Defending Atkins and Yourself !

[Peterlock]

Hi Folks,

Being on Atkins can open us up to a lot of ridicule - not surprising considering all bogus information that's still out there. I love defending Atkins when I have to. Some people mean well and are receptive to learning the facts. For everyone else - here's some ammunition

The Concerned friend: Why don't you just watch what you eat?

I can't , I like to eat in the dark

The co-worker: Why don't you do weight watchers instead

Weight Watchers? I would rather have root canal

The Ignorant Doctor: You're going to have a heart attack if you keep eating this way

Did you print these diplomas out yourself - or did somebody help you?

The animal Rights Activist: Don't you like animals?

I love them - they're delicious

Kidding aside, let people know this is your well informed choice and you would like the same support you would gladly give them. Don't be afraid to speak up you have nothing to apologize for and you don't have to justify yourself to anyone.

When I was on Atkins a few years ago I got so much flack - my canned response was "and what part of the book did you enjoy the most?"

Sometimes I think of what it must have been like for Dr. Atkins to have been discredited all those years. yet he never wavered, he never stopped saving lives. So we can hold our guns too.

I think if someone cares about us they're behind us in this - period.

Plus how much fun is it to be out at a dinner or lunch diving into your juicy steak, buttered aspargras with grated parmesan cheese and sipping decaf coffee with heavy cream - while everyone else nibbles away at their tiny salads with low fat dressing!

You can still hear their hunger pains after you get home. So be proud of yourself and the steps you're taking towards a better life in every respect - and never let anyone bully you into thinking otherwise.

Peter

[Lady_Hawke]

Great Post Peter!!! :yes :joy :yes

[ditien]

Its true we really need to tell people. My mother is a hussler always shoving food infront of us and going its not heathy to not eat some carbs(rice, bread), she got high blood pressure and her doctor told her to eat very small portions of meat and eat mainly carbs. Morning breakfast for her is a whole flask of tea with a whole loaf which has butter by herself. No lunch and dinner is alot of rice and some stew and she eats lots of fruit.

She has not lost a single kilo/pound and still takes medication for high blood pressure daily. Ive been trying to convince her but to no avail. People are so set in their ways even if it doesnt help. urgh dont i get frustrated and scared for her.

[cleochatra]

This is a very helpful post, Peter. As someone who is very active in TOPS, which tends towards the food pyramid, I'm having to educate a lot of people about this WOE. Humor and knowledge go a long way so as not to be confrontational but self deprecating, fun chewy sinewy meaty goodness!

And finally the comment I receive most:

I can't eat meat. I hate meat.

"We're made of meat. In fact, I've been known to chew a mailman when I'm in the need of a good gnaw on a government employee."

[Moochiecat]

It's interesting...if you say Atkins, some folks freak out on you.
But if you said "I'm doing this thing where I'm cutting all the processed sugars, flours and starches out of my diet and focussing on fresh meats, cheeses and veggies!" everyone gets all impressed and supportive.

I think that it's better sometimes to just give some details, rather than throw DANDR at folks, yanno? Unless they ask and seem really honestly interested.

[bluehairbrush]

These people never said anything when I was inhaling the Pizza Hut pizzas and Little Debbie snack cakes, but cut out the processed junk, and "whoa, whoa, whoa! You're killing yourself!"

[cleochatra]

It's interesting...if you say Atkins, some folks freak out on you.
But if you said "I'm doing this thing where I'm cutting all the processed sugars, flours and starches out of my diet and focussing on fresh meats, cheeses and veggies!" everyone gets all impressed and supportive.

I've noticed that, too!

[floydgirl]

Moochiecat is right on the mark. That is exactly what I tell people when they ask how I've lost so much weight. Peter, I love your response "and what part of the book did you enjoy most?" I'm going to have to use that sometime!