In the last two years, my father died of a cerebral hemorrhage complicated by peripheral vascular disease, and my mother developed vascular dementia. My cholesterol has always been high, but I ignored it until my parents' illnesses. First I went on a vegetarian WOE as prescribed by my doctor; the net result was that my LDL and triglycerides went through the roof and I gained 15 pounds. End of that story. I'd known about Atkins because I tried it halfheartedly a few years ago. This time, Atkins/PP are a commitment. While I don't have that much weight to lose, I would love to get off the Lipitor I'm taking and get rid of excess body fat.

This is a wonderful WOE. The amazing thing is that there is no food I would possibly want that there isn't an allowable substitute for. How many eating plans can offer that?