Two Studies Vindicate Atkins Diet

WCCO News Online ^ | 5/21/03 | A/P

[Nov3]

Someone refered me to this site earlier in this thread. It is an awesome site.

[exodus]

Does anybody know how this diet affects diabetics?
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Dr. Atkins developed his diet to help his heart patients, and noticed after a period of time that his overweight patients lost weight, and his diabetic patients were able to lower or, in a lot of cases, completely stop using insulin.

[Maven]

Thanks for that FitDay website. I'll definitely get going on that.

It's a great site and very helpful.

Doesn't Atkins make a distinction between simple and complex carbohydrates? I think it is better to eat simple carbohyrdates (found naturally in foods) than to eat complex carbohydrates which are found more in processed foods.

You know what? I'm not sure exactly what Atkins says about types of carbs - since I keep to around 20 or so grams a day, I don't think about it that much.

Maven

[Maven]

The link between saturated fat and an increase in LDL has been proven.

Actually, while studies about saturated fats do show they raise LDL levels, they ALSO raise HDL levels - making them a "neutral" fat. Also, beef fat contains stearic acid, which is heart protective.

As far as fats' effects on cholesterol - I'm fairly certain there has never been a study on the effects of fats in a low-carb dietary environment.

About 75% of my daily calories come from fat (and I eat about 1,500-2,000 calories a day). The fat breaks down to about 60% monosaturated (remember - half the fat in beef is monosaturated), 35% saturated and about 5% polyunsaturated.

Maven

[Maven]

You're doing great. I will use you as a roll model.

Oh no!!! Not a ROLL model!!! I don't do rolls anymore! LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!

Maven

[Maven]

I've tried just about everything, and the only thing that actually subdues the symptoms of the crohns is the prednisone.

Mark, I FReepmailed you, but I forgot to mention that with the SCD, you may be able to get off the prednisone entirely.

Maven

[Maven]

I HAVE READ AMPLE ATKINS MATERIAL AND I FULLY UNDERSTAND IT IS A HIGH FAT, HIGH PROTEIN, LOW TO NO CARBOHYDRATE DIET.

Then you haven't understood what you read because Atkins is a high fat, adequate protein, low carb (not no carb) way of eating.

Maven

[ET(end tyranny)]

Yeah, I went for the Michelob Ultra in a pinch. It was better than no beer, but only slightly.

But I'm no longer able to even consider the Atkins diet. I've recently developed painful gout in my right foot, and Atkins would do nothing but aggravate it.

I'm 39 years old and I got a disease that supposed to strike old men in the eighteenth century!

Now, that's funny! Since alcohol aggravates gout! So, yep, blame and stop the diet, but keep drinking! LOL

[Brad C.]

Stick with the Atkins and you will feel better than you have in years. I think if you read through these threads the people that are anti-Atkins are the ones who never tried it, or those that failed to really accept that it is a life style change, and not just a diet.

On the other hand, the people who are pro-Atkins have made the changes and can see and feel the success it brings. The first week or two is hard, but it gets easier every day. Read the book, and then read it again so that you understand what is going to happen. Keep it handy for easy reference. Also, this program is a lot easier if every one in your household is part of it. They may not immediatly buy into it, but if you stick with it and they start seeing the dramatic changes in your weight and energy levels it won't take them long to come on board.

Best of luck to you and a healthier future!!!!

[WKB]

Dr. Atkins developed his diet to help his heart patients, and noticed after a period of time that his overweight patients lost weight, and his diabetic patients were able to lower or, in a lot of cases, completely stop using insulin.

Thanks, I only take one pill per day but I do need to lose some weight.
There is a major history of heart attacks in my family.
I am 52 years old.
I love meat, eggs and pork rinds (hog hides).
This sounds like the diet for me.

[Katie_Colic]

My sister-in-law has diabetes, and her doctor told her emphatically to stay away from Atkins. I think she need a new doctor.

My doctor tried to put me on a high carb, low fat diet to control my gestational diabetes. I was supposed to start the day out with high glycemic fruit, cereal and skim milk. To keep my blood sugar down??? Excuse me??? Fortunately I knew that would be the worst thing I could do, so I cut out refined carbs, watched my quantities of carbs from grains and fruit and ate all the fat, protein and vegetables I wanted to.

My blood sugar levels amazed her, and I became her star patient. I am not exaggerating when I say they amazed her. I got the feeling that I was one of the few OB patients in her office that don't end up on insulin, and it was due to my rejecting her advice!

[CathyRyan]

Did you ever tell her you did not take her advice?

[Katie_Colic]

Did you ever tell her you did not take her advice?

I was planning to after my baby was born. I didn't want to fight with her for 3 months. I was just going to show up at my 6 week checkup and give her my sample menus and tell her that I thought she'd like to see them since she was so happy about my numbers.

Now, though, I'm in a spot because I'm arguing with her about something else and don't want to tick her off further by letting her know I threw her "diabetic appropriate" diet out the window. My husband and I have experience with caregivers falsifying information in charts when they think they have a problem patient, and that's a headache I don't need. It's a shame, because I really thought I'd be able to make a difference with her future patients because of my own case history.

[Semper911]

Best of luck to as you begin this way of eating. Might I suggest a discussion forum that I find helpful:

http://www.low-carb-friends.com/bbs/index.php

The "main lobby" has general issues discussions related to low carbing, and I also like the recipe forum.

See you there.

[Katie_Colic]

Might I suggest a discussion forum that I find helpful

I second that...I have that open in another window right now!

[Nov3]

Cathy,

Katie is my wife! That is one of the websites she goes to.

[CathyRyan]

I love the site! I have spent most of the day there. Thank you!

[CathyRyan]

I was just looking at the hamburger bun recipe. I had just bought a waffle iron and was thinking about returning it thinking I would never need it again....Now I plan to take it with me when I go visit relatives so I can have burgers with everyone else. LOL

[Twinkie]

There is a difference of opinion in scientific circles as
to just what constitutes adequate protein or what is
excess protein. You can quote Atkin's OPINION of what is
adequate protein. Even scientists differ in OPINION on the
subject.

[Katie_Colic]

I HAVE READ AMPLE ATKINS MATERIAL AND I FULLY UNDERSTAND IT IS A HIGH FAT, HIGH PROTEIN, LOW TO NO CARBOHYDRATE DIET.

There is a difference of opinion in scientific circles as to just what constitutes adequate protein or what is excess protein.

Twinkie, you DON'T understand the diet. Why not admit it? Why not just say, "You're right. I got on here and criticized this diet when I'm not really that familiar with it."

If you had read the book and been able to comprehend it, you would understand why we don't call it a high protein plan; furthermore, you would understand why YOUR calling it a high protein plan tips us off as to your ignorance. But what is more telling is that you called it a "low to no carbohydrate" diet.

There is not one portion of Dr. Atkins' diet that contains no carbohydrates. Not even the fat fast designed only for people with extreme metabolic resistance is devoid of carbs.