Does anyone know the difference between Atkins 1972 and Atkins 1992?

I have the 1992 version and really like it. He has all the nutritional information and so many great suggestions on how to follow his plan. I think he was just formulating his vitamins/minerals for sale in 1992 but I don't think that the other products were really being produced at that time.

I followed the 1972 version in the 70's and 80' but of course I don't have my copy.

Do I need to get the 1972 version? Thanks!!!!

Spunky, I don't think so. Read the preface of your new copy and see what the changes were. I used the 2002 version and it was perfectly fine. The debate centers on real food or other low carb products like Atkins Bars and shakes.

Most people know by now that low carb products have a hard time selling because most of us simply eat "real" foods and they are the main parts of the way of eating. However, there is nothing wrong with an Atkins bar between meals or a protein shake before or after exercise. I don't think you want to make an Atkins Shake your breakfast, however, unless there is no alternative. If a Chocoperfection bar holds you over until dinner and keeps you from making some other unhealthy choice, go for it.

Do your plan as it's written and you will have few if any problems. Knowledge is the best tool.

Best regards,

Charles

There is also the question of "net carbs" versus "total carbs".

Atkins 72 counts ALL carbs toward the daily total, while Atkins
in his later books subtracts fiber.

And Charles you are quite right about the faux foods issue. I dont
eat them, preferring to stick to the original plan (72). But they
are helpful to some although not for induction.

I have used both programs and lost the best on the original.

Good luck!

Bella

Bella or Charles,

Do you guys subtract fiber now that you are at maintenence?

I have never subtracted fiber but I am aware of it! In other words, if I eat 30 grams total and 10 is fiber, then I dont worry too much about the overall total. If I go up a little in weight, then I try to keep my carbs at 20 and still eat about 7-8 grams of fiber in it.

I have found that overall carbs is easier to manage for me.

Bella

I guess my problem is, why all the grief about the fiber and sugar alcohols? The science seems to indicate that fiber content allows you to subtract from the total. There are some who hold that fiber is overrated and not really necessary. I don't know.

Are you telling me that we need to rely on the USDA's definition of what carbohydrates are? They include fiber and sugar alcohols in the total by law so what is the problem with subtraction? What is wrong with the general warning that sugar alcohols should be used in moderation?

Splenda is certainly fodder for every conspiracy theorist in the business but there have been many studies that confirm that the exact amount of Splenda that you put into your body, comes out the other side. It's been tested, as gross as that may sound.

As with anything on Atkins, it really depends on your body's response to food. If you eat any food that stalls your weight loss, you need to either adjust your quantity of that food or decide that you can derive benefit from it's nutrients from some other food -- in other words, take it out. That's fine. But to suggest to a new person that they should automatically be concerned about net carbs just because it wasn't an issue in 1972, seems like a red herring to me.

The major strength of the Atkins diet is finding your unique ACE. Obsessing over someone else's number is not healthy. Let these new folks experiement and decide whether sugar alcohols and fiber is a problem. My wife handles maltitol just fine, but it wrecks my stomach in minutes. Should she not have it in moderation even though she can metabolize it?

That's a tough one.

Regards,

Charles

Hilary, I have always subtracted fiber and I have drank Splenda flavored beverages from day 1. Don't be afraid of food. Eat it and decide.

Thanks both Bella and Charles.

I know that sugar alcohols (chocoperfection and atkins bars) mess with my stomach and it isn't pretty. So, I was just wondering about Fiber. I am still in induction, so I am counting everything. I guess I am getting ready for OWL and the thought of having to watch my body so closely to find out what works for me scares me a little.

I'm glad to know that you guys are here for me. I'm a good excersiser, bad dieter. I thought KK was the answer, but I am doing my best to learn here.

Hey Charles,

Im not suggesting they be concerned about net carbs- I was describing what I do in my own plan! And that both work.

I agree about the maltitol- some people can handle it, and some not.

Thanks for your responses!

Bella

Bella - Charles likes to be thorough. I know he was not addressing you here, he was just explaining more that I need to be aware of how my own body works. He is a big advocate of making your own decisions here and a lot of people are telling the newbies what "they should" be doing.

Charles - sorry for speaking on your behalf, but I just want to make sure that no one missunderstands.

Thanks Hilary

I have to admit I feel somewhat admonished for sharing my opinion.
Misunderstandings can easily happen on the internet when we
cant see or hear a person! And to reiterate: I wasnt telling anyone
what to do, just saying what works for me.

Bella

It's all good!

It's definately all good. I love your sense of humor, Bella. I used to go into maintenence and copy down recipes and advice from you. I respect your opinion. Please keep giving it...and even if you are telling me what to do...I probaly need it. I do need a swift kick in the tookas every once in awhile.

Bella:

It's definitely all good. I'm sorry you felt "admonished" that wasn't my intent. I just keep seeing several threads pop up regarding this Atkins 72 vs. every other Atkins book and these threads should probably all be combined into one, since it continues to pop up.

I'm just suggesting that if there is a problem with weight loss, one might need to dig a little deeper than just sugar alcohols and fiber. It's clear we all agree that each person has to listen to their body and decide what stays, and what goes and this is just as true today as it was in '72.

We also agree that one needs to read one of the versions and simply do what it says in order to have the best chance at success. Unfortunately, even that, sometimes is still not enough and we have to dig even deeper since the man himself is not here to answer our many questions.

Best regards and lots of love,

Charles

I too have ALWAYS subtracted fiber from my carb counts with NO problems at all. Hey Bella, how about we give you an Atkins 72 forum thread to moderate and talk about that plan in a separate room for those interested. PM me and let me know if you'd like to do that!

Thanks so much Charles, I really appreciate your post.

And yes Id love to moderate an Atkins 72 forum. Just my speciality!
I will pm you Jimmy

Bella

It's a done deal, Bella! You WILL be my new Atkins 72 moderator...soon!

Yeah, Bella!!!!

Hi all! Thanks for all the responses!

Charles – great suggestion to read the preface to see the differences! Duh! Basically, the 1992 version is the paperback of the 1988 printing – published 16 years after the original 1972 book.

No such thing as net carbs in it. Also, it seems to have lots of advice on supplements and how to stop stalls; basically, an overall management of living a low carb life! I really like this one because I have used his advice as for supplements. For example, I’ve added lots of Chromium – I use GTF, others use picolinate – 600 – 800 mcg per day.

I see that some have done well with the ‘net carb’ concept – as they say – whatever works for you! Actually, Dr. Atkins seems to be saying the same thing.

This man is a genius! I’m finally getting it after all these years! I’m lots older than most of you but still learning!

Welcome to my forum, Spunky! Better late than never, I always say about learning things. Enjoy yourself here and let us know how we can help YOU!