Day 7 PM

Today is day 7 of my 40 days - 40 carbs - 40 prayers.

Weight: 167 pounds
BFI: 28.7%

Why Atkins? There are lots of diets out there? Why choose this one for your fast? Well, plainly spoken a fast is to sacrifice something you want desperately. I am addicted to carbohydrates. I love and adore them, even though I know they are bad for me. Even during this fast I think about them constantly. I caught myself today reading a box of instant mashed potatoes.

I also chose Atkins because it works, and because I believe in it. I have read the research and I find it to be rational. It goes against popular belief and has drawn enormous criticism. Like all dieting programs you need to consult a doctor before doing any form of drastic dieting or implementing a new work-out program. Atkins is not for everyone, and it is not designed for children.

Yet, I know that it works. A year ago I did Atkins, and I lost weight and felt great doing it. One of the popular arguments is that you do lose weight, but you immediately gain it all back. I lost the weight, and I did gain it back plus interest. However, I gained it back over the course of a year.

I gained the weight because I chose to eat foods that are not healthy for me. I was the one that chose to eat double helpings at meals, and stock my cabinets with chips, cookies and other snacks. That is not a flaw in the diet. Atkins did not make me fat. My choices did. I didn't exercise. I didn't eat healthy. I didn't control my eatings. It is no surprise that I ended up 40 pounds overweight.

I chose Atkins because it works. It works for me and it works for many other people. Check the research. Inform yourself. Talk to your doctor. After all that, go for it. It might be exactly what you are looking for.