What Is The Atkins Diet?

About three decades back, I tried the Atkins Diet for losing weight. The Atkins Diet is a really low-carb, higher protein regimen. I did lose weight- nearly 60 lbs. I didn’t feel hungry- in actuality, my entire body completely lost any desire for meals, including “mouth desire” and “the munchies” from indulging in a different bad habit of mine, and that I gave up last year.

What is happening?

Additionally, the acid reflux which was plaguing me for a couple of years was gone after only a couple weeks of following the diet. I followed the diet to the letter, not cheating, going through the two week”induction” period, of very low carbohydrate intake (nearly NO carb intake, really), and tested my urine with the keto sticks each morning, first things, to be certain I was keeping ketosis. I got both the simple book about the diet and the Atkins Cookbook, and learned how to make some delicious food.

I also used the Atkins Shake mixes and canned shakes, for when I had been at work in the morning, and had to gulp down a quick breakfast. The wonderful thing was that the weight came off where I had off it the most- in my stomach and abdomen. Many experts say that people who “carry” their extra weight in the belly are more prone to Diabetes than individuals that are equally obese, but with an even distribution of extra poundage within the body. I was wearing clothes I had not worn in a couple of years. I had been on this”amazing diet”, as my disapproving physician called it, for approximately five months. I looked great and did not feel hungry.

The pain

What stopped me from continuing was pain- sharp, intense pain in my kidneys which began suddenly one day. I discovered that kidney failure was a hazard of following this diet. I ceased, and the pounds came back with a vengeance- probably gained back that I’d lost. Despite taking a multi-vitamin and a lot of different supplements daily, I became deficient in certain phytonutrients, such as Vitamin C.

The past couple of months I had been following the diet, I had no immune system, and caught colds easily. I also have a little lump in my left leg- if it’s a little gout or something else from the diet, I do not understand. But the significant thing was that the extreme pain in my kidneys, which induced me to stop instantly. I’m still trying to find the diet program that is right for me.

Final word

Over time, I’ve counted calories, done Weight Watchers ( 3 times), just plain went hungry, and still have not found a permanent solution. I believe restricting carbs was the ideal path for me, but not as badly or not for so long a time period. Dottye is a Realtor in Central Florida, and a wife, mother and grandma. She is the published author of a book and lots of short stories, songs, poems and articles.