Looking to transition off an Atkins type diet to a good diet that is
NOT high in protein. (High is protein is not good for those prone to
kidney stones, which I've discovered) -- And, I don't want to gain all
the weight back that I lost.

While I am hesitant to endorse Atkins diet products, since you are
transitioning from that diet, you may want to consider the new "Atkins
for Life" program.  It is a program to gradually reintroduce
carbohydrates back into your diet.  By measuring your carbohydrates
and tracking that in reference to your weight gain or loss, you can
find a level that allows you to maintain your desired weight.  Again,
this is not my top choice, but it is written for the audience of
Atkins dieters bringing carbohydrates back in a measured way, so I
believe it is worthwhile to mention it.

"Atkins for Life" by Robert C. Atkins 
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0312315228/


These next two diets are what I would call balanced diets.  These
diets are "The Zone" and "Body for Life".  While calories and
carbohydrates are still squarely in focus, these diets do not attempt
to send the body into ketosis.  These diets emphasize optimum sources
of carbohydrates, so that you do not consume "empty calories" or
"empty carbs" and avoid carbohydrate addiction.

The Zone is sometimes criticized for being written in a technical way
with ratios that some consider complicated.  It recommends that one
derives calories from 40% Carbohydrates, 30% Protein, and 30% Fat. 
However, if you don't want to read the scientific background, you can
skip to the portions about suggested meals.  Or, instead of purchasing
the original book, you can purchase one of the easier to read books
that focus less on the scientific background.  The simpler titles
include "Mastering the Zone", "A Week in the Zone", "The Top 100 Zone
Foods", "Zone Perfect Meals in Minutes", and a very inexpensive
pamphlet called "The 40/30/30 Phenomenon".  If you prefer, you can
simply check out recipes at the Zoneperfect web site.

Amazon.com:  Items related to "The Zone" by Barry Sears.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/sim-explorer/explore-items/-/006039241X/

Zoneperfect.com:  Reader Recipes
http://www.zoneperfect.com/site/content/readerrecipes.asp

Body for Life is sometimes criticized for its intense exercise program
and its suggestion of "Body for Life Fitness Shakes" as a meal
replacement.  However, the shakes are definitely not mandatory and you
can use your own exercise routine if you like.  Some consider this
program to be an intense exercise program with an easy-to-understand
version of The Zone diet, though that may be an oversimplification.

Amazon.com: "Body for Life" by Bill Phillips
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0060193395/

All diets are subject to criticsim.  You may want to review the
criticisms of various diets at this web site:
Diet Information:  Weight Loss Diet Reviews
http://www.diet-i.com/weight-loss-diet-reviews.htm

I thought this was a nice overview of diet styles posted at Epinions:
http://www.epinions.com/content_1907925124

Diet Central:  Links to Epinions reviews of diets
http://productreviewsite.homestead.com/diets.html

Search Strategy:  Use my personal knowledge of these diets, books at
Amazon, and find diet review sites by including multiple diets in the
search terms.

Search Terms: Atkins Body for Life Cabbage Zone Review
://www.google.com/search?q=Atkins+Body+for+Life+Cabbage+Zone+Review

I hope you have found this information useful and easy to understand. 
If you have any questions about this information, please do not
hesitate to post a clarification request prior to rating the answer.

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Request for Answer Clarification by jim1946-ga on 18 Apr 2003 05:40 PDT

Thanks. Pretty impressive feedback from you. Really good.

I have the Atkins for Life book, but I'm not sure that covers what the
urologist wants. He only said to find a diet that isn't high in
protein.

The Zone, from your comments, says lots of exercise, and I won't do
that -- so,although the weigth is not in the disaster category -- (I
am 5'8", now @149lbs, started Atkins @165lbs in mid Oct 2002) -- so, I
need a SIMPLE transition Plan, as I am more fearful that all the lost
weight just piles back on.

Any comments are appreciated. Jim

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Request for Answer Clarification by jim1946-ga on 18 Apr 2003 05:44 PDT

-- a second thought -- I can find a diet based on the info you sent
me, WHAT is your best thought on a TRANSITION diet -- if oyu know of
one --- I need to figure out how to move from the current state to a
new diet w/o loading pounds....Jim

---

Clarification of Answer by snapanswer-ga on 18 Apr 2003 09:16 PDT

Thank you for the tip and the rating.  I appreciate your positive
comments.

Wow!  It sounds like you lost the weight you wanted to on Atkins. 
Body for Life and The Zone both recommend exercise for weight loss and
health.  However, it is still a good way to eat, even if you do not
exercise.  I would still recommend The Zone as your new way of eating.
 Moving to The Zone would cut your protein from about 70%-90% of
calories on Atkins down to about 30%.

Basically, you want to introduce carbohydrates to help balance your
diet, but, you want them to be from good sources.  You have probably
become accustomed to avoiding bread and pasta on the Atkins diet.  No
need to rush flour carbohydrates back into your diet.  Continue to
avoid refined sugar, like soft drinks with corn syrup, and drink fruit
juice in moderation.  (Make sure when you buy fruit juice, that it is
pure juice, like grape juice and orange juice.  When buying a blended
juice, read the ingredients to make sure corn syrup or other sugars
have not been added.)  Water is still the beverage of choice, and
unsweetened iced tea is superior to a sugary soft drink.

Instead, get your carbohydrates from green vegetables, like brocolli
and asparagus, and balanced "fruits" like bananas.  I suspect the
Atkins for Life book identifies similar "good and bad" carbohydrates.

This is not medical advice.  But, I think you will find that you will
not gain weight while on The Zone plan, provided you do not consume
more calories than you burn.  And, since only 30% of your calories
will come from protein, it will hopefully satisfy your doctor's
request to limit protein to give your kidneys a break.

I have used Google Answers maybe 6 or 8 times, this perhaps is the
best reply I've had.

Just a suggestion, but I really have had great success with Weight
Watchers. It seems healthier than Atkins in that you aren't
eliminating food groups. Weight came off slow, but it's stayed off.

Regards,
luciaphile

Dieting is mostly common sence and will power. You need some protein
to be healthy, so replace perhaps 3/4 of the proteins you have been
eating with fruits and vegetables, avoiding those packed in heavy
surup. Eat only small amounts of very high callorie fruit such as
avacados. Whole grain, nuts and complex carbohydrates are important in
moderate amounts, but continue to avoid sugar, animal fat and starch.
You need a small amount of vegetable oil (not hydroginated) at each
meal to help you digest fat soluable vitimins. Drink lots of water and
very little other beverages, except fruit and vegetable juice.   Neil

You may find a food database will help you keep track of the breakdown
of different foods.  Here are two popular databases that do not charge
for access.  I find Dr. Walford's easy to use:

Dr. Walford's Food Database
http://yarrow.best.vwh.net/Usda_data/foods_db.html

USDA National Nutrient Database
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/