Rating:  Summary: It can be a difficult diet, but it's well worth it! Review: I was skeptical when my wife and I began the Atkins diet on 9/12/99. Today (9/27/99) I am no longer skeptical, however, as I have lost 16 pounds since then. No matter what the AMA might say, it is indisputable that the Atkins diet works.I have only two negative comments, really, and a couple of suggestions to those thinking about trying the diet. First, ignore the stuff Atkins says about you being on a diet that is so luxurious it is "fit for royalty". That's pure crap. I am a man who really enjoys protein/fat-rich foods--often to the exclusion of fruits, vegetables, etc.--and even I miss simple sugar like I never thought I could. Trust me: you'll suffer on the Atkins diet. The lack of menu choices, particularly when it comes to beverages, will be difficult. A second negative comment is that Dr. Atkins REALLY needs a better editor. He makes all kinds of comments in the text that are clearly contradicted by the carbohydrate tables at the back of the book. My wife and I screwed up a couple of times during the initial phase because what he says has not been fact checked against the hard data. Aside from these two problems, however, the diet is a godsend. I have never previously been able to lose weight. Prior to going on the Atkins diet, in fact, I limited myself to 1000-1500 calories per day and exercised HARD (bodybuilding + an hour of aerobic conditioning) three times a week for SEVEN weeks. During the first two weeks of that ordeal, I gained 5 pounds. During the subsequent 5 weeks, I lost roughly one pound each week. If ever there were a clearer refutation of the AMA's "a calorie is a calorie is a calorie" and "weight loss is just a matter of math", I don't know what it would be. Just FYI, I'm 6'2" tall and quite muscular; I should burn at least 2000 calories a day just sleeping. If losing weight were as simple as the AMA's math suggests, I should have lost much more weight than I did. In contrast, I've been losing a pound or two each day on the Atkins diet--without even exercising! My three suggestions for those considering the diet are (1) understand that you'll sometimes need a strong will to overcome your cravings, (2) ALWAYS check the back of the book (i.e., count the grams carefully and you'll do well), and (3) drink plenty of water (my wife's weight loss stalled at one point until she increased her water intake). In summary, if you've tried other diets and failed, try this one. If you follow Dr. Atkins' simple steps, you'll lose the weight. Thank you, Dr. Atkins, for showing me a method that works and actually makes sense.
Rating:  Summary: Thanks for the olive oil tip!! Review: I am still in the Induction phase and am in ketosis, but not losing much. I think I must be fat sensitive as well as carb sensitive, because I'm certainly not eating too much, and can only get into moderate ketosis by cutting out ALL vegetables, even salad. But I feel good, anyway. I think what I'll try next is to eliminate all animal fats, like butter and cheese, except for the fat in meats. For a while I was eating mostly skinless chicken breasts, but only showed a trace of ketosis on the sticks. When I tried lean red meats, I had better results- got to moderate, and even large once! But the next day, I added a small salad, as Dr. Atkins suggests, and went right back to small ketosis. But today I read the review with the hint about olive oil, took two tablespoons of olive oil (not heated)and that increased my ketotic level to moderate right away. I realize I'm probably overtesting, but since my progress is so slow, I think I have to experiment with different foods to see which gives the best results. My mood is the best when in large ketosis. Another plus- no alcohol cravings! As a recovering alcoholic, this is very good news. Best of luck to everyone!
Rating:  Summary: I have been doing this since tuesday and no results? Review: I started this diet on Tuesday and i have had no results. I have dumped caffeine and sugar and carbs to a nill if any and it is now sunday and i have seen no results. Whats wrong?
Rating:  Summary: Lost 40 pounds in 3 1/2 months Review: Started the diet on June 1, 1999. I dropped from 235 pounds to 195 pounds (went from size 40 pants to size 34) by the middle of September (3 1/2 months). I've never been hungry on this diet. I highly recommend this diet.
Rating:  Summary: THE BEST THING EVER HAPPENED TO ME!!! Review: I just want let people know that Atkin's Diet have helped me so much!!! I've lost aprox. 80 pounds and from 46" waist to 38 in 4 months and I feel GREAT!!! I am diabetic and now I don't have to worry about my glucose levels since I'm not consuming any and humans lack the enzyme needed to transform fat into sugar. Well... THANKS DR. ATKINS and I encourege anyone that want to lose weigth to join the list!!!
Rating:  Summary: I think this is a wonderful book Review: I used the Dr.Atkins Diet before. I started out at the weight of 205 and when I stopped for a while I got down to 175 it felt nice. It was nice knowing that you can still eat some of your favorite food's and still lose weight. I am going to start this diet again and I hope to lose more weight.... Wish me luck....
Rating:  Summary: A dangerous book, would give it negative stars if I could. Review: Losing weight is serious business, if you really want to lose weight: lower your overall caloric intake and begin a moderate exercise program DO NOT CUT CORNERS OR YOUR HEALTH WILL SUFFER, losing weight is not easy but it IS possible. Better yet, consult a real doctor. Dr.(?) Atkins is cashing in on your health and laughing all the way to the bank. If you really want to know the ACTUAL meaning and implications of a ketosis look up a biochemistry book or ask any doctor (hint: it is NOT a good thing like the book says). You can do it, get help, a lousy book like this is not the answer.
Rating:  Summary: This diet works but leaves some questions unanswered. Review: I was on this diet back in MAR of 99 and lost about 10 pounds and felt great about myself especially since i just had a baby in DEC. I went off the diet and back to carbs and you can guess from there. I started the diet back on the 15th of Sept and now the seventh day, and I have lost four pounds. I have quite a few questions though that i wish i could email the dr with and get some questions answered. Anyone who has had success on the diet and don't mind helping me pls email me. I am the only one on the diet in my house and need some help. All in all the diet is the only thing that has worked for me cause i have a big appetite. If you email me, address the subject as DR ATKINS.... or i delete names that i don't recognize. Thanks and good luck to all who are on this "Diet Revolution"
Rating:  Summary: Great So Far Review: This diet has worked for me. I have no food cravings. Most of my joint aches and pains have been reduced or eliminated. I sleep much better. I have fewer mood swings, and I have lost 34 lbs. My current average loss per week is about 2.4 lbs, and I'm eating about 20-30 carb grams per day. I have hit week long plateaus (less than 1 lb. lost during week) twice, and both times I cut carbs a little and eventually started moving again. The only main side effect for me has been constipation. I started at 269 and my goal is 184. I hope it keeps on working.
Rating:  Summary: Read the WHOLE book before you start! Review: I have been on the Atkins diet for almost a year now, and have lost 90 pounds. My cholesterol, which was 262 at the start of this diet, is now 159. I have more energy, need less sleep, and see this as a lifestyle I never want to change. When I read some of the comments here about the book, what I find is that when people complain about lack of energy, headache, etc., it makes me think that they did not read and understand the chapter about food addictions and intolerances. If you are addicted to carbohydrates, you will "suffer" like any other addict when you remove the source of the addiction. Time will clear your body, and then you will feel better. I was lethargic, headachey, and crabby for about three days, and then the feelings passed. I have heard comments from others that the book does not give enough clear direction about what to eat: the message here is that you need to READ THE LABELS in the grocery store! You can have whatever you want, as much as you want, as long as you stay within whatever number of grams of carbs you want in a days time. Also: don't forget to take your suppliments, this is very important. Good luck to all who choose this way of life, and feel free to email me if you have questions or just want a little support.
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