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I am really enjoying the Atkins diet. I am almost at the end of week 4 and have lost 14 pounds.
I was a smoker for many years and when I quit 5 years ago I packed on the pounds, 45 to be exact!
What gets me is that I didn't change my eating habits one bit! I have always been a healthy eater, or so I thought before reading Dr. Atkins book. I was heavy into grains, I always ate Oat Bran, or Oatmeal for breakfast, and low fat foods.

Speaking of Dr. Atkins book, I keep running into people that are doing this diet and haven't read his book. I really think it needs to be stressed that the book must be read. My sister came very close to dying because she was doing this diet and not taking supplements. The Dr. said she had near zero potassium in her blood which I guess contributed to her having arrythmias.
I don't know all the details as I write this I am still waiting to hear from my sis with a detailed report.

I keep running into people that are doing this diet and haven't read his book. I really think it needs to be stressed that the book must be read. My sister came very close to dying because she was doing this diet and not taking supplements.

I am so sorry to hear about your sister, and I hope she will be OK soon, but you raise a good point.

This diet and all diets are complex, and they take into account a variety of different angles. Atkins especially has pitfalls that muct be guarded against, and only studying the complete function of the lifestyle can one avoid the problems.. we will hope tp hear back from you soon about your sister's recovery..

I just finished week 6. I basically stayed on induction for 3 weeks, then moved forward. I'm 5'10, was 185 in 1997, then a torn ACL ended my running, but not my caloric intake. In 2002, I hit 230. In August 2002, I started controlling my intake (smaller portion sizes, less fast food, water replaced soda and milk), and got down to 215, where I hit a wall that lasted for 4 months. I started Atkins on August 24, and am now 196. I seem to be at another plateau, here. I lost 15 in the first 3 weeks, and only 4 since, even though I've added fewer carbs than the diet allows per week!

It's funny how everyone seems to have a strong opinion of Atkins. Most of the detractors seem to have either never been on the diet, or have their own diet to push. Most of the proponents seem to have been on it, or had a close loved one who was.