Rating: 
Summary: Doctors are still laughing at Atkins
Review: This is my expererience with the Atkins approach. I bought the book, read it from cover to cover in a weekend. I decided I would like to try it, though I knew of no one personally who had. As the book emphasized, I saw my physician, who laughed at me and tried to discourage me from it: "You'll consume far too many calories, far too much protein and fat. It's not good for your heart. You'll feel exhausted, headachey. Your blood pressure and cholesterol will soar. Don't do it."
Well, I was gung-ho. I had my blood drawn (ouch), had the doctor check my blood sugar, had my blood pressure taken. Everything was within normal for my age. So, just as the book suggested, I started the program and did it diligently for 14 days. I walked 40 minutes each day and lifted weights twice a week in that period.
I felt headachey and weak. I craved sweets. And I gained 4 stupid freakin' pounds!
Went back to the doctor, who laughed some more, checked all of my levels (my cholesterol had risen by 8 points, my blood sugar had dropped), and then said, "Now will you try a sensible diet?"
Rating: 
Summary: There's more to losing weight than losing weight....
Review: Finally, I have come across a weight program that makes sense for myself. About 30 years ago I went on a low carbohydrate program and came to my weight goal. Over the years I managed to put it all back on and than some. You ask? Why would I try it again? 30 years ago there wasn't as much understanding on why this diet works but having read Dr. Atkin's book I am a firm believer that most of us are addicted to carbohydrates, I know that I am. My doctor informed me that my glucose count was borderline and she suggested Dr. Atkin's. I was surprised since she is a homeopathic doctor and also an osteopath, I thought wow! I guess I'll have to check into this program another time to make sure this is for me. I did just that about 1 month ago and I already feel more energy and less sluggish in the afternoon. I have lost weight and I know that I am on the right track, I feel at peace with my decision to make this my lifetime commitment. The food market has changed so much in the last 30 years and there is no reason to feel deprived on this program. You can order low carb foods on the Atkins' web site and I also was able to find a low carb store only 10 minutes from my home. They have bread, bagels, etc. made with soy flour and toasted I can't tell the difference. There is alot of fiber in all of these foods so you get a full feeling. Whereas foods loaded with carbos only make you crave for more. Once you reach "ketosis" it took me about a week, you start feeling more energy and less cravings, it's like your body has reached a certain satisfaction and you don't think about food as much as before. My two grandmothers had adult onset diabetes and it was no "picnic" for them. I think I played around enough with foods to start taking it more seriously and pay more attention to what I put in my body. Another book to consider is "Protein Power" by the Eades. This book gives a complete description of the "insulin resistance" that most overweight people have encountered.
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Summary: It truely works.....
Review: My husband and I are both near the big 50 in age. Low fat diets and exercise saw us both gaining weight and raising our cholesterol. Finally my husband's cardiologist recommended Atkins diet---- WOW ! He has lost 15 pounds in 3 weeks, and I have lost 12. We have more energy, feel better and our cholesterol is DOWN ! We both plan to be low carb people for our remaining years.
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Summary: Caring For Body, Mind, And Soul
Review: The Atkins diet works. It's not a fad diet, but a way of eating you can enjoy for life. On crutches for many months, I gained 30 lbs, without even pigging-out. I decided to give the 4 step Atkins diet a try, and, in a few months, I was back down to my previous weight, and even less. I couldn't believe it. It was like a miracle. I'm still holding my new, trimmer look, and enjoying eating! It DID take SOME discipline, however. For me, the toughest part was laying off of bread. But, if you're into self-improvement, you'll do fine. If you're like me and are into self-improvement books, "Atkins For Life" is the one you should have for caring for and improving your body and physical health. For caring for and improving both your mind and soul, the books I think are the best are "West Point: Character Leadership Education" by Norman Thomas Remick, and "The Purpose-Driven Life" by Rick Warren. Another good one for caring for your body is "Sugar Busters". Caring for body, mind, and soul are what life is all about, if you want to be happy. It's what we in America should all do for ourselves, and pass on to our children, family, and friends.
Rating: 
Summary: Way to go Dr. Atkins
Review: My doctor told me that I needed to lose weight. I have diabetes and am at risk for a heart attack. I feel great and my blood glucose average is down! I have more energy and feel healthier than I have in years. Between this book and "Conquer Emotional Eating" by Laura Hall, I am set!
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Summary: Status quo always tries to defeat change.....
Review: The person who thinks Atkins should be in jail (in a previous review on this page) must either be swayed by the current incorrect thinking about metabolism, or is a health or food industry professional with a vested interest in the status quo. Or, not having a weight problem, has never bothered to truly research the issues. It is about time that we turned the carbohydrate driven (and profit driven) fast and junk food industry on its ear. People must understand that the processed food industry does not wish to see important health changes and eating habits that would change the economic dynamics of their business. People must also realize that the high carb, low-fat, low protein diets which came into vogue twenty years ago were designed primarily for calorie burning performance among pro athletes, but the general public and the food industry seized on these ideas as "healthy" - failing to see that average people simply don't burn calories at such rates. The only place for the extra carbs to go was into the sharply increased rates of obesity and other disorders which followed. The proof of Atkins' sound advice comes not only from years of his research, but from tens of thousands of testimonials (including mine) of the success of this approach. Far from being irresponsible, as some have charged, Atkins' clear information is all about taking personal responsibility for one's health, and closing one's ears to the mindless advertising and propaganda of the processed food industry.
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Summary: To all who say this diet can kill ask yourself one question
Review: what's safer for a morbidly obese person A. having weight loss surgery B. Doing Atkins C. following other weight loss programs that simply don't work? I have tried everything from Weight Watchers to Accupunture and nothing but this diet has worked. My options now are Atkins or Weight loss surgery.. guess what I'll go with the Atkins its definately safer. This diet does work i'm living proof.
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Summary: Great diet - really works
Review: I have done this diet and when I stick to it, it really works. So does sommersizing by Suzanne Somers. Suzanne allows carbs in limited amounts etc. If you want to go on a money diet see The Intersection of Joy and Money.
Rating: 
Summary: Should be in jail
Review: This diet simply goes against everything that is known about nutrition and health. Sure one may lose weight but you can cut your arm off and lose weight. Doesn't mean it is healthy. The entire premise of this book is absurd. It is scientific fact that an animal based protein diet is the major cause of a slew of diseases including cancer and heart disease. Ameroicans eat far more protein than the body needs. The long term effects of a diet like this could be catastrophic. Not to mention the fact that 96% of people who have tried this diet have regained their weight. Atkins almost completely dismisses the need for fiber and nutrients that can only be obtained from plant based foods. He simply advises dieters to take supplements. As one who has never had a weight problem I do not share the desparation that many overweight people have. This however is not the answer. It is a grave disservice. Most people want to see results without giving anything up in return and that means eating the [stuff] recommended in this book. Americans are the fattest nation on earth due to the humongous portions they eat. Cut the portions and lose the fat. That simple. If it doesn't go in the mouth the weight doesn't go on.
Rating:
Summary: Good Book.... HARD Diet.
Review: Great book. I wish I had the determination to keep to it. I like my carbs too much to give them ALL up. For the first two weeks the diet even a small cracker is too much for an entire day. Even 10 sticks of sugarless gum is too much carbs for a day. Very good book..... VERY hard diet.
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