I've been reading this book and I wonder if it's compatible with Atkins? I see that she calls for a lot more carbs than we eat on LC, about 100 per day, which is what I was eating when I was on the Zone. Anyone have thoughts about this?

I also read the book, and I really loved the way it explained the whole process and the way that carbs affect our bodies and the whole "overloading carbs theory". I am following Atkins, but I would have never even started if I hadn't read that book and understood the whole reason behind it.

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2001 = 230 lbs
1/2003 - 218 lbs
1/2004 - 187 lbs
current 195/goal 150

Ditto Merdiva,

While I totally *get* and respect Dr. Schwarzbein's theories, I felt that the weight loss was too slow on her plan.
I think it is compatible with Atkins in the sense that she is essentially supporting the same lifestyle. But her focus is on total body healing -- healing the adrenals, the pancreas, balancing and normalizing hormone levels -- while Atkins' focus is on losing weight quickly and healthfully.
If I were only 40 pounds or less overweight, I would follow Schwarzbein to the letter. Since I am more than that (considerably), I will follow Atkins (well, not at the moment! ) until I get my weight within that range.

I still think her books are extremely important and will serve only to strengthen your commitment to this way of eating whether you decide to follow her specific plan or not.
HTH,

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Summer

Okay, well that makes sense. I'm getting something out of reading the book because I like having as much knowledge as possible. Endocrinology is fascinating and confusing.

She states that sometimes you will gain weight when you're healing, but I feel that my health is in enough jeopardy right now that I don't want to gain any more weight. Also, something I was thinking about last night--she also says that eating too few carbs can be harmful in the long run, which I do wonder about. But I think if I keep my insulin on the level by eating low carb, I'm avoiding the reactions I'd normally have when it's too high.

In addition to the weight issues, I have a medical problem that reacts to insulin--when my blood sugar is unstable, it causes me to lose strength in my muscles and can even cause temporary paralysis. By eating low carb I can mostly avoid that problem. So there is another reason for me to continue Atkins. I just wish I knew for sure what the long term effects of LC eating were. I know the studies will come out at some point.