I have started on low-carb somewhat on my own. I have a few friends that have had great success with it, but it seems that they are all on a different plan. Any suggestions on which plan seems the simplest to follow? Also, it seems each plan has several books. How do you choose?

Hi, Jennifer. Good question! There ARE a lot of plans and books out there now, and it could be confusing.

Atkins, of course, is getting most of the press, because the good Dr. was a pioneer, and still going strong. At least his idea is. (R.I.P. Dr. Atkins). Anyway, the best book for this plan is Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution.

If you want an overview of a number of different low-carb plans, there's a Laura Richard book I can NEVER remember the title of. Help, please, from other posters?

For everthing else (Carbohydrate Addicts, South Beach, Protein Power, etc.) ask your librarian or bookseller to show you the book by the originator of the plan. That will give you the genuine scoop.

Which plan is simplest? I follow Atkins because I think it's the simplest. However, there are factors besides simplicity that make other plans work better for other people.

You're wise to want to get educated. For best results, you really should pick a plan and stick with it for a long time. Don't try to mix-and-match, or to invent your own. That's how people fail, and then say, "low-carb doesn't work."

Barb L.
Started Atkins January 2003
162/135/140

I really appreciate the tips and have been leaning towards Atkins. I'll be at the library this weekend and will look up his books. Thanks again.

I've read through 2 versions of New Diet Revolution, but I think Atkins for Life is the best.

Probably any version of NDR you read is going to be extremly detailed and informative, but if you're looking for encouragement and proof that this WOE is the best, Atkins for Life is your book.

194/183/125 (5'4)
Doing induction ALL over since 10/9/03

Jennifer~

You might also want to check out Laura Richard's book, "The Secret to Low Carb Success". It compares several of the most popular plans so that you can decide which one might be best for you.

Good luck, and welcome to the boards,

Sky
Atkins since 8/02
186/144/under 150

[img]http://www.lowcarbeating.com/lcesupporter.gif[img]

I second and third the motion for Laura Richards' The Secret to Low Carb Success. It's well written. In addition to the summary and comparison of the popular low carb plans, the book has a lot of tips and hints for succes with this way of eating.

~~~Teelbee

174 (Mar. 2002, highest weight), 164 (Jan. 2003, begin LC)
174/134/137-134
remember, amateurs built the Ark, professionals built the Titanic

I agree:

1. Atkins NDR
2. Laura Richard Secret to LC Success

But my third recommendation, after you have read both of those books and are several weeks into LC is Dr. Diana Schwarzbein's The Schwarzbein Principle. This book will convince you that you should eat low carb forever. Atkins tells you how to do it, Richards tells you how to do it successfully, Schwarzbein tells you why you should do it forever, in detail.

Teri