I once considered becoming a heroin addict to lose weight and currently pop amphetamines like candy, so I am the last person to criticize anyone’s diet approach. If you can lose weight by following the Atkins diet, fabulous for you. However, it is not a religion and please refrain from trying to convert me.

Atkins works because you eat fewer calories, not because of any body chemistry change or Atkins magic. About 5 years ago, I cut out all carbs for three weeks, I lost 18 pounds. Why? because I ate 600 calories a day, but I could not stick to it as I hate meat. I am now on an all starch and butter diet and I lose weight, because I never eat more than 1000 calories a day. No magic.

The Atkins diet is successful, because it is easy to follow. No math is needed nor are there any complicated recipes to follow, so even the stupid can lose weight. And meat and fat are tasty, but they are not healthy. I’d rather be thin, than be healthy, so I do not need to lie to myself that my diet is healthy. If you want to be healthy you need to eat a well balanced diet and exercise, sitting on your ass eating meat and fat is not going to make you healthy. It will make you less fat, which is always better.

I understand how great it feels to lose weight and the desire to talk about it, but Atkins is becoming a cult. Be warned, I will cut the next person who tries to convert me. I do what works for me and I am not interested in your suggestions.

I'll bet you make a mean mashed potatoes.

The secret to making mashed potatoes is to use whole cream and lots of real butter.

Sarah, you are my hero!! I feel the same way about Atkins and meat! YUCK! I will say two things though: 1. Scarsdale Diet.. I lost 60 lbs on it, and it's been relatively easy to maintain b/c it teaches you to eat correctly and moderately. and 2. I've also started eating small meals every 3 hrs and I no longer hear cookies, cake, candy, ice cream calling my name at all hours of the day!! I AM LIBERATED!! Never thought it would happen. If these tips aren't for you, I apologize, I just feel if I know something, I like to spread the knowledge. PS. My eating plan allows for plenty of alcohol! HAHA!

Cut as in ignore, or cut as in blood and knives?! :-O

I agree with you about Atkins, though. It seems a moron diet.

I especially hate people who say, "I don't want to lose weight anymore but it keeps coming off." That's just... ergh. Annoying.

yeah, exactly. people DO act like Atkins is some kind of a religion! i used to post on shape.com a lot, but then the LOW CARB INVASION started and if you say you disagree with, then they go nuts! and they try and use all this so-called "research" to prove they are right, but refuse to acknowlede any other studies....it's just....it's sooo.......AAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

I know who this is directed at.......

But what can I say......it works, I don't eat a TON of red meat, but I must say I like it......

I do eat LOTS of fish, chicken, some steak, green veggies (Not Beans), non Starchy veggies, greens, and Salads. Absolutely NO SUGAR, NO POTATOES, NO REFINED FLOURS.........everything else in moderation is OK.

And I'm not taking potentially DANGEROUS drugs to meet my goals.

BTW.....how about Shalimar next week......Say Wednesday.