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I found an interesting article on this exact topic of caffeine and how it affects you. Apparently it really affects your blood-sugar levels, where it behaves as though it has dropped significatly, even though your bloodsugar is not as low as you feel. The effect is that you feel hungry and that you will probably consume some more food to satisfy your hunger. What's interesting is that cola has sugar, which gets converted to immediately to energy and forces your body to produce insulin. If you are overweight, you will feel hungry again because you are probably insulin sensitive, and therefore you will feel hungry again and eat.

The Atkins Nutritional Aproach advocates people to avoid caffeine during weight loss.

I got this interesting info from this site.

Careful with Atkins. All protein and no carbs is a great way to send your body into ketosis (shuttling energy between organs as keto acids rather than glucose = not healty). You are basically starving yourself with Atkins. Also, the Atlkins diet can skew your dietary intake towards high cholesterol and fat, while lowering intake of dietary fiber.

No, ketosis is a desirable thing. I work to get my body in ketosis on purpose. Ketosis is the state where your body converts fats into glucose, which the body uses as fuel. You are thinking of
ketoacidosis, which is an entirely different thing. Ketosis good, ketoacidosis, bad :) Its a common mistake, even some doctors make it. Read more here.

The biggest mistake people make is thinking:
fat=9 calories per gram
carb=4 calories per gram
thus, fat = 2x the calories per gram.

Wrong. Your body expends almost NO calories in order to convert carbs to energy. It takes much more energy to convert fat to glucose than it takes to covert sucrose to glucose. You burn part of those calories UP in the conversion.

You've got to remember that Atkin's theories represent a major paradigm shift. Most authorities on health and weight loss in the past have been extremely resistant to Atkins, labeling him a quack, and allowing no federal dollars to be spent on researching his obviously successful method.

Look, I'm an atheist. I don't go for new age medicine, homeopathy, crystals, herbs, any of that bullshit. I'm a firm believer in the Scientific Method, but I also know that scientists are people too. They have their blind spots, their pride, and they make plenty of mistakes. For all I know, the mechanism that Atkins describes may turn out to be incorrect. The results, however, I've witnessed empirically. They work for me, and whatever causes them to work needs to be studies.

Here's a link to numerous recent articles talking about research being done in this area. Granted, these are links that Atkins Center put together, but they point to real research announced through 'The New England Journal of Medicine', 'The Journal of the American Medical Association', etc.

Don't be too quick to count out Atkin's methods and low-carb diets just yet. The research has really just begun.

Yes, and if you actually read his web site, you'll find that they use language which almost (but not quite) negates your statement. Here's the flim-flam:

While some of those who do Atkins may eat fewer calories than before, it is not because the program is restrictive or unduly limits food intake. They may be eating fewer calories because they are generally less hungry and less obsessed with food.

Note the words "some" and "not because the program is restrictive." They're trying to make it appear that the diet works even when it isn't low-calorie, even though that's the only time it works.

On the other hand, studies show that someone doing Atkins can eat more calories than does a low-fat dieter--and lose more weight.

The only reason for this is because of the water weight that is lost with the stored body sugars (glycogen) which is depleted due to the lack of carbohydrates. In the average person, these stored sugars bind with water to create around ten pounds of weight. So, when Atkins says:

For example, a recent study of overweight and obese teens at Schneider Children's Hospital in New Hyde Park, New York, found that those on a high-protein, high-fat diet of 1,800 calories a day lost 10.5 more pounds on average than did those in a group eating a typical low-fat, 1,100-calorie diet.

It sounds like his diet is more efficient at burning fat! Oops, it's slight of hand, they just also burned off 10 pounds of water.

It's sort of like the answer to the question "Why does doing Atkins cause bad breath?" Their answer?

Well, actually, it causes ketone breath. Ketones, which impart a sweetish smell, do not cause bad breath so much as a different breath odor.

Oh, yes, it's not bad, it's just different! It'll just make your friends recoil from you when you talk to them. It's accurate to say it's ketone breath, but no, kids, having been near friends with ketone breath, it's not a good smell. It's like saying "That skunk doesn't smell bad. It just smells different!"

Yes, and if you actually read his web site, you'll find that they use language which almost (but not quite) negates your statement. Here's the flim-flam:

While some of those who do Atkins may eat fewer calories than before, it is not because the program is restrictive or unduly limits food intake. They may be eating fewer calories because they are generally less hungry and less obsessed with food.

Note the words "some" and "not because the program is restrictive." They're trying to make it appear that the diet works even when it isn't low-calorie, even though that's the only time it works.

On the other hand, studies show that someone doing Atkins can eat more calories than does a low-fat dieter--and lose more weight.

The only reason for this is because of the water weight that is lost with the stored body sugars (glycogen) which is depleted due to the lack of carbohydrates. In the average person, these stored sugars bind with water to create around ten pounds of weight. So, when Atkins says:

For example, a recent study of overweight and obese teens at Schneider Children's Hospital in New Hyde Park, New York, found that those on a high-protein, high-fat diet of 1,800 calories a day lost 10.5 more pounds on average than did those in a group eating a typical low-fat, 1,100-calorie diet.

It sounds like his diet is more efficient at burning fat! Oops, it's slight of hand, they just also burned off 10 pounds of water.

It's sort of like the answer to the question "Why does doing Atkins cause bad breath?" Their answer?

Well, actually, it causes ketone breath. Ketones, which impart a sweetish smell, do not cause bad breath so much as a different breath odor.

Oh, yes, it's not bad, it's just different! It'll just make your friends recoil from you when you talk to them. It's accurate to say it's ketone breath, but no, kids, having been near friends with ketone breath, it's not a good smell. It's like saying "That skunk doesn't smell bad. It just smells different!"

You can argue the theory of how and why all you want. Hell I even doubted it myself. But I tried it anyway and I really don't care how/why it works, I just care that it does work. I lost 15lbs in about 3 weeks, feel great, and brain fog is gone. The clearer thinking has been the biggest benefit to me so far. And how much money has this cost me? Nada, Zero, Zilch. I just use the carb chart on AtkinsCenter.com as a guide as well as some of their recipes that don't require any special low-carb ingredients that Atkins sells.

You will find that a nice cold glass of water/juice more than cures your hunger for the few hours until your next meal.

Orange juice 8oz: 100 to 120 calories
Coke (or cola)8oz: 95 calories

Didn't want to argue, its just shocking how many calories, and carbs are in fruits and juices. You would have been better off with the coke. (fructose is not much better than sucrose)

I prefer the Atkins approach. I researched it for many months and spoke with my doctor about it. In spite of rumors to the contrary, it is quite healthy if done correctly. I have lost 20 pounds, 10 more to go, and feel better than I ever have. I lose it slow, and never go hungry. Ever.

I went on Atkins in January. Weighed myself a few times a week and plotted the progress. This is what has happened so far. I've been pretty pleased.

Besides which, there is evidence that diet soda drinks are mildly carcinogenic and may slow down the metabolism enough to negate the fact that they are less caloric.

Aspertame (Nutrisweet) is the one that may slow down metabolism. I wouldn't say its proven yet, but compelling enough I don't use it. I do use acesulfame potasium (like Sunnett) and sucrolose (Splenda) which haven't shown to do that, and don't affect blood sugar. The only carcinogenic I can think of is saccarin, which was found to not be cancer causing in reasonable amounts anyway. I use it, too. Oh, and I don't eat sugar. Or white flour. Ever. There is a good reason.

But on another note, we keep talking about price, but its all in the volume. You can't get commercial rates for an in house soda fountain.

Coming up next, How to eat all the fat and preservatives you want and still lose 40lbs a day.


I eat all the fat I want, and I am losing lots of weight.

Oh, and I disagree with your other premise as well. The purpose of the ban is to keep US from killing US. This is not a bad thing.

Sorry. It's not true. I've been on the Atkins for almost 2 months, my wife's been on it for three. We have not had the 40+ pound weight loss, but we didn't want that to happen so quickly anyway. I've lost slightly over 20 pounds. I have kept my carb consumption to under 20 grams per day, as the diet specifies, and here's a big one: there actually are no forbidden foods! If I want to chow on a candy bar, I can... but that will use up all of my carb allotment for the day. I just decide where I want to spend my carbs, and eat that.

Two weeks ago, Jen had her bloodwork done, just like she'd planned to do when she started. The results? ALL indicators improved. Her BP was normal, iron up in the healthy range (it was low before the diet), triglycerides, LDL, HDL... everything was improved. We both have more energy, we're lighter, and we've both gained muscle mass. Your body has to do something with all that protein, after all.

Oh, and the nausea? It doesn't happen. Ever. Not even a smidgen. I have no idea where the common belief that it causes nausea came from, but it wasn't from anyone I know on the diet.

I strongly recommend that you read Atkin's book, or visit his web site (http://www.atkinscenter.com/) and read the data. There's a perfectly good explanation of why the program works, but it's too lengthy for me to spew on about here.

As for the long term effects fears, and the article's pointed reference to the fact that there's been no long-term study of the safety and efficacy, try this: find the long-term safety and efficacy studies for rBGH, Viagra, and most importantly, the DPT vaccine. Good luck, and think on the implications of those.

How can you write an article arguing against use of the Atkins diet and miss the obvious and deadly mental health problem it presents?

You can't drink beer for two weeks!!!

I'd rather be a fatass than sober...

That doesn't mean they are right. Saying the Atkin's diet is a starvation diet is a little extreme. If you are hungry it is because you aren't eating enough. In a nutshell, all the diet does is force your body to tap its fat reserves for energy. There was an article posted on slashdot that explains the process quite well. The /. story linked to the New York times, but you can find the store here as well.

Since starting the diet I'm rarely ever hungry. Before the diet I used to eat a bowl of cereal or toast for breakfast and be starving just an hour or so after I got to work. To satisfy my hunger I would end up getting some "food" (such as Hostess cherry pies) form the vending machine and wash it down with a Mt. Dew. Now I'm eating my eggs and sausage or bacon for breakfast and I'm not hungry until lunch time. Before the diet I was taking 4-6 Tums a day and a Zantac before bed. I was constantly bloated, and often times waking up in the middle of the night from heart burn. Since I started the diet I sleep the whole night through and I never feel bloated. I don't need to take my Tums any more except if I decide to cheat and go out for some pizza or a Saucy Southerner. I feel that I am much more alert/energetic in the mornings than I used to be, even without my Mt. Dew which I miss dearly.

I never ate many fruits before the diet, but I am eating many more vegetables than I used to. Basically I'm eating healthier, losing weight, and feeling better. I don't see how that's a bad thing. If you listened to what the food nazis and other "health experts" tell you, there isn't anything that is safe to eat.

Here's one my wife and I came up with. We buy a bunch of frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts, throw some in a crock pot, cover with Pace Picante sauce and turn the crock pot on low. I think we let it cook for 6-8 hours. We get the medium Pace Picante sauce. Do not get hot unless you are a glutton for punishment. We used to serve the chicken over noodles until we started the Atkin's Diet"

The Atkins website, for one.

But I don't, strictly speaking, even follow Atkins - I have a nutritionist who guides my wife and I along a more moderate low-carb program.

Here's others:
Protien Power
Carbohydrate Addicts
Sugar Busters
The Zone
Schwarzbein Principle

My nutritionist is partial to the later. It's worked great for us - not only have I lost weight, but I really feel better and my blood pressure is down, I no longer suffer from GERD. We are also having no problems staying on the diet, and occasionally you have a "free" meal to satisfy those cravings.

Atkins has been at this longer than any of the others, and it's important to read the book before starting.

I do a moderate amount of exersize, as well, which we all feel is important, but not nearly enough. I want to point out I did a similar amount before I started low-carb and didn't lose any weight at all. My wife was about 35 pounds over her desired weight when we started, she's lost about 25 pounds so far. I still have a ways to go, but she's proof that it's not just for people who are way overweight, that it will work for people trying to lose those last few pounds.

I was diagnosed with myopia years ago and have recently started Atkins which eschews white bread, flour and other refined carbohydrates. Though the article doesn't say, I wonder if the effects of myopia are reversible.

Then you need to go to work for Interpath, Located In Research Triangle Park, NC. They used to be a great company to work for until they got bought, and changed a *lot* of stuff- like instituting the "No Doughnuts" Policy. People like you deserve to be together... P.S.- You must be on the Protein Diet.