Getting Flack for Atkins

[verbmac]

I am in my second day of induction and finally seeing a litle light at the end of the withdrawl from carbs. I am really addicted. However people spend so much time telling me that I should not do this diet and why I shouldn't do this.I almost gave up from the sheer mental barage . I really want to tell them to shut up but in polite society I need a better response.And if that doesn't work I will say shut up. Has anyone else encountered this??How did you get through this.

[Effie]

I've read some great posts on this forum about how people deal with anti-atkins attacks. Some of those responses are:

- Instead of telling people you're on Atkins, tell them you've cut out whites (flour, sugar, rice, potatoes), or just say you've stopped eating processed foods.
- Ask them for scientific reasons why Atkins is bad, then tell them that you've done a lot of research on this and have only found positive things about the diet IF DONE THE RIGHT WAY. I tend to be very diplomatic, and I say things like, "Oh my God, I used to think that Atkins was bad too! Seriously, how can all meat and cheese be good for you?! But after I did my research and read the book, I realized that that isn't what Atkins is at all. It's also vegetables, fruit, whole grains -- all healthy foods!" Once they know you know what you're talking about, they can't really argue with you.
- Tell people that you've made a committment to a healthy lifestyle and you'd appreciate support instead of criticism.

The best defense is to have read the book. Unless you know why this is the right choice for you, you're never going to be able to combat the naysayers. Information is power!

[cleochatra]

Say what I do: "I eat 3 cups of vegetables a day, stay away from refined foods and preservatives, eat whole, healthy foods, drink 8 glasses of water, and exercise every day!"

What in the world could a person do to refute that?

If they say, "Nuh uh!" then you smack them in the head with your veal cutlet.

[Miss Phode]

I don't tell anyone I'm on atkins. That usually stops the criticism before it starts. Now my husband on the other hand tells everyone, and he get's all kind of crap from people.

[G-Mom]

Some people just cannot be convinced. They aren't interested in gathering the FACTS regarding this WOL, so they aren't going to do any research. They have their preconceived notions regarding it so whatever you say goes in one ear and out the other.

Quite honestly, nothing will convince these people otherwise until you lose a lot of weight AND KEEP IT OFF for years without any health repercussions. I have a few family members who are convinced that Atkins works to reduce fat, but will eventually kill me down the road. There is nothing I can tell them or show them that will change their minds, so I just live my life.

My favorite statement to concerned family and friends at social gatherings is: "This way of eating makes me feel really good, like no other way I have ever eaten. It feels right for me and I really like it." Right after I say that, they usually shrug and go off and grab that "super-healthy" piece of cake.

[soliwit]

Another option : tell them you turned out to be allergic to bread, rice, pasta, sugar etc., cause it seemed as an allergic reaction you got fat LOL :wave

[Squeaker]

Well my husband in particular was desperately anti-Atkins, until I started. Now little does he know he's actually been eating the same stuff as me for over a week now.
Who was it that said "Revenge is sweet but not fattening" ?:yes

[Ahsiek]

LOL

I think all of the replies listed her are great.

Know in your heart that you are doing what is best for YOU and move on......there will always be skeptics.

You are doing a fine job.

[Felicia]

My personal 2 cents is who cares what they think. Be proud for what you are doing for you. Dont make excuses. If you are confident in what you are doing they will either come around to support you or you dont need them.

When people ask me what I am doing to lose weight I proudly say Atkins! I either get a "Oh Wow good for you" or a skeptic. I ignore the skeptics since I dont really care to hear thier opinon on it and its not my place to defend Atkins to them. They either believe in it or they dont.

Chin up and be proud. You are are making a difference in you! No matter how you do it its a great thing.

Felicia

[sassygoddess13]

I always say "Look, it's two weeks out of my life. After two weeks, I'll reevaluate"

Then after the first two weeks, the second two weeks and so on, everyone is asking what my secret is!!!!! :yes