http://diet.fitness.msn.com/article/773423.armx

Ever since the release of Dr. Atkins' Diet Revolution in the 1970s, so-called "low-carb" diets have been eating their way into mass consciousness.
While the merits of demonizing rice and potatoes are still questioned by a few traditionalists, notably the American Dietetic Association, low-carb eating is poised to stay: as many as 30 million Americans are giving it a whirl.


To help you understand the purpose of low-carb diets, and why they seem to work for weight loss, we compare two of the most popular and more reputable approaches – Atkins and The South Beach Diet.


The Plans
Philosophically, Atkins and South Beach hardly differ. Dr. Robert Atkins and Dr. Arthur Agatston emphasize that their respective diets are lifetime blueprints for healthy nutrition and disease prevention. Losing weight is almost an afterthought.


But both declare you'll lose plenty.


How? Advocates say it's the effects of highly refined carbohydrates (french fries, baked goods, cereals) on the body's blood sugar and insulin that cause weight gain. When you replace those carbs with fewer, healthier ones (mostly vegetables), blood sugar balances, insulin levels drop, and off come the pounds. The theory has its critics, but low-carbers cite supportive evidence. (And don't despair – you'll be eating more than vegetables!)
Atkins and South Beach begin with a strict two-week period of restricted carbohydrates that is virtually indistinguishable: No breads, pastas, rice, alcohol, sugar, etc. You eat meats, fish, and a few non-starchy vegetables.


In phase two, additional healthy carbohydrates are gradually reintroduced, such as fruits and whole grains. You stick to phase two on South Beach until you hit your weight goal. Then you're in the third phase, or "rest of your life" period. Dr. Atkins adds an additional step he calls "pre-maintenance," where weight loss is slowed as a transition to "lifetime maintenance."

"The biggest difference is in the structure," explains clinical nutritionist Jonny Bowden, clinical nutritionist and author of the just-released Living the Low Carb Life. (The book rates 14 of the fads and matches them with personality types.) "Atkins is very, very structured. Many people find that comforting, others find it restricting."

The Food
South Beach supporters like its laissez-faire approach to eating. The dieter is encouraged to experiment with a variety of food in her pursuit of low-carb options that work best for her. Desserts are permitted.


In dozens of recipes, both diets balk weight-loss tradition by calling for the consumption of animal and other fats. South Beach emphasizes lean cuts of meat.
"The Atkins diet advocates higher saturated fats in terms of animal protein than most physicians would recommend," says Dr. Louis Aronne, director of the Comprehensive Weight Control Program at Weill Medical College. "I honestly think [South Beach] is a somewhat better approach. We're finally starting to see that this diet has merit."


However, Colette Heimowitz, vice president of education and research at Atkins Nutritionals, Inc., says the Atkins Diet recommends a "balance and variety of fats," and she mentions olive oil, flaxseed oil, and others.


Regardless, both camps work hard to reverse the common misconception that low carb means "high protein." Protein is in balance, they say, with the vegetables, fruit and fiber they insist dieters not forsake.


To summarize, "There's difference in the details but they're both trying to teach us to ramp down the consumption of carbohydrates in junky processed foods and refined sugars and to build a diet around healthy proteins, good fats, lots of fiber, lots of vegetables and some fruits and nuts," says the nutritionist Bowden.


The Claims
Here's the part you've been waiting for. How much weight will you lose?


South Beach claims you'll shed a jaw-dropping 8 to 13 pounds in that first two-week period; Atkins makes no such claim. Both explain that pretty soon weight loss diminishes to the realistic (and healthy) one to two pounds a week expected on any weight-loss plan.


You will maintain your weight goal, too – so long as you incorporate the new eating habits for life. Which, both groups promise, will not be difficult: Unlike diets that emphasize low fat, you will not go hungry on Atkins or South Beach.


"You'll have three balanced meals a day, and it will be your job to eat so that your hunger is satisfied," Dr. Agatson writes on page one of The South Beach Diet. "Nothing undermines a weight-loss plan more than the distressing sensation that you need more food."


Additionally, say the doctors, your body chemistry will shift to eliminate cravings, vitality will return, and you will significantly reduce your risk for heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and other scary diseases – additional appeal worth considering.


Susan Woodward is a native Australian who traded netball and surfing for Bikram yoga and snowboarding when she moved to the United States 10 years ago. She has written extensively for MSN, WebMD and the Los Angeles Times.

I did the SOuth Beach Diet after I had my baby and had stopped nursing. I lost 13 lbs. by week 3. I did the diet for a total of 9 weeks and went from 164 to 148. I was ecstatic! I figured that the diet had taught me how to eat better and chose more healthy food when eating out, etc. and made me a better grocery shopper. Here I sit back at 156 LOL and trying to lose the 8 lbs. I gained back.

Low carb diets are great if you are dedicated enough to eat that way for the rest of your life or need to lose weight fast for a vacation or special event. But they are really hard to stick to and when you come off them, you usually gain a good bit of your weight back.

I started the Atkins diet last Sunday. As of today, I have lost 8 pounds! I dont know if it is Atkins or me working out (I go to the gym 5 days a week) or a combination of both, but I am surely not complaining. I am currently 189 and hope to get down to 150 sooner than later!

Study: Atkins Diet May Bring Side Effects


By EMMA ROSS, AP Medical Writer

LONDON - Dieters on the popular high-fat, low-carb Atkins approach lose just as much body fat as those on low-fat diets, but the annoying low-carb side effects could mean problems down the road, according to a scientist who reviewed five dozen diet studies.


Danish obesity expert Dr. Arne Astrup, whose survey is published this week in The Lancet medical journal, concludes that headaches, muscle weakness and either diarrhea or constipation are reported more often by Atkins dieters than people on conventional diets. Those side effects may be signs that the eating plan isn't healthy in the long run, he says.


However, other experts said the diet remains a viable option for some because the side effects aren't bad enough to throw them off the eating plan famous for its shunning of bread, pasta and many fruits.


"More people stayed in the low-carb group than in the low-fat group, so you've got to wonder how severe those side effects were if more people kept to the low-carb diet," said William Yancy, a Duke University researcher who conducted one of the major studies that Astrup reviewed.


The Atkins diet, which allows unlimited consumption of protein and fat but drastically limits carbohydrates and does not restrict calories, has had a following for decades but only recently has come under serious scientific scrutiny. It has been embraced by an estimated 20 million people worldwide.


In his review, Astrup, director of research in the department of human nutrition at the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University in Frederiksberg, Denmark, examined the evidence from about 60 studies on the Atkins and other low-carb diets.


Several small studies in the last year or two have surprised the experts by showing that people lose more weight on the Atkins diet than on the standard low-calorie, low-fat diet, at least in the short term, with even better cholesterol improvements.


Longer studies have since shown that when dieters are followed for a year, the total weight loss ends up almost the same with the two approaches. The long-term effect on cholesterol has not been studied yet.


Experts have suspected that the weight loss on a low-carb diet may be largely due to water loss, because lots of fluid is bound up in the body's carbohydrate stores that are depleted. However, Astrup said body composition studies indicated the weight loss is a real fat loss, not just water.


The most frequent complaints with low-carb diets are constipation and headache, which are readily explained by the lack of fruit, vegetables and whole grains, Astrup said.


Also, bad breath, muscle cramps, diarrhea, general weakness and rashes are more often reported on low-carb diets than on low-fat diets, Astrup found.


"The majority had some of these side effects in the Atkins group. In the control group, almost nothing," he said.


These side effects are consistent with carbohydrate deficiency, because the brain and muscle do not get enough sugar from carbohydrates to maintain their normal function, Astrup said.


"We have known for many years that there is a minimum intake of carbohydrate necessary to maintain the normal function of your body and that is approximately 150 grams a day," he said. "But, if on the Atkins diet you go down to 20 to 30 grams in the induction phase, then maybe go up to 100 grams, still you are far below what your body needs."


The body can coast along for a while with the carbohydrate stores in the liver and the muscles, but eventually problems start to occur, Astrup said.


"I think these symptoms are signs that something is wrong," Astrup said.


But Yancy, the U.S. researcher, said side effects were seen not just after six months but also at the beginning and could have been from dehydration, which is easily overcome.





"We know that it works," Yancy said. "I think it's good that people are acknowledging that this diet might be an option for people. ...At this point, we need options for people and when we're looking for options we need to consider even things that go against our judgment sometimes."

I've only tried a low-carb diet once....and I did lose a decent amount of weight in a short time frame. However, as soon as I went back to a regular, balanced menu (still ate no junk, exercised daily, etc.), I gained most of it back. It's almost like Atkins "shocks" the system, and when you go off it, you are right back where you started.

For me, I can't give up carbs--I have a much easier time giving up fat!

flygirlaa2-- you look great! I love when women take pictures of themselves working out, their energy and confidence just pours out, as it does in your photos!!! Great accomplishment and I hope you get to feeling better soon!!

I have a few problems with these type of diets..

For one, my friend is on the Atkins diet right now, and she eats eggs, cheese, bacon, etc.. This CAN'T be good for the heart!!

For Two, like Susan said, your body has been re-programmed without carbs, so when you eat them again your body says "what is this??" and stores it as fat.

Carbs are healthy, and your body needs them.. try a well balanced diet.. I have spoken to my grandfather.. a retired MD and he said that it isn't healthy to eat low-carb diets.. he insists on a balanced diet, and exercising.

I'm not knocking anyone on the diet.. just telling you why it isn't something i would do..

I am a Senior Citizen and started Lo-Carbing June 1.
It has made such a huge difference in how I feel that I shall stay on it for rest of my life, even if I never lose another pound. I feel better, so naturally I exercise daily (treadmill for an hour). Before Lo-Carb I could barely get up every day. Of course I am disabled due to losing a lung to lung cancer and then developed asthma. Can you believe that I have overcome the asthma??? Do not have to use inhaler nor nebulizer machine! Dunno if it's from losing 17 lbs, or cause I no longer over-dose on Carbs.
I am faithful Atkins Advocate myself, but it's not for everyone. It's very important that each of us find our own way, and whatever works for us.
Good luck and happy dieting to all.
C Mom

I guess I don't know too much about Atkins, other than stories and little snippets and commercials. So I have a few questions for anyone whose done it. I'm not a huge red meat fan, so I just don't know if I could do it. On the other hand, I've heard stories of some amazing results.

What would you eat in a typical day?
Do you really eat tons of red meat? What if you aren't a big red-meat eater?
Did you stay on the diet or stop? If you stopped, why?
Did you lose weight? How much? Did you keep it off?
What were the side effects (if any) you experienced while on the diet?
Did you do it on your own or with assistance, ie: book, doctor, group, website, dietician, etc?
Buying all that meat, doesn't that get really $$$ expensive?

So tell me stories, good or bad. Thanks! :p

What would you eat in a typical day?

There are 4 phases to Atkins. In the induction phase designed to get you into ketosis where you are burning your fat as your primary fuel, I ate eggs and breakfast meat for breakfast, and then for dinner and supper, I would eat meat and a salad with no carb dressing like ranch. Snacks consisted of cheese, salami or lunch meats, pork rinds, etc.


Do you really eat tons of red meat? What if you aren't a big red-meat eater?

You do not have to eat red meat. You can eat fish, chicken, eggs, there are tons of stuff.


Did you stay on the diet or stop? If you stopped, why?

Yes, i am still on it. I am in the life maintenance phase and I eat about 45 carbs a day.


Did you lose weight? How much? Did you keep it off?

I lost over 100 bs. in less than one year. I am keeping it off just fine.


What were the side effects (if any) you experienced while on the diet?

The first couple of weeks, I was jonesing bad for some sugary treats. After that, the cravings subsided and it wasnt as bad. It did get very old eating a limited menu in the beginning.


Did you do it on your own or with assistance, ie: book, doctor, group, website, dietician, etc?

Gotta buy the book. Also, check out www.lowcarbfriends.com a bulletin board for low carbers.


Buying all that meat, doesn't that get really $$$ expensive?

Depending on what your food budget is like now, yes it could be much more expensive. But, you will find that you are eating much less because the protein stays with you much longer than carbohydrates. Eggs are always a good alternative. They are cheap and have thousands of different ways to eat them.

I did lose weight, although this diet was to boring for me. I ate lots of eggs, with cheese, and cut up lunch meat and mixed that with mayo and hard boiled eggs, salad with chicken, all the diet soda you want(use soda sweetened with Splenda, not nutrasweet or asparteme) Diet Rite or Waist watchers or a diet soda with Splenda. Lots of bacon, there are sugar free, carb free fudge pops, I forgot the brand name. This diet was too hard and too limited for me.

I did atkins too and had great success. Although I have the book, I did not follow it to a tee. I like the idea, but I "personalized" the eating plan to my liking so I would actully stick to it. For example, the traditional atkins diet cuts out startch, including a lot of fruits and veggies, which I did not do. I cut out bread and pasta, cereal, crackers, wraps, potatoes, etc. I still ate tacos, I just made all the ingredients into a salad instead of putting it into a taco shell, I still ate burgers, just without the bun, etc.

A typical day on my version of atkins?
I would eat 2 eggs and sasuage with a piece of fruit for breakfast,
cottage cheese, raw veggies, and a turkey pepperoni stick for lunch,
and grilled chicken breast with a ceaser salad, no croutons, traditionally made (not creamy dressing, but actual whipped egg, parmasean cheese, pressed garlic, etc. dressing....Italian family) for supper
Snacks? More veggies, smoothies, nuts, occasional treat.
And TONS of water!!!!!!!!!

I lost about 25 lbs. I exercised as well, it is about a life style change, not just a diet.
The weight is still off, that was well over a year ago now that I introduced my eating habits to Mr. Atkins.
Now I eat toast and peanut butter every morning and usually cereal for lunch. For supper I had baked fish and veggies.
Now that the weight is off, and I am focusing on toning, I focus my attention on calories.

Hope that answers some of your questions...... ask away if not!

Did Atkins....Lost 65 pounds.
I ate mostly pork, cheese, bacon, eggs and salads. I'm not big in to red meat either, and you couldn't make me eat chicken if I was starving.
It was fine, but I never got the energy boost that they say you do.. I was tired, my hair felt greasy, as did my face but all in all- I would totally do it again. It wasn't horrible, I just got bored- and gave up.:(

I gained it all back.

Lets try again, shall we?

you will find that you are eating much less because the protein stays with you much longer than carbohydrates.

Totally. If I was starving, and had to wait a while to take a lunch break or soemthing...I would eat about 1\4 cup peanuts. It really works...Your not full, but your not feeling like you are starving anymore.

What about side affects? I ask this cuz' they were talking on my local radio station one morning about this diet. They said that during the first few weeks, most people experienced really bad diareha :eek: or constipation :eek: , and gas :eek: ; though these could be counteracted by taking a fiber substitute like metemucil or citrucel :p . Also reported during the diet were symptoms of headaches, extreme muscle weakness, and healing much slower from illness, colds, surgery, or even scratches & bruises. (These were people calling in to the radio station and talking about their experiences.)

I was tired, and felt pretty sluggish....other than that.....Everything was "normal." ;)

As far as the bodily functions going all out of whack, for some that does happen cause they are not use to the meat, but it is not in every case. You will learn how you handle it very quickly. I can't recall any other side effects other then so desperatly wanting to eat a noodle!

I believe in moderation. This diet works for some people because they LOVE it, like I did, others it dosen't work for them cause they get bored. Just because limiting carbs works as a diet plan, does not mean it is the diet plan for everyone. My best advice is to find the diet that suits your taste buds, there are enough diets out there to amuse us all.

Atkins takes the low carb war to the supermarket
By Miranda Wood, health reporter
October 10, 2004
The Sun-Herald

US diet giant Atkins will launch an assault on the Australian market this Christmas.

As more Australians switch to low-carbohydrate diets, Atkins is preparing to introduce products into supermarkets. The company has created an advertising campaign and opened an office in Sydney.

Atkins national managing director Andrew Le Lievre said more Australian health food stores were stocking Atkins foods.

"It is changing the way the world eats," he said. "There is a great awareness of Atkins."

The protein-rich Atkins diet has taken huge bites out of the earnings of food and weight-loss companies across the world.

One of the world's biggest food companies, Unilever, launched 23 low-carbohydrate products in Australia last month after the company revealed sales had slumped because of Atkins.

Krispy Kreme, the doughnut maker, announced it was cutting profit forecasts by 10 per cent after four years of growth while Weight Watchers International said membership numbers were down last year.
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But Sarah Verne, Australian marketing manager for Weight Watchers, said it was business as usual.

"We're not worried about Atkins," she said. "We have seen so many of these diets come and go."

Dietitian Karen Inge, a member of Jenny Craig's medical advisory board, said the popularity of low-carbohydrate foods had peaked in the US but the diet was still "in vogue" in Australia.

"Obviously there are people who are going to jump on the bandwagon," she said.

"Once they follow these sorts of diets, they find they are not that easy to sustain."

Ms Inge said the Canadian Government had taken a strong stance against low-carbohydrate foods, banning any use of "low or reduced-carb" claims on labels.

GNC stores stock Atkins products in Australia and the health food chain's managing director Steven Hines said sales had doubled in the past six months.

"It's going through a huge boom," he said.

Mr Hines said the Atkins products had been the chain's biggest growth area and they were most popular in Sydney.

"It seems that people in Sydney are at the forefront of lifestyle and getting into shape," he said.

A new survey, commissioned by Go Grains, found nearly one in five Australians had tried or intended to try a low-carbohydrate diet.

Also, in the past two years, more people believed carbohydrates were fattening and were more careful about the amount of bread they ate.

Go Grains dietitian Trish Griffiths said Atkins was pushing very hard in Australia to take advantage of the low-carbohydrate food craze.

"There will be a level of interest in Australia but it's hard to predict how much," she said.

"I would hope that we don't become as obsessed as the United States."

Ms Griffiths said Atkins was not a sensible diet and people needed a better understanding of what a healthy diet was.

I have never once been on a diet in my life. Now I need to loose alot of weight. I bought both books, (DR. ATKINS NEW DIET REVOLUTION), and (The South Beach Diet). I just bought them today, and have only had a chance to just skim through them. They seem similar. Although, I read I have to give up any bread made with white flour, and milk, and potatoes. I just need opinions, on which one to try first, which is the best ?

Different idea- go to bigapplevision.com and check out The Biochemical Machine by Eleonora DeLennart- there are indications that low-carb may not be the best thing for your body, but some people have had amazing results with this

Different idea- go to bigapplevision.com and check out The Biochemical Machine by Eleonora DeLennart- there are indications that low-carb may not be the best thing for your body, but some people have had amazing results with this
Thanx :) What excactly is a biochemical machine?

The human body is a biochemical machine. I posted a review of this book in this forum a couple days back. I can't say I've been living by the whole thing, but having milk and an apple for breakfast does seem to work well. And the beauty of it is you don't have to give up anything, really.

Ok, I have read some more in my books, and it seems that the South Beach has fewer restrictions. I don't know if i'll try either since I am on such a tight budget and am raising 2 kids alone. And I can't excactly just NOT buy milk and bread because they will not have that, LOL and according to these books, I can't have either !!! And I am also a regular potato, n rice eater too. And they say I can't have that either !! I may try the South Beach diet for a month just to see if it will work. :thumbsup:

I have been on the Atkins for two weeks and lost 10 pounds after that I am going to go with the South Beach Diet. They are both very similar but south beach you can add more carbs. I too have kids, and I just don't eat the bread or the milk, it is hard, but you gotta do what you gotta do. I will say though thiese diets do work amazinly fast! But the low calorie and many others work well too where you're not cutting out the carbs...so good luck :):thumbsup:

I have been on the Atkins for two weeks and lost 10 pounds after that I am going to go with the South Beach Diet. They are both very similar but south beach you can add more carbs. I too have kids, and I just don't eat the bread or the milk, it is hard, but you gotta do what you gotta do. I will say though thiese diets do work amazinly fast! But the low calorie and many others work well too where you're not cutting out the carbs...so good luck :):thumbsup:
Wow !!! :thumbsup: That's great !!! Which book do you have the older Atkins, or the newer one called Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution ?

Well, I am going to check out the South Beach Diet book tonight at Wally World. I need to lose some weight, and I need to get busy about it! I am going on school trips this spring with a couple of my grandkids, and I want to be able to walk and keep up with everyone. And still be able to catch my breath! I just keep telling myself Chicago and New York, "Here I come!" I even put pictures on the fridge and thinking of putting pictures in the fridge!

I actually don't have the Atkins book, I do have the south beach diet though and they are both the same for the first two weeks...NO CARBS! NONE, NADA! Alot of people I know are on Atkins so they just kind of teach me, but really it is easy, just no carbs, you can eat, bacon, ham, eggs, cheese, lettice, tuna, fish, chicken, whip cream and jello, pork rines, beef jerkey, just no carbs!

Well, I am going to check out the South Beach Diet book tonight at Wally World. I need to lose some weight, and I need to get busy about it! I am going on school trips this spring with a couple of my grandkids, and I want to be able to walk and keep up with everyone. And still be able to catch my breath! I just keep telling myself Chicago and New York, "Here I come!" I even put pictures on the fridge and thinking of putting pictures in the fridge!
:thumbsup: Good luck on your diet. I have not started yet, but I plan to soon. Let us know how it goes for ya !!!

I actually don't have the Atkins book, I do have the south beach diet though and they are both the same for the first two weeks...NO CARBS! NONE, NADA! Alot of people I know are on Atkins so they just kind of teach me, but really it is easy, just no carbs, you can eat, bacon, ham, eggs, cheese, lettice, tuna, fish, chicken, whip cream and jello, pork rines, beef jerkey, just no carbs!
That's good that you have their advice to help you ! :thumbsup: Maby you can help me if I have questions !! :thumbsup: I think it calls for the cheese to just be low in fat .I'll have to read up on that one again.

the best diet is prison food thats the best diet only kidding
the nut

As far as which one works best... I have NO IDEA but I do know that the Atkins diet really isn't good for you. I don't remember exactly what the problem with it is... but I do know that it has caused many people health problems and if you are gonna go on the diet you can only stay on it for a limited period of time. I've never dieted myself, well because I'm tiny as hell and I'd disappear :eek: but my mom has tried many diets. The one that she has liked the best and has REALLY REALLY worked for her to lose weight and would be recommended to look into is the Somersize (or something like that) by Susan Somers. It's almost JUST like the atkins and south beach diets and is very healthy for you too. I'd look into that one for anyone who's interested!!!!! :D ;) :p I wish you all the luck in the world with whichever diet you choose sweetie!!!!!!!!! I'm sure you'll have PURE SUCCESS.... just put your mind to it and anything CAN be done!!!!!! Hugs sweetie!!!! :D :thumbsup:

Tearsformyclown I've never heard of that one !!It sounds interesting. Has your mom lost alot of weight on that one ? Is it a book or a video ? :thumbsup:

hogonut. LOL, ya, but my man has got fat since he's been in prison. The only thing he really can't stand eating there is liver :eek: I bet he would loose some weight if they only had liver everyday, LOL JK He's not to much bigger, just probably 30 or 40 pounds is all !!!

There is another problem i've encountered, lol :p I am absoutley addicted to the caffiene in sweet tea! If I go a day without tea, I get the worst headache you could imagine. And I can't stand the taste of non-sweet tea. :blah: And according to this book, I can't have beverages with any sugar. What am I to do about that part ? I can handle every single other part of this diet, except the no sugar in my tea !!!!!!

YESSSSSSSSSSSSS hon, my mom has lost alot of weight with this diet and let me tell you... she tried atkins, she tried south beach, weight watchers.... you name it she tried it. None of them proved to really work until she got to this one. It's a book (or rather a few books) and it has recipes and everything in it. My mom loves it and let me tell you, the food ain't bad at all. I have ate some of the food from the recipes (we try to support my mom in this as much as possible so if she makes the dish... we'll eat it for her even though we're not dieting.) it's pretty good food for reals!!!! She's now lost all the weight that she needed to lose and is very happy with the results. AND she still eats the food from the recipes... that's how much she really likes it!!!!!! If I were you, I would be sure to check this one out. Like I said my mom loves it and has been very successful in it. As a matter of fact... she passed it along to a friend of hers and she has also been losing wait and progressing very well with this diet. WOW.... I feel like a sales person or something :D :p !!!!!! But really, you should give it a try.... it can't hurt to try ;) !!!!!!! If you have any more questions about it... just let me know and I'll try to answer as best as I can.... and if I can't answer then I'll call my mom and have her tell me so I can answer ya!!!!! Good luck to ya once again and may God bless you and your love, sweetie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D ;) :p :thumbsup:

Once again hon, look into this somersize diet for reals!!!!! There's a special "sugar" substance like stuff that she uses and it's supposed to be like so many times stronger then sugar. In this diet... this is what you substitute for sugar. Seriously check it out... I really think you'll like it sweetie!!!! :D ;) :thumbsup:

There is another problem i've encountered, lol :p I am absoutley addicted to the caffiene in sweet tea! If I go a day without tea, I get the worst headache you could imagine. And I can't stand the taste of non-sweet tea. :blah: And according to this book, I can't have beverages with any sugar. What am I to do about that part ? I can handle every single other part of this diet, except the no sugar in my tea !!!!!!

YESSSSSSSSSSSSS hon, my mom has lost alot of weight with this diet and let me tell you... she tried atkins, she tried south beach, weight watchers.... you name it she tried it. None of them proved to really work until she got to this one. It's a book (or rather a few books) and it has recipes and everything in it. My mom loves it and let me tell you, the food ain't bad at all. I have ate some of the food from the recipes (we try to support my mom in this as much as possible so if she makes the dish... we'll eat it for her even though we're not dieting.) it's pretty good food for reals!!!! She's now lost all the weight that she needed to lose and is very happy with the results. AND she still eats the food from the recipes... that's how much she really likes it!!!!!! If I were you, I would be sure to check this one out. Like I said my mom loves it and has been very successful in it. As a matter of fact... she passed it along to a friend of hers and she has also been losing wait and progressing very well with this diet. WOW.... I feel like a sales person or something :D :p !!!!!! But really, you should give it a try.... it can't hurt to try ;) !!!!!!! If you have any more questions about it... just let me know and I'll try to answer as best as I can.... and if I can't answer then I'll call my mom and have her tell me so I can answer ya!!!!! Good luck to ya once again and may God bless you and your love, sweetie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D ;) :p :thumbsup:The only qustion I can think of for now is, can you find out how many books are in the complete set for the diet ? So that way I can budget it in. It sux being on a darn budget :blah: I definatley wanna check this one out!!!! Thanx :thumbsup:

Sweetie, I KNOW exactly what you mean about budgeting..... I also HATE that!!!!!!! But hey, I think we all have to do it in order to pay our bills and all that crap :blah: !!!!!!!! Hon, I think there are 3 book but I'm not 100% sure. Here's a link to her website.... maybe you'll get a better look into this diet from there.

http://www.suzannesomers.com/Somersize/

I know my mom only has 3 books, so if there are any more then she doesn't have them all. Hope this info's helpful to ya sweetie!!!!! If you try it... let me know how ya like it. My ma swears by it!!!!! Hugs sweetie :D ;) :p

I just started the South Beach Diet. I'm on day one of Phase I and I have a terrible headache. Is that the sugar/carb withdrawal and is it normal?

I did atkins once and had horrible headaches. My understanding is the first 2 weeks of SB is basically atkins, so I would say yes.

Yes for sure it is normal! See the first 2 weeks of SB is basically to detox from sugars/carbs and re-boot your metabolism. My suggestion would be to drink TONS of water and if that doesn't help try a little caffine. (sugarfree red bulls or some type of diet soda that has caffine) It will get you through the 2 weeks! :)

I am going to be starting this diet on Monday April 4th! For the first two weeks it is no carbs, no sugar, I have done this before but only for a week or so and I always lose about 6 pounds in the first week, but this time I really want to stick with it. I have to go grocery shopping when I get paid on the 1st...so any suggestions of what is good to buy for this diet... I already got the atkins shakes, they were on sale at Target, but what else? Is anyone else going on this diet that can recommend what they are eating to help them stick to this diet? Thanks, My goal is to lose 40 pounds in this year! So any help I can get is defiantly needed! Thanks everyone!!

NoBody knows of any good snacks to munch on while on this diet?? I am shocked! :rolleyes: :cool: :confused: :confused: :eek: :p

I eat chicharones for a snack while doing atkins...fried pork skins.
That's about it while I'm on induction.

I used to do the South Beach...I lost so much weight the first 2 weeks. Which you are probably over with now but I would snack on String cheese alot!!

I also eat cream cheese as a snack, only an ounce or two. Umm...a quarter cup of almonds or peanuts works as well.

Actually I never ended up doing this, I did Atkins and lost 6 pounds then just got side tracked. I really need to do this! It is so frustrating, but thank you for the replys. I am going to be doing this diet soon, probably in a few weeks.

I'll start with you if you want a buddy. :)

I sure do! Let's do it! Have you done this diet before??

No, but I have been wanting to try it for a long time. I gained way to much weight on the depo shot so I want to lose a few pounds quick. What day do you want to start?

lovespell did you start Atkins yet? I started yesterday. So far so good...lets see how long I can do this! :)

I have a very good snack for chocolate kisses and it is very easy! 1 pkg of cream cheese 1 c whipping cream and 1 pkg of chocolate sf pudding (I have also used butterscotch or vanilla, both of which are good) Mix all of the things together in a bowl, pipe out on to cookie sheet, lined with wax paper and place in freezer until hard. I keep mine in a container in the freezer. Makes 200 and if I remember correctly they are three/five per carb. If you need more let me know what you are looking for I have a millon of them as I have been on it for a year now and lost 55 lbs! Good luck!!!!! :thumbsup:

WOW wee, you go girl.

No I haven't started, I just do not eat dinner...that has helped me lose like 10 pounds so far...but then I just gain it back. IT SUCKS! I am so unhappy with my weight right now but can't stick to any diet...I am so frustrated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:angry:

I know I am frustrated too. I honestly can't even tell you how long I'll stick with this, its just one day at a time. If I can make it a week I'll have more hope for myself. I WANT SUGAR!!!!!!!

:eek: I have been on the Adkins for 3 weeks. I have been having these terrible leg cramps at night, I have NEVER had this before, I have gotten, a 'charlie horse', but these have been awful so I got up this morning and looked up leg cramps.. OH BOY... :eek:..I realize I have only been drinking 4 9 oz bottles of water a day. I should be drinking well over that.

It sure answered alot of questions for me, my bodies been aching, headaches, no energy, frequent urination, my eyes are dry, back aches..It said that if I kick up my intake I should start felling better after 3 to 4 days. Boy I sure hope so.

Has anyone else had this happen? I know you can go into renal failure, etc.. I hope I haven't done any damage. I have really stuck to this too. I got my Adkins book out this morning and I guess I should of been eating some Veggies too!! DUH!!! :) Guess I need to read the book a little more. Although I eat 2 salads a day..

But on the up side? It is SOOOOOOOOOOOO working!!!! :dance: :dance: I just got to get this water thing down, it's just I get so fricken busy at work, I forget to drink it!! But that's going to change today!!! :thumbsup:

Hi DalesDeb,
I´ve lost about 45 pounds with Atkins since I started in January. I had to deal with cramps (which is about losing too much minerals!), too, but after drinking alot more water (I was too drinking too little) AND taking my daily centrum vitamin pill, I´m just fine!! Be careful that you eat the veggies that you´re supposed to eat and don´t let it always be salad! Nothing against (green) salad...but the variety only will get your body whats needed! Have your meat with veggies! There is a list in the book with permitted veggies and salads. Try them all! (day after day of course! ;))
I wish you all the best! IT WORKS!!!
Now that the weather gets HOTT and I´m already allowed to eat berries, I love to eat frozen berries!(raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, ...) A little sweetener on them, and then if you suck them its almost like ice cream, and I was ice cream addicted! ;)

try eating a banana every day. When a person gets low on potassium, you can start having muscle spasms. a reg. sized banana has only 100 calories in it, not sure about carb cals, but they're still good for you. Extra water does help too

Sorry, bananas are a CARB BOMB!! they are NOT ALLOWED!! It would mess up you carb plan for the day and most likely for the whole week, if you´re sensitive. Fat-burning will stop!

Thanks wild thing, another thing I am not taking a vitiman. DUH.. I know better than that, I'm going shopping tonight. Thanks so much for all your info. I'm not 20 anymore so my body reacts so differently to so many things... Congrats on your weight loss..WOW!!! :yay: I want to lose about 35lbs, how I put this on is beyond me!! But it took well over a year I know that.. Again thanks for your input, I have already drank two bottles a water b4 work... I just hope I can reverse this, I really feel like crap... OK, off to work thanks again...

woops, sorry about the nanners. Didn't know.....

I have lost 35lbs on Atkins:D . The achiness is from loss of electrolytes (sp?). You definitely need to take a good potent mutivitamin that is high in Vitamin B. Also, there is a vitamin called "ALIVE" that they sell at GNC that gives you all the missing vegetable nutrients without the carbs. They also sell another one made by the same company called "NATURAL WOMAN" that is a great multivitamin.

Drink LOTS of water and stick to it. You will feel better soon. Just make sure and keep drinking water. Stay away from coffee it will dehydrate you;)

Take multi vitamin made for the Atkins diet and drink lots of water. You can always by potassium pills at wal-mart or wherever if things don't get better. I do that for my son, he plays several sports and with his growth spurt it's hard to keep good food and vitamins in him.

If you have frequent urination you are not dehydrated. You would have decreased urination, and it would be darker yellow. As the others have said, it sounds more like an electrolyte imbalance. Be sure you are taking a multi-vitamin. Also, regular "head lettuce" has about zero nutritional value--the pale green color is a dead give away. Raw spinach is much better for you, and is loaded with nutrients.

Good luck.

I just started Atkins on Monday and all this info is really helpful. Thanks! :)

I've been doing atkins for a bit now (lost 60 lbs). Make sure you aren't cheating with caffeine either. Caffeine is a diuretic and will interfere with the calcium in your bones.
Now...did I give up caffeine in the form of diet DP? No...but I limit it.

I drink diet soda everyday but I also drink plenty of water...think I will be okay???

Sorry to say this but the diet sodas will slow down your weight loss. Best to stay away from them until you have begun to lose weight and after the induction phase (the first 2 weeks of very strict carb intake). The artificial sweetner causes a flex in your insulin level which slows down the weight loss.

Dang! Okay water and crystal light it is.

The artificial sweetner causes a flex in your insulin level which slows down the weight loss.

I don't believe that this is a proven fact. Otherwise, you would see it affecting diabetic's blood sugar levels.

Thank you all for all the info. I went tonight and got a good muti vitiman, I also have drank so much water today I feel like I floating..LOL I got to admit I've been drinking my usual in coffee with sweetner, (walmart brand) but today after reading this morning I only had one cup of coffee. I have had a headache all day and believe it may be from lack of caffine, but I have had this for a few days now, boy I sure didn't start off very well..:( Honeymooner I do pee, ALL the time, it's really anonying...LOL But you made me feel better anyways, I think I have messed up my electrolites. Can I take something else along with this muti-vitiman and do you think it's nesecary?

I wanted to ask about food from you guys that have been doing this. If I stay at my 20 carbs a day can I eat anything if I count carbs? I bought some Dannon light & Fit Carb control yougart tonight, 3 carbs a piece. Are you all eating anything like that? Believe it or not I have read Atkins book, it's sitting right here and I have gone threw it again, but some of it is so confusing.. Thanks for your help..

Sunday starts week three for me, I have lost 7 pounds....Man this is slow......LOL

Basically, yes, you could eat anything as long as you count carbs, but as long as you´re in phase one, I´d suggest you better strictly stick with what you are allowed to eat!
Later on you gotta be careful, if you for example fill up your daily carb level with chocolate, or stuff like that, you won´t be eating healthy - and if you THEN add veggies and salad - you´ll be SO OVER your carb level! Its about counting carbs AND choosing the right foods! :)
The diet soda thing is strange. I experienced a delay in weight loss while I drank diet soda! So since Im a soda lover, I reduced it to one day a week. my diet-soda-day! :) Again, I´d not suggest that for phase one, and only if the soda DOESNT make you want other sweets and candy as well! Take care!!

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say insulin levels I meant to say BLOOD SUGAR levels.:eek:

Here's a quote from Atkins
"Excessive caffeine may cause unstable blood sugar and should be avoided by those who suspect they are caffeine dependent. Everyone should try to avoid caffeine. Grain beverages (coffee substitutes) are not allowed. Alcoholic beverages are also not permitted during Induction; those low in carbohydrates are an option, in moderation, in later phases."

These artificial sweeteners effect different people in different ways. Make no mistake, these sweeteners are carbs and do affect your blood sugar which affects your ability to keep burning fat.

And to address the question of eating "what you want" if you count the carbs. This will not work. You will not lose any weight. The objective of Atkins is to get your body used to buring fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. If you keep eating carbohydrates, you will not loss weight. Of course, not all carbs are equal. Eating veggies is fine while eating refined carbs is not.

Ok so I am a little confused here, (surprise) LOL, what is refined carbs? I get confused when some says 3 g on the front of the package then you look at the back and the carbs say 15!!! What up with that? I have read the book but still don't get it...I think I'm doing OK, I eat 1 egg and 1 sausage in the morning, meat and salad for lunch, same for dinner, snack is pork rins, but today I ate a slim jim, (beef).. I felt a lot better today after dinking all that water so I did the same today, but i just feel so FAT!!! I think more so than when I started...Maybe I'm just frustrated....So are you saying the Yogart is not a good thing? It's 3 carbs...

It sounds like to me that you are doing most of what you are supposed to do. Like most things, some of us lose the weight faster than others....usually those of us that are heavier lose faster. :D
It was hard for me to do the water thing because I had to go to the bathroom so much and at work, sometimes I would be counseling with an inmate, and would feel like I was going to bust, so I had to cut out the water , or so much of it. But I did notice that I habituated myself to drinking water and when I decided to stop drinking so much at work, it was hard 'cause by then it was a habit, although a good one. :rolleyes:
Taking a multi-vitamin is a good thing and is important. About potassium...the only way that you are going to do serious damage to your electrolyte level is to eat or drink NO carbs....then you may put yourself into ketoacidosis which is definitely bad for the human body. What you want to accomplish is to put your body into ketosis which is a normal state when your body begins to burn what it should be burning in order for you to lose weight. I think that tomatoes are a good source of potassium and are permitted on Atkins.
You didn't mention if you are exercising....that is another thing that is good if you have time.....and it doesn't have to be an hour or two, just long enough to get you out of the sedentary life style. Maybe 15 or 20 minutes doing something as simple as dancing to some music or walking around the neighborhood, several times a week. This was the hardest for me because I worked so far away from where I lived that it would be dark when I left in the morning and I would be so tired when I got home...but I found that if I did one of my Richard Simmons tapes (that I got years ago) two or three times a week, then I felt better and it did help me to lose weight.
I could go on and on about the virtues of Atkins...I lost 50 pounds on the regimen, and although I have been off for about two months now, I intend to go back on when I start my next job, hopefully in June. I have lots of great recipes, and would be glad to help you in any way I can. PM me if you want a "personalized trainer in Atkins." I'll do what I can to encourage you and help you through your desired weight loss. :thumbsup:

Anyone else doing Atkins diet?? I just started today so Im scared already. Dont know if I can stick with it?? Last time only lasted 3 days until I had a carb meltdown and ate everything in site...LOL I need sucess stories to help me through this, anyone got any??? Any diet stories will do!!!

I am on the Atkins diet, have been for 3 weeks, lost 18 pounds so far!!! It works, all the candy and stuff that Atkins puts out really helps!!!!!! It works, PM me if need be!!!

I did it a few years ago and lost nearly 50 pounds in just over 3 months! I had no trouble at all sticking to it back then, but now it's a different story! I actually started a few times this year and don't stick to it - mostly because I have to eat on the run and that makes it tough. I started back again yesterday and plan to do better this go round - I want to shed a few pounds before I go visit my honey in 5 weeks!

Let's do this together!! We CAN do this!!!

Thank you both so much!! Ok Kat, Today(wed) is my 1st day so we can do this together!! Im going for my first visit in almost 6 yrs on the 12th of August!! So I want to look better!! PM me , maybe we can exchange more info and ways to reach each other. Tell me more about u!!

I have been doing atkins for some time now. I lost 35 lbs and am now at my goal weight. Well, let me be honest, I kinda fell off the bad wagon when my honey went in, but I am back on track and had only gained 5 lbs (over 3 months of boo boos). I have been back on track for about 10 days and the 5 lbs is gone.
You can do it! It takes a few days of eating the right foods (20 carbs or less...no sugar, no refined carbs etc) and the cravings for the bad stuff will diminish.
GOOD LUCK, stick to it and you will succeed! Also, make sure you take a good multivitamin and it's a good idea to get the Atkins Diet Revolution book so you can follow the plan correctly:thumbsup:

I have been on it since last January and in the first 5 months I lost 50 lbs! I have been have been having trouble although since Christmas but have only gained 15 lbs of it back, but am going back on it tomorrow to lose 25 lbs, I found it is the only diet that I can stick to as I am a chocolate nut and at least with it, there are chocolates that I can eat! It is hard the first couple of days but soon enough it becomes away of life, you can do it!

Well I just stuffed a bunch of cookies in my mouth so I guess Ill have to start over tomorrow :( Why am I so awful at this!!! UGHHHH!!!

You just have to decide to do it and stick to it. Don't worry, when you are truly ready, you'll do it!!!! This is truly a diet that can work for anyone as long as you follow it strictly.

Well I just stuffed a bunch of cookies in my mouth so I guess Ill have to start over tomorrow :( Why am I so awful at this!!! UGHHHH!!!
There are actually low-carb cookies out there. You shouldn't have them for at least the first two weeks though, Starfish. But shop around. That's one of the best things about low-carb - there is soooo much on the market now.

The best thing for me to do is to just not have it on hand to tempt me. I don't have kids though and that makes it easy for me - I have only myself to blame!

I do remember from experience that once the first several days are behind you, it does become much, much easier to stick to it.

Alright, Starfish, I'm gonna check with you in the morning to see how you are doing.

I was thinking of doing the Atkins but don't know how to start it and don't know what you can eat the first two weeks to only consume 20 carbs. I will not start now as I leave for vacation next week and will be enjoying my sea food. However I would like to begin when I come back. Any help with this I would appreciate.

I did this 3 years ago and lost 60 pounds in 3 months, but the sad thing was once I went off of it I gained it all back:( my fault. I am a low fat diet and have lost 22 pounds since march...just not enough for me...but it is a start....I may just have to jump on this band wagon.............or at least go back on my old diet....

yanigirl, if you go to wal mart this is a book that you can buy that will tell you exactly what you can and can not have the first two weeks.

My biggest problem was the shock it threw my system into but if you can get past the first two weeks it is awesome......

If you can only have 20 carbs you probably can only eat once a day for 2 weeks. Wow? Can anyone give me an example of what they ate the first two weeks

You can have eggs and sausage in the morning, a salad with Tuna in the afternoon, celery or any veggie other than carrots and peas and corn for snacks.....any type of protein, meat, fish, chicken......get the book, it gives good recipes...stick to LOW carb food in the first 2 weeks, like 1 or 2 grams per serving, stay UNDER 20 grams per day......NO BREAD OR STARCH AT ALL!!!!!! It does suck the first couple days and you will crave LOTS AND LOTS of things....but stick to it and it does work. I am going on my 4th week and after the induction period you can have one day a week where you can eat whatever you want, as long as you go right back to it the next day....that helps a lot!!!! I've lost 20 lbs so far now....a total of 69 lbs in 8 months!!!! It really really works!!

PM me if you have any questions,
Megan

It's a great diet...I swear by and in fact live by it. I decided to try it about 4 years ago and saw weight loss results quickly...by the 8th month I had lost 52lbs! I never thought I could do it but I did! I have kept the weight off and just go back on the diet when I gain about 5 lbs. During the eight months I did that diet strictly...by the 3rd week I would just do the diet 5 days of the weeks and ate what I wanted in moderation on the weekend.

Trust me the diet works and the way I looked at it...why feel sorry for yourself? you can eat alot of things you couldnt on a low fat diet! Family bar b ques, fast food...there is no reason for giving up!

I did Atkins 2 years ago lost 50 pounds. I went off of it and gained weight back, you have to remember that you are making a lifestyle change and that once you reach your goal weight. you must stay relatively low carb. You should take one day a week and eat what you want within reason.

I am going to start today agian. Beacuse Kevin comes home in 10 months then I want to look good for him.
I lost the 50 pounds with no eercise, imagine if I exercised just a little. This time I'm going to swim every morning.

Good luck.
Keep in touch.
Jenn

I really want to do this, but it is so hard! But then again what diet isn't, you just have to learn to live by it, HMMM...I am thinking of trying this again. I have but only have gotten to the two week mark and have always lost 10 pounds but then give in and gain 5 back and get frustrated and just stop!

I also went to the Atkins website and the instructions are there, but getting the book is the best bet.

I eat a LOT of food on the Atkins plan, just careful of what kind of carbs I'm having.

I lost well over 100 lbs on Atkins. I never had to deal with hunger. Here is an excellent source of information and support for Low Carb diets...

www.lowcarbfriends.com

I did atkins and lost a lot of weight. I also love my coffee and iced tea! But, you can use sugar substitue and even though you aren't supposed to have the caffeine, I did anyway for the headaches and it didn't really seem to matter. Also for atkins, you can get tons of recipes online.

So I myself am a big bread, pasta and potato eater. So instead of potatoes I would mash up turnips or fry turnips. No it's not exactly the same but it's pretty close and you can have turnips on the diet. Besides what do you want to do, eat potatoes or lose weight? I have also become a big fan of spaghetti squash. You can buy or make tons of sauces to eat this with and just add some sort of meat (depending on the sauce) and you have a wonderful meal. The bread was really hard for a while but after doing the diet for a couple of weeks and starting to feel really great, I didn't miss it anymore.

Being on a budget does suck. But think of how many ways you can eat a burger? There are so many different kinds of cheeses and toppings that you are allowed to have it seems different all the time and hamburger is cheap!

I ate a lot of ham and eggs for breakfast but you can also have omelets made with a lot of stuff if you want. (also good for dinner) And what looks and sounds better, a muffin, cereal, toast, or feeling like you're really eating with ham and eggs? Tuna salad is also great if you mix up tuna as usual with onions and real mayo and put it on top of a salad. This is also very good with some crunched up pork rinds on top for "croutons".

And about the cheese being low fat? No!! The more fat you eat, the faster the weight loss! Nothing is supposed to be low fat! Eat real mayo and real butter.

The first three days is a little rough trying to use your new lifestyle. I was really hungry the first three days but only ate the foods allowed. I ate a lot of them though! And also the first three days I went to the bathroom all the time. That's when the water weight loss kicks in. But after that, I realized I wasn't eating all the time. I felt better, my clothes fit better.

Oh, also only weigh yourself once a week so you don't go crazy.

And, I guess I'll stop there.......................

:angry: warning : to me the atkins diet was easy and i lost 80 lbs in less than a year, however i managed to damage my kidneys at the same time. i also gained all of it back within another year or two. if you are going to do atkins, follow the directions . i stayed on the reallly strict part ,which should only be for two weeks,way too long. being in the medical field, i can tell you that eating healthy is really the best way to lose weight. we all want something fast and easy but it may not be worth it in the end. i'm back on another diet now,but it is more well rounded. good luck in whatever you do!

Thanks for the responses everyone :)
I have not started either yet. I plan to though, but I would like other diet info. before I start, so I can pick the best one that suites me, and my budget :)

CONWIFE, If you don't mind me asking, just curious, what diet are you on now?

Thanks again everyone :)

I agree, when I did Atkins..........I had horrible leg cramps and it was from not taking the vitamins that go along with it. Once I started the vitamins though, it was all better again. This is why I think South Beach might be better because they let you add some good carbs back in sooner. I know someone on South Beach and he has lost a lot of weight and hasn't experienced any problems. His Dr. put him on it. My Dr. told me to stay away from the carbs as well because my triglycerides are through the roof! Now I don't really follow any diet strictly but I do stay away from a lot of carbs and eat them moderately. Since starting to work out though, I have noticed and other people have noticed a weight loss and I eat whatever I want! :)

I think every body is different so not every diet works the same on different people. I have always heard to eat healty, in moderation, and exercise...now for me that seems to work ( still working on the exercise part).