As far as getting sick at the beginning, that is a natural part of the "getting well" detoxification process of getting the carb overload out of your body, and some of the worst of what processed foods weigh you down with. Everyone that starts Atkins, or everyone that I know, goes through about three days of hell, feeling sicker than a dog. For some it lasts a little longer, especially if they are stopping coffee/caffeine at the same time - encouraged on atkins. THEN, once the worst of the detox is over, suddenly you start feeling better than you've ever felt. Ever. Energy out the wazoo. The only ones I know who don't have this high energy experience are those trying to do their own version of atkins, - such as doing zero carbs. Everyone I know who follows the book, feels great after the first initial detox period. There are more "downs" later as you deal with emotional issues around food triggers you are missing, and such. But physically, there is this huge improvement.
As to the doctors. That is simply misinformation. Yes, 5 years ago your statement would have been correct. Today most heart doctors are highly recommending Atkins to their patients. A vast majority of doctors today are encouraging patients to try Atkins - because the independent research is finally being done and published, that backs up what Dr. Atkins was saying all along. It doesn't hurt. It helps. Joy but when I become more sick than I was simply by starting a diet.......that should be a clue for me to stop the diet........99% of the doctors of the world say that most of these diets are dangerous anyway.........I tend to agree in some ways...........Robb
