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Originally Posted by Teri Steiner
I wanted to know the response to the 'apparent success' of those on the Atkins Diet. What are the risks and what are they getting themseles into. What is the MB Community's formal reponse? Is data being tallied on problems associated?
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Hi all and Hello Teri. I am
very new to this forum, and just investigating macrobiotics myself (I do not yet know much about it, but am interested). I have been, however, on Atkins for the past few years. I have read all of Atkins' books and have visited the Atkins Ctr (when it was open) although I never met Dr. Atkins. I can at least speak a bit about what the Atkins diet is, and about my experience (which is, of course, only one person's opinion). I am not here to advocate for or against Atkins, just to state the facts of what the books say, and what the Atkins program actually is. It has been the healthy eating I began on Atkins that has led me now to look into macrobiotics, only because the two diets actually seemed similar to me. So, please, everyone else, don't attack me for sharing this, I am simply trying to help answer part of Teri's question.
Regarding the Atkins diet:
In the Induction phase, which is
NOT meant to last more than 14 days, and is
only for those seeking to lose
significant amounts of weight, one eats 20 grams of carbs per day, all from vegetables (mainly leafy greens). This is when one is meant to enter ketosis, and as such you also eat a lot of fats and protein.
After Induction, you begin gradually adding in more carbs coming from grains, vegetables and fruits (sometimes as low as 30 to 40g, but often up to 60 or 70g per day)--the quantities and types depend upon your own metabolism, health, and desired weight loss (you also add gradually, one new food at a time, to help identify and isolate and food allergies you may have). You also include good fats in moderation (but more than would be allowed, obviously,on a low fat diet). You stay in this "ongoing weight loss" phase until you reach your goal weight.
Here's what the most misunderstood part is--I believe. After you reach your goal weight, Atkins advocates an "Atkins for life" diet. It is an organic diet,made up of fish and lean meats, allowing for a good deal of complex carbs (whole grains/etc) and fruits and vegetables. See "Atkins for Life" to see for yourself what exactly Atkins advocated-it is decidedly
NOT a diet of bacon and cheese and fat. It is actually quite balanced and natural.
My own experience with Atkins has been quite positive, I lost weight, kept it off, and cleared up a host of minor health problems. I did not ever need to take laxitives nor did I have bad breath (and trust me-I was really worried abt this having heard the rumors). These problems are both effects of severe ketosis, usually only experienced in the first 14 days of induction, if at all, and Atkins suggests adding more fiber and drinking more water if you experience them. I followed the Atkins program very carefully and exercised as recommended.
I think a big problem with Atkins is that many people go on some kind of "homemade" Atkins diet where they eat nothing but protein and fats for months-and yes, often they get sick. I know of people who have done this, they were not actually following the Atkins program. Atkins is a somewhat complicated diet plan that, like any other, requires one to read and understand the program thoroughly before doing it. I do not believe it is a "bad fad" if it is done correctly and one approaches it as a lifestyle change (as Atkins sets it out to be) and not a quick fix diet to lose some pounds.
As far as studies, there have been a few non-Atkins sponsored ones, but they were mostly short term, although with positive results in the short term. I do know that recently the NIH (national institute of health) has begun a government sponsored two or three year study to get to the bottom of all the controversy surrounding Atkins. I know I am glad to hear it and am exited to see the results!
Overall,my personal experience on Atkins was and is good! I am not here to advocate Atkins over Macrobiotic, as I said earlier, I was at this website investigating macrobiotics myself. I will continue my investigation and studies, as I am still interested.
I will simply comment, though, that some of the posts in this subject strain were really disappointing to me.
Personal attacks on each other, and even on Dr. Atkins (who died after a slip and fall on ice, and
never had a heart attack, but had a hereditary heart condition for many years--see the spring 2003 New York Times story regarding this if you doubt me) seem to me to be a bit uncalled for, and outside of what I though the philosophy behind macrobiotics is. And, overall, just in really bad taste.
Good luck Teri! Hope this helped a little bit?