Atkins is not a bad diet. It is mostly misunderstood. He does not say, as everyone believes, that you can eat thousands of grams of fat.
Its a proven and effective diet. I personally don't use it but have learned quite a bit from his principles which he has been propounding for 30 years. Many of which the bodybuilding community has been coming around to over the past 10 years, and the scientific community has just started coming around to.
In fact there was quite an interesting article recently in the NY Times. I can post it if anyone is interested.
Atkins books are a good read if nothing else. The diet is effective though not ideal for bodybuilders.