Atkins/Zone/South Beach/WW/LF

Yea I saw it and thought it was the perfect avatar.  Something I would love to do! :)

I started with Atkins to get my fat burning started then switched to a South Beach type diet after the first three weeks.  It's working well so far as I'm insulin resistant and do best without too many carbs.  I'm trying to keep my protein high and carbs low. 

Out of all the diets I've tried, Jenny Craig worked the best for me.  They supplied the food, so there were no questions: You eat this food, prepared as such, in this portion - end of discussion.  They tell you to eat 5-6 times a day, so you're never hungry.  It worked like a charm for me.  I got off it because after 6 months, I got tired of eating the same foods and I just couldn't do it anymore.  Plus, it's expensive; $115 for a week of cuisine, and that doesn't include all the salad fixings, fruits, breads and cold cuts you have to buy for your in-between meals.

Have you had a hard time with Atkins?

I think I read that you have to give up caffeine. I am a Comedian and that often means that I have long drives, so I have to have my caffeine. 

Um... yes, I'm having a hard time on Atkin's but it's my own fault.  I was eating almonds by the fist-full when I was
A) only supposed to be eating almonds after the 3rd week of Induction and
B) only supposed to limit myself to 1 ounce of almonds a day

Also, I was eating too many low-carb snacks that weren't induction friendly.

I corrected those mistakes and in two days, have seen the difference on the scale (I'm down almost a pound in 2 days)

Atkin's is a VERY HARD diet, but incredibly effective. 

why do you find atkins  hard?

Personally, I don't do well with lists, restrictions, and counting. I require something that fits my lifestyle, WORKS, and makes me feel like a million bucks. I love bloodwork that backs up practice.

I couldn't stay with something for two years that was a chore.

I did try Atkins, and had to stop during the second week because I got very disoriented and light headed, and I was an emergency dispatcher at the time. But that was me. Others have had great success on it, I've heard. Dr. Barry Sears is a genius. I love his work. I believe he is pretty much right on the mark. I haven't tried the products that have the 'Zone' name on them.

I just like feeling good; guess I'm a simple soul. I've done enough research and have a certified health coach for a mentor, plus my friends with various degrees who have also spent years studying why we gain and why we lose, and I feel pretty comfortable with my success. Just don't make me count, measure, or eat bacon. *shudder*