I'm on the Atkins diet. I have been on it for 4 weeks. Lost 6lbs first week, then 2lbs, then 2 lbs then gaines 2 lbs??? So , I'm a bit bummed. Anyway, I went to the doctors today and asked him what he thought of the Atkins diet. He said it works, but 100 % of the people will gain weight back. They may only gain a few pounds back or maybe all the weight they lost. He said that the South Beach is better because it's a low carb diet, not a drastically low carb diet. My question is has anyone done the Atkins diet first?? If so which one do you like better?
My second question is, do you have to follow a menu?? Or, can you make your own choices??
I read your post and I am definitely interested in reading the replies from those that have been living the SBD way. I too have been on Atkins and from doing that, I now know that reducing carbs is what I need to do. It has been the only plan I've really had sucess with, however, I find Atkins extreme in a lot of ways and often find it hard to stick to with 3 growing kids and working full time. I have been researching the SBD and have been wanting to give it a try because I like the fact it advises on reducing carb intake and directs you to the more healthier carbs, as well as going low-fat. Eating all that high fat food on Atkins kind of made me leery. My husband didn't like me doing Atkins, and he seems to think this diet would be a better choice, as it is something that we can all do together as a family. It wouldn't hurt to have the kids learning to make better food choices and such. Anyway, I've rambled long enough. Just wanted to say hello and wish you luck with this program. My brother has been doing it for a few months now (maybe 5 or 6) and has lost around 50 pounds so far.
I plan on starting within the next few days. Have to get some groceries in and get prepared! All I have in the house is all the full fat stuff that the Atkins plan suggests eating.
I now what you mean TX. I'm worried that I'm taking in too many high fat products, and it bothers me that I cannot have milk. We women need it for healthy bones. Anyway, I know that low carb is the way to go, and am considering SBD.
I tried Atkins briefly several years ago. I couldn't stick to it for more than about two weeks. I couldn't STAND putting all that fat in my body! It just didn't feel right. And I knew it wasn't a lifestyle plan I could live with. I LOVE South Beach. It feels healthy and it works. And it got rid of my reflux.
Realcheeky I don't know if you have read the latest updated list onSBD but you can have ff or 1% milk on phase 1 along with lf or ff no fruit plain or vanilla yogurt. I have tried Atkins myself for 18 days sick as a dog and never lost a pound. For me this plan is so much easier to follow and you can do it for the rest of your life. All that fat and grease I was getting with Atkins was just to much. I love fat and grease don't get me wrong but when that is all you have. Yuck! SBD focuses on the good fats and the good carbs. So far I love it! Like Ellis said the F&Q is a perfect place to start. Also in another thread one of the chickies gave us a link to her SBD e-book for free. Hope to see y'all chicks hangin with us on da beach!
I tried Atkins as well, and could not stick with it for long. It made me smell funny. And I prefer to think of cream as an indulgence for summer afternoons with strawberries than a necessity to dollop on every meal (even breakfast). OK, Atkins sucess story people will say that is not how it is, and whatever floats your boat....
SBD is great, as I like having a bit of olive oil on my salad. I like having salad! And it does seem more balanced and healthy to eat veggies in abundance. I prefer it all round.
At the end of the day losing weight is one thing, but deciding what food you are going to choose to nourish you for the rest of your life is another, and I want to get used to a diet I can trust. SBD is a bit like that (although all those artificial sweeteners are not doing it for me......does Dr A have shares in Splenda??).
I am also thinking of doing the switch.
I am on week 4 of Atkins and have no complaints but I also have a problem with all the fats and would like a program that I can follow always.I love veggies . Im not so big on meat.
What do you all average on the weight loss. About 2 lbs / wk? Energy Good?
I could live with that.
Brenda
i tried Atikins a couple of years ago, did not fit with me. I felt lethargic and often off balance. SBD has been wonderful. I went to the Dr today and have a lost 7 lbs in one month, blood pressure is down, energy is up. So i am pleased, and i do not feel depraved
My two cents worth: Tried Atkins 3x, yes 3x, each time I felt lethargic, headachy, nauseous.... need I go on. You may ask why did I keep trying again - I'm sure you can relate to the overpowering urge to lose weight QUICKLY. However, each time I never made it through the two week induction stage, and only ever lost 3lbs!!!
SB is much better. Feel great. Flew through the first two weeks with more energy that I've had in years. Plus, the added bonus was that I lost 11lbs in that first two weeks. This is definitely the food plan for me!
I looked into doing Atkins a few times, but seeing as heart disease is one of the number one killers among women, I didn't want to take on a way of eating that would add to my chance of being one of its victims.
Brenda, I lost 12lbs in the first month and I think it is about a pound and a half a week since then. I do tend to lose slowly though (because I cheat a bit), and if you are exercising more than I do (I walk a bit) and dont have the extra glass of wine here and there (which I do) then you can probably lose two pounds a week quite easily.
Atkins vs South Beach
Hi,
Just wanted to say hello and wish you luck with this program. My brother has been doing it for a few months now (maybe 5 or 6) and has lost around 50 pounds so far. 
