Both sides have valid points...
I'm a Dietetics major and I will eventually be an RD. And I'm supposed to tell you exactly what XOMichelle says. The ADA does not believe in the Atkins diet... If you follow the Food Guide Pyramid, you will be eating healthily. If you lower your calorie intake and increase your exercise at the same time, you will lose weight.
That said, most people find great weight loss success on the Atkins diet... and unlike ephedra, Atkins hasn't really been PROVEN to be dangerous.
I've never really studied the Atkins program in depth, but I would give one piece of advice:
Make sure that the carbs you DO eat are nutrient dense. I know Dr. Atkins believed in whole grains, and you should too! If you aren't going to eat a lot of carb-rich food, please choose wisely so that you will still get the recommended amount of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that your body needs. Animal products do not offer much in this area. Also be choosy with your fruits and vegetables... salad is low in calories but iceberg lettuce isn't really fulfilling any major nutrient needs. Same with bananas... they have potassium but that's about it.
And I would have to add this: Cream, you are a woman. Women have curves and most of the time, it's fairly difficult to get rid of that small lower abdominal roundness if you are already quite slim. You are probably the only person that notices it
