BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats

Subject: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: GUEST
Date: 11 May 03 - 06:03 PM

Sorry to be anonymous (the clones know who it is) but I really AM excited about this and I wanted to shout it from the rooftops. Just heard today that someone who my spouse and I are very close to (and who's a Mudcatter to boot) has dropped 76 lbs (how much is that in stones?) by following the Atkins diet for seven months.

I can't imagine how difficult this good person's battle has been over quite a few years, and I know that many times they've just given up and said "what's the use?"

I know very little about Atkins other than many doctors said/say that it's dangerous and doesn't work, but it would appear that our loved one got nowhere time and again with the mainstream diets......so however it works...it works...and her health has never been better.

Maybe when they reach their goal they'll come here in person and tell about it, but to me..... seventy six pounds is MUCH MORE than the two speakers I've carried around for years.....and that's a LOT of weight! I'm very impressed.

Bro in law

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Helen
Date: 11 May 03 - 07:30 PM

I read a newspaper article recently which said that for many years the Atkins diet was said by experts to be dangerous, but that it has now been proven to be safe and effective. Years ago I found his book and followed the diet and it is one of the very few times in my life that I have lost weight.

So, congrats from me too, to this wonder-Cat! Well done!

Helen

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: mg
Date: 11 May 03 - 08:31 PM

Many people owe their health to Dr. Atkins, and many people have lost theirs because of scare stories about the diet that are not based in reality. Unfortunately, the good doctor has died, as a result of a fall on ice. He didn't have the total answer, but he sure had part of it, and will be recognized as turning around the health of America. I try to stay on a version of the diet, and at least don't gain weight. When I do it rigorously, I will lose weight, but the logistics are difficult. I have lost 3 pounds this week by adhering to the diet. And if you easily lose weight on it, and feel great, and all indicators are good, such as cholesterol, blood pressure,e tc...it is a pretty good indication that y ou need to stay on a version of this kind of plan. Don't go off it and complain you gained the weight back. Of course you will.   

And congratulations.

mg

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: katlaughing
Date: 11 May 03 - 09:42 PM

Congratulations! I did a modified version, a vegetarian version, mostly, of this three years ago and lost 50. It felt great. Other factors came about and I fell ill and had to be on steroids for nine months. The docs thought it may have been partly due to the diet. Anyway, it all came back, mostly because of the steroid. I am slowly working on getting it off, again, but cannot use the Atkins diet because of the high protein.

Good for you and keep at it!

kat

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Alba
Date: 11 May 03 - 10:12 PM

76lbs is 5 and 1\4 stones
That's fantastic in seven months.
If only I had that kind of determination!
Congratulations.
A:>)

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: mg
Date: 11 May 03 - 11:18 PM

IF and ONLY IF this is the right type of diet..or a similar diet that is higher in fats and protein than most people require..for your particular metabolism..it doesn't take much will power or determination. It will be what your body wants. If it makes you feel weak, sick, etc., and/or your health indicators are not improving fairly rapidly, then it is not the right diet for you. If you feel awful and don't lose weight on a high carb plan, which works well for some people, then research it. Read Dr. Schwarzbein's Diabetic Solution....

mg

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Rustic Rebel
Date: 11 May 03 - 11:27 PM

I'd like to know about this diet. I know you eat meat, no bread, pasta etc.,but what can you eat and what can't you? What fruit? What veggies? Can anyone lay out the plan without saying buy the book?
Peace, Rustic

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Helen
Date: 12 May 03 - 12:00 AM

Ah Rustic Rebel, just do what I did and go to the

Atkins Center website./


It has info on how to start the 14 day induction, and then how to continue with either further weight reduction or weight maintenance. It also has essential info on the science of the diet, health checks, etc

Helen

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 May 03 - 12:41 AM

The book is worth it, though, for the basic recipes for his bread and other things. I used to make up several loaves of his bread ahead of time, so that I could have toast with my eggs for breakfast. Well, unless you can find them on the internet; at the time I didn't have access. I also really liked his *candy* bars and shake mixes as they satisfied my chocolate and sweet cravings. Then, his were the only low carb bars to be had and then only in a health food store; now I see all kinds of different brands in regular stores.

I would urge anyone in any kind of health, with the help of their doctor, to keep an eye on kidney function when on this diet.

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: mg
Date: 12 May 03 - 12:51 AM

He pretty much has you go cold turkey on any carbs with calories at first..I'm not sure that is a good idea..there are other plans with similar routes but are not as drastic. Contrary to what many ignorant people have published in all sorts of magazines, you don't have to give up vegetables..the low-starch high fiber kind are fine. In the first part of the diet you do have to really limit fruits..not everyone has to be that drastic. Protein power is a more moderate version of this. Dr. Schwarzbein has a similar plan. Also I keep mentioning the body type diets...they split people into 3 groups..those that do well on your average "balanced diet, those that do well on a grain based diet, and those that need (and I am one) high protein and fats and do awful with starches and sugars. In fact, they split the protein group into those that need high purine (found in red meat, liver, some seafood) vs. the lighter proteins such as fish, chicken etc. So just because something works for someone, don't let them impose it on you. Especially if you are married to them. Especially if you have a different ethnic heritage. Might make for more difficult shopping and cooking but also might..no will..reduce health problems.

mg

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: musicmick
Date: 12 May 03 - 02:46 AM

I started the Atkins diet last week and I have already lost close to ten pounds. I sure hope that it is safe (My doctors are ambivilant about it). I suppose that any decent diet works if you remain vigilant but when it comes to fast weight loss, Atkins seems to be unrivaled.

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: kendall
Date: 12 May 03 - 05:28 AM

I went on a two week diet and lost 14 days.

Seriously, what about triglycerides?

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 12 May 03 - 05:40 AM

I've been doing my own version of Atkins since 22/03 (mine included a small amount of chocolate ~ come on... did you really think *I* would stop eating chocolate forever?). My target was a stone before May 1st, another by end of August. So far I've lost just over a stone (15lbs to be exact) and feel better than I have for years. I've not had a fainting fit since I started (well, maybe one, but that's an improvement!), I've only had 2 dizzy spells in a month as opposed to 2 or more a week and last week I managed to carry a 20lb 'pack' nearly a mile and up a VERY steep hill on my own!

Add to that the facts that I've had fewer feelings of depression, no asthma symptoms, no IBS symptoms (until last night but I put that down to the pizza - it was very spicy), no migraines, no insomnia and no eating binges. My trousers keep falling down and my socks don't cut off my circulation any more.

Atkins has had its share of critics, but you may find that a lot of those critics are manufacturers of low fat, low sugar, low taste, high price diet products. They may also be the very doctors whose livlihoods rely on people getting sick..... The short term benefits are obvious and the long term benefits far outweigh (sorry, terrible pun) any initial discomforts. The New Atkins book (published last year) is updated with the results of more research which would give the impression that it is infinitely less harmful than a) critics would have you believe and b)some of the conditions it addresses - diabetes, heart disease etc. As a sufferer of asthma and a congenital heart condition, I can vouch that this particular eating regime has improved MY overall condition so that I no longer have to pause for breath or to ease the hammering in my chest, after 2 flights of stairs. No other eating regime (I won't use the D word) from low fat to vegetarian has ever caused such a personal, dramatic and positive change in my condition.

The easy way of approaching it is to start reading food labels. If you read the food labels which are on all packaged foods, they will tell you what the carb count is. Make sure you eat food that is low in carbs and you are on the way. It tends mostly to be meat (unprocessed - sandwich meats can have hidden additives) and eggs, fish, cheese, butter and cream. Green stuff includes berry fruits, nuts, brassicas (cabbage, broccoli etc), watercress, lettuce, peppers. Drinks include vodka, gin, rum, brandy and tequila (no mixers unless diet or soda water).

One piece of pecan pie contains enough carbohydrates for 3 days on Atkins.

Congratulations to the unidentified Catter, and I hope they are feeling so much better with themselves. If it works, it works well.

As for your 10lbs in a couple of weeks - as Atkins and any other D word plan states, that will probably be retained water. As long as you keep drinking, there is nothing to worry about, unless you start getting dizzy or disorientated.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Noreen
Date: 12 May 03 - 05:47 AM

What about triglycerides, Kendall??

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: kendall
Date: 12 May 03 - 08:35 AM

All that animal protein must produce fat in the blood.

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: MMario
Date: 12 May 03 - 08:43 AM

depends on WHAT animal protiens you are eating , how much water you're taking in (and putting out) etc. And also it depends a lot on you genetic heritage and personal metabolism. There are a LOT of people who eat high fat diets and DON'T have a problem with cholesterol or high trygicerides. AQnd there are people who have high counts despite being on very low-fat diets.

Diet *has* to be tailored to the individual.

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: EBarnacle1
Date: 12 May 03 - 09:27 AM

I have returned to Atkins since January, with a 'vacation' for the holidays. So far, 40 lb. lost.

Recently, I had to look up hypoglycemia for a relative. Almost all the sites referenced Atkins' maintenence diet as a significant way to go. Consider that a major tenet of the Atkins philosophy is that by following his diet you slow down metabolic swings and, thereby, hunger. This approach helps eliminate binge eating and snacking.

!!!Warning!!! If you go on a low carb diet, you become more sensitive to alcohol and other intoxicants. Your ability to drink one or two and drive safely is likely to be impaired more than you know. I had an expensive lesson about this 25 years ago.

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: annamill
Date: 12 May 03 - 09:37 AM

My daughter has become very overweight due to the steroids she has to take. She has Multple Scleroisis. I remember reading that meat is not a good thing for people with MS. If she wants to lose weight, and she does, she couldn't use this diet then, can she?

I know, ask her doctor. Just brainstorming. Just wondering.

Annamill

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Peg
Date: 12 May 03 - 09:51 AM

Annamill; I believe it is red meat which is more a problem than, say, fish for those with MS. Any flesh products which produce too much uric acid and red meats are a worse contender for that than lean poultry or fish...
there are other non-meat protein foods, like nuts, egs and dairy, too..

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: MMario
Date: 12 May 03 - 09:55 AM

Part of the whole 'Atkins=Dangerous' thing is that it is constantly described as a high protien diet; when in actuality it is a LOW-CARB diet. Likewise, people think of Atkins and related diets as "meat" diets - when they can be vegetarion and even vegan.

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: GUEST,mink
Date: 12 May 03 - 10:03 AM

I recommend the low-alcohol diet. :>)

I've given up drinking alcohol & have lost 1.5 stone since starting to stop(I've had a few backslidings along the way).
Giving up the alcohol means I have less high-calorie late night snacks & hangover brekkies + I'm avoiding all the calories that were in the alcohol.
It has also improved my general health no end - but that, I think, is because I was developing an intolerance to alcohol that was causing all sorts of nasty things.
So the moral of my tail is ......... identify the thing that is making you ill/fat, then cut out that factor. For me its the alcohol - for someone else it could be dairy foods... etc etc

And don't forget to drink lots & lots of water to wash away the toxins.

ANYWAY - MORE IMPORTANTLY:

Well done whatsername that has lost the 76lb. I bet you're feeling great! - and well done all the other posters that are enjoying weight loss & improved health.
Not that there's anything inherently wrong in being a bit porky.......... :>)

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: annamill
Date: 12 May 03 - 10:19 AM

I gave up drinking a while back and didn't really lose any weight yet. I think the body still craves the suger that the alcohol used to produce (glucose) and I have been eating sweet stuff instead of drinking.

About 7 years ago I went on my own diet which was absolutely no carbs and I lost a lot of weight and I looked and felt great. I had so much more energy then.

I think I'll give it a try again.

Annamill

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 May 03 - 11:07 AM

LtS, I will be interested to hear what you think of the Atkins after several months have gone by; good that it is working for you.

Atkins des urge people to get bloodwork done at the beginning then near the middle of their time dieting, so they and their doc can look at the difference. This is a good way to keep an eye on levels as well as kidney function.

The compromises I made as a vegetarian on Atkins was I ate more fish and a little bit of chicken, but mostly i used his supplements. Lots of eggs and cheese - no problem with cholesterol.

kat

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: DougR
Date: 12 May 03 - 01:13 PM

I've been on a modified (by me) Atkins since January and have lost fifteen pounds. After a month on fewer carbs I had blood work done and compared it with blood work done a month previously. My triglycerides were down, and my good cholesteral was up, and my bad cholesteral was down.

I miss fruits, potatoes, pasta and white bread, but have found that this diet is the easiest to stay on that I've tried. Atkins also urged taking supplements and exercizing. There are actually some good lo-carb breads available now, and some desserts made with sugar substitutes that are quite good too.

Some of you may recall there was a recent thread on this subject also and those interested might wish to check it out.

DougR

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: kendall
Date: 12 May 03 - 05:09 PM

I tried the Atkins diet some time ago, but, couldn't find a tasty bread. That stuff he calls flour sucks. Is there something new?
Also, is there a good sub for sugar? I use aspartame, but, I don't like it.

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 12 May 03 - 05:39 PM

Mink - that's just the problem... an inherant tendancy towards obesity and heart disease.... at least 3 generations, all very close (mother & aunt, grandfather, great grandfathers), all what we would now term as obese - my mother and her sister are large, their father was huge, his father was gargantuan!

Kat - after 2 months, I'm still happy with it... tell you after 4 if anything has changed.

Kendall, I've never found a decent substitute for flour either, in the end it was easier to just give up bread completely. I'm not that fond of aspartame either but again, the alternative is just too horrible to bear.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 May 03 - 07:31 PM

stevia is a good, herbal alternative for sugar - extremely sweet and very fine dust - takes very, very little to sweeten things up - you can get it at a health food store

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: mg
Date: 12 May 03 - 08:41 PM

yeah..I use stevia..some people have a bitter aftertaste but I am one who doesn't..I make a real easy ice cream with real cream, cocoa, stevia, vanilla, throw it in the freezer. Also make cheesecake with it and fudge...

You can eat rye crisp for sandwiches. I haven't tried the legal breads...

mg

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: kendall
Date: 12 May 03 - 09:07 PM

Find me a low carb bread that tastes like bread, and, a tasty sub for potatoes, and I'll stick to the Atkins diet!

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 May 03 - 09:25 PM

Pre-moving to Maine, I was seeing a doctor and sticking to a modified Atkins. No whites - no flour, sugar, bread, potato (white), pasta, etc. I could have unlimited fresh fruit and vegetables. Also included yogurt (unsweetened), cottage cheese, 12 oz of protein daily. I averaged a loss of three lbs/week. And despite eating eggs and red meat daily, my cholesterol dropped from over to 200 to 150. Whole grains were allowed in small quantities - oatmeal, fresh corn, etc - but only when I had to have some or go nuts.

For me, bread, chips, pasta and pizza are comfort foods. When I am down or stressed, I inhale huge quantities. It triggers a "full" high and equal low which triggers eating more carbs. Then I am off and running.

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Rustic Rebel
Date: 12 May 03 - 10:37 PM

Thanks Helen and all for the info. Rustic

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Gypsy
Date: 12 May 03 - 10:38 PM

Stay away from Aspartame! ugh! on the rare occasion that i want sweet, i use Splenda (sucralose) which is derived from sugar. It is what Atkins recommends. I have been on the regime since 14 February, and feel terrific. O' course, i am losing weight far more slowly than my spouse, but give my age and female sex......am grateful for the loss i have. And have found since losing weight, my depression is far easier to control. What i like about Atkins is i'm never hungry. It's much easier to lose weight when one is not starved.

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: mg
Date: 13 May 03 - 12:15 AM

if you have cravings for carbohydrates, "they" say it is often (always???) too much insulin. WHich means probably, I can't say for sure, that you would be one that needs the lower carb (at least the sugars and starches out the door) diet. This is not for everyone, but if other plans have failed, this sure works for a lot of people, including me. And it is a really good idea to have your insulin levels checked, as well as your blood glucose levels. It is the best predictor of heart trouble "they" say. You look at the ratio of insulin to blood sugar and it can tell you what stage of insulin resistance you are in. Dr. Mercola gets into this in his web site...he says insulin should be below a 10. I have heard others say that blood sugar should be in the 70s for ideal health..don't know if that is true..research everything I say rather than believing me..these are just things to check out...I know if I don't follow this I can be definitely borderline diabetic and if I follow it rigorously my blood sugar willb ein the 80s or 90s. Anyone with a weight problem probably needs a blood glucose meter and needs to monitor themselves and to see what particular foods will do to their levels. mg

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 13 May 03 - 12:43 AM

Exercise more, eat less
Create more, consume less.
Participate more, spectate less.
Confesson, Adulation, Thanksgiving, Supplication.
The formulae for a more happy, healthy, spirit filled life.

Sincerely,

Gargoyle

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: vectis
Date: 13 May 03 - 06:23 AM

My husband started on Atkins yesterday. To make life simpler I'm joining him even though I don't really need to diet at all :-))
(I wish) :-(
He'll be encouraged to hear all your success stories. He's got a long way to go...

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 13 May 03 - 07:11 AM

There are more astounding success stories in the book - hope he read it all before beginning. I was asked to buy a copy for a friend who couldn't get one. I started reading it because I had nothing else to read on the train, and she's still waiting for her copy!

It's like the slogan for not smoking - never give up giving up.

If the cold turkey thing is impossible, and that's the most difficult bit of induction, breaking the cycle of addiction (or habit - I ate potatoes with a meal because that's what you were supposed to do) to various foodstuffs, then cut certain things out on a weekly basis. One week do without spuds, then take away pasta, then bread, until you have reached the level you want to be at.

I did away with Induction and went straight to Maintenance stage 1, where I've lost a stone or more and feel a darn sight better.

Take it easy at first, make sure you eat enough to feel satisfied and the rest will follow.

Good luck!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: kendall
Date: 13 May 03 - 08:28 AM

I'm 5 feet 10 inches, my weight is 14 stone, and I'm hypoglycemic, plus I suffer from clinical depression. My triglycerides are high, but cholesterol is normal. I have the appetite of a laborer, and the energy of an old man.Any ideas?

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: catspaw49
Date: 13 May 03 - 08:30 AM

Karen's Mom has a great success with this, but we can't do it. We tried.......Back to WW now.

Maybe it's kinda' genetic or early environmental, but Folks, there ain't no life without linguini !!! I need a "pasta & red gravy" fix at least once a week.....

Cappellini is so fine
And fat Fettucine's good anytime
I love Linguini, early or late
But in a pinch, I'll take old number 8

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 13 May 03 - 09:44 AM

Jeez, Kendall, I thought that I was in bad shape...but it would appear that you're clinically dead! I'd find a very tolerant beautiful 19 year old if I were you.

I'm hangin in with all my stuff guy, hope you are too.

Cheers

Rick

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: MMario
Date: 13 May 03 - 09:46 AM

'spaw I just have my sauce over veggies these days.

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Alice
Date: 13 May 03 - 11:14 AM

mary garvey told me about Stevia a few months ago. It's a sweet herb from South America, no carbohydrates, no calories. You can find it as a liquid or powder in health food stores or online. It's sweetness is concentrated. The tiniest amount of powder on the end of a chopstick is sweeter than spoonfuls of sugar.

Here is something you might enjoy:

--------------------

In the beginning, God created the Earth and populated it
with broccoli and cauliflower, spinach, green, yellow and red vegetables off all kinds, so man and woman would live long and healthy lives.

Then using God's great gifts, Satan created Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream and Krispy Cream Donuts.

And Satan said, "You want chocolate with that?" And man said "Yea," and
woman said, "and another one with sprinkles."

And they gained 10 pounds.

And God created the healthy yogurt that woman might keep the figure that man found so fair.

And Satan brought forth white flour from the wheat, and sugar from the
cane and combined them.

And woman went from size 6 to size 14.

So God said, "Try my fresh green salad."

And Satan presented Thousand-Island Dressing and garlic toast on the side.

And man and woman unfastened their belts following the repast.

God then said, "I have sent you heart healthy vegetables and olive oil
in which to cook them."

And Satan brought forth deep fried fish and chicken-fried steak so big
it needed its own platter.

And man gained more weight and his cholesterol went through the roof.

God then brought running shoes so that his children might lose those
extra pounds.

And Satan gave cable TV with a remote control so man would not have to
get up to change the channels.

And man and woman laughed and cried before the flickering TV light and
gained pounds.

Then God brought forth the potato, naturally low in fat and brimming
with nutrition.

And Satan peeled off the healthful skin and sliced the starchy center
into chips and deep-fried them.

And man gained pounds.

God then gave lean beef so that man might consume fewer calories and
still satisfy his appetite.

And Satan created McDonald's and its 99-cent double cheeseburger. Then
he said, "You want fries with that?"

And man replied, "Yea! and super size'em."

And Satan said "It is good." And man went into cardiac arrest.

God sighed and created quadruple bypass surgery.

Then Satan created HMOs.

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Alice
Date: 13 May 03 - 11:15 AM

"Its sweetness" not it's. sorry

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: catspaw49
Date: 13 May 03 - 11:18 AM

LMAO....that's beautiful Alice!!!

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: GUEST,barrel
Date: 13 May 03 - 11:48 AM

Kendall - I used to be 5ft 2 and 16.5 stone (ain't telling the current tally though). Comparatively, you are positively sylph-like!

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Peg
Date: 13 May 03 - 12:45 PM

Kendall;
I find that aspartame (which I never ingest voluntarily if I can help it but sometimes it's hidden in stuff) makes my low blood sugar go really whacko. I'd avoid it if I were you and stick to honey or other real sweeteners...better the calories than whatever evil may yet lurk in that horrible artificial sweetener...

My brother has depression and has Type 1 diabetes too. He is very careful with his diet and tries to stay active. He is quite thin and quit smoking recently. He does better when he eats more protein, especially at breakfast (eggs etc. as opposed to cereal or toast).

I am hypoglycemic too and with three members of my family having Type 1 diabetes I am kinda scared; mom and bro were both diagnosed at age 35, rather unusual for the type of "juvenile" diabetes they have...his daughter was diagnosed at age 11 a year before he was...

Nuts help; and some of them are heart-healthy, like almonds. Just stick to raw ones and not roasted. Raw almonds and pecans are yummy and just a few of them satisfies hunger and keeps the blood sugar level.

I gave up coffee recently and that helped my blood sugar a lot too! I have gone back to drinking it once in a while after 4 months with none at all...tea (black and green) doesn't cause the "spike and crash" of my blood sugar as dramaticaly as coffee does...

I do wanna try this Atkins thing...would love to lose 20 pounds or so. But I like fresh fruit and it's not really allowed.

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 13 May 03 - 01:29 PM

I keep marvelling at just how heavy 76 pounds actually is. Carrying that around must be murder. Dropping it must seem like heaven. Way to go Gal!

Rick

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 May 03 - 01:56 PM

Pumpkin seeds are very good nutrition-wise, too.

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Grab
Date: 13 May 03 - 02:25 PM

Not really a dieter myself - my preferred weight control method is exercise to balance intake vs consumption - but I take an interest in health stuff. My main sacrifice to a sedentary job has been potatoes - I eat more of other fresh/frozen veg instead, so my carb intake is lower. I'm still trying to give up peanut butter to cut my fat intake, but it's too damn nice! ;-)

Musicmic, any weight loss like that will be almost entirely water. Change your diet radically, and your body goes into prepare-for-the-worst mode. That's the problem with "crash" diets, they look impressive temporarily but you've not actually made a long-term impact on the problem, and 90% of crash dieters (I do not make this statistic up) do not keep the improvements they've made.

Graham.

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: kendall
Date: 13 May 03 - 03:25 PM

I told some folks in the mudchat that food has replaced sex in my life, that I can't even get into my OWN pants now. Their reply was, "That's sad"! Am I wrong in thinking that is funny?

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 13 May 03 - 03:29 PM

I like the joke about the husband and wife who die in a car wreck, go to heaven, and view all the wonderful things to do and foods to eat. (expand here...golfing, music, nature scenes, banquets) And they can eat anything and everything without gaining weight. The man becomes furious and tells his wife, "If it weren't for you and your damn bran muffins, I could have been here ten years ago!"

I personally don't like the Atkins diet because I crave fruits and sweets. I can do better on Weight Watchers. Hubby did the Atkins, but tried to stay in ketosis and could only eat meat, cheese and eggs.

An 82-year-old friend lost ~80 pounds in a year and a half. He cut out white bread, ate a variety of veggies, and exercised.