[Carl in Tampa]

It used to be that when I went to my primary care doctor and my weight was up he would ask, "Who's been visiting?"

He was correct that when I had company in the house for a few days I would,
1. Eat out more..... restaurant food is generally very salty.
2. Eat things that I shouldn't (Indulging myself and my guest.)

Several years ago I bought Dr. Atkins' diet book, followed it strictly for nine months and gradually lost 60 pounds. Although his high protein diet was often attacked, I found that my health and energy were excellent; blood tests were within normal limits; and I felt no negative effects.

I found that many of my friends who couldn't get the diet to "work for" them never read past the third chapter of the book before they gave up.

HERE'S THE INTERESTING PART; after all those years of criticism of Dr. Atkins, we have seen a lot of "great" diet books, such as The South Beach Diet, that are just alternative presentations of Dr. Atkins' low carb/high protein plan.

If your diet has been working, stick with it, get plenty of exercise AND AVOID SALT. Have your doctor monitor your blood work, and as long as it stays in range you are doing great.

Good luck.