I'm going to join the party. I'm a 6 ft male and my weight had ballooned to an all-time heaviest 235 pounds. Nine weeks ago I started New Atkins and this morning I weighted myself and I was down to 210. I've tried other dieting plans and I have to say New Atkins is by far the best plan I've ever experienced from a weight loss and ease to maintain perspective. Here's some random thoughts on the Atkins diet:
1) I'd say the most surprising thing so far is how hard it is to get my calories up. Beforehand, I had a very carb heavy diet, so once I cut out carbs I've lost a lot of calories. For example, today I ordered a Chipotle salad without rice and beans, but it was under 500 calories even with sour cream and cheese. Afterward I bought a small bag of almonds just in case I get hungry later. The day before I got a 5 guys bacon double cheeseburger and once you remove the bread/fries the calories are fairly manageable. Interestingly, despite lower my calories I'm fuller and I have less desire to snack (a huge problem for me) because when you up the protein vs carbs you stay fuller for a longer time. When I was eating a lot of high calorie carbs I'd crash and I'd be hungry a few hours later.
3) I'm lucky to have a supermarket where I take the train to and from work. You can buy beef, pork and seafood and they'll cook it for you on the spot. They also have a salad bar for veggies. That really helps the convenience factor after work. I would have a hard time with this diet if I had to spend a lot of time cooking everything myself.
4) I notice I'm spending a bit more on food. Generally, carb heavy foods are cheaper than protein heavy foods. I'm fine with that, but I think it's worth mentioning.
5) I made a
fathead pizza. It's amazing a low carb pizza can taste that good. Highly recommended.
6) I'm also kinda addicted to the
Atkins candy bars. I like to have one in the evening if I get a little hungry. Those bars aren't the best calories and they are full of alcohol sugars. I'm conflicted, but what I'm doing is working so I'm not ready to change, but if I hit a major plateau it'll be the first thing to go.