Here's one more pro-Atkins opinion.
August '02 went for FAA physical + extra blood tests; cholesterol very high (293), Blood Pressure 135/93 minimum, BP had been maxed out for last 3-4 years. I've tried to lose weight, running 3-4 miles/day and avoiding fats, eating only salads and odd desert (including potatoes, rice, etc) and stayed 210-220 lbs...couldn't lose weight. Went to other pilot friends with frustration, and was recommended Atkins book 'The New Diet Revolution'. It sounded reasonable, I tried it, BP no longer a problem (tonight 105/77), cholesterol still high at 239, but much lower, but triglycerides down 1/3 to 53.6 (well within limits), LDL (bad cholesterol) went from 226 a year ago to 157 now (still hi, but going down), VLDL from 16 to 11, and HDL (good cholesterol) from 51.4 to 70.9. Weight now at 163. Unhealthy? For the wallet, yes. I've gone from waist size 42 to 35; had to buy new pants...otherwise, there's no downside. You don't have to do it; buy one of those discounted books and see why it's so popular. Sam