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Get Dr. Atkins book and READ IT!

No matter what program you choose, READ IT. Don't assume that you understand the program unless your follow it completely. Knowing about water consumption, potassium depletion, icon consumption, etc. are all terribly important not only for your weight loss but your general health.

Not all diets work for everyone. If you feel better and are losing weight, it's probably good. But be informed!

Get a blood test before you start on one of these diets, create a baseline.

I went lo-carb in July of 1998. I lost 20 lbs., felt better than I had in 20 years, chronic fatigue disappeared, increase stamina (could exercise more), decrease PMS (no water gain and backaches), sugar cravings disappeared, sugar highs and lows disappeared, rarely think about food anymore. Eat lots of veggies with proteins, some fruit. Had surgery in December 1999 and recovered in record time (half the time of my sister who'd had similar surgery) because I was so healthy. (Unfortunately, woke up from surgery to face nothing but carbs.)

I haven't been too dedicated to it lately, but have not regained the weight. This thread is inspiring me to get back on the bandwagon and start losing again (before winter hibernation!)

Carlo said once that Atkin's followings are vehement in their support of lo-carb. Perhaps it's the visceral reaction to the hoax of lo-fat (meaning super-hi carb) perpetuated on the public for the last 30 years (remember the pyramid chart). Gee, couldn't be the grain and pharmaceuticals who've stuffed us with junk food and diet pills and anti-depressants!

Anyway, diet safe and be informed!

It's so EASY to get vehement about low carb v. low fat. I gained so much weight and my health has been trashed on low fat diets. There's so many obesity-related diseases and problems I have a chance to avoid now because of Atkins. My legs and feet are warmer with the better circulation; my hazy vision problems are cleared up; surgery suggested twice by doctors for a weak bladder is now unnecessary; deeper sleep means nerves and muscles can heal better (not as painful as they were) from daily wear-n-tear, not to mention sleeping meds are no longer needed; no more sugar spikes and crashes which hopefully means my pancreas is getting a break; and I'm sure I'm dodging the bullet where diabetes, hypertension, etc., etc., is concerned.

Losing weight means being able to get more active and aid in the healing of this ol' bod - a major bonus. I have my goals out there: I hit 145# and I will slurge on a new kayak. I hit 130#, half of where I started, and by golly, I will have earned myself a motorcycle! But better than any toys as rewards will be having a stronger, healthier body again. That is the MAIN goal!

So when someone tries to tell me Atkins isn't good for my health, I tend to get a little testy. For the last 15+ years, low- and no-fat diets have done nothing but sabatoged my health. The government's Food Pyramid be damned!