Why We’re Doing the Atkins Diet
I’ve never been one to diet, but during the last five years, I’ve steadily gained weight, though I’m eating much less than I ate 20 years ago. My wife has the same problem. We’re both experiencing symptoms that are common when people hit middle-age; sluggish metabolism due to low thyroid function. When your thyroid isn’t functioning properly your metabolism drops, leaving you with less energy and a larger waistline.
Last year I began to reckon with the fact that my metabolism had simply changed, and I couldn’t continue eating the way I always had, unless I wanted to weigh 300 pounds. My wife has tried a lot of different diets over the years, but she’s never found one that allowed her to eat food she likes, feel healthy and stay at the weight she wanted.
During the last year, we began cutting out most of the junk food from our diet in an attempt to correct some life-long bad eating habits. We got rid of all the snack chips and crackers in our house and I stopped baking cookies and brownies. (Sorry Gigi.) We gradually transitioned into a habit of eating more vegetables and avoiding deserts. But we still didn’t see any changes in our level of energy and we weren’t losing weight.
My argument to my wife has been that I can usually fast for several weeks and lose about 2 pounds a day. But I can’t fast indefinitely. Eventually, I have to start eating again. And if there isn’t a healthy eating plan in place, the weight goes back on faster than it came off. My wife made me realize that I needed a long-term plan that would help me keep my weight in a reasonable range for the rest of my life.
Among all the diet fads I’ve heard of over the years, the only one that ever made sense to me was the Atkins diet. While every diet plan has a few benefits, most of them have drawbacks that you don’t see until you actually try them. Through stories from friends who have tried one diet after another without success, I’ve just about settled on the fact that people write diet books just to make money from desperate people. In spite of all this, we knew we needed help.
So my wife bought the Atkins Diet book and we began reading it. The more we read, the more the Atkins diet made sense to me. In fact, I would say that the Atkins diet is actually better than doctor Atkins realizes. If he knew the truth about the cause of heart disease, he would realize that his diet is probably the best diet for maintaining cardiac health. But I’ll talk more about that later.
The basic premise behind the Atkins diet is that over the last century, we’ve developed a different way of eating from how we’ve eaten historically. Modern diets are heavily laden with sugars and carbohydrates, which is a recent trend that causes a number of problems, including diabetes and obesity. The goal of the Atkins diet is to reduce the intake of sugar and carbohydrates to a level more in line with how we might have eaten years ago, in the hope of also reducing excess body fat and lowering blood glucose.
The Atkins diet addresses the problem of how the body stores and burns fat, and how excessive carbohydrate intake messes up that process. I’ll explain below how glucose and fat are burned:
The body has the ability to burn several different things as fuel. Its main supply of fuel is glucose, which is a form of sugar. Insulin is also necessary. Insulin is a hormone that must be present in order for glucose to be burned. As long as there are adequate supplies of glucose and insulin available in the bloodstream, the body will burn glucose all day long.
When supplies of blood glucose run low, the body can create more by converting glycogen into glucose. Glycogen is as a form of glucose the body can store up in reserve. As long as there is a supply of glycogen available, the body will convert it to glucose for fuel. This is the body’s most efficient way to operate.
Once the stores of glucose and glycogen are used up, the body will switch to burning fat. This is a less efficient way of producing energy, but the body’s cells can burn fat if they need to. Here’s a little tidbit of information for you: If you believe that your body will burn fat simply by exercising, you are mistaken. The body cannot burn fat until all the stores of glucose and glycogen have been used up first, and for most people, it takes days to reach that point. Fat will only be burned after glucose and glycogen have been used up.
The reason why most of us never burn fat is that we’re continually consuming carbohydrates that are converted into glucose and burned by the body. You have to actually stop consuming carbohydrates (usually for several days) before your body will begin to burn fat.
The body uses a different process to burn fat than it does to burn glucose. The first difference is that fat burning does not require insulin. The second difference is that fat burning creates ketones as a waste product. You can test for ketones in the urine, but you can also detect it on the exhaled breath of a person who is burning fat. Ketones have a slightly sweet, fruity odor that’s similar to the smell of nail polish remover. (Ketones and acetone are chemically similar and their odor is similar.)
The Atkins diet severely restricts carbohydrate consumption, forcing the body to exhaust glucose and glycogen reserves and begin burning fat. This usually happens within the first few days. I know this was true for my wife, because when she started the Atkins diet, after only two days her breath had the distinct odor of ketones on it; evidence that her body had switched over to burning fat, instead of glucose.
The eating strategy for the Atkins diet is different from most diets. There really isn’t a restriction on calories. You can eat until you feel full. The restriction is on carbohydrates. During the first few weeks, carbohydrate intake is kept as low as possible to get the body switched over to burning fat. After the first few weeks, carbohydrates can slowly be added back in, but the idea is to break the addiction most of us have to things like bread and pasta and prevent the carbohydrate addiction from returning.
Some of the foods you can eat are beef, fish, pork, poultry, eggs, milk, butter, sour cream, cheese, salads (with low-carb dressing), and some of the green vegetables, onions, and peppers. (My wife loves salads and she found a good bleu cheese dressing with almost no carbs in it.) The diet is similar to what people probably would have eaten 100 years ago. It’s heavy on fats and proteins and low on carbs. Most fruits are restricted (at first) due to their high sugar content. Pasta and bread are also off-limits, because they’re high in carbohydrates. Atkins recommends checking the label on any food you plan to eat. Look for information on how many grams of carbohydrate it contains. Total carbohydrate consumption should be kept below 20 grams per day.
The reason why I think the Atkins diet could work for me as a long-term solution is because the foods that are allowed are foods I would normally eat anyway. It doesn’t require me to try new foods I’m not accustomed to (green smoothies anyone?) I’m a carnivore at heart and I love a good steak on the grill, a pan-fried pork chop, or a nice burger. Bacon and sausage are fine, too. Throw in some cooked asparagus, or snap peas or peppers and I’m happy. Sure, I’ll miss the bread and pasta, but that’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make if it will help me live to be a healthy old man. My wife is gluten intolerant anyways and she shouldn’t be eating bread or wheat pasta.
One last thing:
Recent findings have pretty clearly demonstrated that heart disease is not caused by high cholesterol, as we’ve been told for the last 40 years. The plaque formations found in diseased arteries are not caused by high cholesterol. They are also not the primary cause of heart disease. The primary cause of heart disease is inflammation of the coronary arteries. Plaque deposits are created by the body in an attempt to heal the inflamed blood vessels. Heart disease is actually an inflammatory process of the blood vessels. Incidentally, your entire nervous system is made up of cholesterol and doctors are now wondering if diseases like Alzheimer’s might be caused by excessively low cholesterol levels. (For more information on the real cause of heart disease, go here.)
The best strategy for reducing heart disease is not lowering your cholesterol but lowering the inflammation in your body.
How do you reduce inflammation?
Many experts now believe that one of the leading causes of chronic inflammation is persistently high blood glucose levels; a problem that can be virtually eliminated by following the Atkins diet. If these facts are correct, you can kill two birds with one dietary stone.
Our hope is that by following the Atkins diet, we can lose the excess weight we’ve been carrying around, reduce chronic inflammation and lower our risk of suffering a heart attack and stroke.
For me, it’s the only option that makes sense.
Note: If you’re a diabetic or you’ve been diagnosed with insulin resistance, the Atkins diet may be a good choice for you because it addresses these problems by reducing blood glucose. Check with your doctor before starting any diet plan. More information can be found in the book Dr. Atkins’ New Diet Revolution
I’m in…..I have lost 35 lbs over the last couple of years…but am ready to push the last 15 off and so I’m gonna go Atkins…..I’ve been trying to start other programs like a ‘clean diet’ but I just haven’t been motivated by not eating ANYTHING…..so I feel like I can do the Atkins and just get super serious about letting go of the ALL carbs for awhile! Thanks Mr. And Mrs. PM as usual!!!
Have you read any of the writings and research from the late Doctor Batman (Iranian MD with a long surname that starts with “Batman”)? He’s big on the need to hydrate to relieve lots of maladies (long story VERY short!). In one of his books, he addresses exercise for weight loss. If I recall correctly, he cites research in which some European soldiers did a road march, and after an hour, they took a break while researchers drew blood. One hour of walking activates fat-burning mechanisms for 12 hours. Doctor Batman recommends walking 2X daily, one hour each time, for your fat-burning functions to happen 24 hours/day. This passes the Sniff Test for me + I’ve had some success lately with walking, hydration, and more fruits/veggies, but I find it tough to schedule 2 workouts per day.
It’s easy to Google Doctor Batman + water cure, etc. and read about him + his books are for sale, some on Kindle.
FYI.
Thoughts/comments, anybody?
Dan Villarreal
Taipei, Taiwan
Hi, Dan, I am Googling this man because I do believe (and have experienced) the healing properties of adequate hydration. Found an article on the benefits of a 24-hour water fast, too. Hope you enjoy! See http://holyhealthyheart.wordpress.com/2014/01/
Hi Gwraycie, thanks for this. Not much How-to in the article, but I guess it’s pretty self-explanatory: just consume water and nothing else for the duration of the 24-hour fast. Anybody know about how to start & stop the fast (what to eat/drink before & after)?
Dan V
Taipei, Taiwan
Dan the doctor’s name is Fereydoon Batmanghelidj. The book he wrote about water is called Your Body’s Many Cries for Water. It’s very convincing and explains why our bodies need so much water, right down to cellular level. It persuaded me to drink 2 litres of water a day. I’ve also read a book by him about how to treat back pain. Very good too. I haven’t read any of his other books.
I’ve read Doctor Batman’s “many cries for water” book also–it’s on my Kindle–and am looking forward to reading the one about treating the back as well. Doctor Batman made a believer out of me as well. He says that we don’t feel thirst, but still need the water in our system–we just don’t realize it. I believe the term was Chronic Unintentional Dehydration.
Amazing stuff!
And his comments about walking for weight loss are eye-opening as well!
I’m working on the goal of being self-employed as a Spanish-to-English translator by next summer. One of my strongest motivations for this is to get more control over my own schedule so as to be able to focus harder on diet, exercise, etc.–doing those things now, but when I don’t have to “squeeze in” a workout or eat on the go, my health will undoubtedly go up by leaps and bounds. Plus more power naps!
Best,
Dan Villarreal
Taipei
I am glad you posted this. Thanks.
Paul has been wanting to start this diet for a couple of months now……….It might be time. And, no apologies necessary lol. I have really been working on the portions of the items I bake; almost everything goes out the door with hardly anything left. Yes I bake all kinds of things every week but I rarely eat it. If it’s sitting around, there are other people in the house that will but I’m not going to be calling out any names.
I was on a low carb diet at the end of last year and was steadily loosing weight and mass as long as I maintained it. Since I have since reverted back to earing bread and pasta, I have actually gained back more than I ever lost. I hate that! Actually that was the only diet I had ever tried and that is because I don’t really believe in diets.
I believe in life-style change. Paul and I have changed our diet to include lots of fresh vegetables and salads but like you, I’m a carnivore and really crave meat Paul……..not so much. His favorite protein is always some kind of fish while I prefer steak. I usually counter the differences by making a large salad and giving him blackened salmon on his and either steak or chicken on mine. It works to do this. No to take carbs and sugar out……..
I wonder if I can have a teaspoon of sugar with my coffee? Otherwise, sweets aren’t my thing. O well. I will be praying for you guys if you’ll pray for us! LOL
Might I suggest doing research into the “keto” diet? It is very much like not coming out of the induction phase of Atkins. There is a book just published this month by Jimmy Moore and Dr. Eric Westman, “Keto Clarity”, that is excellent. I have lost 42 pounds but the health benefits — more energy, cleared up headaches, bowel problems resolved, lower blood pressure — alone are worth it.
Have you thought about metabolic rehabilitation? As a personal trainer I.have noticed that many aren’t actually hitting their caloric needs which might be a cause of weight storage and gain. This may also help get your energy back.
Cordell, can you briefly explain the term “metabolic rehabilitation?” It’s a new one to me. Thanks, Dan Villarreal, Taipei, Taiwan
In a nutshell its resetting your metabolism or the process there of. And usually needs to happen if the body isn’t taking in enough calories on a daily basis. I can point you in the direction that I went while looking this up if you would like. 🙂
Hi Cordell, a brief How-to would be wonderful! Thanks, Dan V, Taipei, Taiwan
Daniel, this is the guy I have been following as far as dealing with metabolic damage and rehabilitation. His name is Dr. Layne Norton.
Here is a link to him talking about metabolic damage. He has other ones dealing with metabolism as well. They are all usually about 10-30 minutes long. Hope this is helpful. I am still learning about how to properly do metabolic rehabilitation. So I am no expert.
I forgot to put the link in the box sorry.
http://youtu.be/QHHzie6XRGk
Cordell, I have run into this in the past few weeks and ironically it has been difficult for me to eat enough. I was aiming for a healthy mini-meal every 3-4 hours and it’s getting easier but still a challenge. In the morning, I nuke an egg-white omelette w/veggies (usually peppers) and maybe cheese, glass of psyllium husks and a cup of Oolong tea. 1-2 24oz water bottles. For lunch, Foreman-grilled chicken breast or steak w/salad made interesting w/walnuts, apples and southwest dressing (something I thought I’d never try); a snack of Greek yogurt (fruit on the bottom OK?); dinner of a bowl of veggies w/buttery spray or sea salt (never thought I’d do this, since I’m a serious carnivore)w/another 1-2 water bottles and nighttime snack. Cutting out excess carbs, although I LOVE breads and pastas. Still working up to my 10K steps per day. Just seems like I’m consuming more than ever — even though I can lose between 0.5 and 1.5 pounds per day… How’s that sound? Any suggestions about carb intake? Thanx.
Have you by chance consulted a dietitian or nutritionist about the amount of calories you should be consuming in a day? That kind of where I would start off.
This is interesting, both your suggestions seem to add to the fat burning process. But, what about the example in the bible of Daniel on his veggie and water diet. This confuses me, because veggies are God created and just seem the right component for our bodies. I like meat, but have cut back after watching the way animals are confined and mistreated in so many farms.I think their stress hormones are probably released into their meat, I don’t know. It just gives me a more appreciation for their lives. But, I do believe it is okay to eat meat, I know the last supper was a serving of lamb. Aren’t veggies carbohydrates, not sure.
Appreciate what I learned today! Thank you for saving me the time to do the research about glucose and glycogen, that is key to know. I am changing my diet too, want to be whole, spirit, mind, and body. so that I not only run the race but obtain the prize.
Veggies are part of the program. Just not potatoes or other root veggies. Lettuces, broccoli, cauliflower, radishes are ok even tho root, onion in small amounts, really any veggie grown above ground and a few in small amounts root. It’s about what really is a good carb which does not include grains.
We do more of a keto-adapted type of diet, rather than strict atkins. It is a focus on high healthy fat, moderate protein, and low carb. We’ve also modified it quite a bit that it’s all real food, nothing processed or out of a box, except for some nut crackers or sprouted grain crackers at times, cause we are not up to making our own crackers yet.
We LOVE it. We can eat desserts, grassfed steak, grassfed butter and pastured bacon are an every day thing. Our health soars, our weight stays down. It has been wonderful. My husby needs more veggies than I do, I need more grassfed red meat than he does. We also take some supplements on it and do some exercising.
When we do need to occasionally eat out because of travelling, we don’t have problems. It is a different way to eat, but it definitely is a lifestyle change that we really love. No cravings. We’re feeling better in our mid 30’s than we did in our 20’s. And we’re not having issues keeping up with our toddler, like most of our friends are starting to face. <3
I did the Atkins diet 12 year’s ago, had gestational diabetes. It does work , not hard to follow, problem is if it’s not a life choice it packed on a waist line. Hmm maybe I should make the change as well. .thx Mr n Mrs Meds
I have also read a lot lately about heart disease being caused by inflammation from the sugars/carbs we eat.
I have been doing the Atkins diet for thirty years. It is very easy to lose weight doing it. BUT don’t ever go off of it, because you will gain all that weight back plus. After I had a heart problem my daughter who is a nurse gave me a book titled “”Take A Load Off Your Heart”, by Joseph C. Piscatella. The bottom line of the book is this; Pick a goal weight and then eat the calories that is required to maintain that weight. My self as an example. I weigh 290 pounds and my goal weight is 225 pounds. In order to maintain a weight of 225 pounds you need to eat 2300 to 2500 calories a day. So you eat 2300 calories a day and you reach that goal weight. I figure it will take me a year and a half. I could lose that same weight on Atkins in six months. The book also has you set up a fat bank, which is the max amount oof fat you are allowed a day.
I cannot express my thanks for this article! I’ve been fussing with keeping doing atkins or going to ADA diet for diabetics. I didn’t know which one is best because of so much contrary info. I’m diabetic and lost 65# on Atkins 6 yrs ago and have kept it off by sticking to it. Then I was talked into going to a diabetic class and started to waiver. I asked God yesterday for wisdom in knowing what to do. And that I would do what He said. And what do I see but someone I trust talking about it! Thank you Lord!
I am going to give you a little history, my own history, way back, in the 60’s & 70’s, when Atkins came out with his diet. It was TOTALLY unbalanced and unsafe!!! It advocated eating only protein and fat for several months, then slowly adding in veggies (low carb) then veggies that had some carbs and then the last phase was i.e. potatoes and grains. I LOST a lot QUICKLY but it damaged my body badly especially my liver while I was way too young for that stuff, which came to not be able to absorb fats for quite a period of time.
THEN Adkins “got the message” and came out with this newer version that you outline that is balanced and sensible. I pray it will be a blessing to you and bring long term health and energy, mental and physical endurance.
GBU PM – let us know how your journey goes. LUV U B
I will share my two cents and but I have to warn, it’s not for the faint at heart!
I have tried many weight loss programs and diets, all of which lasts for temporary periods and the weight came back on.
The fact is that almost ALL chronic diseases and illnesses are derived from two and two things alone: toxicity and deficiencies, both of which can be cured/reversed by elimination of toxicity and feeding your body with nutrition.
In today’s world, the so called “food” is NOTHING like it used to be 100 years ago.
Almost ALL foods (corn, soy, and veggies included) are loaded with toxicity if they are not 100% organic and pure.
1 animal protein meal WILL compromise the entire inflammation of your entire body!
I prayerfully and strongly suggest you watch the following top health documentaries and perhaps visit my website @ http://livelifeprosperous.wix.com/livelifeprosperously
I am hopeful that it may help you to make some informed decision. These documentaries and my website has tons of health facts, researches, and testimonials.
Forks over Kinves
Food Inc.
Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead
Foodmatters
Hungry for Change (this documentary addresses the disadvantages of the Atkin Diet, sorry Praying Medic)
There are many changes have made in my diet, lost 55 pounds in 120 without being on a strict diet or exercise and have eliminated ALL my unhealthy conditions from asthma, diabetes, thyroid disease, psoriasis, valley fever etc. etc.
I eliminated gluten, dairy, soy, and refined sugar.
I still love and eat pasta (organic brown rice and quinoa pasta)….you will never know the difference.
My cheese are homemade and consist of coconut milk, avacados, and nuts
My oatmeal (gluten) is made with quinoa and/or amaranth
I still make delicious desserts and breads (gluten free).
I gave up eating meal. Yes, I considered myself a revolutionist and proud of it…
I agree, my lifestyle has been dramatic for I am a 100% vegan but do not miss eating meat or eggs…..as a matter of fact, my eyesight and teeth have improved from my last follow up with my doctors.
I will be 50 in April 2015, and reversed my menopausal symptoms! My female specialist said that I’m producing eggs of a 30 year old! Yes, I will be changing my name to Sarah as soon as I get married:)
I love to share the truths I have discovered and will continue to be vocal about it.
Knowledge is power, but applying that power is even better. I know that God can heal us but He also instructed us treat our body as a holy temple. We need to do our part.
Shalom and blessings with much regards, respect and love!
Christina
Thank you for letting me know the burning mechanism of body.
I don’t eat much but I have gained weight during the last several years. I sometimes skip a meal but that has no effect for me. Now I’ve understood why I failed.
I think I can do the Atkins diet. I like fish, meat, milk, cream, cheese, and vegetables. I like bread and potatoes too, but I can sacrifice them willingly.(Usually I don’t eat much rice.)
Your explanation is so clear to understand that I don’t think I need to buy the book.
Hi there PM long time no see, I am a diabetic and had packed on some pounds when I first visited my new doctor my A!C was at a 7, he mixed and matched some meds and 6 months later my A!C was 11!! My only choice? Get rid of some weight and get my sugars down ir I would have to go on Insulin, that was my biggest nightmare! I bought the South Beach Diet Book that didnt last, so I decided that I would research and do it on my own. First thing I did was cut out soda and chips anyone who knows me knows in and of itself that was big, HUGE!.I only drink plain water or infused waters..I found one called ICE that has a little carbonation and it satisfy’s my soda craving. I cut out as many carbs as I could no noodles, breads, tortillas, rice nothing white. I eat salads and Veggies Chicken and fish and on one day of the week Sunday I allow myself to eat what I want (within reason) like a hot dog or a burger (no fries) since June 27th I have lost 21 lbs and 3 dress sizes!! AND the good thing is I am still gung ho on my eating patterns since I know come Sunday I can have something Good! I also on Sunday walk to burn off any extra calories I may have used. I never go over 1200 and my Blood sugars are never over 130 after a meal. I cant wait until September when I go back for my A1C test!! So good luck to you and the Mrs! If I can do it (the original chocoholic) anyone can. I do eat the Atkins Chocolate Crunch bar as a snack at times it really is good!
Another book by Dr “Batman” is Obesity, Cancer , Depression which he ties to unintentional dehydration. Quite interesting and informative. I too am converting to Paleo eating and being aware of drinking water with a little sea salt all thru the day as if it were medicine. It really does help pain, depression etc. Blessings on your journey to great health. I believe the body of Christ should be the most joyful, healthy people on the planet !!! Can’t wait for the new book ! I tried the vegan/vegetarian low fat route and did not lose an ounce and I was so exhausted I could not function. I know I need healthy fat. I feel so much better !
I just clicked the box on “I’d like to read this book on Kindle” at amazon.com
Shipping of books from the US to over here is super-costly! If any of you out there use Amazon and Kindle, be aware that you can send this message to the publisher with just a click when you shop online.
–I’m very interested in what Doctor Batman may have said about weight loss that I haven’t read already. Thanks!
FYI,
Dan V
Taipei, Taiwan
Hey PM! What we put into our bodies is important as ‘we are what we eat’ is key. Similarly, emotions and spiritual components also affect health. Toxic thoughts and emotions like anger and unforgiveness are also at the root of inflammation. A person is a tripart being spirit, soul and body; these function together as one. Whatever affects one affects the other two areas of the body. I believe at the core of inflammatory process and it’s genesis is fear producing anger, anxiety and a host of mental and physical illnesses, and are auto immune in nature. A kind of self rejection. Cheers!
Thanks for your well worded reply Christina. I too started following the Atkins diet about 15 years ago. When I stuck to it strictly I would lose weight, but it came right back when I deviated from it. I bounced up and down 10 lbs many times.
A couple of years ago a friend compelled me to watch the “Forks Over Knives” video and it took a while to decide to make the change but a year ago I did. I. Dropped about 15 pounds in 6-8 weeks by sticking to it closely and then I aimed to follow it 80 percent of the time. The result has been that though I gained a few pounds at Christmas, I have kept a steady weight for the rest of the time and I don’t even worry about it.
I eat very little meat or dairy, but I do eat some in small amounts. My eating choices focus on fresh vegetables, whole grains, and fruits. I eat pasta and bread when I want to but I stick with very low fat toppings. I don’t cook with oils and I found out that you can saute onions or cook stir fry easily with out them and you don’t need to add the extra hundreds of fat calories. I don’t go hungry I feel great and lead a very active lifestyle. It is easy to maintain this diet and without all the processed foods and meats is actually quite inexpensive. For the first time in years I have truly enjoyed all the summer fresh fruit choices.
The science behind the vegan diet is hard to argue with and Forks Over Knives lays out the case for it very well. Their website has numerous links which show even more scientific research that back up the place. Another good website can be found by searching for The McDougall Free diet. They put all their diet information out free to use just as a service to people.
Also, if you look at the Daniel fast, this is pretty much it. He flourished. Hmm…
I believe Christina’s post has a wealth of wisdom contained therein. Choosing a dietary paradigm is no small thing, and I definitely urge you to check out some of the resources Christina is providing.
Here are a few more that add some additional spiritual considerations. From a Christian perspective, it is worth listening to the supernatural testimonies of Cherie Calbom on Sid Roth, as well as Jordan Rubin on Sid Roth. Both are huge proponents of diets high in raw food, low in processed food, though Jordan does advocate a wide array of certain meats and supplements in his Maker’s Diet. Both people have testified of encounters with God that pointed them towards the dietary paradigms they advocate, so as Christians I believe they are worth considering.
The documentary “Super Juice Me” (http://www.superjuiceme.com/) shows the unmistakable power of juicing to reverse many severe and chronic issues over a 28 day period. Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead (which Christina mentions) is also remarkable in showing the power of juicing. It’s also worth learning about the work Max Gerson (of the Gerson therapy) did to eradicate cancer through juicing therapy. God already gave us the perfect medicine…it’s veggies! Before the Fall, man was vegetarian, and I believe there’s a good reason for that. Obviously from a New Covenant standpoint, I believe it’s fine to eat meat, but I also don’t believe it was ever meant to be a primary source of our diet the way it has become in the Western Diet.
Check out the China Study as well. Good luck and God bless.
Hi Praying Medic et al–how’s Atkins working out for you 1 year after you posted this? I’ve lost 50+ pounds in a year via diet & exercise, but I’m now at a plateau and want to take off another 40! I’m wondering if going Atkins might do the trick!
Thoughts, anybody?
I have been fasting/carnivore diet. Even though many authors of carnivore diets do not describe it in a biblical based way it does work. I like that you say our modern diets are historically not what we use to eat. Guidance from the Holy Spirit is the only way to eat. I do drink coffee during my fasting time. This is when I do a lot of my praying. It seems like the carnivore which is somewhat of a extension of the Atkinson. Is biblically based. Your article confirms that . I pray that more confirmation of this diet becomes exposed as more biblically based to all of us.