'Is it just me, or is everybody else sick of hearing scare stories about low carb eating?' asked iVillager melt2. Too right came the reply from fellow members of iVillage's Atkins Diet message board. Here they reveal why they think Atkins is the best thing since sliced bread.

I'm sick of the scare stories
I have watched so many television reports with presenters saying the Atkins diet is the opposite of all other diets, as it tells us to eat meat, cheese, butter and cream, and not to eat bread, pasta, fruit and vegetables - they clearly have not read the book properly!
Lets have some research, yes, but don't treat us like we are stupid, and don't just make up negative assumptions because it suits.
melt2

My blood pressure is down
I have been on the Atkins diet for three months, have lost two stones and my blood pressure is down, my heart and kidneys are in good working order, according to my test results from my G.P., and my cholesterol levels are good.
joyousl

It's not about pigging out
People who claim the Atkins diet promotes eating fatty foods as healthy have clearly not understood the book (this includes many health professionals!). The Atkins diet does not advocate eating a lot of fat. It recommends including good fats in your diets, along with protein and good quality carbohydrates.
This diet is not about pigging out, but about eliminating sugar and poor quality carbohydrates, which very few health professionals would argue about, had they only read up on the subject before starting to criticise. We eat about 65lbs of sugar EACH every year - what is that, if not a poor diet?
cambor

I never feel hungry
I would just like to say I've never eaten so well or healthily in my life, and the great bonus is I never feel hungry. In almost five weeks I've lost 15lbs. On other diets it would have taken me five months to lose that amount of weight and I'd have been hungry and miserable. HURRAH for Dr. Atkins!
crystal492

Healthiest I've ever been
Since starting the Atkins diet I've never felt healthier in my life. I was just beginning to feel my age but since being on the Atkins diet I have felt ten years younger. Everyone seems to forget that the diet was devised by a DOCTOR, who has 30 or 40 years of successful case histories showing proof of weight loss and improved health.
Sometimes I feel like shouting at the TV reporters and journalists 'Have you read the books?' or 'Did you check if these people followed the diet properly?' They keep repeating that it would be unhealthy in the long term, but if they had read the book they would know that the maintenance diet includes carbs to suit your own level of metabolism.
They will not put me off! They just want to sell newspapers
suehayes131

I've lost 34lbs
Over the years I have tried endless diets to no avail. I always felt hungry and out of control. Since starting the Atkins diet just over three months ago I have lost 34lbs and have never been happier.
I have cut out potatoes, pasta, rice and bread, but I eat vegetables and salad along with meat and fish. I eat until I'm satisfied (which I never was on previous diets) and I now feel in control again.
My blood pressure has dropped and I can now run up stairs instead of taking the lift. I am no longer out of breath after a short walk or need to sit down because my back hurts. This is the best feeling in the world!
anne_toni

I haven't looked back
I did my own research into the diet, went for it and haven't looked back since. I'm doing this diet for my fat loss first and health second, but I will continue to follow this way of eating after my ideal weight is reached, because I believe that this is the way for me to stay lean and have a high energy level for my life.
cl-legonola

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Diets A-Z: Atkins dieters bite back