Good for healthy, younger people wishing to loose a few extra pounds...BUT, I've done a lot of researching, spoken with cardiologist, nephrologist friends, etc. and it is just NOT the diet to choose for those who have a real weight issue rooted in a lifetime of poor eating habits. You do lose the wt., and quickly! And if you're ready to adopt a completely new approach to eating after you've lost the wt., i.e, keeping the calories down, uping the fruits and veggies, exercising, etc. great. But few take that route, return to their old eating habits and the pounds return...just as fast! The diet is not only inherently, incredibly, high in fat and cholesterol, as well, the physiological impact is to put the person in a false diabetic state...ketoacidosis. People actually test their urine with Ketodiastix to see if they're "purple." As a nurse, this makes my hair curl!! It puts a tremendous strain on the kidneys. There is a lot of debate in the medical community re: the negative impact of this diet. But, when one can achieve the same desired effect, losing wt., while at the same learning healthy, lifelong eating habits, I feel that's the preferred way to go. As with most "fad" diets, there's a hook that lures you in. With Atkins, it's the idea of eating as much as you want of mayo, butter, eggs, cheese, meat!!! But I have heard from friends that it isn't long before the patina wears off and the dieter, sick of eggs without the toast, prime rib without the baked potato, begins craving fruits, veg's, pasta, etc. It's always what you can't have that you want! The most successful dieter I ever met was a woman who just slowly cut back on her portions. She didn't deny herself anything, just cut back. It was a slow, almost imperceptable loss. But over the period of a year she lost over 50lbs., had totally revamped her approach to food and has kept the wt. off for 5 yrs. now! People wonder why the French, whose cuisine/daily diet includes cheeses, rich sauces, great breads, etc. do not suffer the high rate of obesity/heart disease seen in other western countries!!! Well, they don't eat half a wheel of a cheese at a sitting. They indulge in and enjoy their favorite foods, but not in the volume as some other cultures. Personally, I love the mediterranean based diets...Greek, Middle Eastern, etc. SO full of flavor, veggies, fruits, tasty meats in smaller portions, salads, nuts and legumes...As the ancient Greeks said, "Everything in moderation!" I think that's the way to go. Don't deny yourself, just cut back. And exercise!!! Even if it's a short walk in the morning and evening to start! It all adds up! And Soledad, I made your banana bread last night! OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't think this is the thread to tell you how much I ate!! It was wonderful! Thanks so much for the recipe!