Rating: 
Summary: "nay-sayers" are misinformed...probably didn't read the book
Review: I gave the book four stars.....I agree with some of the other reviewers that it could've been a "better read", more simply worded, and shorter, BUT being that it is a factual diet book, (not for entertainment purposes) the information is EXCELLENT and IT WORKS!!!Many people, including those in the medical field are still misinformed about Atkins. If you read and follow the book (many people don't, they just stop eating carbs altogether and call it "Atkins"), it will work and be healthy. In fact, even in the first two weeks, called "Induction", the strictest phase of the program, you are supposed to eat carbs (mostly salad and veggies, along with protien), just a much lower amount and healthier type than "normal" for an overweight American. It is not a "protien only" diet, and you don't eat bacon every day (in fact bacon, along with other highly processed foods, is not recommended because of the preservatives in it); it is a balanced diet, but much lower in the carbs, especially sugar and junk food, that the typical American diet is largely made up of. I read the whole book and lots of reviews and talked to my doctor before I started the diet, and I am doing fine. I started the diet in March, I am 5'2', and was 160+ lbs., had pain in my knees and feet, tiredness, was growing out of all my clothes....by mid-May, I was down to 140 pounds, my feet and knees no longer hurt, I have had to buy 2 sizes smaller clothing, and I have much more energy. I have slowed my weight loss, and am now starting an exercising program to help change my body shape and continue this healthy lifestyle. Now that I am in the "Ongoing Weight Loss" phase, I do eat a few more carbs, but healthy ones like veggies, salad, seeds, nuts, some fruits, and some bread. When I read the book, what struck me as making sense, is thinking about how the human body has evolved throughout time. After all those thousands of years hunting (meat) and gathering (raw veggies and non-refined carbs - fruits, seeds, and nuts) and drinking water (not soda, sugary juices, and milk) our bodies are naturally evolved to work with these types of natural fuels; not a bunch of white refined flour, and tons of sugar and high fructose corn syrup. I believe the abundance and over-use of refined carbs in many of our convienience foods are a huge reason why the American people are such an overweight group. Many Atkins DOUBTERS (who have not read the research) say all you lose is water weight and muscle tissue and that tons of people just gain the weight back after Atkins......well, just the opposite is really true, and that is addressed in the book and here. Initially you do lose some water weight (just a couple pounds are water weight) as with ANY diet, and Atkins even tells people this in the book; but if you are doing the program right, you will not lose muscle tissue, in fact, you will start building it - which we all know helps increase metabolism and burn fat faster. Also, the reason people start gaining weight after Atkins is just that....there is no "after"; Atkins is a lifestyle change, if you stop doing it and go back to eating way too many carbs for your particular metabolism, of course you will gain the weight right back. Other diets do that same thing (if you are on a low calorie diet, and then when you get to your goal weight, you go right back to the number of calories you were eating before, you will gain it all back)...but most of them don't offer a long-term maintenence plan - BUT Atkins book(s) explains in detail the "Lifetime Maintenence" phase of the program, and how to find the right level of carbs to maintain (neither lose more nor gain back) the weight you have achieved in a healthy way (no yo-yo dieting) for the rest of your life. Sorry for the long post, but when people are misinformed, I like to give them as much correct information as possible. Please read Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution for more info if you are interested. It really does make sense and it works.
Rating:
Summary: "nay-sayers" are misinformed...probably didn't read the book
Review: I gave the book four stars.....I agree with some of the other reviewers that it could've been a "better read", more simply worded, and shorter, BUT being that it is a factual diet book, (not for entertainment purposes) the information is EXCELLENT and IT WORKS!!! Many people, including those in the medical field are still misinformed about Atkins. If you read and follow the book (many people don't, they just stop eating carbs altogether and call it "Atkins"), it will work and be healthy. In fact, even in the first two weeks, called "Induction", the strictest phase of the program, you are supposed to eat carbs (mostly salad and veggies, along with protien), just a much lower amount and healthier type than "normal" for an overweight American. It is not a "protien only" diet, and you don't eat bacon every day (in fact bacon, along with other highly processed foods, is not recommended because of the preservatives in it); it is a balanced diet, but much lower in the carbs, especially sugar and junk food, that the typical American diet is largely made up of. I read the whole book and lots of reviews and talked to my doctor before I started the diet, and I am doing fine. I started the diet in March, I am 5'2', and was 160+ lbs., had pain in my knees and feet, tiredness, was growing out of all my clothes....by mid-May, I was down to 140 pounds, my feet and knees no longer hurt, I have had to buy 2 sizes smaller clothing, and I have much more energy. I have slowed my weight loss, and am now starting an exercising program to help change my body shape and continue this healthy lifestyle. Now that I am in the "Ongoing Weight Loss" phase, I do eat a few more carbs, but healthy ones like veggies, salad, seeds, nuts, some fruits, and some bread. When I read the book, what struck me as making sense, is thinking about how the human body has evolved throughout time. After all those thousands of years hunting (meat) and gathering (raw veggies and non-refined carbs - fruits, seeds, and nuts) and drinking water (not soda, sugary juices, and milk) our bodies are naturally evolved to work with these types of natural fuels; not a bunch of white refined flour, and tons of sugar and high fructose corn syrup. I believe the abundance and over-use of refined carbs in many of our convienience foods are a huge reason why the American people are such an overweight group. Many Atkins DOUBTERS (who have not read the research) say all you lose is water weight and muscle tissue and that tons of people just gain the weight back after Atkins......well, just the opposite is really true, and that is addressed in the book and here. Initially you do lose some water weight (just a couple pounds are water weight) as with ANY diet, and Atkins even tells people this in the book; but if you are doing the program right, you will not lose muscle tissue, in fact, you will start building it - which we all know helps increase metabolism and burn fat faster. Also, the reason people start gaining weight after Atkins is just that....there is no "after"; Atkins is a lifestyle change, if you stop doing it and go back to eating way too many carbs for your particular metabolism, of course you will gain the weight right back. Other diets do that same thing (if you are on a low calorie diet, and then when you get to your goal weight, you go right back to the number of calories you were eating before, you will gain it all back)...but most of them don't offer a long-term maintenence plan - BUT Atkins book(s) explains in detail the "Lifetime Maintenence" phase of the program, and how to find the right level of carbs to maintain (neither lose more nor gain back) the weight you have achieved in a healthy way (no yo-yo dieting) for the rest of your life. Sorry for the long post, but when people are misinformed, I like to give them as much correct information as possible. Please read Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution for more info if you are interested. It really does make sense and it works.
Rating: 
Summary: You will have to decide for yourself: I have lost 30 lbs!
Review: I got on this diet as a result of my personal doctor telling me it was the only thing that would help me from not becoming a diabetic. Although I ended up being diagnosed diabetic I have lost and maintained, over the course of 12 months now, over 30 pounds. I began as a size 38 (almost 40) and now I am on my way to size 32 (I am at a comfortable 34 at this point). There are several things you should bear in mind about it:
* This is NOT an easy fix for nutritional disorders. It works, but it takes TIME.
* This is NOT a balanced diet, because by repressing carbs (or maintaining them under 20 g per day in the begginning) it's aimed at getting your body in a state called ketosis. In such a state the body starts to use its stored fat as a source of energy, as opposed to expecting it from carbs. There are very diverse points of view about ketosis: being such a delicate topic, I invite you to make your own mind about it, but based on all I've read about it (and believe me: in a year's time, my diet is something I've devoted a lot of reading to), it seems to not be tied to the heart or kidney-related problems that are attibuted to it.
* It's not a static diet either, because your menu evolves as your weight does: as you begin to get to your ideal weight, the amount of carbs you're allowed increases as well.
* This diet requires vitamin supplements and exercise along with it, in order to work well.
* Most important of ALL, please check with your doctor before you begin this diet. Long story short, read Atkins' books and decice for yourself. So far, I'm with it, but not too fond of the total lack of fruits that it has during its early stages. I've combined its elements with those of the "Omega Diet," and the concept of reducing the portions I eat in every meal.
Rating:
Summary: This is a HAPPY diet!
Review: I have tried various diets before and have been miserable on each and every one of them, until I tried the Atkins diet. This is so wonderful. I do NOT feel deprived! I am NOT hungry! :) I eat according to the diet and am very satisfied. I don't get hungry 15 minutes later either. This is just so much fun!!! And YES, I am losing weight!! I feel good and am lookin' pretty good too! I have also noticed that other health problems I'd been struggling with have just kind of faded away. (chronic headaches, achey muscles, fatigue, and other things) I haven't had my cholesteral rechecked yet, but I look forward to going to the doctor to have that done. I'm buying this set for a friend.
Rating:
Summary: He saved my life!
Review: I just went through the earlier reviews (there were 30 at the time of this writing) to see if I'd done one yet. I bought this set about 11 months ago, right here on amazon.com. Instead, what I found were a few real uninformed skeptics...check them out yourself...they are hilarious, particularly my favorite: Don't do this diet. I will make you sick. Funny, but since starting my own Atkins Lifestyle on January 27, 2003 at 260 pounds, I haven't had a sniffle. Today, November 26, 2003, I weighed-in at 162, 98 pounds down and 2 pounds from my goal. At 6 foot even, 160 is exactly dead-center of the normal range of the BMI (Body Mass Index). I've gone from a 52" waistline (wearing 44" slacks below the belly) to a 36" waistline (wearing 36" slacks around my waist). My inseam is now 32" instead of 30" due to me wearing the slacks where they were made to be worn and now the crotches of the slacks don't extend inches down my thighs. Boy, I must have looked like a slob. (Must have? I know I did. I used to hate glancing at my profile reflected from store windows when I walked down the street. I looked like a pregnant man!) While I might have waited to write this after losing the next, final, TWO POUNDS, I could not wait. Tomorrow, you see, is Thanksgiving. This year, I give thanks for these books and their author, Dr. Robert C. Atkins. May God rest his soul in peace, for the peace that his undaunted efforts have given and will give millions of formerly overweight people, now living a healthy lifestyle in healthy bodies.
Rating:
Summary: Don't believe me; believe my results!
Review: I just went through the earlier reviews (there were 30 at the time of this writing) to see if I'd done one yet. I bought this set about 11 months ago, right here on amazon.com. Instead, what I found were a few real uninformed skeptics...check them out yourself...they are hilarious, particularly my favorite: Don't do this diet. I will make you sick. Funny, but since starting my own Atkins Lifestyle on January 27, 2003 at 260 pounds, I haven't had a sniffle. Today, November 26, 2003, I weighed-in at 162, 98 pounds down and 2 pounds from my goal. At 6 foot even, 160 is exactly dead-center of the normal range of the BMI (Body Mass Index). I've gone from a 52" waistline (wearing 44" slacks below the belly) to a 36" waistline (wearing 36" slacks around my waist). My inseam is now 32" instead of 30" due to me wearing the slacks where they were made to be worn and now the crotches of the slacks don't extend inches down my thighs. Boy, I must have looked like a slob. (Must have? I know I did. I used to hate glancing at my profile reflected from store windows when I walked down the street. I looked like a pregnant man!) While I might have waited to write this after losing the next, final, TWO POUNDS, I could not wait. Tomorrow, you see, is Thanksgiving. This year, I give thanks for these books and their author, Dr. Robert C. Atkins. May God rest his soul in peace, for the peace that his undaunted efforts have given and will give millions of formerly overweight people, now living a healthy lifestyle in healthy bodies.
Rating:
Summary: Absolute Best Weight Loss System!
Review: I lost at least 30 lbs and kept it off! This diet has been around awhile. I knew it worked as had tried it many years ago. I like the "new" addition of a salad a day. This is a high protein, very low carbohydrate diet. I have felt good on this diet. The day I ate macaroni and cheese, I felt bloated and fat, not slim as on the other days. I am loosing weight, even with "slips" and my regular sweet coffee. "Caffeine stimulates an overproduction of insulin, which ultimately promotes weight gain. The biggest need is to stop a caffeine addiction. Once you go 2 weeks without caffeine, you may have it again as long as you don't become dependent on it for energy." I do not need coffee for energy. I just like the taste! Since muscle weighs more than fat, and I'm walking vigorously (at least 20 minutes every day on days that are not too cold or rainy), less weight loss is normal.
Rating: 
Summary: ~Hi There~
Review: I only gave it one star to be able to write along with the haters. Listen, uve never tried the diet, uve never done nething with the diet ,ur listening to lowfat fads and we dont care. if u want to lose .1 lb a week thats good for u. but stay out of the happy pplz lives. Stop being mizerable Baaaaaaatches....
Rating:
Summary: Better than the 40-30-30 program
Review: I tried the 40-30-30 becuase on paper it made sense. I felt good, had high energy and lost weight, but it wasn't fat, a lot was water and some muscle. Then I went on Atkins. My energy level was just as high. I lost weight faster but most significantly to me was that I lost inches and fat, not just weight. I dropped 2 pant sizes in my first week and for once wasn't afraid to go out to public pools in my swim trunks. Previoously, I used to procrastinate by saying that I didn't look fat in a suit, but I was in denial. My face looks tight. No more double chin. My overall muscle tone has improved significantly. I love this diet. It's the best. Far better than the 40-30-30 which may be okay for those natural high metabolism types who gain a few pounds and lose easily or are already thin. Didn't work for me or anybodyelse that I know. Atkins is the best.
Rating:
Summary: This is a Miracle
Review: I was not obese, but I knew I was over weight. I tried to convince myself that the wieght was ok on my athletic frame. Wrong!!!! When I learned my trygliceride count was at the ceiling I asked my doctor what to do. He said go low carb. I had no idea what this meant. A friend suggested Atkins. I went to the website and figured out what to do. I started immediately. In four weeks I lost 20 lbs without going to the gym. Now I am at the gym every other day and I am still losing weight. I had another blood test. My trygliceride count went way down and my bad cholestorol also went way down. My Dr was amazed. Trust me. I was never able to lose weight until I started Atkins. I am not hungary. I eat great meals and I feel great. Once you get the hang of this, you can eat what you want with the confidence of being able to control yourself. You also have the will power to avoid things like fast food, sugar bread baskets and other unhealthy foods. I got these books for Father's Day. There is a load of information here. Recipes, eating strategies, information on medical studies etc. If you are serious about it, get the books to go with it.
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