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!
I couldn't agree with you more. I fortunately never had any major health problems other than fatigue and being slightly anemic, but all I did was gain weight on low-fat diets. I would eat a meal and still not be satisfied even though I was full. Or an hour later be starving as my blood sugar fluctuated. Not enough protein, which I need. The Atkin haters tell us about the dangers of too much protein, but the problem is that the low-fat diet does not give you sufficient protein. Now I'm rarely hungry and moderate portions fill me up.
I have a friend with diabetes and she is allowed about 100 g of carbs a day, which is about what I try to keep to. Still allows me a piece of chocolate.
Congratulations on your weight loss, but more important on your health gain. Enjoy the kayak!