Was it really that horrible for us healthwise before the advent of processed foods like cereal, cookies, or anything man-made?”
– because ultimately, that is all that is being eliminated here. During the temporary Induction and OWL phases of Atkins, however, certainly the carbs are lower; but they only increase in time in terms of introducing more low-starch, low-glycemic fare into one’s menu, as per Dr. Atkins’ New Diet Revolution. Atkins Maintenance essentially is a “supermarket-parameter” way of keeping the weight off. Just ditch the inside aisles. The bottom line: those who make a choice not to read the book, or who choose not to do the program correctly by eating just a bunch of meat & butter are obviously not following Atkins to begin with. So that said, if one is not following Atkins & if what he or she is or isn’t eating affects his or her weight or health negatively, then Atkins could not possibly be to blame.