Aktins diet- doing it or done it?

kcsunshyn8 · Aug 7, 2002

I have heard many great things about the Atkins diet. I had an awesome Lifestyles Management professor who was a nutritionist and he recommended the diet to anyone who is looking to lose weight. If you think about it, carbs is really what makes you get fat, not fat!!! For me, I dont think I could go on the Atkin's diet b/c I'm so addicted to sugar(esp. chocolate!). Even though I dont need to diet, I'm very interested in nutrition. The only objection to this diet would be all the saturated fat that would cause problems, esp to those who are severly overweight. Anyone else who's tried it let me know how it worked(or didnt work).

kittyw · Aug 7, 2002

I've done it and loved it!!! I never felt better than eating low carb, high protein ... lots and lots of water too.

I've tried high carb, low fat and lots and lots of water and just never felt good. Would gain weight no matter what I tried.

So ... after my divorce and all that, I gained some weight. Forgot about low carb eating and just put it on. Now I'm back on it and lost 9 lbs ... have much more energy and no cravings. I have such better will power when I eat like this.

I think people have misconceptions about the diet ... when they try to tell me how much harm I'm doing to myself, I ask them how is this dessert, candy bar, sugar-loaded soda, etc (that I'm not eating) really healthy??

kcsunshyn8 · Aug 7, 2002

Sorry I forgot to add the Atkin's Website just in case anyone is interested!

http://atkinscenter.com/

~kerry~

kittyw · Aug 7, 2002

About the fat issue .... I eat lean pieces of meat, low fat cheese, etc .... I've cut out french fries and other sources of just plain junk fat that people eat and don't think about.

and the chocolate issue .... I don't have cravings anymore! None ... it's so great. No longer do I want a snack between classes or during clinical. And I know hitting the vending machine can't be healthy!

CATHYW · Aug 7, 2002

Well, I lost 18 lbs on the Atkins diet last year, and it was almost painless. Then the carb cravings hit, with a vengeance! I kept trying to fight them off, but the buggers won. I regained all of the weight, plus another 20! (not Atkins' fault)

mattsmom81 · Aug 7, 2002

My hubby does very well on the Atkins diet provided he doesn't go hog wild with his meat and fat!

The hard part of course is establishing maintenance...without slipping into those bad habits again.

His cholesterol levels even came down on Atkins...just like Dr. Atkins said they would!! Sure surprised our docs, who did not support the diet at first.....

K O'Malley · Aug 8, 2002

I think that it is a potentially dangerous diet. Several co-workers developed kidney stones while on this diet. It is really important to drink plenty of fluids, something that nurses don't usually have time to do.

DebsZoo · Aug 8, 2002

I am and have been on a similar diet. Suzanne Somers "Somsersize". It differs from Atkins in that you are allowed to eat fruit, and carbs...........ONLY 100% whole wheats, no sugars added. Her formula is in HOW you eat it. (combinations)If you have a carb meal, you may have veggies with it, no fats/proteins..........wait 3-4 hours, then you can eat fats/proteins. Fruit is eaten on an empty stomach, so good for snacks.

I have been eating this way for more than a year now, about 1 1/2 years, and have lost 55 lbs, and kept it off.

This has become a way of life for me.........though I have one day a week that I do not limit or watch what I eat now. Rarely, on that day, do I eat much differently, but it is noce to have that "free" day to indulge my sweet tooth. My cravings for carbs is next to nil, as far as carbs from flour.........now the sweets, on the other hand, are what made me finally take one free day.

Suzannes has three very good books out. The last one, with the forward, and help of a doctor, Diana Schwarbein, M.D., is 'Eat, Cheat, and Melt the Fat Away'.

She has some wonderful recipes also.

If you are interested in more info, her website is http://www.suzannesomers.com

dawngloves, BSN, RN · Aug 8, 2002

Originally posted by K O'Malley
I think that it is a potentially dangerous diet. .

I too have heard it reaks havoc on your kidneys. I think moderation is the key.

live4today, RN · Aug 8, 2002

Knew a husband and wife who once tried the Atkins Diet, and lost a ton of weight. I saw them one year later......didn't recognize them. Not only did they gain back the weight they lost, but almost doubled it.

Let's be real with one another dieters: NO DIET WORKS IF YOU DON'T CHANGE THE WAY YOU EAT FOR A LIFETIME!!! The "KEY" to losing weight is NOT so much in the Diet, but in the DIETER! :nurse:

sbic56, BSN, RN · Aug 8, 2002

A balanced diet including carbs, protein and fat combined with plenty of exercise is the only way too reach and maintain a healthy weight. Keeping a healthy lifestyle is alot of work, but the only thing that does work for the long haul. Rats!