All you need to know about Atkins . . . UPDATED 12-3

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: X-Man
I've lost 74 pounds since May 31. When my doctor put me on it (yes, you heard right, doctor prescribed, folks! But . . . but . . .it's quackery, right?!) I had high blood pressure, high triglycerides, high cholesterol, and the beginning stages of adult-onset diabetes. A couple of months after starting Atkins & exercise, the blood pressure was "fixed", without medication. My resting pulse dropped from 75 to 56 and now hovers in the mid-50s.

I go in December 3 to have my blood checked again. Should be interesting.

Now, tell me it's a "fad", "junk science", or "cannot possibly work."

There are a lot of doctors that are referred to as QUACKS! What's your point?

I have lost 86 pounds in three months, didn't need atkins.

I have given up arguing it here, plus even Dr. Atkins 'changed' his diet since it's original inception.

Atkins has nothing at all to do with a reduced pulse rate. The high BP was also probably only caused by the overweight situation, lose the weight lose the high BP.

The thing is if Atkins truly worked so well for EVERYONE, you would not hear all these horror stories.

It's like Ephedra, kills some muthers dead, but works good for me....however I am not going to say it's without problems since I am fine on it.

 

[apoppin]

More dongers

WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 ? Jody Gorran was proud of his 32-inch waistline ? until a heart scan showed an artery had become almost entirely blocked during the two years he was on the Atkins diet. Lisa Huskey was happy about being on a diet with her 16-year-old daughter, Rachel, until Rachel dropped dead from a heart arrhythmia in class. Both say the high-fat, high-protein approach advocated by the Atkins diet was responsible.

But many doctors and the American Heart Association have repeatedly warned that the Atkins approach could be dangerous because it is too high in fat and protein and too low in fiber and vitamins.
?Anyone who has even been on this diet can tell you they spend the first few days in the bathroom, urinating,? said Dr. Paul Robinson, director of adolescent medicine at the University of Missouri hospital, where Rachel Huskey was taken.
The body is shedding water to clear out the breakdown products from fat in the diet, Robinson said at the news conference. The danger comes because the process pulls calcium and potassium from the blood.

HEART RHYTHM AFFECTED
Robinson said Rachel?s calcium and potassium levels were abnormally low. ?These are very important electrolytes in regulating heartbeat,? he said.
?Adolescents, particularly, should not go on this diet, until there is more research,? added Robinson, who published a paper in the Southern Medical Journal about the case.

Dr. Richard Fleming, a cardiologist who has studied high-fat diets, attacked the premise that carbohydrates make people any fatter than any other food.
?Obesity is nothing more than the overconsumption of calories and it doesn?t matter whether those calories are carbohydrates, fat or protein,? Fleming said.
Fleming said the high fat content of the Atkins diet could worsen heart disease not only through raised cholesterol but by inflaming the arteries

Quoted in part.

 

[Riprorin]

I think there would be a lot less controversy if all of the naysayers would just read one of Atkins' books rather than relying on misinformation.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: Riprorin
I think there would be a lot less controversy if all of the naysayers would just read one of Atkins' books rather than relying on misinformation.

I think all the pro-atkin's crowd would have at lot less controversy if they acknowledged most doctors 1) have probably read Atkins' studies and books and are responding in a medical sense, rather than any naysayer sense 2) Realized if someone is trying to sell a book they are not going to harp on about the problems with their plan and in fact, will probably say it's 100% safe.

Atkins actually revised 'his' diet (I say 'his' because he just made it famous, it has been around almost 100 years if not more) to actually get most people out of ketosis after the induction period (ketosis is why you lose so much weight, he added in things that will make most people leave ketosis, but still lose weight).

Most people also don't have trouble with Atkins because they don't follow it 100% accurately (most people cheat often, still with a sensible diet YOU CAN CHEAT, but still lose weight).

 

[Riprorin]

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: Riprorin
I think there would be a lot less controversy if all of the naysayers would just read one of Atkins' books rather than relying on misinformation.

I think all the pro-atkin's crowd would have at lot less controversy if they acknowledged most doctors 1) have probably read Atkins' studies and books and are responding in a medical sense, rather than any naysayer sense 2) Realized if someone is trying to sell a book they are not going to harp on about the problems with their plan and in fact, will probably say it's 100% safe.

Atkins actually revised 'his' diet (I say 'his' because he just made it famous, it has been around almost 100 years if not more) to actually get most people out of ketosis after the induction period (ketosis is why you lose so much weight, he added in things that will make most people leave ketosis, but still lose weight).

Most people also don't have trouble with Atkins because they don't follow it 100% accurately (most people cheat often, still with a sensible diet YOU CAN CHEAT, but still lose weight).

I very seriously doubt that many MDs have read any of his books. Most MDs are good at writing prescriptions and that's about it.

I've read Atkins' books, I've followed his advice, and I've committed to a lifestyle change including both diet and excercise.

Basically, everything he said about general health, weight loss, and improved blood work has come true.

Do you think that the nitwits here who haven't done any research and rely on misinformation are going to disuade me?

 

[ThaPerculator]

People are stupid. 95% percent of people claim to be on the "Atkins" diet, but aren't on ANYTHING. If you read the freaking book he only emphasizes taking a all-in-one supplement, as well as "super-dosing" with them. Mineral deficiencies?? DUH SHE WASNT FOLLOWING THE DIET.

I dont know how many times I have to tell people they have no clue what they are talking about. I am truly on the "Atkins" diet, but I honestly don't think about it. It is just natural now. I eat all the non-starchy veggies I want, I eat melon/berries once a day. I occasionally eat super-high fiber whole grain bread products. Essentially, the Atkins diet is a set of guidelines to introduce yourself to good eating habits, and to break carb addiction. After induction, you add carbs in incrememnts, until you really don't count anymore because you can just "feel" what you should and shouldn't eat. I eat more salad than I do meat.

Vegetarianism is the most extremely ludicrous thing I have ever heard of. Have fun getting strong/fit with eating very minimal sources of protein. So how exactly is taking protein supplements as your main source of it when your a vegan healthy? I guarantee you 9/10 meat eaters could completely beat the hell out of the average vegan. Every vegan I have ever met has been scrawny and weak, and is in my opinion in no way living a 'better, healthier life' than a fat person.

I exercise way more than most people, coming close to that of athletes. Read my previous posts. I have exercised close to as much before I was losing all this weight, but I never lost any of it. I counted calories, ate everything "low-fat" and "diet". Never ate fried foods. I have a history of hardcore diabetes in my family, so more than likely blood sugar had something to do with it, even though I was not diagnosed with diabetes.

All I know, is I feel better, I look better, Im stronger than ever, my doctor approves and I'm happy. Quit bashing atkins, when in reality most of the people who claim to be on it arent. Also, I don't eat any of the "Atkin$®" stuff, I just eat natural food. Sugar Alcohols mess with you, as well as your stomach, and they are a total waste. Not to mention, they make people binge out on "low carb" stuff like mad so they lose self control, which is what the diet is all about.

Don't bash it if you haven't met somebody who is truly on it. I havent met a single person who claimed to be on Atkins who hasn't deliberately cheated on it, or "fell off the wagon". People do not have self control and/or discipline, and that is why they fail on it.

Sticking to Atkins is exactly like sticking to a workout schedule. It takes motivation, determination, and sacrifice. It builds character. Saying that nobody sticks to it and it is a 'fad' is ludicrous as well. That's like saying nobody sticks to a workout plan, yet you can turn on the tv and see professional athletes and bodybuilders galore.

I quote Henry Rollins...
"Go without a coat when it's cold; find out what cold is. Go hungry; keep your existence lean. Wear away the fat, get down to the lean tissue and see what it's all about. The only time you define your character is when you go without. In times of hardship, you find out what you're made of and what you're capable of. If you're never tested, you'll never define your character. "

 

[Riprorin]

I agree.

Here's my response to someone who's fond of saying that people on Atkins don't eat "normal" food:

"By the way, concerning your view that people on Atkins don't eat "normal" food, here's what Dr. Atkins has to say regarding your diet after you've reached your weight loss goal:

"If your metabolism can handle it, I'm about to allow you in moderation, many of the foods you used to enjoy. (The exception is sugar)".

Rules of Lifetime Maintenance:

-Adhere to your Critical Carbohydrate Level for Maintenance (the carbohydrate level above which you start to gain weight).
-Continue to eat natural, unprocessed, nutrient dense carbohydrates
-Excercise regularly
-Continue to take nutritional supplements, modifiying your regimen to meet your needs
-Develop a strategy for dealing with temptation
-Never let yourself get more than 5 pounds above your goal weight.

Personally, I have a very good metabolism, I excercise regularly, and I have the will power to eat in moderation, so I can eat just about anything (I never, ever eat trans-fat and I very, very rarely eat refined sugar or white flour) and not have to worry too much about re-gaining weight. Sounds like you're the same way.

Be careful though not to extrapolate your experience to everyone. We all have different metabolisms and for a variety of reasons, some people have more difficulty losing weight than others. So what works for you, may not work well for others."

Atkins is basically about avoiding junk/processed food and eating wholesome, natural foods.

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: Riprorin
I think there would be a lot less controversy if all of the naysayers would just read one of Atkins' books rather than relying on misinformation.

MDs are beginning to question it for it's long-term and possible negative effects on the body.

There'd be a lot less controversy if some of Atkins' more vocal supporters would keep an open mind about the possibilities that it may not be all "healthy".

But I don't care, it's your body.

 

[XMan]

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: Riprorin
I think there would be a lot less controversy if all of the naysayers would just read one of Atkins' books rather than relying on misinformation.

MDs are beginning to question it for it's long-term and possible negative effects on the body.

There'd be a lot less controversy if some of Atkins' more vocal supporters would keep an open mind about the possibilities that it may not be all "healthy".

But I don't care, it's your body.

Still not so sure what's so unhealthy with replacing pizza, beer, potato chips, and sugared soft drinks with lean steak, salad, and water.

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: X-Man

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: Riprorin
I think there would be a lot less controversy if all of the naysayers would just read one of Atkins' books rather than relying on misinformation.

MDs are beginning to question it for it's long-term and possible negative effects on the body.

There'd be a lot less controversy if some of Atkins' more vocal supporters would keep an open mind about the possibilities that it may not be all "healthy".

But I don't care, it's your body.

Still not so sure what's so unhealthy with replacing pizza, beer, potato chips, and sugared soft drinks with lean steak, salad, and water.

It depends what you replace them with . . . .

Not all carbs are "bad" or even equal. REread the [long] posts I quoted from MD sources if you missed "what's wrong".

 

[Riprorin]

Originally posted by: X-Man

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: Riprorin
I think there would be a lot less controversy if all of the naysayers would just read one of Atkins' books rather than relying on misinformation.

MDs are beginning to question it for it's long-term and possible negative effects on the body.

There'd be a lot less controversy if some of Atkins' more vocal supporters would keep an open mind about the possibilities that it may not be all "healthy".

But I don't care, it's your body.

Still not so sure what's so unhealthy with replacing pizza, beer, potato chips, and sugared soft drinks with lean steak, salad, and water.

It's certainly "unhealthy" for the drug companies and food conglomerates.

Can anyone tell me what the deal is with the American Heart Assocication putting their stamp of approval on worthless foods like Count Chocula, Froot Loops and Pop Tarts?

 

[PunDogg]

congrats to you, but i still think its a fade, and so what if a doctor prescribed it, you can get a doctor to give you anything, but again congrats to you

Dogg

 

[Wingznut]

Originally posted by: X-Man
Still not so sure what's so unhealthy with replacing pizza, beer, potato chips, and sugared soft drinks with lean steak, salad, and water.

That pretty much sums it up, X-Man. We do that... We show excellent results... And yet we still get criticized for no particular good reason.

Funny how some people will hammer you for your very impressive accomplishment, but they don't seem to say negative things about all the junk foods that people talk about eating on this msg board.

But since none of the naysayers are able to explain why they have such a problem with people doing the Atkins plan, I guess we'll never understand.

 

[Chaotic42]

I tried it and I made JJ Walker look constipated. No thanks.

Edit: I forgot to say good job, X-Man, I lost like 80 pounds on a vegan diet (I went from a chunky 245 to a sickly 165). I'm aiming at 200 now.

 

[Eli]

Ok, I only read about 1/3rd of the thread,

But you guys dissin' on him because of his diet are just plain wrong.

ANY diet is better than the Standard American Diet(SAD).

Why should he develop colon cancer? There is nothing in the Atkins diet that says he cannot eat fibre.

Christ people. Get a clue. There is nothing wrong with not eating simple carbohydrates.

Infact, I'd say it is healthier. Are you trying to tell me that processed food is better?

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: Eli
Ok, I only read about 1/3rd of the thread,
But you guys dissin' on him because of his diet are just plain wrong.
ANY diet is better than the Standard American Diet(SAD).
Why should he develop colon cancer? There is nothing in the Atkins diet that says he cannot eat fibre.
Christ people. Get a clue. There is nothing wrong with not eating simple carbohydrates.
Infact, I'd say it is healthier. Are you trying to tell me that processed food is better?

Yeah, fiber doesn't count at all in the diet. If you have something with 5g of carbs, and it has 4 grams of fiber, it only counts as 1 gram for the diet.

 

[Riprorin]

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: Riprorin
I think there would be a lot less controversy if all of the naysayers would just read one of Atkins' books rather than relying on misinformation.

MDs are beginning to question it for it's long-term and possible negative effects on the body.

There'd be a lot less controversy if some of Atkins' more vocal supporters would keep an open mind about the possibilities that it may not be all "healthy".

But I don't care, it's your body.

I showed my MD my diet and he had no problem with it.

It's basically, high quality meat, fish and tofu, fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts, cheese, olives, eggs, oatmeal, and yogurt. I avoid sugar, white flour, and all junk/processed foods.

I supplement with a multi-vitamin, vitamin C, vitamin E, garlic, glucosamine/chondroitin/MSM, fish oil, vitamin B12, folic acid, pantethine, CoQ10, ginko biloba, and St. John's Wort and I drink two protein shakes - one in the morning and one before bed.

My MD has no problem with what I'm doing, which is all based on Dr. Atkins' advice.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: Riprorin
My MD has no problem with what I'm doing, which is all based on Dr. Atkins' advice.

You could very well be still following a good diet, but it's no longer Atkins....most people mess it up enough not to cause them the problems associated with the original 'no-carb' style of 'atkins'.

Also just because someone has an M.D. shingle outside their office, doesn't make them good at what they do.

 

[Riprorin]

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: Riprorin
My MD has no problem with what I'm doing, which is all based on Dr. Atkins' advice.

You could very well be still following a good diet, but it's no longer Atkins....most people mess it up enough not to cause them the problems associated with the original 'no-carb' style of 'atkins'.

Also just because someone has an M.D. shingle outside their office, doesn't make them good at what they do.

Why do you say it's not Atkins?

According to his book "New Diet Revolution" people who exercise regularly for 45 minutes five days a week (my case) can eat 90 g or more carbs per day after they reach their goal weight (my case).

 

[jamison]

I tried Atkins for 5 weeks, I believe I lost some weight, but I'm not sure (I didn't have a scale and didn't "feel" the weight loss).

Growing tired of the diet, and cheating more than was acceptable, led me off of the diet. Three days after quitting, I am rushed to the ER with lower left abdominal pain. As some people know, kidney stones are not exactly pleasant. After three days in the hospital, I was released, also diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes, and put on an 1800 calorie diet. It is only day one of the diet outside the hospital (and 2 days inside with hospital food) but I am eating very small portions of food and never felt more "full".

For example, breakfast consisted of - 1 Fried Egg, 2 Slices of Toast, Small Bowl of Honey Nut Corn Flakes w/ ~ 4 oz. of whole milk, 1/2 glass of orange juice, 1 thin slice of butter.

This mix of a balanced meal and variety is magical, it makes you feel full, full to the point you can't eat another bite of food and sometimes have to eat less of the following meal due to the fact that you are still full from the last. I plan on sticking to this lifestyle change, because it is at this point in my life where ignoring my eating habits can significantly reduce my lifespan and quality of life.

Is Atkins directly responsible for my kidney stones? I will not go that far, but it is certainly not a positive sign for a digestive system that has never had trouble in the past of any kind.

 

I don't feel like quoting above posts. I'm not a naysayer.. but, doctors and the medical community actaully prescribed cigarettes at one time.
So....

Atkin's didn't invent anything new. You guys are on a low carb diet with an "induction" phase.
Low carb. diets have been around for a long time. So what's the big deal?
A low carb diet finally hits "mainstream" media and you jump all over it like it's some breakthrough.

/golfclap for Dr. Atkins.
/golfclap for people who thinks it's something new.

 

[sash1]

nj! I'm trying to gain weight, myself...

I go in December 3 to have my blood checked again

That's my birthday

`K

 

[Riprorin]

Originally posted by: SammySon
I don't feel like quoting above posts. I'm not a naysayer.. but, doctors and the medical community actaully prescribed cigarettes at one time.
So....

Atkin's didn't invent anything new. You guys are on a low carb diet with an "induction" phase.
Low carb. diets have been around for a long time. So what's the big deal?
A low carb diet finally hits "mainstream" media and you jump all over it like it's some breakthrough.

/golfclap for Dr. Atkins.
/golfclap for people who thinks it's something new.

Dr. Atkins never takes credit for "inventing" the low-carb diet. He did popularize it though and make it comprehensible for the masses.

 

Dr. Atkins never takes credit for "inventing" the low-carb diet. He did popularize it though and make it comprehensible for the masses.

I'm not implying Atkins took credit for inventing it. Ask many of the users of his diet and they may have different opinions.
I guess credit is given where due.

People are falling head over heels for the Atkins diet and heralding it as the best thing since sliced bread (no pun intended).
Where, if they took the time, got off their fat lazy asses and did some research, they would find out this information was readily available before Atkins ever wrote a book on it.

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: jamison
I tried Atkins for 5 weeks, I believe I lost some weight, but I'm not sure (I didn't have a scale and didn't "feel" the weight loss).

Growing tired of the diet, and cheating more than was acceptable, led me off of the diet. Three days after quitting, I am rushed to the ER with lower left abdominal pain. As some people know, kidney stones are not exactly pleasant. After three days in the hospital, I was released, also diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes, and put on an 1800 calorie diet. It is only day one of the diet outside the hospital (and 2 days inside with hospital food) but I am eating very small portions of food and never felt more "full".

For example, breakfast consisted of - 1 Fried Egg, 2 Slices of Toast, Small Bowl of Honey Nut Corn Flakes w/ ~ 4 oz. of whole milk, 1/2 glass of orange juice, 1 thin slice of butter.

This mix of a balanced meal and variety is magical, it makes you feel full, full to the point you can't eat another bite of food and sometimes have to eat less of the following meal due to the fact that you are still full from the last. I plan on sticking to this lifestyle change, because it is at this point in my life where ignoring my eating habits can significantly reduce my lifespan and quality of life.

Is Atkins directly responsible for my kidney stones? I will not go that far, but it is certainly not a positive sign for a digestive system that has never had trouble in the past of any kind.

Certainly not.

It takes a while for the stones to form.

I suppose its possible that the diet changes could've made them move, and start causing you pain, though.