Has anyone ever tried the Atkins Diet? I have heard alot of pros & cons about it. (alot from WebMD) but has anyone here tried it? Is it really worth it? Thanx E- **************************************************************** 07-20-02, 12:50 PM ProfTonyPR Hi Esencia,
I have heard a lot about the Atkin's Diet lately, too. It seems that it has been getting a lot of press in the last few weeks. All of the media attention made me curious, so I went out and bought the book. In the book, Atkin's makes a lot of health claims (mainly defensive ones since the diet has been criticized a lot). The diet has four phases, the first of which is a two-week "Induction" phase (designed to induce the body to lose weight). I figured that two weeks couldn't possibly be too dangerous--especially given the millions of people who have actually done this diet. I just started yesterday, and lost three pounds in the first day (water weight, of course).
The diet is a high protein, low carbohydrate diet. You aren't supposed to worry about fat content. For this reason, the diet has had a reputation of being a "high fat" diet. In reality, and this is one point on which I definitely agree with Atkin's, people on the Atkin's diet probably eat no more fat than the average "non-dieting" eater. The difference is that there are really hardly any carbs (no more than 20 grams per day for the first two weeks). For example, one glass of fruit juice can have around 30 grams of carbs--just to give you an idea of how few carbs this really is. (Oh my God, I am craving bread right now.)
I've also talked with several people who have done this diet, and they have told me that their cholesterol levels have dropped (a claim that Atkins also makes). We'll see. . . (can you sense that I am a little skeptical?)
It is possible to look at the diet without actually buying the book. The entire diet is available on the Atkin's Center website (http://www.atkinscenter.com).
I, too, would be interested in hearing what other's have to say about the diet--especially those who have done it.
07-20-02, 02:18 PM kittypal I have tried it and it does work. My neighbor tried it and lost 58 lbs. I only did it for the two weeks and then tried to keep my carbs to HEALTHY carbs (fruit, veggies...) The experts slam the diet by saying that if you eat nothing but bacon, sausage, and eggs... its not healthy, Atkins doesn't suggest you eat only high-fat foods, he recommends a variety of fish, chicken. turkey and yes all the other yummy high-fat protiens. The diet was hard for me because I LOVE carbs. I found it difficult to eat chicken and say cheese for dinner or to grab a slice of turkey for a snack. My friend follows Atkins all week long and eats whatever on weekends and still has lost weight. Try it out for a week or two, it can't hurt. Remember that you can not have ANY carbs, that means no regular pop, juice, gum, mints, cough syrup, even sugarless candies and gum contain some carbs. Also some lunch meats, those that are honey roasted or sugar glazed. One good thing PORK RINDS. Buy the book for complete diet rules. Good LUck, let us know if you try it.
07-20-02, 06:04 PM crescen7 When I first heard of this diet I borrowed a copy of the book from a friend. The claims were so ubsurd that I set out to prove it was wrong. I was no more than a couple pounds overweight, but I was sure that if I ate all the steak, eggs, ribs, etc that I wanted I would gain significant weight. I went three weeks eating like a freakin pig, (or maybe a lion may be more appropriate) I went to all you can eat ribs places, cooked huge steaks, loaded up eggs with butter - all to excess; just to prove a point.
Since it was just a test, I completely removed carbs - I didn't want any of the Atkins people to blame weight gain on piece of celery.
At the end of 3 weeks of pigging out, I'd lost eight pounds. I was shocked - the crazy idea works. Only a couple of verifiable negative effects. Tons of protein can be a bit difficult on the digestive system . Also, it's expensive. Hell, when I'd look for a snack, no apples, fruit, chips, I'd have to eat cheese and lunch meat - and jeeze the price of a meal with a main order of steak, and sides of ribs, chicken wings, and salmon is way more than sides of potatoes, and vegetables.
Of course it's not a good idea to do the extreme version of this diet that I did - but it does work - good luck
07-21-02, 02:56 PM kittypal Crescen, did you also notice a drop in energy or have headaches? I know what you mean about the digestive thing, if only you could go you might have lost another 10 lbs. LOL 07-21-02, 08:10 PM crescen7
quote:Originally posted by kittypal Crescen, did you also notice a drop in energy or have headaches? I know what you mean about the digestive thing, if only you could go you might have lost another 10 lbs. LOL
Ha, that's funny..
Actually that wasn't the digestive problem I had, but I won't go into details. No loss of energy, but I've always been on a pretty intense nutritional supplement program so I rarely get blood sugar surges or lulls. But in theory the Atkins diet should not cause a loss of energy since you are continually burning slow burning fat, not spiking up and down burning quick burning carbs which "flame-out" pretty quickly.
07-22-02, 12:26 AM esencia I just wanted to say Thanx everyone for all the info. smile
07-22-02, 05:26 AM ProfTonyPR I, too, wanted to say thanks for all the information.
A few things have been said that I completely agree with. First, this diet is very expensive! Here in Puerto Rico, the staples of the diet are rice, beans, and fruits. Obviously, I'm not eating any of these things (which are affordable). Meat, on the other hand, is very expensive (like everywhere else). The other problem I am having is that I am not a big fan of meat--it's hard to be on this diet without liking it.
After three days, I'm also having a few little side effects. Headaches, low energy, and some of the most serious leg cramps (the kind that wake you up in the middle of the night). I also had episodes of diarrhea (too much info?) during the first couple of days, but I haven't had any kind of movement (again, too much info?) in over 24 hours. According to Atkins, all of these symptoms are common during the first week, and they should pass (no pun intended).
It is working, though, I have lost 6.5 pounds which is pretty significant because I only needed to lose about 20 to begin with.
Again, thanks for all of the feedback!
Tony
08-14-02, 12:05 AM Nadca2 I am impressed with what you all have to say about this diet. I have gained 14 pounds in the last 4 years and am at the point I don't like my body. I am a big time meat eater so this sounds like it may be the diet for me. I am going to go to the book store on my way to work tomorrow. I would like to know if it still works for you all. Keep us posted. N big grin
08-16-02, 03:50 PM ProfTonyPR Just a quick update. . .
I have continued on the diet, although I never thought that I would make it past the first few days. Those first few days were HORRIBLE! I had cravings for things that I have never craved, but more importantly were the physical problems. I had severe headaches, exhaustion, and horrible aches. In fact, I had a muscle cramp so bad in one of my legs I thought I would have to call an ambulance (keep in mind that I tend to be a little on the dramatic side at times!). After the first week, though, I started noticing other things. I have more energy than I have ever had, and I haven't had headaches at all (and I am a person who has had chronic headaches for years). Here is the kicker of all of this. . . I have been on the diet for four weeks and my cholesterol has dropped significantly (from 258 to 198)--all of this without medications. Oh yeah, and I have lost 17 pounds.
I hate to sound like a salesperson for Atkins (I'm not), but I did want to say that it has worked well for me!
Good luck, Tony
08-16-02, 05:11 PM kittypal Wow, maybe I should give it another whirl. My head hurt so badly and I was so hot that I quit doing it. I think tomorrow I will go buy MEAT and try to stick it out for at least a month. 08-17-02, 10:50 PM Nadca2 Just wondering if anyone who is not over weight has ever tried this diet? I am not over weight but have gained 14lbs in the last few years and would like to go back down at least 8 lbs. I think I would do well on this because I am very carnivorous. But wonder if it maybe a waste of time. Or could I end up gaining???
08-18-02, 05:18 AM ProfTonyPR Hi Nadca,
I only had about 15 pounds to lose. Obviously, I haven't had a problem with it. Good luck.
08-20-02, 06:07 PM Oceangurl All I know is that after seeing Kerri's photo in the yearbook, I'm going to give this diet a try! I'll give you all an update in two weeks ... I need to lose 20 pounds, and hope this will be the beginning of a success story for me too.
08-20-02, 06:41 PM ProfTonyPR OceanGurl,
I wish you luck with the low carb diet! Just keep in mind that it is very difficult during the first few days. Hang in there. . . it really does improve. During those first few days (without going into the science), your body begins to clear a bunch of the stored sugar from your system. I felt like I was going to die. Also, Atkins recommends taking supplements. At the very least, take a good multi-vitamin. I also found it very helpful to add a calcium/magnessium/potassium (these can be found in one pill) supplement.
Good luck!
Tony
08-21-02, 06:45 PM clarebear The Atkins diet does have some merit. (My boss lost 40 pounds by not eating white flour) The problem is that your cholesterol levels can go sky high.(you eat lots of meats) Bread will make you gain weight.. no doubt about it. The problem is that white flour is just so convenient. A bowl of cereal, a sandwich, pretzels, bagels, chips, potatoes with dinner.... its all carbs. The only way to lose weight is to eat healthy, cut out the sweets, don't drink pop, stay away from the white flour, no candy and exercise. It doesn't sound like fun? It isn't. But thats the only way. If losing weight was simple then everyone would be thin. Most novelty diets help people lose weight but its for a short time and they gain it right back. (and they usually jeopardize their health while they are at it) A good rule of thumb to follow... if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is. Another one: If it tastes good... then it probably isn't good for you. LOL smile
08-21-02, 07:47 PM ProfTonyPR I hate to get on my soapbox, but. . .
As a person who completely agreed with clarebare just a few months ago, I hate to disagree. But, here goes.
First, describing the Atkin's diet (or any other low carb diet) as a "fad" diet is probably a misnomer. A fad is something that comes in fashion for a while and then goes away. Atkins first published his diet thirty years ago. Some familiar "fad" diets might be the grapefruit diet, the ice cream diet, the dreaded cabbage soup diet. . . In fact, Atkins was promoting the low carb diet (which, incidentally, translates to low sugar) long before the infamous food pyramid came to be.
One interesting thing to keep in mind (and this is pointed out in all of the low carb literature), is that since the whole "low fat" craze began, everyone (OK, a bit of an exageration) is dieting, but Americans are fatter now than ever. As a long time member of Weight Watchers (I've achieved goal three separate times, and then slowly gained all of the weight back plus some), I have to agree. Why? Well, from personal experience eating such a diet permanently (and being cursed with a horribly slow metabolism) is impossible while still being satisfied. For me it worked for the short term. To say that people who have lost weight (and significant weight) eating a low carb diet is simply wrong. There isn't evidence to indicate that--as long as people keep relatively careful tabs on the number of carbs they are eating (which can be done and still be satisfying).
On the issue of cholesterol. Clarebare is absolutely incorrect. True, everything that we have been told indicates that eating a high protein/low carb diet (by definition high in fat) will raise cholesterol. Unfortunately, what has been ignored is that the body produces cholesterol anyway. When we do not receive enough cholesterol, our bodies, in fact, OVERPRODUCE cholesterol. When we eat sufficient cholesterol, our bodies don't produce any. I recognize that this is a controversial position, and I certainly had my doubts. However, I can say that in the time that I have been on the diet (a mere four weeks) my cholesterol has dropped significantly (from 258 to around 190). I am not an exception. For most people following a low carb diet, cholesterol levels drop. (Some good sources on the above are Atkin's book, _The Schwarzbein Priniciple_ by Diana Schwarzbein (M.D.--an endocrinologist), and _Protein Power_ by Eades and Eades (also M.D.s--obesity specialists).
My point? This way of eating has been around for a long, long time. Most people's health improves. It has been interesting to learn that fat doesn't make people fat, but in fact excessive carbs lead to increased insulin which results in fat deposits. There are moments, in fact, when I begin to resent the fact that I feel like I have spent years doing the low fat diet and I've been "jipped."
Don't just take my word for it, pick up one of the books.
Tony
08-22-02, 09:06 AM clarebear
quote:On the issue of cholesterol. Clarebare is absolutely incorrect
That's ok... I'm wrong often. smile Its just my girlfriends cholesterol went way high so thats why I posted that.
When I said novelty diets I was talking about the grapefruit diet, the ice cream diet and the dreaded cabbage soup diet... not Atkins. (even though it sounded like)
You know the Hollywood Diet? You drink the orange drink for 2 days and you lose up to 10 pounds? You know what I lost? $20.00! And I've kept it off. LOL smile
I do still believe that the only way to lose weight is to eat healthy, cut out the sweets, don't drink pop, stay away from the white flour, no candy and exercise. (I think that IS some of the principles of the Atkins diet)
quote:It has been interesting to learn that fat doesn't make people fat, but in fact excessive carbs lead to increased insulin which results in fat deposits.
This is exactly right!
Thanks for the correction Tony. smile
[This message was edited by clarebear on 08-22-02 at 09:19 AM.]
08-22-02, 09:40 AM ProfTonyPR I didn't mean to come off sounding like a total jerk. So, please accept my most sincere apologies if I did.
LOL on the Hollywood diet! I'm sorry to hear that it didn't work for you. If it makes you feel any better, let me just say that I have invested hundreds of dollars in SlimFast!
And, yes, all of those things you mentioned are principles of Atkins. The big difference between Atkins (and other low carb diets--there are a lot of them), is that you increase protein (meats, eggs, cheeses, full fat creams, etc.) and you decrease veggies and especially fruits (high in sugar--natural sugar yes, but the body doesn't know the difference). Schwarzbein's book is a particularly interesting read because it is really about balance. Atkins is probably the most extreme (and as a result, the most unrealistic in terms of doing it as a way of life). Essentially, though, they all advocate limiting carbs significantly (which includes sugars, starches, and grains--all are converted to sugar in the body), and increasing protein. This diet ultimately lowers insulin levels.
It really is amazing to me that this actually works. I started as a total skeptic, decided to try Atkins for two weeks (he has a two week induction diet) and was sure that I would fail. In the meantime, I started reading everything that I could get my hands on (I'm a professor, that is what we do...lol). It really started to make sense to me when I had the science explained to me.
Again, sorry if I was to abrupt.
Tony
08-22-02, 12:17 PM clarebear
quote:I didn't mean to come off sounding like a total jerk
You weren't a jerk at all. Actually I think a few people around the pool in other areas could learn a thing or two from you about how to disagree with someone or tell someone the true facts about something. Its ok to say someone is wrong or to disagree. What is being a jerk is slamming someone and making them feel stupid and insignificant. I think we are all here to help each other. I do try to post based on what I believe is true. My heart is in the right place. I was really trying to tell esencia what I believed was true. Like I said before many times I am wrong about things.(Many times I've been right too) Thats ok. I can take constructive criticism. What is hard to take is when someone purposely tries to be hateful. I have had my feelings hurt more than once by comments that were just uncalled for. Many times arguments just go back and forth. Sometimes people should just stop arguing and agree to disagree.
Thanks Tony.
~clare~
08-22-02, 05:38 PM kittypal
Atkins does not promote HIGH FAT, the media and people who promote other diets often slam their competition. Dr, atkins never said live on bacon, sausage and mayonaise. He said you can eat these on the diet, but keep in mind that he also suggests low-fat, lean proteins such as fish, white meat chicken and turkey. I think ONE of the reasons Atkins works is because you probably don't snack as much, it's hard to sit down and watch t.v trying to eat a chicken.... much easier to snack on chips. Also even though you can eat as much as you want, how many eggs or how much bacon can you really eat in one sitting day after day? My big downfall would be all the stuff Atkins won't let you have, cereal, cookies, donuts... I really don't care much for tons of meat and when I do I like a hamburger WITH the bun, eggs WITH toast. I found myself eating less than I normally would and was so thirsty (I mean big time) that the water filled me up. Atkins can and is effective, but you can't even chew gum or suck on a mint so you are depriving yourself either way.
08-22-02, 08:35 PM clarebear
quote:it's hard to sit down and watch t.v trying to eat a chicken
Hey! I resemble that post. LOL
smile
08-22-02, 09:03 PM ProfTonyPR How true about the chicken!
But, I have developed a strange taste for pork rinds (something that disgusted me not long ago). They are carb free.
Clarebare--I'm glad I didn't offend! Sometimes I can be a little abrasive.
Kittypal, you are correct. Atkins does not advocate a high fat diet, and to call it that gives the wrong impression (at least to a degree). However, the reality is that when you cut carbs and increase protein, fat will go up. Atkins does say to be wary of low fat, or reduced fat, products--they are always higher in carbs. (I didn't believe this until I started checking the labels.) He also says to stay away from milk (skim, 2%, or regular), and to use heavy cream instead--again the carbs go down the higher the fat content. The bottom line is that while it isn't explicitly a high fat diet, the low carb diets all contend that fat doesn't make the difference anyway because in the body it doesn't convert to fat (OK, that wasn't the clearest sentence I've ever written). Instead, it is the carbs--which convert to sugar in the body--which lead to increased insulin levels and cause the body to store fat.
Tony
08-23-02, 08:05 AM clarebear What about taking CLR or Chromium Pocolinate while on the Atkins Diet? Do you think these would help? (they sell them at GNC)
CLR is supposed to prevent fat from being deposited in the cells and increases metabolism.
Chromium Picolinate (chromax)is supposed to help metabolize fats and carbs and respond efficiently to insulin.
08-23-02, 02:08 PM ProfTonyPR I am not familiar with CLR. You might check the Atkins site about it--there is a special section on supplements (www.atkinscenter.com). I do take Chromium Picolinate, and Atkins strongly suggests it. I generally take two pills (200 mcg) a day, usually in the morning. Sometimes I take more throughout the day. I find that it helps curb my cravings for starches (a nice side effect), so if I am going out to eat I take a couple before I leave (and drink a tall glass of water).
The most important supplements, in my opinion, are a good multi-vitamin, essential oils (sometimes called fish oils), calcium, magnessium, and potassium. I know that sounds like a lot of pills, but it's not uncommon to find one pill with calicium, magnessium, and potassium. All three of these are important, and especially in the first few weeks of Atkins (on the induction phase), you probably won't get enough of it from the foods you eat. (Magnessium, apparently, also helps with chocolate cravings--something someone just told me a few days ago.) The essential oils are important because the help nutrients absorb into the system--both those in supplements as well as in food.
Oh yeah, I also take a parsley supplement. Atkins, and some of the other low carb diets, cause a chemical process in the body (ketosis) that can lead to "bad breath" (it's actually a sweet smell). The parsley helps with this. Eating a few sprigs of parsley would have the same effect.
Tony
08-23-02, 02:12 PM kittypal Clare, that may work, but I do know some vitamins actually contain carbs too. That's another thing that makes it a hard diet, no cough drops, benedryl or any fiber or veggie based laxative type products. I posted a question about The Carb Lover's Diet, in the diet it states that you eat two very low-almost no carb meals that are lean protien like an egg white omelet and veggie and say for lunch a grilled chicken and side salad with light on the oil and vinegar dressing, no snacking, but your other meal you can eat whatever you want and as much as you want, AS LONG AS YOU COMPLETE IT IN AN HOUR, not 1 hour 5 minutes, but 1 hour. I read the book and there are several people who said it worked. They ate pizza, pop and doughnuts , you name it and still lost. It has to do with digesting time and God knows what else. I am afraid to try it. Has anyone heard of this?
08-23-02, 03:31 PM clarebear Well I think you are allowed so many carbs per day. Maybe one donut, one pop and one slice pizza contain exactly the daily recommended amount of carbs and fat you can have. confused I've never heard of eating whatever you want as long as its in a specific time frame. If you eat an extra 1000 calories in a day it would have to be stored somewhere. If you are not burning it off then where would it go? (my goes right in the tummy LOL) I've been wrong all week so its probably gonna be alright to eat whatever we want. Whoooo Hoooo! wink
Maybe Tony will pop in with a better response. Oh Tony.....
P.S. That is really interesting about vitamins having carbs.. I never would have thought of that. Thanks Kitty.
**Are you going to Pontiac Arts Eats and Beats or the Renaissance Festival?
08-23-02, 03:47 PM ProfTonyPR I think the diet you are talking about is actually the Carbohydrate Addicts Diet. Yes, there are two "carb free" meals and one "reward" meal per day. Personally, it would never work for me because it would set off certain triggers in me (i.e., keep me craving certain things) all the time.
In terms of the supplements, yes some do contain carbs. You should read the label. However, on most of the low carb plans you subtract the fiber grams from the total carbs to get an effective carb count. Fiber (and one other odd little chemical called "sugar alcohol" which is actually neither sugar nor an alcohol) has no effect on blood sugar levels. A fiber supplement, then, is fine as long as it doesn't contain sugar (and many of them do). There is one fiber supplement that I know of on the market (there may be others) called Colon Cleanse (horrible name, I know) that is pure psyllium fiber with no sugar.
Tony
08-23-02, 08:20 PM kittypal Thanks Tony! I know what you mean by trigger, omg, I can NEVER stop once I start. Your right it is the Carb Addicts Diet, I went and looked, how weird though to eat any amount as long as it is consumed in one hour, hmmmm, wonder how many glazed donuts I can get down in 60 min???? eek
08-23-02, 09:56 PM ProfTonyPR To tell you the truth, I don't know much about it. Clarebare is right that those calories have to go somewhere. Besides, I know that in one meal I could eat enough calories and carbs to live off of for a week or more. (Check the carbs on a super sized meal at McDonalds sometime--to say nothing of the calories, sodium, and other assorted chemicals! LOL)
Tony
08-31-02, 11:21 AM Oceangurl Just an update on my progres. I started this eating plan/diet on August 20, and today I am actually 5 pounds lighter and feel great!
The second and third day was tough because I was having strange muscle aches all over my body, but they went away after day three. I also had a pretty bad headache the night of day two, but I attribute that to caffeine withdrawal, so instead of going cold-turkey with decaf coffe, I mix my blend to be 1/2 decaf and 1/2 regular. I'm slowing nursing myself off of caffeine and the headaches have been much less often.
I really do have more energy and have been spending longer amounts of time in the gym. I actually spent 60 minutes on a Precor machine one day this week!
This has been a miracle for me. I have been stuck at the same weight for over a year and have worked with a nutrionist lose weight, tried appetite suppressents -- nothing has worked.
My owning complaint is that through the induction phase, my choice of meal variety is somewhat limited. I'm mixing it up as best I can, but it does get a little routine. However, every time I step on the scale and see a little more improvement, and notice that my jeans are little looser, I forget all about the boring meal routine!
My recommendation to anyone who tries this is to be sure to drink the minimum 64 ounces of water every day. I think that has played a very important part in my feeling good. Also, like ProfTony said, I am taking a good daily supplement.
Good luck to everyone else. I'll let you all know if and when I reach my 10 lb. mark.
Thanks to all of you for sharing your stories; I wouldn't have had the strength to try this without hearing all the important information you've each shared!
08-31-02, 12:07 PM kittypal Good for you oceangurl, keep up the good work!
08-31-02, 12:14 PM ProfTonyPR Way to go, Oceangurl! I'm glad to hear that it is going so well for you.
There are some great websites with low-carb recipes. My favorite is Low Carb Luxury . Looking at the website might help a little bit with the problem of variety. There are some definite ways to mix it up a little bit, even during induction.
Do let us know how you are doing!
Tony
09-01-02, 07:02 AM Katanya2000 Well I've been looking for a diet I could live with, and this seems to be the one for me. It's going to be hard at first....but I have a lot to lose. If I meet my goal I'll post a before and after pic for everyone to see.
(hopefully my "after" pic will be of me in my Wedding dress since I want to lose weight before the big day)
09-01-02, 12:24 PM kittypal Good for you, I hope you reach your goal. We would love to see your picture even if you don't meet your weight target, we all have our struggles and love you no matter what you weigh, you silly girl. Good luck!!!
09-02-02, 04:35 PM DvdGStwrt Oh Yes, yet another diet to choose from. Does it work? Sure, you can lose weight. Heck, if you went on an all ice cream diet you would initially lose weight.
Thing is that when you consider diet, you should consider it as a life long change, something that is 1. Healthy and 2. Bearable.
Not many diets are healthy. They are designed to be used for a small period of time to lose weight. That is why we always hear people say 'I'm going on a diet.'
Yes the Atkin's Diet, the Grapefruit diet, the Jarred Diet all work - in the begining. Just because they cause one to lose weight doesn't mean they are healthy and should be used.
They are not life style changes that are healthy. They are not what realy matters, and if you are not careful once you end that diet, you will gain back all the weight you lost, perhaps more.
I went low added fat low added sugar (now salt as well is low)
Why? Because I wanted to make a permanment healthy life style change that not only would result in my losing X number of pounds of fat, but would also reduce my risk of diabetes, heart disease and other diseases associated with what and how we eat.
Not to be confused with low or nonfat I said low ADDED fat. That means I no longer lump on the shortening, lard, margarine, butter, whole milk, oil, etc. All of which are used infood preparation and are adding fat to ones diet unneccesarily.
Carbs are very, very important to the human body. They are converted into sugars which are released into the blood stream slowly. Sugars give the body energy. You take away that sugar, you will take away the energy.
Protiens are essential for strong muscle. Eat too much and you can harm yourself.
Fats are essential as well. Not in the amounts that most modern foods dump into your system though.
Sugar also provides one with needed goodies, again, not in the amounts that the modern diet gives.
Everything we eat is basically good for us, it will provide us with essential nutriets that our bodies need.
What we need to do is eat these things in amounts which are healthy.
Failure to do so will kill one in the end.
Before starting any diet or exercise routine (mind both go hand in hand here) Consult your doctor, talk to him/her about your options - s/he may have some very helpful hints that you may not have considered.
cheers
David
09-02-02, 05:51 PM ProfTonyPR David,
You certainly make some interesting points. And, believe me, nothing that I haven't heard over and over for the last twenty years. I've done the low fat/high fiber diet, and unfortunately what happened was that my cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, triglycerides, etc. all well through the roof. Why? Primarily because a low fat diet results in a diet much too high in carbohydrates, which (as you pointed out) increases levels of sugar in the blood (and it is not, as you say, released slowly--especially over years of stored insulin levels).
I agree, balance is important. No one advocating low carb diets would disagree with this. Unfortunately, there is growing evidence that the low fat diets, in fact, do exactly the opposite of what they are supposed to do. (Yes, the diets are extreme during the first few weeks, but they get considerably more lenient.
As far as consulting with my doctor. Don't worry about it. I've done it. In fact, he was so impressed with how well my labs have improved that he is starting it himself (really).
As far as a way of life, I've never felt better. I can see myself eating this way for a long, long time.
I do agree with you on many points, including the fact that most of us eat way too much of things that are bad for us (what is "bad," however, is more open to debate). I also wouldn't deny (nor would other LCers) that exercise is vital to good health.
In the meantime, I'm enjoying my newfound energy, my improved health, and my new wardrobe.
But thanks for the lecture anyway. . .
Tony
09-03-02, 12:19 PM Oceangurl David -- your comments have strong merit and I agree that "fad" diets are not the long-term answer. However, what I've noticed about myself is that my food intake revolves around carbohydrates; I'm a carboholic.
Being on Adkins for the past two weeks has taught me that I need to learn to consume a better balance of protein, fat and carbohydrates. I'm still in the induction phase, but as Adkins suggests, I will gradually add carbohydrates back into my diet at a healthy pace.
I do not intend to regain weight because I do plan on changing my lifestyle (eating) to not be such a carbo junkie.
I also mentioned this diet to my doctor during a recent blood test, and she thought it was a good idea because my blood sugar has been too high and she agrees that I should drop 10 to 15 pounds to be healthier.
The best part is that I feel so much better not having the carbs, that I have more energy and have been much more productive with my time at the gym.
ProfTony, thank you for the low-carb recipte website, it will come in handy!
09-04-02, 11:48 AM butter The Atkins diet will work, but as soon as you go off it back come the pounds. If you want to lose weight safely and keep it off try the Dr.Weil way, it's sensible and safe. dr.weil.com
09-04-02, 11:49 AM butter
quote:Originally posted by butter: correction: drweil.com The Atkins diet will work, but as soon as you go off it back come the pounds. If you want to lose weight safely and keep it off try the Dr.Weil way, it's sensible and safe. dr.weil.com
09-04-02, 03:29 PM ProfTonyPR The Dr. Weil site doesn't really provide any specifics except the following: "Ready to get serious about weight loss? You've got to burn 3,500 calories to lose a single pound. Figure out how many calories you need to maintain your weight and then try to cut back. Minimize consumption of starch, sugar and high glycemic index foods. Focus on fresh fruits and vegetables. Pay attention to portion size and keep a record of what you eat - it keeps you motivated."
Not much to disagree with there--and it certainly doesn't contradict the LC diets except for the fruit (which is also allowed on LC, just in small portions otherwise you would get too much sugar, which is interesting because Weil says to minimize it).
There is also an 8 week eating program, but Weil doesn't describe this as a weight loss program (although it probably is). The first week, all he says is eat brocoli and fish. There is nothing else listed. Oh yeah, sounds healthy to me.
I really would like to see the evidence that LC dieters gain it all back. I would agree that if you go back to poor eating habits (however you want to define that) after losing weight, you WILL gain weight. This is no different than any other diet (including Weil's).
I don't care what diet you follow, Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, Atkins, Weils, etc.... once you stop that diet and go back to the eating habits that caused the weight gain, of course you'll gain weight back, why the critics keep telling us this is beyond me, it's obvious. I suppose that is the reason we shouldn't really "diet", but change our eating habits to something healthier that we can live with, forever. Diets are great for a quick start, but once you stop following the "rules" then you should eat healthy and yes, you may gain a few pounds back because our bodies need to readjust, but if you follow common sense you should be fine. Smile
05-13-03, 10:49 AM ProfTonyPR A new update
I had forgotten about this thread until recently when Ebknows posted the obituary for Dr. Atkins.
Kitty, you are absolutely right. It doesn't matter what diet one follows, as long as it is viewed as a "diet" and not a permanent change of eating habits, nothing will work (except temporarily).
I have pretty well stuck with LC eating now for ten months. I'm at my goal weight, and have been there now since early January. The total weight loss for me was about 45 pounds. Even more remarkable to me has been the changes in my general health. My cholesterol and triglycerides are within normal ranges for the first time in years (including the time that I was eating a low fat/high fiber diet). I no longer get the headaches that used to plague me on a daily basis. I used to have a serious problem with heartburn and acid reflux, and always followed my doctor's advice to cut out spicy foods and high fat foods to alleviate the problem. (I took Prevacid on a daily basis for years.) I no longer have the gastrointestinal problems, and I am no longer using medication for it. LC eating has truly changed my life, and I view it as a life change.
I am certainly aware that people need to find what works for them, and that this way of life may not be for everyone. Nevertheless, I wanted to share my very positive experience with it.
Thank you, Dr. Atkins.
Tony
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