Health

We've been discussing the history of diets and dieting. It may seem obvious to you that the idea of the calorie, at least as it pertains to dieting, must have been with us since the beginning of dieting. However, such is not the case. As we discussed last time, it wasn't until the 1890s and early 1900s that chemists Wilbur Atwater and Russell Chittenden did the initial work of measuring food as units of heat that could be produced by burning it. But from the get-go, the calorie concept has never been nearly as scientific as it may appear.

Anne from Tennessee is 54 years old and 5' 4" tall. She has been following the Atkins program for six years.

Low Carb Breakfast Variety - Alternatives to "I'm Sick Of Eggs" - Eggs are a staple for low carbers at breakfast. They're quickly prepared, inexpensive, and versatile. While eggs do contain 0.6 grams of carbohydrates per egg, the carbohydrate count is low enough that they are easily incorporated not only into low carbohydrate breakfasts, but lunches, dinners, and snacks as well.

Our low carbohydrate way of life is not new, dear readers. Last time I told you that the world's very first diet book was a low carbohydrate plan written in the mid 1800s by William Banting. Banting was told about this approach to obesity control by his ear doctor, Dr. William Harvey. Dr. Harvey said that he had heard about healthful advantages from a diet low in sugar and starch while he was in Germany and Paris. He related that he had traveled to attend a lecture given at Stuttgart by a celebrated physician and professor, Dr. Niemeyer. Dr. Harvey had also gone to Paris to hear a certain Doctor Bernard report on using the diet plan for treatment of diabetes.

Kristina from Indiana is 5' 5" tall and 46 years old. She started her low carb journey weighing 178 pounds and wearing a size 16. She currently weighs 148 pounds and is wearing a size 10. "I started with Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution and Protein Power," Kristina told me. "Now, I am drifting toward The Zone and Protein Power."

It's bound to happen. You're going away on vacation for a week or need to take a business trip for a few days. You'll be in a new city or visiting relatives who might not be familiar with the way you eat. Don't fret it, you can maintain your low carb lifestyle with very little effort.

On July 7, 2002, the New York Times had a feature story on the truth about low fat vs. low carb dieting. And you know what? The article was totally supportive of our lifestyle!

Suzy from Indiana is 45 years old. Suzy's top weight was 198. She is currently just below her goal weight of 138, weighing in at 137.5! Suzy wore a size 16 when she began low carbing and is now sporting size 8's!

Peggy from Georgia is 43 years old and is 5' 7" tall. She has lost 46 pounds to date following the Atkins program. Peggy began low carbing in July of 2001 weighing 224 pounds and wearing a size 24. Now, at 178, she is nicely in size 16s. Her goal is around the corner; she would like to weigh 158 and wear a size 12.

Kellie from Illinois has reached her goal weight of 132 pounds and overcome bulimia while following the Atkins program. Kellie is 5' 7" tall and 31 years old.

I'm coming to the conclusion that for me (note: I said 'for me'), being fat is a 50 - 50 proposition. 50% physiological, 50% psychological. And I've turned the corner from physiological to psychological. I'm making the right WOE food choices automatically, without pain or agony. Therefore, I can only conclude that I'm into mental housecleaning territory. This kinda goes along with those emotional motives for getting/staying fat and about having to deal with (perceived) inappropriate feelings of sexuality.

Lyndi from Georgia is 38 years old and 6' tall. She has been following the Atkins program since January 19, 2002, and has lost 41 pounds to date. Lyndi started her journey weighing 304 pounds and wearing a size 26. She now weighs 264 pounds and is wearing a size 22! Although Lyndi is unsure of her goal size, she is working toward a goal weight of 180 pounds.