, weight lifted 3 days, and power walked 2 days. Guess what. Lost 3 lbs. There was also no ryhme or reason as to when I ate or exercised. I even had two cookies. Just thought I'd let you know. ;)

Tonight, I was talking to my brother about my problems with weight loss, and he suggested I try the Atkin's Diet. He's been on it for a couple of weeks, and he's lost 10 pounds. Plus, my sister's been on it for a year now, and she's lost some weight.
I'm just wanted to get your opinions about this. It sounds like a hard diet to keep on, but I want to try it. I've tried almost everything else. Thanks.

Molly the diet works great and i feel so much more energetic now but please read the book on the diet before you start it out. The information you will get makes the whole process a way of life, not just a diet. Good luck and get that book.....

Molly, you need to talk to my sister's sister-in-law. She's out here on vacation right now and she's teaching my sister how to do the
Atkins diet. She's been on it for over 4 years and swears by it. Like amk says, it's a way of life, not a restrictive diet. I've been amazed at the things she's allowed to eat. It's something that is going to take a lot of getting used to. If you have any questions for my sis's s-i-l, PM me and I'll get the answers from her.

Also, in the new July 2003 Reader's Digest, there's an article about why high protein/low carbs (as opposed to no carbs) is a healthy way to go. It's about how to eat things that digest slower and make you feel more full so you don't eat as much.

I'm no expert on any of this stuff, but be sure to read up on all your options. Atkins isn't as restrictive as you might think.

My opinions on the Atkins diet is that it proberbly will work in terms of weight loss etc.. but the down side to it all is that you are putting yourself at risk of heart disease by following such a diet as this!
The only true way to losing weight & keeping it off is by eating healthy and getting regular exercise - plain & simple!

My question is: How do you go off the diet without gaining all the weight back? Or do you stay on it forever?

That is a very good question Poisongirl234 & one which i'd be curious to know weather Dr Atkins actually answers that in his book or not?
Diets are just a load a nonsense in my view that properbly do more harm than good in the long term!
The only proper way to lose weight and keep it off for good is by eating healthy (still eat junk food etc.. in moderation!!) and by taking regular exercise, which is the most important and effective method!
The problem with the Atkins diet is that it is putting people at risk of heart disease by recommending eating the sorts of foods that he is!

You DON'T go off the diet and NOT gain the weight back. This diet is so destructive that it's hard to comprehend people doing it!

Aside from the risk of heart disease as Tony said, you are doing MAJOR damage to your kidneys by overloading them with protein.

People....when will everyone get it through their heads that diets do NOT work!? The only thing you have to do....and I mean the ONLY thing, is eat correctly and do lots of cardio-vascular exercise. Bottom line, end of story, no ifs ands or buts about it.

The weight is NOT going to come off rapidly. Weight loss is a slow and tedious process because it's the only HEALTHY way. Rapid weight loss does irreperable damage to your body, and you WILL pay for it in the end. Does losing weight quickly matter so much that you'll sacrifice 10 or more years off your life?

If anything, try the "Zone" diet. It balances your carbs-fat-protein ratio the way it's supposed to be, and as a result keeps your hormonal balance properly adjusted so you don't feel tired or wired. Like any other diet, once you go off it you will regain your orignal form. However, it is much easier to maintain because it is the way things were intended.

My grandfather used to say "Everything in moderation." He lived to be 92, and was taking trips to Atlantic City up until he died. Truer words were never spoken.

I'm happy to agree that your Grandfather was a very wise man indeed Pagan!
Everything in moderation is most certainly the key along with regular exercise, weather it be swimming,walking or whatever?
I enjoy eating a whole range of different foods, ranging from salads/fruit etc....to McDonalds/Burger Kings etc.....to the types of foods that Dr Atkins recommends,i.e-fry ups!

Originally posted by Pagan
People....when will everyone get it through their heads that diets do NOT work!? The only thing you have to do....and I mean the ONLY thing, is eat correctly and do lots of cardio-vascular exercise. Bottom line, end of story, no ifs ands or buts about it.

Wow. My husband is an athlete and has said those same words to me for the past 3 years. You couldn't have said it any better, Pagan. :)

My theory is, life is meant to be enjoyed. Eating is something we all should enjoy doing - in moderation of course. Who can honestly say they LIKE being on a diet? There is no reason why you can't eat the foods you crave or like, as long as you don't overdo it. I cut out red meat and pork from my diet years ago, but it doesn't mean I don't enjoy a fat cheeseburger every once in a blue moon. However, I cut out a ton of calories and fat by eating a Turkey burger (on a wheat bun) instead. There are so many ways to cut back on fat, carbs and calories without having to sacrifice things that taste good or feeling full. And even if you don't like to do cardio or lift weights, at the very least go for a walk. Just something to keep your body moving. ;)

Now, if I could only take my OWN advice :rolleyes: :D

Another little hint is weight training. It's a proven fact that lean muscle burns fat even while at rest. Doing cardio does make the pounds come off, but adding a weight training program to that will turbocharge the fat burning process.

I am living proof that this works. My family has the tendency to be heavy, (as do most Italian families! :lol: ) and I have always had to work out constantly in order to stay in shape. I eat correctly, and hit the gym four times a week. I do 30 minutes of cardio each day and do a complete nautilus program three of the four days. I also do ab workouts every day. Unlike other muscle groups, you can work the abs every day without any damage.

I do this first thing in the morning before I have breakfast. It has also been proven that for weight loss, working out first thing in the AM will jump start your metabolism and keep it going all day. It's a bitch to do the first couple of weeks, but once you get over the hump you'll find you have more energy, and are more mentally alert all day. That is why I go at 5:30 am. It sucks when that alarm goes off, but it's worth it.

Put that all together, and you have a guy who's turning 42 in a couple of months and still fits into jeans with a 29 inch waist.

I'm not patting myself on the back or bragging, I'm just trying to show that with the proper exercise program, coupled with the proper diet AND the necessary willpower, you can get the results you needs without having to resort to pills or "Dr. F*ckhead's Miracle Diet."

I just got back from a routine check-up with my doctor & when he weighed me I about fainted! :eek: :(

Anyway, his nurse was telling me she and her co-workers have been doing the Adkins diet for over a year & they look fabulous! Well, as she was starting to tell me about it, she got a phone call & I never got to finish talking to her. So of course now I am totally intrigued!

What I wanna know is: What exactly do you eat on this diet? And what DON'T you eat? I personally, don't eat red meat or pork, but I do eat alot of fish & poultry & I like eggs every once in a while. But what are some other things you eat on this plan?

I know I should just go out & get the book, but I wanted to see if I could get any information here first. :p

it's odd, so many diets. no "diet" works, its just common sense, pagan is right, everything in moderation. if u deprive ur body of carbs, it goes into withdrawal, then u obviously will lose weight, but that means ur blood glucose levels are REALLY low. so the next time u eat carbs, think about this, ur body is gonna want to store as much of it possible, hence u gain back all that weight and then some. i don't know what info ur media is feeding u guys on issues of health and diet but its messed up. if u have access to internet, then look up studies done on the Aktins diet and eating fats and proteins. most data is correlation, not causation, they report trends and there are so many factors they do not control for and there is always experimental error. i mean, educate urselves on how to read a scientific articles, seriously. and the fact that Dr. Atkins died overweight should put on flash lights in ur head.

excercise & moderation should be pruned into individuals when they are young, lazy attitudes will get u nowhere and modern science can never solve innate bad habits.

oh and one other thing, just bc nurses are on diets means sht. many doctors smoke, does this mean smoking works for ur health?

Yeah, PG, if you are serious about this diet, you should get the book. Mine cost me about $6 at Barnes & Nobles.
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I understand that alot of people have huge concerns about this diet. That is why I haven't mentioned that I've been on it for awhile now. Since August 03, I've lost 35 pounds. The key is, I feel better, as well as look better. This has allowed me to start working out with more endurance, and as I get back into better shape, I can introduce more (HEALTHY this time) carbs back into my diet.

Folks, you will not drop dead if you follow this diet, you heart will not explode, and your arteries will not clog instantly. Most of this diets detractors haven't read the book. It will not make you the picture of health either, but it will take off the pounds. You still have to use your head, it's not all lard and butter. And YOU HAVE TO EXCERCISE, the book is very clear on that point. And when you do eat carbs, you choose the healthy, vitamin-laden ones instead of Doritos. I'm not sure how long I'll be on this diet, not forever I'm sure. But I'll never go back to eating all the useless, fattening carbs that I used to eat.

Think of what our ancestors ate: low-carb, vitamin-rich berries and greens, and meat. Only with the advent of agriculture did we start to eat starchy foods like grains, and even then not to excess. I'm a health care professional, and I'd be glad to explain to anyone who's interested how when you cause your blood sugar to spike with a carb load it makes you fat (over time, of course).

oh and one other thing, just bc nurses are on diets means sht. many doctors smoke, does this mean smoking works for ur health?

Actually, I didn't mean it that way at all. It was just a discussion & she happened to be a nurse.


Thanks, Nolan :) I'll go get the book tomorrow. And congratulations on your success with the plan. :thumb:

Well, I've got my own low-carb diet. You can see that over at www.simplifiedweightloss.com - but the Atkins diet works and it's not what most people think. When all is said and done, you're eating potatos again. At first, you limit your carbs to 20-25 per day. Then, you increase that in 5 gram increments every other week. So your third week will be 25-30 carbs per day. You keep adding carbs in the 5 gram increments until you STOP losing weight. THEN, you drop 5 carbs which will bring you to the level you were at while you were still losing weight.

From there, you stick to that until you reach your goal weight. After this has been achieved, you increase your daily carbohydrate intake slowly - until you're eating a good combination of proteins, fats and carbohydrates like you were meant to.. The Atkins diet is just re-teaching your body how to deal with food.. It's a long process - but you lose weight quickly.

The diet only consists of high amounts of fat in the beginning. This is a time where you'll need to teach your body to use fat for energy instead of carbs. In just about every case, cholesterol levels are down after a few weeks on the diet. As you continue to lose weight, you eat healthier fats and less bacon, sausage and butter - it's not all about eating terrible foods that damage your heart. Dr. Atkins was a heart doctor...

It really doesn't make sense to talk about this. You either do it - or you don't. Don't even bother asking for advice. This topic can be compared to a religious or political debate - because people REALLY get bent out of shape about it. People actually get MAD at me for talking about it - and then I get MAD at them for being MAD at me!

My advice to you if you decide to go on the diet.. Take a multi-vitamin, a fiber-supplement (like 100% Physillium Husk) and drink lots of water. Don't go crazy with the protein because even protein turns to sugar if you eat enough of it... Is it bad for you? You're eliminating sugar and bread.. What do YOU think?

For those who are interested in this diet, I say, what the heck? It's not going to kill you to try it for a while and see if it works for you. If it doesn't, then no harm no foul, right?

My sister and her hubby have been on it for 2 weeks. She has dropped 9 pounds and he has dropped 15. Here is where I worry. She wants to do the diet for the third week exactly the same as the first two, even though Atkins says, "No, increase carbs to _ _". So far they are still doing it at the beginning level, even though I told her there could be health risks if she tries to change the diet just to drop wait quicker. Much healthier, I told her, to follow the diet until she loses the weight she wishes to lose, and then stop the diet. Then, when she notices she has gained 3 to 5 pounds, cut back on sodas and sweets to get the pounds off again before she packs them back on. Of course, advice from someone who was bedridden and quit smoking, who still has weight to lose from those problems, has little effect.

On the other hand, the secretary at my son's old school (he's now in middle school) went on the diet and followed it to the letter. She lost 83 pounds in just under a year, and the weight loss has helped her with a muscle fibrosis disease she has had for years. She says she doesn't know if it's the weight loss or the lack of flour and processed carbs in her diet, but the pain is no longer so intolerable and most days she doesn't even need pain relievers for it.

You will hear great successes and horror stories, but everyone else's bodies are different than yours, so you need to try what you feel is best for you. As long as your doctor says it's safe to try, there is nothing to lose but a couple of weeks or a couple of pounds. ;)

I can't do this diet simply because I have a love affair with bread. There is no reason for my son and husband to die a slow and agonizing death because I can't have a cornbread muffin with my chili. :lol:

I've been reading the book, but my only concern is that I don't eat red meat or pork. So that limits the foods I can eat quite a bit. :(

The horror stories only come about when you do the diet incorrectly. That's why it's important to follow the diet properly. You can do "induction" for a few extra weeks without any troubles - but it's better to follow the plan.

If everybody did the diet correctly, you'd hear many success stories and hardly any bad experiences...

Hmmm.. my husband followed a diet similar to the Atkin's diet and followed it TO THE LETTER... got so sick his body went into shock, he fainted, got the shakes and migraines.. he went to the doctor and he said that the low carb diets were not healthy.. and that moderation and excersize were the keys... He now goes to the gym 5 days a week.. weight trains plus cardio.. drinks a protein shake 3 times a day.. but hasn't changed his diet drastically.. and has lost 20 lbs in about 3 months.

Low carb diets aren't for everyone.. that's for sure. They may not kill ya... but they can make you feel like the walking dead for a while.

You'll never really know what went wrong unless you actually go to a doctor that prescribes low carb diets to patients. 50% of the doctors say it's bad - 50% of the doctors say it's good. When you ask the opinion of someone who's biased in the 'bad' direction, you'll only get their point of view - and they wont actually look into what the problem was. They'll just say, "It's bad". If your doctor actually prescribed low carb diets, he/she actually would have taken the time to figure out WHY it was bad for him... There's an underlying issue here...

I stopped taking doctor's opinions seriously years ago when they said steroids didn't build muscle...

The horror stories only come about when you do the diet incorrectly. That's why it's important to follow the diet properly. You can do "induction" for a few extra weeks without any troubles - but it's better to follow the plan.

If everybody did the diet correctly, you'd hear many success stories and hardly any bad experiences...
Obviously my husband wasn't following it properly because he had goten the gout after two weeks of being on it. Both of us are Italian and it was really kind of hard not eating the bread and pasta, but as you said there are now so many products out their for the Atkins diet, they now have a special aisle in the supermarket just for people that are on it.

There is an alternative if anyone is intrested. www.southbeachdiet.com

Here's a quote from the web page.

The South Beach Diet is not low-fat or low-carb. It teaches you to rely on the right carbs and the right fats. Developed by renowned cardiologist Dr. Arthur Agatston, the South Beach Diet is a clinically tested program that will not only help you lose weight but also improve your health.

It's a great alternative to the Atkins diet. I started it the other day and so far i feel great!

Obviously my husband wasn't following it properly because he had goten the gout after two weeks of being on it. Both of us are Italian and it was really kind of hard not eating the bread and pasta, but as you said there are now so many products out their for the Atkins diet, they now have a special aisle in the supermarket just for people that are on it.
Even Burger King has a low carb menu now. The diet works so it's all over the place.. When you stop eating carbs, you stop craving carbs.. Look at me - I'm Italian - and I gave up pasta, bread, pizza - it wasn't all the difficult - especially when I thought about the benefits. Nowadays, there are low-carb pastas, breads and pizzas to choose from. Low carb milk, ice cream - you name it..

My mom's on the Atkin's Diet and she's been on it for over a year and half now. You wouldn't believe what great meals she makes. When I was home she made this quiche with a hamburger/venison crust and the filling was egg and cheese (it sounds gross, but it's yummy).
Now there's low carb ice cream, which I tried this past weekend, and it's great. I'm going to the store in a little while and I'm going to look for it. I had Bryers Low Carb Vanilla and it was very delicious.

I loooove Eye-talian food :drool: :D I could never give up the carbs!

I loooove Eye-talian food :drool: :D I could never give up the carbs!

You can still eat Italian, just not the food! :lol: ;)

You can still eat Italian, just not the food! :lol: ;)

Mmmm. I was just reminded of something... I gotta go do my taxes! :yesnod:

I have the best diet of all.....

I eat whatever the f*ck I want, in moderation of course, and I work out like a demon. ;)

:thumb: LOL Nothing like a good Italian dinner!!!!You can still eat Italian, just not the food! :lol: ;)

I have the best diet of all.....

I eat whatever the f*ck I want, in moderation of course, and I work out like a demon. ;)

THAT's the diet I can live with :D