I respect all of your opinions, and we don't know Dr Phil so well here in australia, but I did want to make a couple of comments...
The brain does needs a certain number of calories a day to function (not sure of the exact number). If the brain can't get this from Carbs, it converts protein and fat into glycogen and the body uses this as a calorie or energy source.
I agree with KoKo that people should not get into a all carbs are bad mentality, I don't believe (and nor does Atkins) that living without good carbs forever is a good thing. Atkins does promote weight loss from fat, if you are burning your fat for energy, but at the end of the day it really does come down to the fact that we are eating less calories. Now please don't post hostile replies about how much you are eating... there is a metobolic advantage I believe, due to the drop in sugar and the ease that puts on your liver. The liver is after all the fat burning organ, and treating it better with less processed foods, more vegetables, good fats and (as a sideA) lots of water does make it function and burn fat better. But there is little question that at the end of the day, no matter what plan we follow, there is no magic about weight loss, you have to burn more calories than you need to lose weight
This is science really, the body works in amazing ways. I can't speak for you all, but I got overweight from eating probably 1,000-2,000 calories a day more than I needed, mostly from the high calorie donughts, cakes, chocolates, etc. Now I'm sure if I had consmed 2000 calories a day more than i needed eating protein, cheeses, cream, etc, I would likely still be overweight.
I have been following Atkins for about 4 weeks, although I have researched every weight loss program thoroughly and read a lot (I am diabetic). I have lost 16 pounds, and am very happy with that. My blood sugars are great, and no doubt the insulin control helps the body not store fat. I have lost the same amount of weight on other programs in the same amount of time, the difference I think is that this programs seems easier FOR ME to maintain long term because low fat, high carb makes me hungry and deprived.
I intend to do what Atkins says and reintroduce good, Low GI, carbs back into my diet once i am close to losing the weight I want.
I see a lot of posts on the forum where people get quite upset about LC being bagged by media or people they know. I wouldn't really waste the energy getting all riled up about what other people say about low carb. At the end of the day, does it really matter what anyone else but ourselves think? I don't take it on board.
Have a great Low Carb Christmas everyone (off to make my LC cheesecake)
Luscious