Indiana Resident Crowned First Atkins Diet Superstar

DENVER, July 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. ("Atkins®") has named Indiana resident, Meghan Cook, a 30 year-old nurse, wife and mother, as Atkins' first Success Story Superstar. Meghan's winning entry detailed how a family photo of her at 220 pounds motivated her to lose 82 pounds on the Atkins Diet™. Her weight loss encouraged her to start running and she completed her second 5K this past May.

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As Atkins' first Success Story Superstar, Meghan will receive a $5,000 shopping spree to the retailer of her choice.  She also qualifies as one of two finalists in the Success Story Superstar competition. The Superstar Grand Prize winner will receive an all-expense paid trip to Los Angeles, a professional hair and makeup session for a photo shoot with Atkins celebrity spokesperson, Courtney Thorne-Smith, and the possibility of inclusion in Atkins' new marketing campaign.

"We received so many incredible submissions but Meghan's really stood out as exceptional," said Atkins Chief Marketing Officer, Scott Parker. "She is a great inspiration for people looking to manage their weight safely and effectively with Atkins."

After taking family photos over July Fourth Weekend in 2010, Meghan knew it was time for a change. She weighed over 220 pounds and was eager to lose weight for the long term via a healthier lifestyle rather than a quick fix.

"I had seen the numbers on the scale but it wasn't until I saw the photos that something clicked," Meghan said. "I choose to follow Atkins to lose weight because it teaches you how to eat and enjoy a variety of foods without ever feeling hungry."

Meghan's weight loss has motivated those around her to get healthy as well. "My biggest accomplishment is when other nurses come up to me and say that I have motivated them to start living healthier," she said. "I am living proof that the Atkins plan works."

An eating approach that combats cravings, the Atkins Diet includes a wide variety of whole foods including low glycemic fruits, vegetables and whole grains while avoiding those foods high in refined sugars and carbohydrates. This approach allows the body to burn more fat and work more efficiently while helping people feel less hungry, more satisfied and more energetic.

Atkins will begin accepting success stories again for Round 2 of their Success Story Superstar competition on September 1st, 2011. Atkins will announce the Grand Prize Winner from the two finalists on or before October 15th, 2011.

About Atkins Nutritionals, Inc.

Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. is a leading player in the $2.4 billion weight control nutrition category, and offers a powerful lifetime approach to weight loss and weight management.  The Atkins Nutritional Approach focuses on a healthy diet with reduced levels of refined carbohydrates and added sugars and encourages the consumption of protein, fiber, fruits, vegetables and good fats. Backed by research and consumer success stories, this approach allows the body to burn more fat and work more efficiently while helping individuals feel less hungry, more satisfied and more energetic.

Atkins Nutritionals, Inc., manufactures and sells a variety of nutrition bars, foods and shakes designed around the nutritional principles of the Atkins Diet™. Atkins' four product lines: Advantage®, Day Break™, Endulge™ and Cuisine™ appeal to a broad audience of both men and women who want to achieve their weight management goals and enjoy a healthier lifestyle. Atkins products are available in more than 30,000 locations throughout the U.S. and internationally. For more information, visit atkins.com.

CONTACT:  Andrea Davidoff
RF|Binder for Atkins
(212) 994-7617
[email protected]

SOURCE Atkins Nutritionals, Inc.