Confused and freaking out a bit...

[evil_genius81]

OK - so there was me all proud of my weight loss and successful induction.... then my friend comes over looking like she's shed about a stone!! I was shocked and asked her what she's been doing... I only saw her about a month ago when she was heavier!

She told me she has been doing slimming world... I told her I was doing Atkins.

She went into this huge long rant about how Atkins is bad for you, theres too much fat involved, it gives you heart disease and high blood pressure, cholestorol problems etc.

She's trying to get me to go on slimming world with her, which means I can have carbs and protein. but just not together...

I'm a bit scared after all the horror stories she told me about Atkins (including a few peopple dying from it )

Any thoughts!? I'm tempted to try slimming worls, but am scared the weight will pile back on if I do...

Aaargh! Confused...

And freaking out...

[higgies]

That is the common retort of most people who don't understand Atkins. If they spent the time educating themselves, they wouldn't spout out such nonsense. Yes, it might be high fat, but that balances out over time as you start adding food back in. Also, the fats we eat are the good natural fats for the most part.

People haven't died from doing Atkins and typically your health can improve. Since I started this WOL my weight is down, my cholesterol is down over 30 points, I exercise more than ever before, I eat more vegetables, and I hardly eat any processed or frankenfoods. HOw can this be bad??

If you read your DANDR, you'd know all about this...

[evil_genius81]

Nope, not finished reading it yet actually...

Well since hearing what my friend had to say I checked out BBC news...

There have been a couple of deaths in relation to this WOE reported in the news here in Britain ...here's one, a sixteen year old - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programme...st/3162549.stm

And also....

Conception http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3845791.stm
Heart Op http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3753581.stm

Really not sure what I'm gonna do now... will have a think about it. My weight loss seems to have stuck at 4lbs since last Friday now anyway... Maybe it doesn't work for everyone?

[SouLThinKing]

Well, you really have to make the choice yourself. All in all any diet can be bad for you if you do it the wrong way. The people that do atkins by eating a package of bacon each morning and no good carbs at all are bound to get sick or fail. I mean common sense has to factor in here at some point. If you do read the book and look carefully at the meal plans Dr. Atkins talked about they are very healthy and they also talk about portion management when it comes to meat and fat. I mean this is a very healthy way to eat and actually is very similar to the Diabetics diet. People hear Atkins and they rant. But if you say low carb or South beach they go ok. ...its the name they are afraid of..
Good Luck and if you have questions talk to your Dr. But don't say Atkins..say low carb and explain whats aloud on the plan..My Dr was all for it.
I know quiet a few ppl that this woe saved their life. I am one of them
God Bless

[evil_genius81]

Thanks Soul,

I'll probably have a chat with my doc as you suggested, I was already thinking about that as I have an appointment coming up. I think it will reassure me! I've seen so many people on here with amazing results that I know the diet actualyl works when it comes to shedding excess weight... its just long term health factors I worry about now!

Thanks again

[sadie147]

I'm in maintainece, I eat meats , lots of vegetables, fruits, grains (just finished a bowl of oatmeal as a matter of fact) , high fibre breads, soy, healthy nuts (walnuts and almonds).

I would like to know what it is your friend is eating on her plan that is so much more healthier than what you see above?

I looked at those articles you posted above, I particulariliy like that the guy suing atkins for clogging his arteries is backed by a well known VEGAN group .

All of those articles point to Atkins as a high protein diet, above 30% protein. If you read the book you will see that atkins is NOT a high protein diet.

Go into the before and after pictures on this site, read some of the success stories, do a search on 'cholesterol' and see what types of REAL LIFE information and stories you get back.

[evil_genius81]

OK, I seem to be receiving a bit of bad attitude here just for asking questions. I'm not going to follow any diet blindly until I've looked into it first! Sorry!!

I've already told you the diet my friend is on Slimming world, which as I understand it is basically, low fat, 0 sugar, lots of fresh fruit and veg every day but you have RED days abd GREEN days.

On RED you can eat all the meat and fish you like with all veg and fruit too, very limited carbs, 0 added fat and sugar.

On GREEN you can have all the carbs you like (except too much bread but you can have anything in moderation if you factor it into your allowed points per day), all veg and fruit, limited fat and 0 sugar.

She has just told me (was just on phone to her about this) that she has dropped 13lbs in three weeks and found Atkins too hard as she enjoys carbs. Her first two weeks were GREEN days! All the pasta and potatoes, fruit and veg she wanted.

Seems healthy to me?

[Richt]

Different diets suit different people Sammy. A lot of people don't understand the science behind Atkins which is why it gets such a bad press.

I guess what I am trying to say is don't believe all of the hype that you read. Pick up a copy of DANDR and make your own decision.

[sadie147]

I'm sorry if you took my post wrong, I did not at all mean it to sound harsh.

[higgies]

This is your decision. Like any decision, educate yourself and find the right plan for you. Some people don't want to do Atkins or some other low carb diet as they like their carbs too much. Some people don't like low fat, because they like their fats too much. For me, this diet is perfect as it allows me to continue eating things I like to eat and requires me to exercise. Following the plan gives me the motivation and makes me feel responsible in adhering to something.

Talk to your doc, read up on different plans, and find the one that's right for you. Don't let someone bully you away from Atkins when they're not fully educated on it. Perhaps this isn't for you. It's ok...