**A LETTER TO Dr ATKINS**

[Peterlock]

Dear Dr. Atkins,

Hope all is well where you are. Which must be some wonderful place where spirits soar and the physical body is but an irrelevant concept.

I suppose it's what we mortals call the "after life". Well, what ever it is I have little doubt you've already written a best seller about it.

You know many years ago when I first started your diet I lost forty pounds, drifted off course gained it all back plus another thirty to keep it company - hard lesson learned I suppose. But the good news is I've been back with a Fervor since February 22, 2005 - and feel better than I have in years.

Well, not to bore you to tears with my progress but let me just say this, that horrible gastric reflux is gone, as is my chronic insomnia and get this - I exercise three miles a day, every day. The newfound energy and the fact that I quit a twenty-five year three pack a day smoking addiction recently on March 18th to be exact only adds to the benefits of following your guidelines. You were so right you know - the human body is a profound mechanism with an almost uncanny ability to heal itself.

I'm sure you're not surprised by the imitators who are trying to get their piece of the "low carb pie" they all make the same hollow claims ~ and actually they refer to you often, usually as being an "improved version" and My response is always the same:

• ok, where is the thirty plus years of experience you have, where are the decades of research and long term follow up on your followers that Atkins not only had but made available to anyone with the curiosity to find out the facts.

They say imitation is the best form of flattery - so consider yourself flattered because the compliments are flying in and around from everywhere!

I'm sure you get a kick out of seeing the AMA and ADA fret and agonize over the "new food pyramid" we're due to receive - of course it will reflect every assertion you made decade after decade and were laughed at because of it. But it never stopped you, not for a moment. In fact I tend to believe you enjoyed the controversy you caused - you rebel rouser you.

BTW, I just finished your book "Dr Atkins Vita - Nutrient Solution" it was of course, excellent. I always liked your easy conversational style and find this book the perfect companion to DANDR. But more than that, I've learned so much about the vital role supplements can play if we let them, following some of the books suggestions I'm off every anti depressant for five weeks now and feeling geat, much to the amazement of my Physician - thanks for writing it.

About two months ago, I discovered this web site ADBB and owe much of my success to date to the wonderful people here. People who have suffered, people who have had their self esteem whittled away like on old piece of wood under a well guided and razor sharp blade.

But they are healing, they're getting better, healthier, stronger and of course slimmer! In fact all of us who follow Atkins are your living legacy and you are alive and breathing within each and every one of us.

So you see Dr. Atkins you may be gone - but you're still saving lives.
And on that note, I'll just wish you well and thank you once again - for saving mine.

Kindest Regards,

Peter

[tabekat]

Beautifully written Peter - may I 2nd your sentiments. ha

I was in a Fred Meyers today and I asked for flax oil - the clerk gave me a puzzled look, and I said - it might be in a vitamin or "low carb product" aisle. she then said, "oh, low carb...we are getting rid of all the low carb products because they aren't popular anymore..."

i wonder what is up with that? i guess I missed the low carb craze when it was the biggest craze.

Atkins to me is a lifestyle far more profound than a temporary craze, and I'm proud to be following the suggestions Dr Atkins put forth. i'd sure like to have his backbone. not everyone could stand up to the world and stick to his opinion in the face of constant criticism and negative press.

[spazzyhilo]

Very well written Peter! You always have the best posts! I'd like to think that Dr. A has read and approved of your letter

[batanguena75]

Great post, Peter! :yes

Thanks for articulating my gratefulness through your gift of words.

[SKINNYISN'TME]

I was in a Fred Meyers today and I asked for flax oil

Did you find it? I found it where all the other Vit and minerals are....

[future_perfect]

oh peter - that was so touching... it brought tears to my eyes