To say Atkins is for people with no self control is quite an arrogant assertion. I lost over 50lb in less than a year following the Atkins plan most methodically, demonstrating quite the opposite. Atkins allows *some* people who have lost control of their metabolism to reasert control. Within a few days reducing my carbohydrate intake to the 20 g prescribed for the start of an Atkins programme I felt "steady". I don't know if that feeling of "steadyness" was because my blood sugar was not spiking and falling, but I rather suspect it was just as Atkins describes in his book.

For those with these insulin related disorders Atkins comes as a great liberation and as a lifesaver in the worst cases. Some (I stress some) diabetics can control themselvs so effectivley they can come off medication.

Many on Atkins report a significant fall in cholesterol - and that on a 65% fat diet. Clearly there are factors here at work that are being neglected by many. Mine fell at little, but it was not high to begin with. My blood pressure, however came crashing down - Mar 04 147/94 . Jun 04 121/74 . Dec 04 119/72
I rather suspect the problem with the western diet is not the natural fats but the combination processed trans-fats and refined carbohydrates.

I agree with Steve - carbs are not my friend - even when excercising I have to be careful - I can probably handle 80g per day when cycling.

Steve - have you tried high quality dark unsweetened chocolate - at least 70% cocoa solids? It will be about 30% carb.

All I really want to say is, we are not all the same. If you can eat chocolate cookies all day with no ill effects that's fine, but I cant. There are people who contribute to http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/ who suffered the conditions I have described, have lost (in some cases) hundreds of pounds and now run marathons while maintaining a low carb diet.