Dr. Robert Atkins may have brought about the most radical change in how we look at health in the past 30 years.

Born in 1930, Dr. Atkins graduated from Cornell University Medical School in 1955. His speciality was cardiology. Dr. Atkins saw patients daily up until his death in 2003.

Dr. Atkins first published his diet plan in 1972, stressing natural foods, healthy fish, vegetables and fruits. He advised staying away from sugar-rich, processed foods that had become so prevalent in most US diets. He especially advised people to stay away from white breads, white rice and potatoes, which were all high in sugar and not nutritious.

Dr. Atkins' diet books have become one of the top 50 selling books of all time now, and there are millions who have successfully followed his diet plans. While some have mistakenly categorized his diets as one recommending 'bacon and eggs every morning', the diet actually warns against high salt and nitrate intakes and instead promotes a healthy balance of fresh fish, fresh vegetables and ample water intake.

Dr. Atkins died in 2003 of head injuries, received when he slipped on ice while walking to his office.

Information on Low Carb Diets