Hi Mike
There are lots of variants of low carb/high fat diets, Atkins amongst them.
What Michael has done with BSD, I think, is to make it all as simple as possible – and as workable as possible for many people.
He’s accumulated evidence that a relatively short period of calorie restriction (800 cals pd over 8 weeks), together with complete abstention of refined carbs, can produce a) significant weight loss and b) lowering and balancing of blood sugar.
So it’s a plan to get you first of all some really encouraging weight losses, which are important if you have a lot to lose, and also a plan of eating which will leave you on reduced calories but not feeling hungry (or at least after the first few days when the carb withdrawal can have effects, especially if you ate a lot of them before).
I am 7 weeks in, not type 2 but slightly overweight and also mildly carb addicted. OH is Type 2 and would love to get off metformin.
Being the sort of people we are, we have also looked at lots of other books/articles/evidence. Our experience is that coming off refined carbs (in our case bread is the major one which has vanished from our diet) has left us feeling bright and lively and removed some ‘fog’ which we weren’t even aware of. I feel in control of my eating, and we have both really really enjoyed the taste of food, and generally speaking not felt hungry.
There are other things you can do, other books give you more guidance, but the BSD is a very good and simple start.
Following my research, I intend to continue a lifestyle change to remove refined carbs (already given up sugar in tea/coffee – used to be a 2 tsp person) except in exceptional circumstances (e.g. roast potatoes at Christmas, very occasional slice of good bread if I find any). I shall also control the balance of nutrients in terms of (good) carbs, fat and protein, and am very confident I shall continue to feel much fitter.
But read the book when you get it, and see what you think. I recommend it thoroughly! ๐