Atkins Diet??

I did it years ago and lost a lot of weight but when I went back to eating carbs it all came back within a few months.

I don't think it is healthy. I have a friend who does it every year for a few months, loses loads then goes back to usual and it comes back then she does it again the next year. She loses weight going to the pub and eating chicken wings and all that yummy but super unhealthy stuff. I must admit - it makes me jealous when I am sitting there with my salad and she has deep fried pork ribs (and is losing more than me) but I remind myself of all the vitamins and antioxidants I am getting from my fruit and veg that will keep me healthier and wrinkle / cancer free for longer (knock on wood!)

I have almost eliminated breads and pastas from my diet recently and am seeing results from that. Maybe you could try that, its not as hard core.

Ummm... Dr. Adkins died before he hit 60, heart disease. Eating that much protein, your body goes into overdrive because it's so hard to digest. That's why you'll have weight loss. I guess I'm not a fan of "dieting" in general. I believe in making healthy lifestyle choices overall that you can live with forever. With a diet, you ALWAYS run the risk of gaining weight back when you finish the "diet." That being said, I know people it worked well for, but they all gained the weight back. :S

I believe I read that Atkins died in an accident (slipped on ice and hit is head). The problem with Atkins is that most people do not really follow the diet. They think that as long as you eliminate carbs, it is okay to eat as much fat as you want because it does not have carbs. That is not true. Atkins diet is based on protein and unprocessed carbs (found in vegetables). Atkins main dinner meal was 6 ounces of a protein (chicken, fish, or a filet of beef) and a salad or a vegetable. Then he used whatever salad dressing sauces he wanted that did not contain sugars. The other problem with Atkins is that you have to be able to maintain this type of a lifestyle. For some people (those who don't eat many fruits and vegetables anyway and can give up grains), this is a sustainable and healthy lifestyle.

My husband followed the diet several years ago. He lost a lot of weight and his cholestrol actually dropped down to within normal range the entire time he was on it without the use of drugs. His doctor told him that there was nothing wrong with Atkins as low as you truly followed the diet. My husband could not however sustain eating this way--he likes everything. He therefore switched to a more balanced diet without gaining any of the lost weight back. He still avoids processed carbs though.

Ummm... Dr. Adkins died before he hit 60, heart disease. Eating that much protein, your body goes into overdrive because it's so hard to digest. That's why you'll have weight loss. I guess I'm not a fan of "dieting" in general. I believe in making healthy lifestyle choices overall that you can live with forever. With a diet, you ALWAYS run the risk of gaining weight back when you finish the "diet." That being said, I know people it worked well for, but they all gained the weight back. :S

All of this is untrue. You should really learn the facts before spouting things you hear others speak.

In 2000, Dr. Atkins developed cardiomyopathy, an incurable heart condition which has quite a few different causes. His was thought to be from a viral illness, and his physician stated at the time that there was no evidence that his diet contributed to the condition. His coronary arteries were reported to have been checked at that time and found to be free of blockages. Cardiomyopathy makes it more likely that a person will have a cardiac arrest (heart stopping), which happened to him two years later. Again, the cardiac arrest was not thought to be diet related. His cardiologist stated that (other than the cardiomyopathy), Atkins had "an extraordinarily healthy cardiovascular system".

Your body burns fat instead of carbs when you limit your carb intake. Your body (liver) can quite easily process 200-300 grams of protein a day. It's not "hard to digest".

I know quite a few people who have chosen to live a low carb lifestyle because it works for them. One of them is a diabetic who needs to watch her carb intake, especially sugars, anyway.

To the OP, if you truly love carbs, this way of eating is not for you. I've had a few phases in my life where I've lived low carb for several months at a time, because it works for me and I don't crave sugar, bread, etc. However, because my husband and son both eat carbs, I've ended up giving it up because it's too much of a hassle to buy and make different foods. I haven't "put all of the weight back on right away", either, but that's mostly because I've just continued to watch my calorie intake.

I HAD A COUSIN WHO WAS VERY HEAVY,AND SHE LOST SO MUCH!WEIGHT! ON THE ATKINS DIET,BUT WHEN SHE BECAME PREGNANT SHE GAINED IT BACK,BUT IT WORKED FOR HER!,AND BY THE WAY IM NEW ON HERE!I JUST JOINED,AND HELLO!EVERYBODY!:happy:

lol dr atkins did not die from a heart atack... he died from a fall on ice.. look it up or buy the book.. atkins is the best diet ever if you stick to it!

I never said he died from a heart attack, I said he had heart disease. Which is true. Also, ask a medical professional what they think about Adkins. I've never heard a doctor, nurse, etc. say anything flattering about it. As a matter of fact, when I asked my doctor what she thought about Adkins and other such diets at my appointment yesterday, she said it was "potentially quite dangerous." I think I'll stick to good, old-fashioned healthy habits.

Dr. Robert Atkins died on 17 April 2003 at the age of 72 after sustaining head injuries in a fall outside his New York clinic.

My huband and I did the Adkins Diet. I lost a total of 75 lbs. My husband lost 41. We both loved the diet. After the first week, we lost water weight caused by our carb overloading. Midway through the next week, we lost our cravings for sweets and breads.

Personally...I felt cleaner...that's the only way I can describe it. After the weight loss I maintained that weight for 4 years until I moved to the coast, bought a boat, and decided it's fun to eat out on the water. I am now 7 years post Adkins diet and have about 18 lbs to lose til I am at the weight I was when I started blowing off the diet.

As a previous poster mentioned...you can't cheat...at all. Also, don't beleive all the comments about it being not healthy. It's very healthy. DO NOT put yourself on some sort of meat and cheese diet. That's not what it's about and that is the unhealthy part. You are supposed to have normal servings of meat, fish, cheese, (yes you can have bacon and eggs...they don't have carbs) but normal servings is the key. You are also supposed to have up to 4 cups of vegitables (of the low carb type for salads) or two cups of things (I ate) like green beans and broccoli.

Overall I was extreamly pleased with the results and the diet. Get the book, give it a try, and make your own decision. GOOD LUCK!

Ummm... Dr. Adkins died before he hit 60, heart disease. Eating that much protein, your body goes into overdrive because it's so hard to digest. That's why you'll have weight loss. I guess I'm not a fan of "dieting" in general. I believe in making healthy lifestyle choices overall that you can live with forever. With a diet, you ALWAYS run the risk of gaining weight back when you finish the "diet." That being said, I know people it worked well for, but they all gained the weight back. :S

All of this is untrue. You should really learn the facts before spouting things you hear others speak.

In 2000, Dr. Atkins developed cardiomyopathy, an incurable heart condition which has quite a few different causes. His was thought to be from a viral illness, and his physician stated at the time that there was no evidence that his diet contributed to the condition. His coronary arteries were reported to have been checked at that time and found to be free of blockages. Cardiomyopathy makes it more likely that a person will have a cardiac arrest (heart stopping), which happened to him two years later. Again, the cardiac arrest was not thought to be diet related. His cardiologist stated that (other than the cardiomyopathy), Atkins had "an extraordinarily healthy cardiovascular system".

Your body burns fat instead of carbs when you limit your carb intake. Your body (liver) can quite easily process 200-300 grams of protein a day. It's not "hard to digest".

I know quite a few people who have chosen to live a low carb lifestyle because it works for them. One of them is a diabetic who needs to watch her carb intake, especially sugars, anyway.

To the OP, if you truly love carbs, this way of eating is not for you. I've had a few phases in my life where I've lived low carb for several months at a time, because it works for me and I don't crave sugar, bread, etc. However, because my husband and son both eat carbs, I've ended up giving it up because it's too much of a hassle to buy and make different foods. I haven't "put all of the weight back on right away", either, but that's mostly because I've just continued to watch my calorie intake.

My most recent attempt at Adkins... I ran into the same issue trying to essentially prepare two different meals...nearly every day. It's easier when the whole family is involved. While my family doesn't really need the diet, they eat healthier when I'm on it. More veggies and meats, less processed foods and junk.

Ummm... Dr. Adkins died before he hit 60, heart disease. Eating that much protein, your body goes into overdrive because it's so hard to digest. That's why you'll have weight loss. I guess I'm not a fan of "dieting" in general. I believe in making healthy lifestyle choices overall that you can live with forever. With a diet, you ALWAYS run the risk of gaining weight back when you finish the "diet." That being said, I know people it worked well for, but they all gained the weight back. :S

Wow, that information is hugely false! Dr. Adkins died at the age of 72, from slipping and falling on the ice outside of his office in NYC. He died from an injury to the brain. He was incredibly healthy at the time of his death. You are not eating "that much" protein, in fact, you are getting most of your carbs from veggies and salads. The main food you are eliminating is starchy, refined carbs in the form of bread, pasta, potatos, rice, flour, etc. You lose weight on Atkins because your body starts burning your stored fat for energy, instead of burning carbs for energy. You are correct that any diet is a lifestyle change, and as with ANY diet (weight watchers included) as soon as you quit, and return to eating unhealthy, you will gain the weight back.

Has anyone done the Atkins Diet? I have a friend who is doing it now and is seeing great results. I'm just a little skeptical? Anyone ever done this program?

OP, I've been doing Atkins since February 2011. I'm down 40 lbs. I feel great. I can't list all the ways my body has improved and feels better! It is completely healthy. You really need to buy the book, and read how to do the diet, if you're serious about it. For it to work, and for you to reap the benefits, you need to know the right foods to eat and what to avoid. I think a lot of people hear "low-carb" and make some assumptions. The diet doesn't work for them, because they made up their own plan, so they go preaching that it's bad for you.

Having said that, I will say that the Atkins lifestyle change is sustainable for life. You are only limiting your carbs for the first phase (Induction), and that is only a minimum of 2 weeks. Then, you can start adding back in fruits, veggies, nuts, and Yes, even carbs. For me, I quit craving carbs and sugars about 3 weeks in. I've gone through 5 birthdays in my family without even a small craving for cupcake or cake.

If you're serious about diet and lifestyle change, read the book. Follow the plan. Don't cheat. And you will be successful! Good luck!

I never said he died from a heart attack, I said he had heart disease. Which is true. Also, ask a medical professional what they think about Adkins. I've never heard a doctor, nurse, etc. say anything flattering about it. As a matter of fact, when I asked my doctor what she thought about Adkins and other such diets at my appointment yesterday, she said it was "potentially quite dangerous." I think I'll stick to good, old-fashioned healthy habits.

Seriously? Do you know every doctor and health professional in the country?? That is simply NOT true!! Atkins is a great way of life. But that's exactly what it is. A way of life! Have you read the book?? I doubt it. During induction you bring your carbs very low and then gradually incorporate them back into your food until you figure out how many carbs your body can tolerate without gaining weight. Of course you will gain weight if you start eating the way you did before!

Atkins is NOT dangerous unless you do it wrong!

Also Dr Atkins heart disease had NOTHING to do with his diet.

Atkins is good IF you stick to it forever, unfortunately most folks can't! It's hard to not go over 20 grams of carbs a day. I lost 140 pounds on Atkins 6 years ago but gained it all back plus more when I started eating more carbs. PLUS I ended up having to have 2 surgeries, one to remove all the gallstones (26) from my liver ducts and pancreatic ducts, the other to remove the stone filled gallbladder that was so scarred, it looked like a net. Yes, I lost weight, yes my cholesterol went down, NO, I couldn't never eat another crispy creme or nestles chocolate milk! It's not in my regular diet, but once in awhile... what the hell? I couldn't do that on Atkins so here I am.
My husband, who also went on the diet with me, almost died from gallstones in his ducts. Especially the pancreatic ones.
In all fairness, It wasn't the diet, it was when we went OFF the diet that the problems came up. So, in conclusion, this was my experience, hope I helped someone, but in the end, whatever floats your boat and works for you!

With my last baby I ate tons of fruit. Couldn't get enough of it. At 8 months pregnant my DR put me on a no carb diet. Not only was my sugar super high in my tests but she said the baby was getting to big to quick for my frame. So yes a DR can put you on such a diet.Guess she was right he popped out 7 pounds 2 weeks early and at the time he was due he'd jumped up to 10 pounds lol.

I lost a lot of weight from my first kid using Atkins. But like others said it's super hard to do it when your family isn't. I still try to limit my carbs every chance I get though.

My doctor said it was OK for me to do it. Guess it depends on the doctor.

Being low carb is kind of a life or death issue for some of us who are teetering on the edge of diabetes.