Rating: 
Summary: Outstanding
Review: Wow! 30 pounds in 90 days, never hungry, eating what man is supposed to eat, Cholesterol went from 248 to 151 in 60 days, and triglycerides went from 611 to 223 in 60 days. I am looking better, feeling better, moving better, sleeping better, and eating better then I ever have before. Dr. A., wonderful book, if you have not been able to loose weight on other diets, this one is easy.
Rating:
Summary: Second time around...
Review: I did this diet last year and lost a total of 30 pounds in three months. I would've lost more, but was constantly cheating, going on and off. For all the non-believers (usually people who have only been on the diet a short period of time, are experiencing some difficulties which are normal with any diet and soon give up), THIS DIET DOES WORK! You have to follow the plan exactly as the book says and remember there is a small price to pay for losing weight. For those who complain they are not losing weight fast enough, remember you did not become fat overnight and also, did you check for infection that Dr.Atkins mentions that may inhibit weight loss?All in all, I love the plan. I have started once again, this time drinking more water, taking the required supplements and doing aerobics and weight training. In a couple of months, when some are complaining that they just couldn't deal with the side effects of this diet, I will be on the beach in my bikini, while they are at the pool in a huge coverup!
Rating: 
Summary: The worst diet I ever tried by far!
Review: I tried this diet for one week. Admittedly, this was a stupid thing for me to do because I don't like eggs, I don't like bacon, and I don't like red meat very much. Dr. Atkins seemed to assume that given the choice, this was how I'd WANT to eat, and that was ridiculous! However, even if I had liked the food, I would not have stuck to this diet despite the fact that I lost 8 lbs. Why? First, psychologically and emotionally, I was a wreck. I was unhappy, I had no energy, and I HATED that horrible taste that gets in your mouth and won't go away when experiencing ketosis. I couldn't kiss my husband, who was also on the diet, which disrupted our intimacy. Second, I had doubts, even while on the diet, about its safeness. True, there are no studies to suggest the diet has negative long-term effects, but on the other hand, it hasn't been proven safe either. Since I'm not a doctor, a medical researcher, or anything like that, I'm not going to argue this point further. Finally, despite the fact that I took fiber supplements, my digestive system was horribly affected by just one week on this plan. Frankly I should have gone to the emergency room considering the horrible symptoms I was experiencing (which are just too disgusting to describe), but I didn't have medical insurance at the time, and I couldn't afford it after buying all that expensive meat! I experienced these digestive symptoms for over a week after ending the diet that I'd only been on for one week. I would never presume to tell anyone else what to do, so if this is how you enjoy eating, and this diet works for you, great. More power to you. I would only suggest that you do what I didn't do, and that is consult your physician before starting this plan. Personally I have had much better luck losing weight by ELIMINATING most meat, dairy products, and eggs from my diet.
Rating:
Summary: Stop the dogma!
Review: Thank you Dr A! I stumbled on Atkins' book in the airport on the way to vacation. I remember my Mom doing this diet when his first book came out in the 70's. I did not know anything about it because I was a kid (and a very skinny one at that). But after my 30's I shot up to 230 lbs, feeling like I'd just be a big guy all my life. After reading the first chapter on the plane I was influenced immediately and threw away the roll that came with my airplane food. I also did not eat any refined sugar/starch the whole vacation, and did not miss a thing. It was the first time I came back from a vacation lighter. The cool thing about this lifestyle (not diet- which to me means temporary) is that the rules change once you wean yourself off of carbs. I hear people say they I can't give up "my pasta" or "my bread", well the thing is, after a few months those things don't even taste that good compared to real food. Also, you appreciate how much better chicken marsala is alone without gorging on bread before hand, and sub'ing the potato or rice with a side of green veggies. At 50 lbs. lighter, it's a small price to pay. The book was a real eye opener to the dogma we know as the food pyramid. Isn't it funny how the quantities specified in the government and industry funded pyramid coincide exactly with the amount of food types produced in the U.S.? Anyway, this book was a good read, and vita-nutrient and health revolution are good for references. Also, the only way possible to yo-yo is to go back to eating donuts, which is a no brainer to prevent because this is a lifestyle not a diet. To the person who said her cholesterol went up after starting the diet. Atkins mentions a slight rise sometimes happens at first. If that concerns you, why don't you prep yourself for his "induction" phase by eliminating refined garbage and sugar for a couple weeks, then start the diet his way on a Monday so it's not such a shock, also your cholesterol may drop so you will have some leeway. When my weight goes up, I start induction Monday morning cold, and by Tuesday or Wed. my head is pounding. It's not carb withdrawal, because I pretty much stick to his lifestyle but slip up on potato/fries and beer. It's CAFFIENE withdrawal, and I'm convinced it's physically addictive. After a few days of cold turkey though, I feel better than ever! My sleeping habits are way better too, if decaf coffee didn't taste so lousy, I'd give it up for good.
Rating:
Summary: the only thing that has worked for me
Review: I've heard of many different diets out therewhich have worked for people, but eventually, they all gained theweight back and then some. Finally realizing that nothing would or could work for me, being 5'3"; and topping out at 160 LBS (almost into a size 15), I was tired of trying to lose weight and getting no where. Then I got a phone call from my father in law who told me that he lost 20 LBS. in the first 2 weeks of using this Dr. Atkin's diet. I was so excited that I bought the book the next day, and started his program the following day. Believe it or not, the first 2 weeks weren't hard for me because I was so determined to lose weight. I lost about 10 LBS. in those 2 weeks. Then, I continued the program for another month and a half and lost 7 more LBS. I was ecstatic! Then, because of the holidays, I slowly got off of the program and started to gain the weight back. 2 and a half months later, I realized I gained about 5 more pounds, and started not feeling healthy again. Then, I got to talking to a lady at my job who has been faithful to the Dr. Atkins program for about 8 months now and has lost about 60 LBS. She instantly became my inspiration, and since being back on the program, I have lost about 10 LBS in only a month and a half. I started out being 160 and am now at 136, and slowly losing to my goal weight of 130. I WILL GET THERE BECAUSE I AM DETERMIND TO FEEL GREAT AGAIN WITH ACCELERATED ENERGY. I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome last summer and read an article in a magazine that a low-carb diet helps to supress the symptoms of this syndrome. That is the best advice i have ever recieved. i am not experiencing all of the symptoms of this like I used to. i have less facial hair growth, my periods are more regular, my face doesnt break out like it used to, and of course, I am not gaining weight like I used to. So for those of you who have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, this is one diet that definitely works.
Rating:
Summary: This Book Almost Killed Me!
Review: I bought this book some time ago and after using it my cholesterol level went way up! By the time I got to a doctor I was a heart attack waiting to happen. I did drop some weight and felt good for a while, but THIS BOOK DOESN'T WORK FOR LONG-TERM WEIGHT LOSS AND HEALTH! I did finally improve my health and lose my extra blubber for good, but it was with a book by Gary Rempe.
Rating:
Summary: Meltdown
Review: Much hype has been made about dieting, with many new programs and fads being advertised every day. From personal experience, this diet does work effectively, without any of the limiting side-effects or hunger one might experience in other popular diets. Dr. Atkins explains every facet of the diet in detail, which is helpful to skeptical readers who may have heard or read negative reports on low-carb diets. Once you educate yourself on the hows and whys of high protein, low carb dieting, you get a better understanding of the metabolic processes involved. The health implications of weight-loss are discussed in great detail, with many examples of successful Atkins patients, many of whom were experiencing extremely unhealthy lifestyles and symptoms prior to following this diet. The suggested recipes are not only easy to make, but are also very elegant and enjoyable. I have undertaken this diet twice in the past 6 years, and have had repeated success both times. It is interesting to note that Atkins addresses the criticisms of the diet as well, providing ample references and resources that refute any assertion that this diet is harmful or counterproductive to the human body. The only drawback that I have found in following this diet is that obtaining the kinds of foods one needs to consume can be costly as opposed to what one "normally" eats. The flip side of that is - it might cost a person about the same to follow a weight loss program like Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers; why pay someone else to help you manage your weight loss when you can easily do it on your own? I wouldn't, and don't because I can eat what I like, and as much of it - within the guidelines of this diet - and still lose weight without going hungry. Most other dieters using other methods will feel the hunger pangs, and will struggle in vain to continue losing weight, or fight to keep it off (or from coming back!). Kudos to Dr. Atkins for debunking the idea that low-fat diets rich in carbohydrates are good for us! Peace Out.
Rating: 
Summary: This eating plan works.. but my first week on it was rough!
Review: This eating plan has been working for me so far and I lost 10 pounds in the first 2 weeks! Needless to say, I am thrilled about the weight loss. The reason that I am giving this book 4 stars is that I had flu-like (felt achy, tired and weak) symptoms the first week and had to stay home from work. I spoke with others on the plan and was told that I needed to add more non-starchy veggies to my diet as I was being depleted of minerals too quickly. I followed this advice and it worked. I wanted readers to be aware that the first week or two may be difficult, but it will pass...so don't get discouraged and give up! You may experience less weight loss by adding the veggies but it is worth it not to feel so tired/weak at first. Good luck to each of you and to those of you currently on the diet plan, I wish you continued success! Happy dieting!
Rating:
Summary: When all else fails...
Review: As a "new millinium" promise to myself I started on this program. In the Atkins book you are kept well informed and will know what to expect from each step. All I can say 39 lbs later is, "THANK YOU" for not letting the critics keep you from reprinting this book!
Rating:
Summary: It works
Review: After always battling a slightly overweight condition (10-15 lbs) and steadily losing the battle - despite eating "healthy" foods and rigorous exercise three times a week - I found this book eye-opening. After 2 weeks on the first part of the diet, I've lost 15 pounds. The diet works and it's good to see someone who's not afraid to take a radical stand. What I read explained why I continued to gain weight regardless of how many carrots, celery or fruit I consumed (carb/sugar/insulin vicious cycle). While the diet is very restrictive, it does raise awareness to the cause of weight problems. And, while on the diet, I have not been hungry, something that I wouldn't have believed unless I had experienced it myself. My criticism is that Dr. Atkins writing style is glib and although I've been successful with phaseI, I'm unsure if the maintenance plan will work for me. But, I can honestly say that I have a new awareness about why I've been losing the weight battle. I highly recommend the book if only to raise awareness about myths regarding fat and 'healthy foods'.
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