Hurt

[TheDogAteMyName]

This morning I was at breakfast with a very good friend. She knows I am on Atkins, but I haven't talked at length with her about it. We order...she gets the Fit on the Farm at Bob Evans and I order a three egg omelet. She said she talked to another lady who is in her 30's that had a heart attack about Atkins. The lady told her that you can't do that and it's not safe and to follow a low-fat diet. Afterall, it's recommended by the American Heart Association. Then she went on about how Dr. Atkins died of heart disease and how unhealthy the diet is. Where on earth do these false statements come from? Dr. Atkins died to an unfortunate head injury - it's in the public autopsy report. Why is everyone so against Atkins? It makes me almost not want to tell anyone that I'm doing this WOL because of how negative they are. She said she dropped 6 pounds this week. I'm happy for her, but I'd also like for her to get her numbers checked in 6 more months. Her triglycerides and cholesterol were high and that's why she's now eating low fat. She asked me what I thought and I gave her my opinion of low fat. I'm sick of the stigma that surrounds Atkins. While my numbers weren't up, I did have blood pressure of 135/90. I can almost guarantee the next time I go to the doctor's office that it won't be.

How do you explain to people that this WOE is actually ok? I simply asked her to compare her foods to mine. How could you say that Fage Total is worse than Dannon Light? Read the ingredients list and that's only yogurt. I can post my menu that my nutritionist gave me, it's full of high fructose corn syrup foods. I could lose weight following other diets, but if it's not going to get me healthier than why even try. That's the whole point I was trying to make.

[liv]

Hi Nichole,
It is a bummer how little people know about the low carb lifestyle and how many misconceptions there are. When I check media report that deals with low carb I can certainly see where people get these ideas from. A lot of sillyness out there.

There are many studies that go in our favour and that supports that the low carb life style is a healthy way to eat and live. You may want to bring some of those up with your friends if this is discussed. Gary Taubes' Good Calories, Bad Calories is a good one.

I think many people thinks that diet is about suffering and because us lowcarbers very often enjoy what we eat while we are losing weight (I know I do) people think it has to somehow be wrong. But it isn't.

Don't feel bad. Just prove by example how great it is.

[quotidianlight]

I understand exactly how you feel. I've stopped telling people even if they ask. I just tell them that I cut out ALL processed food and flour and sugar and took up exercise. Most people just shut up because they don't really want to know they want an easy ticket.

[misplaced southerner]

IN ONE EAR AND OUT THE OTHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

simply say, let's just agree to disagree and change the subject. i have lost 70 pounds. my cholesterol has gone from 202 to 160, my BP has dropped into the healthy range AND....my CARDIOLOGIST, after extensive testing and a stress test has told me that in his medical opinion, my chance of having a heart attack is 0%....got that? 0%!!!

i don't argue the issue with the naysayers. i just tell them those facts and drop the subject. i let my lifestyle, activity level and size 6 jeans tell the story! don't be hurt. smile brightly and just know how good this is for YOU!

[moniegail]

it's really a shame that the Atkins way of eating has somehow gotten such a bad stigma. i know that my mom has questioned the validity of this diet to me many times, and i have tried to tell her that i eat so much better now than when i was not eating low carb. before when i was eating all the unhealthy high carb foods a salad or even veggies would never even be considered for a meal, instead it would be pastas, breads, and sweets. all the things that were very bad for the body, but somehow that seemed ok to her, even though they were lacking all the nutrients that i now get from eating the wonderful veggies everyday.

i know it's hard when the people you rely on for support seem to be the ones who doubt it the most. you just have to remember that you are really the one who knows what works the best for you and hope that they will come around when they see the results in the end. a healthier, thinner, more energetic person full of life and then maybe then they will come around to our way of thinking.

just stay strong and know you have support here on these boards any time you need it.

monie

[biogeek]

Originally Posted by quotidianlight

I understand exactly how you feel. I've stopped telling people even if they ask. I just tell them that I cut out ALL processed food and flour and sugar and took up exercise. Most people just shut up because they don't really want to know they want an easy ticket.

That's exactly what I have to do at work and with my extended family! Thankfully, my DH is with me on this WOL, so we're incredibly supportive of one another. I figure once I'm closer to my goal weight and have more blood work results to support my healthy lifestyle, I plan on answering such questions as: I cut out all processed foods, flour, sugar, and live an active lifestyle with a lot of exercise. By the way, THIS is Atkins! And I'm healthier than I've EVER been before!

[ttdriver]

How do you explain to people that this WOE is actually ok?

I don't explain a thing. I tell them I've been an Atkineer for over 6 years and my bloodwork is astounding. Success speaks for itself. You really don't have to convince anyone .. just show them what success looks like and they'll want all the details.

Betty

[fat4now]

Free advise is worth what you pay for it. We get our advise from the Doctor. We eat all the good things now. We are taking care of ourselves. Sometimes, misery loves company. Your friend cares about you or they wouldn't say anything. They are still your friend, just misinformed.

f4n

[blue996]

I don't explain it unless someone wants info so they can start themselves. All I know is people tell me I look great and I feel great and if everyone else wants to do low fat that's their choice.

[TheDogAteMyName]

Thank you You are all so precious!

I'm taking your advice and letting my lifestyle do all the talking.