Does atkins really work? Does anyone really know? Some say it doesnt some say it does, can you help? Has anyone tried this diet before?

Atkins is a piece of crap, dont use it, you need carbs for musles. Look into a well balanced diet. and drink lots of water

This is the second time someone told me this, the first time is when i saw EXTREME MAKEOVER, where the contestant are put to a weight loss programme, and this personal trainer who managed to make them loose so much weight, combined they loss around 3 adult persons ( weight of average adults ), and he said that Low Carbs are bullshit! We need Carbs for muscles. I once went to a slimming centre and the Nutritionist told me that if I choose to go for Atkins, I will be loosing weight but my body fat mass will increase.

Well it really comes back too easy when you decide to start eating carbs. After working out you really need to restore your glycogen with some good carbs, kind of destroys your muscles. If ya want Atkins, then enjoy being a skinny fat

I personally don't understand it at all! I guess there is some theory that is supposed to make scence, but how can eating fatty steaks be better for you than some fruit or what have you?

Well basically the body uses the best source of energy, carbs. When there are no carbs the body resorts to protein and fat, youll lose weight fast, but once carbs are brought back, your body doesnt react well for a certain period of time, so it stores those carbs as fat. And the thing about Atkins, most people are eating that fatty steak stuff, not worrying about their arteries, so long term this is a really bad diet, heart attack anyone?

Thats too bad Sun-god , I hope she gets better....We all know Dr. Atkins has died, his wife said that its not b/c of the diet, but in all honesty, how can you say that it has had NOTHING to do with it? All that fat has to be bad on your body, and he was on it(the "diet") for a LONG time.

um cybermama, is that your HINEY i see poking out in your picture?

Cybermama,
Do you really want to know if it works? Or, did you just want to see Atkins bashers unleashed? Many of the folks that will give advice on Atkins, have never been on it or have they bothered to read a book. If you want the info. - read the bookS. Read everything you can get your hands on. I started atkins Dec. 1, 2004 at 210 - I have been as high in my life as 280. I recently went on a cruise and have gained a little - but back on strong now and weighed 148 this am. My goal is 135. I (personally) think if you go on it with the idea of "cheating" when you want to or can't do it "all the way" or are in the mindset to "returning" to your old habits - it's not for you and not healthy. If on the other hand - you can be very structured, determined and really want to lose eating luxurious "real" foods - try it out!
Just my opinions of couse.

Cybermama, I whole heartedly agree with Dekdahl. I too have been on the Atkins diet for many years since I was diagnosed with diabetes. This is the only diet that I have found to keep my sugar levels in check. Though the first two weeks this is a pure protein diet, carbs can be added back into your diet afterwards. Go to your local pharmacy and buy Ketostix. Follow the instructions. As long as they turn even the palest shade of purple you are still burning fat, NOT PROTEIN from your muscle mass. If they remain pink, back off on the carbs until the purple color returns. I still have my salads with vinegar and oil only. I still have fruits but limit them to berries and melon. I eat LEAN red meats, poultry and fish. I eat eggs and cheese and drink half and half. The lower the fat content in milk, the higher the sugar is. Read the label. I substitute pork rinds for bread and crackers. My doctor has supported me in being on the diet and after almost 25 years of being on this diet, my cholesterol level is at 150. This is better that the 245 level when I started the diet and NO I am not on cholesterol lowering medications. I am 60 years old. Because of my age, I underwent a stress test. Part of the process was an X-ray of my heart and arteries. The cardiologist said they were clear with no obstructions. Too much bad press about this diet. Go to the library and get Dr. Atkins book, especially if you can get the first one he wrote. I honesty believe you will be amazed by what you find. You'll never go hungry on this diet and you'll find that you will begin to eat less because your hunger is satified, not intensified like with other low calorie diets. Best wishes - Newbee to this site - Rick

ANY diet works as long as calories, proteins, and EFAs are in check. I don't care how you package it, thermodynamics are thermodynamics. Find a diet that works for you and roll with it.

For me, a balanced approach to eating is the most sensible, but that is only my opinion.

Just to mention - the date of the original post was almost 2 years ago.

Oh, hahahaha.

The guy on Extreme Makeover is Michael Thurmond. He is the one that created the 6 Week Body Makeover plan that I'm on currently. This program really works and it's balanced and you get to eat carbs. Atkins scares the crap out of me.

I apologize. Like I mentioned, I am a newbee. I didn't note the date, only the content and responded accordingly. I'll be more observant in the future. Thanks for making me more aware. Rick