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.

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: MMario
Date: 13 May 03 - 03:34 PM

Kendall - the problem is they were probably taking you at your word! *grin*

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: kendall
Date: 13 May 03 - 05:19 PM

Everyone knows I lie like hell! How do people with no sense of humor survive in this world?

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Raedwulf
Date: 13 May 03 - 05:28 PM

Cholesterol - it's a myth! There is serious doubt as to whether there is any reliable evidence connecting cholesterol with Coronary Heart Disease (which is supposed to be the major problem it causes). Study after study has shown that low Chol. diets have no impact on blood chol. levels, for a start.

Sugar/sweeteners - Sugar is an addiction. Sweeteners are a bad mask. All you addicts would do far better to wean yourself off. You may not be taking on the calories, but you'er still feeding your appetite the wrong signals & confusing it.

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 13 May 03 - 06:40 PM

No Kendall....you were wrong in thinking that someone else would know you were joking. Try the 'grin icon'.

Cheers

Rick

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: kendall
Date: 13 May 03 - 07:18 PM

I tell them, I don't explain them.

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: kendall
Date: 13 May 03 - 07:24 PM

Have you ever tried oatmeal without a sweetner? YUK!!

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Helen
Date: 13 May 03 - 07:24 PM

Peg,

You can eat fruits and vegetables in the Atkins diet. It's worth reading through the four phases on his website (blue clicky in one of my postings above). The induction phase is the strictest but only lasts 14 days. There is a list of acceptable vegetables and salad veges for the induction phase, and it is fairly broad, but after that phase you can introduce more veges and some fruits.

Kendall, the Atkins diet specifically works on the hypoglaecemic problem, so it might be worth checking it out.

It's really important to get your blood tests and other medical checks done, though, and find a doctor who is willing to keep an open mind about this diet.

Helen

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: kendall
Date: 13 May 03 - 09:36 PM

That let's mine out. He had two assistants named Burke and Hare. Strictly Old School.

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: mg
Date: 13 May 03 - 11:59 PM

read what people have to say about triglycerides forming if you have the combination of excess carbohydates (as in sugars and starches, not green vegetables..) and excess insulin. I am not a biochemist but perhaps one could check in. Or do a google search under triglycerides and insulin. Read up about insulin levels being a predictor, the best or tied with the best, of heart trouble. Why isn't insulin routinely tested? This information is out there..a lot of research has been done by the former chair of endocrinology at Stanford University..that should be good enough credentials for various skeptics. mg

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: JennyO
Date: 14 May 03 - 09:35 AM

I thought what Kendall said was funny, but then that's just me.

A few years ago I went on a low carb diet, and it was the most successful one for me and the easiest. Unfortunately I fell off the wagon, and really need to do something again.

About this Stevia, I had never heard of it. Anyone know if you can get it in Australia?

Jenny

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: MMario
Date: 14 May 03 - 09:51 AM

Jenny - a real quick google shows that it is offered by 'Pure Foods Australia'

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: kendall
Date: 14 May 03 - 10:22 AM

I found Stenda in my regular grocery store

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: JennyO
Date: 14 May 03 - 11:17 AM

Well Pure Foods Australia has a website under construction, and is not in the Sydney phonebook, but I have found a couple of leads, including a specific place in Sydney that I can get Stevia, but it is not very close, and I have also found a place where I might be able to get seeds and grow it myself! Sounds like a really good herb!

I think I'll check out the local health food shops, too.

Jenny

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 14 May 03 - 01:58 PM

Don't push it Kendall, that last one wasn't funny at all!

Rick

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: kendall
Date: 14 May 03 - 04:25 PM

Which one Rick? about Burke and Hare? I doubt more than 10% would even get it! You did, right?

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: MMario
Date: 14 May 03 - 04:27 PM

probably a higher percentage of those on *this* forum....

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: GUEST,pdc
Date: 14 May 03 - 10:33 PM

Katlaughing, you've mentioned kidneys in connection with the Atkins diet a couple of times on this thread. Can you give further information?

Thanks.

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: SINSULL
Date: 14 May 03 - 10:34 PM

I love plain oatmeal with just a touch of salt. Sweetening oatmeal is like sweetening coffee - gross.

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 May 03 - 11:27 PM

pdc, it is believed that a person who may have less than optimum kidney function could be more at risk from the higher protein intake
than those with normal function.

I have NOT seen any definitive studies though, SO, what I really am saying is be aware and please keep an eye on your kidney functions, with the aid of your doctor. From my own experience, I don't think Atkins is at all bad, I just think folks need to be aware.

Thanks,

kat

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: GUEST,pdc
Date: 15 May 03 - 12:29 AM

Thanks, katlaughing.

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 15 May 03 - 05:38 AM

This means talking crap - I'm good at that..... read on!

The main troubles for kidneys: With the recommended amounts of water you're supposed to drink, they start to work harder, flushing stuff out. Combined with the 'cold turkey' at the beginning, this means a lot of toxins go with it. It is VITAL that you keep drinking copious amounts of water during Induction - that will help get the toxins out quicker. This is probably the most likely stage for any problems to be highlighted.

Many people find this diet quite constipating at first(see, told you it was crap talk!) so again, drink the water. If desperate, ease the situation with the branmeal drink mix recommended in the book or with your prefered laxative, as long as it keeps within the carbohydrate levels suggested. Vary the things you eat, add some greens, olives or more nuts rather than just give up, the kidneys usually sort themselves out after a few days. If they don't sort after 3-5 days, consult your doctor.

Once you're past induction and your body has got used to the change in proteins it has to process, you may find the opposite happening. Again, keep drinking water so that you don't dehydrate.

The trick is to find the balance between what you eat so that you don't experience the worst ravages, but end up with a nice, gentle, predictable experience. This is one of the problems with using sweeteners. Atkins has an almost pathalogical fear of sweeteners containing aspartame, recommending saccharin above all others, but there are many people who experience severe stomach upsets with saccharin. Many don't link the two, thinking that it has to be some dodgy meat or an off oeuf. Experiment and see which food does it for you, and then try to limit or remove that item that's all I can say. If it continues for 3-5 days, consult your doctor.

And talking of oeufs, it is simply not true that eating eggs every day will cause the first problem (eggs again, I'll be bound).

If you keep drinking the water, try to identify any 'trigger' food that causes the second problem and vary your allowed foods, you should be OK. Should any problem continue for more than 3-5 days or become acute, consult a doctor. Any blood in any 'by-product' should be investigated immediately.

It has to be said that kidney function is the one major stumbling block that most other Drs have with Atkins - but as has been said above, the long term benefits such as weight loss, regulated blood sugar and good cholesterol far outweigh the short term discomforts. Keep consulting with your doctor, investigate any changes and you will be fine. Good luck!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 May 03 - 07:14 AM

pdc, you're welcome. Thank you.

Sorry, LtS, but I don't think that is the only definitive picure re the kidneys. In my case water was all I ever drank, before, during and after Atkins, and always in copious amounts, still do with my doc's blessing, and the problem with my kidneys didn't come about until about six months into Atkins.

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Helen
Date: 15 May 03 - 07:44 AM

About cholesterol: has anyone here or that you know of tried the phytoesterol based margarines which are supposed to lowe the "bad" cholesterol levels?

Hubby and I have started using it about a month ago. At this stage neither of us has had a subsequent cholesterol test to compare with the levels we had before we started, but I looked it up on the 'Net and there seems to be some good results from using this margarine.

In Oz the two brands are Pro-Activ and Logi-Chol.

Helen

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 15 May 03 - 10:09 AM

Kat my dear, everyone is different, which is why the book says to consult your doctor frequently. Everyone's kidneys do things at different rates, it's an ongoing process, working out what is good for them and what isn't. I'm just passing on the advice I was given by my cardiac care specialist when I asked him about this particular system. Turns out he started off with kidneys & livers and worked upwards (more money in hearts).

Going to teach granny about sucking eggs now.... : )

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Raedwulf
Date: 15 May 03 - 04:37 PM

Helen - You *cannot* lower blood cholesterol levels except by using drugs. Your body will manufacture cholestrol to make up any deficiency in your diet. Chol. is an essential building block in cell walls. It is also a building block for Vitamin D3, various hormones, & bile acids. In all probability, less than 20% of your chol. needs are supplied by what you eat. The rest is manufactured by your body, which will make up any shortfall (if it can).

US studies have shown that heart disease worsened in those that switch from butter to polyunsat. margarine. Butter has a two line list of ingredients (cream & salt), a typical margarine runs to over 20. They're not natural ingredients, & they're not 'naturally' treated, for the most part either!

Polyun. fats are linked to an increase in cancer. Low blood chol. is linked not only to a greater risk of cancer, but also to a greater risk of strokes, & to greater child mortality & incidence of Alzheimer's.

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: GUEST,Helen at work
Date: 15 May 03 - 08:54 PM

Raedwulf,

This is just one website talking about plant sterols (I said phytoesterols before, but that was the wrong name).

http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2000/000418.htm
"New USDA Study Shows Plant Sterols Lower Cholesterol

By Jim De Quattro

April 18, 2000

"WASHINGTON, Apr. 18--People who already eat a low-fat diet to reduce cholesterol might lower it more by consuming a soybean extract with high levels of substances called plant sterols, according to preliminary new research, Agricultural Research Service Administrator Floyd P. Horn said today. Volunteers in the research study ate the soybean sterols as an ingredient in low- and reduced-fat salad dressings.

"The research is preliminary but offers new evidence that soybean and other plant extracts containing sterols can increase the cholesterol-lowering benefits of a healthy low-fat diet," said Horn. "People who want to reduce their cholesterol through diet may see better results by including low-fat foods having added sterols as part of their low-fat diet."

More on the site

The "margarine" I am talking about is specifically formulated with plant sterols as an added weapon in the armoury against high cholesterol, to be used in conjuction with healthier diet and drugs, if required.

Helen

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 May 03 - 09:50 PM

LtS, of course each person may be different. As you say, I am just passing on info I've gotten from my docs and from my own experience, FWIW.

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Ed.
Date: 08 Jun 03 - 05:45 PM

Thankfully, I don't (for now) need to diet.

Someone close to me is considering the Carbohydrate Addict diet.

It strikes me as a lot easier than Atkins, and I'd be able to (though I don't need to) follow it with ease. Whether my friend can is a different question.

I'd like to offer support, and the book gives recipies for low carb bread etc.

Are these easy to make, or more importantly nice to eat?

Any thoughts welcome

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Helen
Date: 08 Jun 03 - 07:11 PM

Well, I've been on the Atkins diet since 13th May, and so far I have lost about 6 lbs, which for me is pretty amazing because once I put the weight on it's usually there to stay, and to make it worse my hypothyroid levels are up so my metabolism is very slow. When the thyroid tablets kick in I can lose weight faster, so at the moment I am very pleased with the results so far.

I'll check out Ed's link to the Carbohydrate Addicts diet. I am finding the Atkins very easy to stick to, even the 14 day induction at the beginning, because I am never hungry, and I am not missing bread, potatoes, pasta or rice very much at all. I have progressed to the second stage now, so there is more variety, too.

Helen

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: mg
Date: 08 Jun 03 - 08:53 PM

check out coconut oil for hypothyroidism...I am on a coconut list and many people use it to reverse the thyroid problems. I know I have very very exhausted adrenal glands, which can mimic or produce thyroid problems. "They" say to take your tempurature several times a day and chart it, including when you first get up. Patterns supposedly indicate whether your problem is more thyroid or adrenal. Read up on soy research...supposedly not recommend for people with thyroid problems...but read for your selves and decide for yourselves with the best medical advice you can find...mg

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Helen
Date: 09 Jun 03 - 12:19 AM

Thanks for the info, Mary.

Helen

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: GUEST,irishajo
Date: 09 Jun 03 - 07:40 AM

Ed, I tried the Carb Addict's diet a few years ago. I certainly did not succeed...but I'm stubborn that way. Hopefully your friend will have better luck.

There were some bread recipes in the back of the book that were very easy to make...seemed mostly to consist of cottage cheese and eggs. They didn't taste good to me, though. One thing I did make that wasn't bad was a cheese flan.

Didn't last long enough on the diet to try anything else...

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Jun 03 - 11:44 AM

Does the carb-addict's diet rely heavily on protein? Also, how is the fat content in it, if anyone knows?

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: GUEST,irishajo
Date: 09 Jun 03 - 12:00 PM

If I remember correctly, katlaughing, there really wasn't an emphasis on what you should eat, just what you shouldn't. Eat anything you want except carbs. One hour of the day you can eat any carbs you want. There was an emphasis on fake sugars, which I hate. Theoretically once you overcome the carb addiction your appetite should naturally gravitate toward healthier foods. I could be misremembering the details though, it's been a long time.

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

Thanks, irishajo...I think I am looking for the impossible, lo-fat,lo-carb, lo-protein, lo-salt, lo-natural and no artifical sugars!:-) Not much left that I can figure.

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 09 Jun 03 - 05:09 PM

that would be an organic lettuce then....!! *BG*

I'm down by 18lbs now since March and feeling a great deal better all round.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Jul 03 - 05:57 PM

Having gotten the okay for more protein than I was doing from the specialist who recommended the book "A week in the Zone," I just thought I'd tell you all that I think I've found a happy balance between the carbs-protein-fat thing which works for me and I feel better about it than doing Atkins, mainly because this guy emphasises low-fat protein, monounsaturated fats and "good" carbs.

Basically, it's getting the ratio of the three right for each meal and he makes it really simple. If you look at this page it explains the "eyeball" method of figuring out the right amounts. AND, there are LOTS of good things for vegetarians to use. That official website has searchable recipes, cookbooks, etc.

The best thing about it is that I've lost 3.5-4 lbs in the past two weeks and I've been eating the foods that I really love. It has been really easy!

He apparently has several books out about it, but it looks to me as though the website does a good job of giving the basics, then adding more if you are interested. The book that I did use, named above, does start you out on a lower ratio: each meal consisting of 10 grams good fat, 20g. low-fat protein, and 30g+ good carbs, but I've been using the eyeball method, so haven't stuck to those on a strict basis anyway and it's still works.

Anyway, FWIW...

thanks,

kat

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 17 Jul 03 - 06:11 PM

Good for you!!!

I'm down by a stone and a half (21lbs approx) and still feeling good although the step to the wagon has become a little slippery recently.

Only another 7-10 lbs to go before the target weight and 5 weeks to do it in.

Kat, I'm glad you've found something you can work with.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Jul 03 - 06:13 PM

Thanks and congratulations, LtS! step to the wagon?

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 17 Jul 03 - 07:59 PM

Just got a message from my "relative' (she still doesn't know this thread is here)
She's at 98 lbs now. Despite a couple of slip ups (Atkins is very forgiving) she's now lost a whole person in less than a year.

Rick

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Jul 03 - 11:32 PM

Wow, Rick, that is wonderful!!

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 18 Jul 03 - 03:25 PM

If I give her a name can she lose a person for me too?

Seriously, that's got to be good - but you don't tell us how she's feeling, any chance of a status report?

Step to the wagon - presumably all wagons have steps to get on them with, just so happens that the one I was stepping up got a little slippery, that's all.... Just a little bit... sort of thing that could happen to any chocolate obsessed person....

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 19 Jul 03 - 03:25 AM

Although having said that about being chocolate obsessed - I've lost a whole 7 inches from my arse, so whoever started that thread about me having a fat arse? - it ain't so fat now matey!!!

I still retain my hourglass figure, just there's a little less sand in the bottom than there was!

I don't care - I've never shed so much weight and felt so good doing it. I've also never seriously stuck to an eating regime like I have this one, so eating bacon, strawberries and cream, steaks, chicken breasts and asparagus is no bad thing for me.

My target of 28lbs is only 7lbs away.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 19 Jul 03 - 10:56 AM

Hi Liz. It's McKnees, Heather's (Duckboots) Glasgow Constabule sister, and I hope I ain't in trouble....but she seems so pleased when I talk to her on the phone. She's tried everything in the universe, and was despondent when she was here a few months ago. This Atkins thing has fit like a glove and she seems sooooo happy.....nine months, almost a hundred pounds seems pretty good to me. It's for life she says and not hard to stay on.

I'm very proud of her.

Rick

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Helen
Date: 19 Jul 03 - 09:07 PM

I slipped on those wagon steps 3 weeks ago when I went on hols, but I am back on it now. I did lose 7 lbs in the few weeks I was seriously on the Atkins diet, which is no mean feat for me, because over the last couple of decades once the weight was on it was on for life, or so it seemed.

The food choices suit me as well. I'm happy with higher protein than lots of white carbohydrates - rice, flour, pasta, bread, spuds - but I do miss spuds a bit. And I never gave up chocolate - never have, never will, although I prefer the dark bitter chocolate to the sugary dairy-milk stuff anyway, so I thought I was still within the guidelines (grin).

Helen

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: GUEST,pdc
Date: 19 Jul 03 - 10:50 PM

I've been on Atkins for about 3 months now -- 17 pounds gone, and another 8 to go. This note is to thank Katlaughing for the warning about kidneys -- I have chronic kidneystone attacks (no fun), and on the third week of induction, noticed the familiar twinge that I get when things are starting to go wrong. Checked with my doctor, he put me into the second stage of Atkins (the one that follows Induction), and although my weight loss slowed a bit, it continued, and the kidney problem stopped completely.

So yay. Let's all say it together:

Less is more!!

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 20 Jul 03 - 01:16 PM

Now if I can only work out which bit of the breakfast I get at work is upsetting my tum, I'll be happy - and so will my manager!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Jul 03 - 01:35 PM

Glad to hear it, pdc, thanks!

LtS, I wouldn't want to bank on healthy arteries with all of that fat, losing weight or not.:-)

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 20 Jul 03 - 06:25 PM

Kat - my fat intake is actually quite low. I don't eat cheese very often, I cut all the fat off my meat (except bacon where it's burnt to buggery anyway) and my cholesterol levels have never been a problem.

My symptoms of the other problem I have with my heart have decreased significantly over the last 4-5 months too.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Jul 03 - 11:13 PM

That's good, LtS!

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Gypsy
Date: 20 Jul 03 - 11:54 PM

At a loss of 25 lbs now, and thinking about another 10. Mebbe. Sure was nice to put on that bodice for Stafford Faire, and be able to breathe. A note on triglycerides..........friend went on diet and the before was was something like 400....scary. Three weeks into it, was at 60. Doctor wants to know what kind of miracle occurred.

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: GUEST,Boab D
Date: 21 Jul 03 - 09:33 AM

Well done.

Just a wee or a big note on the subject though
My Fiancee has just lost 6 stone in 126 days on the Lighter life Diet. This is a diet that says well you can have these three shakes and thats all you are allowed to have. With a minumum of four litres of water per day. This was the bain of my life for the first two months when I couldn't even eat in the same room as her with out her biting my heead off. This however has eased and she now cooks some things for me which is nice. The plan has to be approved by her doctor and it means getting check ups once a month for BP pulse and all the usuall stuff. So I am really proud of her for it.
    Not that I'm really keen on the diet its self as it puts your body in to a state of ketosis and thats bad but hy the doctors are happy with it so let her get on with it. Her brother Father and her have lost a family fortune total of
14 stone between the three of them in 4 months. No side effects apart from that feeling of starvation which apparently eases after the first 2 months. I have never had to worry about diet thankfully and I can appreciate how hard it can be on the individual. so keep up the good work and well done.
Dylan

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 21 Jul 03 - 12:24 PM

Always nice to shed a little light on the darkness:

Excerpt from: Sandy Stewart author of The Truth About Obesity," a series on http://www.techcentrlstation.com

"…in repeated clinical studies researchers have found no meaningful difference in how many calories or the types of foods fat people ear compared with thinner people. That's counterintuitive, but true."

"The Healthy Easting Index – the report card on how American eat, compiled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture - found in 1998 that hose with ideal Hollywood figures at a similar number of calories as those considered obese."

"In fact, multiple studies have found that women who dutifully watch what they eat and are dainty eaters, or who diet, actually weigh more than those who don't restrict their food intake. In a 1990 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, women controlling their eating had slowed their metabolisms down to where they were eating 620 fewer calories a day than their more slender but unrestrained eating friends."

"The adage "diets don't work" is more accurately "diets make you fatter." The overwhelming body of scientific research has shown with striking consistency that less than 3% of weight loss is maintained over the long term."

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: TheBigPinkLad
Date: 21 Jul 03 - 12:53 PM

GUESTBoab D:

the diet its self as it puts your body in to a state of ketosis and thats bad

Why is that bad?

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Jul 03 - 12:51 AM

Big PINK One

My mother, a diabetic, was in a state of ketosis before she slipped into a six month coma, end in death. The acyaon coming off her unconcious breath convinced the paramedics that the problem was alcoholism.

Ketosis is NOT a normal state for a fully functioning human body.

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 22 Jul 03 - 02:09 AM

Ketosis is bad if it is not carefully controlled. It also gives a peculiar odour to the breath, which although not as unpleasant as the bacteria caused 'bad breath', is still not nice. Sometimes, as with diabetes sufferers, ketosis rampages out of control.

Sometimes with the Atkins method, there is an odour present that is caused by fungal overgrowths. The normal flora in the gut are disrupted and the one that causes thrush can get out of hand. If the ketosis is carefully managed, it should not be a problem. It does state quite clearly in the book, more than once, and sometimes more than once a chapter, that you must keep checking with your GP if you already suffer from chronic illnesses, like diabetes, asthma, heart conditions etc.

Whilst losing excess weight has to be good in the short term, it's easy to get carried away and continue with Induction (although it is safe for most people to do so for a little longer) much longer than advised. When you see pounds melting away with little or no effort, no weighing or counting calories, no crispbreads or tasteless protein drinks, then it is very very easy to slip into overkill.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: GUEST,Boab D
Date: 22 Jul 03 - 04:36 AM

Hello again well for me in my opinion ketosis no matter what is a state of which the body should not ever be in unless you suffer from diabetis. It can have adverse effects on the liver as well as the kidneys with enough toxic waste floating around to damage both these organs. Ketosis can also cause fatigue and from first hand experience I can say it does, constapation well thats another factor that comes into it as well as my fiancee is lucky if she goes once a week. Side effects that she has had is obviously irritibility and I mean very irritable shouting and swearing, headaches general malaise absence of libido (I really didnt like that one), and an overwhelming urge to pass fluids all the time.
         The body is not used to and should never be used to living like this. For me it's just one of the things that go with having a fiancee and it has done her really good she looks great and maybe a little better than before but she is still thelassie that I fell in love with no matter what her size shape of appearance.
Dylan

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Jul 03 - 09:12 AM

High levels of ketones with acidity in the blood is called ketoacidosis. The excess acidity in the blood is dangerous to the whole body. . The body can control blood acidity up to a point, but too much acid overcomes this and the acidity rises. The result is vomiting, loss of water and minerals (sodium and potassium) and a major biochemical upset in the body. Ketoacidosis is a medical emergency needing urgent hospital treatment.

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: GUEST,eliza C
Date: 22 Jul 03 - 09:56 AM

hello,
The Waterson:Carthy family together have so far lost a combined 4 and a half stone on the Atkins diet, and still going strong!
Feels great. I am totally convinced of its safety too, otherwise we wouldn't have tried it. It is the only thing that has ever worked for me and it's the light at the end of a 5-year tunnel, steroids being the main cause of weight gain. My Dad says his singing voice has lost all of its uncomfortable problems as well, and he feels like he could sing anything. Wonder what that is down to? Apart from having twenty less pounds for his lungs to fight off with each breath...?
That man should be enjoying Heaven right now if there is any justice in the world! God Bless him!

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: TheBigPinkLad
Date: 22 Jul 03 - 02:34 PM

I thought the whole basis of the Atkins diet was to get the body into a state of ketosis -- during which period the body uses proteins rather than carbohydrates which cause the insulin imbalance that sets the whole weight-gain rollercoaster going. I've read lots of comments about how this and that aspect of the diet is 'bad' but I respect the science behind the Doctor's thinking. And, as they say, the proof is in the pudding. I'm doing OK on this diet, although it may not be for some.

Guest eliza c ... I thought my voice had deteriorated because of my age (I'm staring at 50!) but my wife (choral teacher) says it's more to do with being overweight, so your Dad can look forward to further improvements! Anyway, good luck to all those who share the struggle.

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Jul 03 - 02:44 PM

ketoacidosis and ketosis are two radically different states. (Though many people confuse them) KETOSIS is the process of using fat rather then carbohydrates for energy production.

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 22 Jul 03 - 04:34 PM

Eliza - thought you looked better on your latest album cover, good for you!

If you think about it, as human animals we were designed to eat and use effectively, meat, nuts, seeds, leaves, roots and fruits. It's only the last 2-3 millenia that we have started to process our foods, and so far our evolution hasn't caught up with it. Atkins takes you right back to the caveman diet, with the odd 'modern' additive like cheese, a diet where we used our energy but didn't have so much to store. What we store now is so much sugar that we never had, the processed grains that would have passed through our systems practically undigested (seen sweetcorn?).

I would suggest that that is one of the reasons I've had so much more energy this year, and why I've even contemplated walking to the station instead of taking the bus! I've even taken up serious singing again and stunned myself that after a year doing nothing, can still reach my normal range with room to spare at each end. I'd go so far as to say that Atkins is a singers' diet!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: GUEST,eliza C
Date: 22 Jul 03 - 06:10 PM

So many of my male friends that have done it have looked incredible after only a short time on it. Wonder why it works better for men? Is it that women are just supposed to store fat or what?

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: MMario
Date: 22 Jul 03 - 09:33 PM

well - Ilost 10 inches off my waist in the first year - things have been very slow since then - but heck, took me forty years to put it all on - why should it come off quickly?

But I can say that with low-carb I've kept the weight off - and *THAT* alone would be worth it - but in addition I don't get cravings, and I don't feel hungry.

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Gypsy
Date: 22 Jul 03 - 11:16 PM

it IS slower for women...........men, as a rule, have higher metabolisms that help them to lose weight faster. And if you are middle aged (like me) it will be even slower. But worth it. I love having energy again, and not feeling like someone beat me in my sleep. And i love not constantly having to eat. Not the diet for everyone (including the handsome mando player in my life) but it sure works for me.

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: MAG
Date: 22 Jul 03 - 11:48 PM

I tried it for a week and lost 4 pounds. This was a great mental lift for me; I'm really tired of being fat.

then I saw my doctor yesterday and she said absolutely not; this diet has way too much protein for a diabetic; can cause kidney damage.

I really didn't think I was increasing the protein taht much, just cutting out all the crap I'm not supposed to eat anyway.

I read the diet website stuff and it made a lot of sense to me; I've been hypoglycemic all my life and without the crap my blood sugars are a lot more even.

I'm in a quandary now. My friend Jory is doing great on this diet, and a fellow at work has lost a hundred pounds.

If I drink all the water religiously I may keep on it, modified.

summer where I live is not the time to give up fruit. It is a fruit lover's paradise: strawberries, blueberries, peaches ... especially peaches. The one not on the diet. (sigh.)

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: GUEST,pdc
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 01:25 AM

Mag said:

then I saw my doctor yesterday and she said absolutely not; this diet has way too much protein for a diabetic; can cause kidney damage.


My friend is on Atkins' for weight loss. She works; her husband is retired, and he agreed to cook Atkins meals. She has been losing steadily, and her energy level is up. But what is more amazing -- the retired husband is diabetic (adult onset), and in the first month of Atkins, his sugar level decreased dramatically. They've been on it for four months now, and his sugar level has continued to decrease to the point that his medication has been altered.

I wouldn't tell that story about just one person, as one person's experience is not indicative. But the man I described belongs to a diabetic support group, and most of them have reported the same results.

If I were you, I would check other sources, Mag -- your doctor may be out of date. Yes, you have to watch your kidneys, as I did, but the diabetes results I've heard about here have been all very positive.

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: mg
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 10:48 AM

read Dr. Schwartzbien's books about diabetes...follow her diet if you prefer..it is pretty similar and she is a diabetic doctor.

If there is one source of medical malpractice in the world, it is what doctors, in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary, advice diabetics to eat and not eat. Cut out the refined carbohydrate junk at least, and don't overdo fruits...they are nutritious sugar but still sugar.mg

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: GUEST,Boab D
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 01:04 PM

I noticed that someone else had put in that ketosis and ketoacidosis are two totally different things as I was going to go into one on that and both are bad things to have or to be in a state of.
There was a study done on the BBC about the best diet from the 4 most common ones in the UK cant remember the findings other than for men it was the atkins diet and for ladies I think it was the weight watchers diet. It also showed that it depends on the individual who is on the diet.
Dylan

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 04:16 PM

Went to the specialist, today. Happy to report that THEIR scales, the ones that always say I weigh more than the ones at home, truth be told:-), say I've lost 7lbs! She's happy, I'm happy and I've got the okay to continue with what works for me, finally!

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: TheBigPinkLad
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 04:22 PM

I'm going to see my doc. in half an hour. Hi scale is out of whack too! I'll let you know what transpires ... even if it's not good!

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 04:23 PM

it is impossible to get rid of ANY fat without Ketosis. How then can ketosis be a bad thing? Ketosis *is* the process by which the body turns fat into energy.

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 05:19 PM

Eliza - yes, women are predisposed to storing fat. You can rebuild a population with only one or two men, but you need all the women you can get. If a woman won't last a cold winter, then she's no good for breeding! Sorry, but that's the way it is... we're all really just animals.

Like it says in the song - if you've seen more meat on a greasy spoon, she won't keep you warm, get rid of her soon....

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: SINSULL
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 07:21 PM

Along that line: The survivors of the Donner Party were mostly women and female children - fat is good.

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: GUEST,Boab D
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 09:34 AM

Ketosis may be the a way of burning fat but if you look at your medical dictionary then it states that it is a condition in which ketones are in the body in excessive amounts. This = to many keytones in the blood. This is not normal or healthy in a normal human who does not suffer from a hormonal defficiancy.
When you train and do all your excersises then that is the time when your ketone level will rise an the body will excrete these or reabsorb them, depending on how it is feeling that day.
If you are not training and the body is producing these keytones all the time without the stimulation of excersise then the excretary organs ie the bowels , liver and kidneys will find it difficult to maintian a healthy balance within the systems.
Dylan

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 09:47 AM

I've never heard of Ketosis being used for an excess of ketones in the blood - normally that is ketoacidosis.

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 09:49 AM

needless to say - on Atkins diet or any low-carb diet it is perfectly possible to be 'in Ketosis' - ie: burning fat; while NOT having excessive ketones in the blood.

again - it is a normal process and the ONLY process by which the body burns fat.

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: TheBigPinkLad
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 12:00 PM

Dylan, that stuff in your medical dictionary is exactly what Atkins debunked. Further, he posited that the view held by the American Dietetic Association (remember the dietary pyramid and the food groups?) actually contributed to (if not actually caused) the explosion in obesity between 1970 and now. He made no bones about his methods flying in the face of conventional thinking, so I'm not sure reiterating that view validates it any more now than when it was first challenged.

Still, I agree that it may not be for everyone and might actually cause problems in some. I'm sure that's true of most diets, so as they always say, check with your physician before you begin any diet (and hope s/he's keeping up with current research!)

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: TheBigPinkLad
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 12:06 PM

BTW, I went to my doc. Yesterday and I'm down 20lbs since I started this diet five weeks ago. He took me off altace (blood pressure medication). Yippee, I say!

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 06:02 PM

Yippee indeed!

My BP has remained steady for 4 months now, before it was all over the place. I've not had a dizzy spell for 3 months, I've not fainted for 6. I've been sleeping better (until the hot weather), had more energy and better concentration.

Changing your diet for health reasons is by far the best and should be the only reason to diet.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: 76lbs, Dr. Atkins, congrats
From: GUEST,Boab D
Date: 25 Jul 03 - 02:53 AM

My Fiancee has went from having a high BP of 150/100 to 100/70 so thats good health wise and for her also( her mother has a low bp also). After this trip away working she is going back to a normal diet. And that means that she will have lost about 7 stone 40kg in 5 months which is great as I was saying earlier. And all the benefits far outweigh the cons she is more confident in herself ,can do so much more than she could a few months ago, she now opts to walk rather than drive, she is now out of big clothes and is wearing clothes that show off her figure rather than the having the big hide under black and baggy clothes. I'm sure this will cost a fortune but hey its her happiness and if she's happy then that makes me happy.
I dont have to agree with the physiological effects of the diet that she is on and I cant say that I ever will. But it is working and she's happy what more can I ask for?
I think that it is a good way to loose weight and it is quick also. Great but I dont think that anyone can say with any certainty that it is a totally safe form of weight loss and thats the part that gets me a little jittery.
Dylan

In response to guest 3 up please see previous insert on the difference between ketosis and ketoacidosis.