Atkins - any low carbers out there & want to be friends?

curvykent

I have lost some weight counting calories and exercising but have gone up and down the scale so many times that it became clear to me that I needed to switch things up. I have read so much on nutrition and have discussed various options with people in related professions and came to the decision to do the Atkins diet. I have a noticeably bad reaction to carbs, they make me hungrier. I crave and crave when I'm eating them. Not to mention I have gluten intolerance. Also, I am the only person in my immediate family who does not have diabetes and I'd like to keep it that way. So with that said I have started the Atkins diet. I started it last Wednesday. I read the book, joined the website, and have been on induction phase since. I hope to stay on induction until I am down 30-40 pounds.
Is there anyone else using this site who is also doing Atkins? I love this site and what it has to offer so I still plan on using it in addition to the Atkins site, but MFP is not tailored to people on low carb diets so the extra support of having friends on this diet would be useful. I know this diet works. I have done it before and was successful. So far, I have felt a surge of energy that I haven't felt in a long long time. My skin is already looking better, I'm not having these feelings of all of a sudden going from fine to starving, I'm not going to bed hungry (did that every night on WW), and I'm enjoying my food. I don't feel deprived (yet..).
I hope there are others using this site who are on this diet too and hope we can join together to support one another and share recipes.

flattsfan22

I hope you do well, my experiences with this diet is that it does work and I lose the weight and lose it quickly, I gain it all back and then some. Also it is so so bad on your kidneys with it trying to process all of that protein you are putting your body through. I also found it very hard to stay "regular" and began experiences periods of constipation. I found a nother diet that is more of a carb exchange program that has gotten some pretty good reviews. Its call the Belly Fat Cure diet, there is a book written by Jorge Cruise and its been at the top of the best seller list forever now. Just a thought. Good luck

SP0472

Is there anyone else using this site who is also doing Atkins? I love this site and what it has to offer so I still plan on using it in addition to the Atkins site, but MFP is not tailored to people on low carb diets ....

I'm starting Induction on Wednesday. I had to go grain free anyway - I was going to do a version of SCD for Colitis but then thought to just do Atkins instead. I've always had very good luck with my Colitis going into remission when I cut carbs.

You know you can change your settings here so that your carbs/fat/protein are at different grams/day. I'm going to do that with the carbs since I'll have to stay at 20g or below during Induction.

I have A LOT to lose - I weighed in at 338lbs this morning so this seems like a good choice for me.

Edited to add: Have you read the Atkins book before starting this? That is KEY to be successful not only in Induction but in later phases so that you/we don't regain the weight back.

For me, I can't go back to grains because of what they do to my body. I've been on disability for months at a time because of my condition and the only thing that helps is removing grains from my diet.

sexylonglegs

i tried Atkins once & i thought i was going to kill someone because it made me so angry! :mad:

i also agree with the above post that you will, more than likely, gain your weight back after you start eating carbs again. i can't imagine not eating carbs for the rest of my life.

but good luck to you in whatever you decide. :flowerforyou:

stringcheeze

I'm not following Atkins, but certainly am going low carb (20% or less). I'm actually on a bit of a trial period of "off journal" for a bit to see if I can continue my weight loss without counting calories.

You can adjust your goals to be Atkins-like if you want (reduce your carbs down to meet the induction percentages and increase protein/fat levels) so you can continue to track your foods here and still meet your Atkins requirements. Go to My Home then Goals and reset stuff.

You're absolutely right; carbs do nothing but make me hungry and will in turn give me worse health problems in the long run. The only carbs I've been getting is from veggies like cauliflower and fruits like blueberries and strawberries and I haven't felt this awesome in years!

I'm with ya!

curvykent

i tried Atkins once & i thought i was going to kill someone because it made me so angry! :mad:

i also agree with the above post that you will, more than likely, gain your weight back after you start eating carbs again. i can't imagine not eating carbs for the rest of my life.

but good luck to you in whatever you decide. :flowerforyou:

There are a lot of people out there who claim they have done Atkins and turns out they just cut out carbs, didn't read the book or do the program as intended. I know because I was one of those people 8 years ago. It is true that if people do this diet the wrong way they will lose weight but once going off it comes back and with a vengeance. Atkins done the way it is intended can be very successful. I know several people who have done it as intended (induction-phase 4) and have lost tons of weight and kept it off. And not all people have to live the rest of their lives without carbs, it's a way to reboost your metabolism and learn what carbs your body uses for energy appropriately and what carbs make it difficult to lose and/or maintain weight. Not to mention, I'm gluten sensitive so that cuts out flour and some grains anyhow... and I'd rather restrict my carbs and live a healthy life then eat them and later develop diabetes.

curvykent

I hope you do well, my experiences with this diet is that it does work and I lose the weight and lose it quickly, I gain it all back and then some. Also it is so so bad on your kidneys with it trying to process all of that protein you are putting your body through. I also found it very hard to stay "regular" and began experiences periods of constipation. I found a nother diet that is more of a carb exchange program that has gotten some pretty good reviews. Its call the Belly Fat Cure diet, there is a book written by Jorge Cruise and its been at the top of the best seller list forever now. Just a thought. Good luck

Did you gain it all back while adding in carbs through the phases? I know when I did my version of this diet (not reading the book or doing the program as intended) I lost a lot of weight fast and then decided to start eating carbs.....carb overloaded and before I knew it I had gained it all back.
I do worry about my kidneys and gallbladder but I don't think I am eating a whole lot more protein than I already had been. It is a concern of mine and will be aware of my body signals. And about being regular, as long as I stay diligent about eating enough fiber I should be fine.
The belly fat cure is different from the flat belly diet??
There's something for everybody out there, for every body type and whatever else comes into play when talking about our metabolism.
Thanks for the input, I do appreciate it.

curvykent

i tried Atkins once & i thought i was going to kill someone because it made me so angry! :mad:

i also agree with the above post that you will, more than likely, gain your weight back after you start eating carbs again. i can't imagine not eating carbs for the rest of my life.

but good luck to you in whatever you decide. :flowerforyou:

I am quite the opposite. I have had a sunny disposition, TONS of energy (and I'm pmsing so that is weird!) and I am sleeping better. Different bodies and minds respond different to different diets. Thank you for your input though, I like to hear what people feel and their experience with things.

flattsfan22

Curvykent: Yes the belly fat cure is WAY different than the flat belly diet. the book is at every major book store, kroger, and walmart. Its written by Jorge Cruise.

Resalyn

Hi there, CurvyKent!

I am doing Atkins, have been for a while now - but I did fall off the wagon last week, and am back on Induction Day #3 today. I have the same response to carbs that you do - it seems when I'm eating them, I have cravings ALL THE TIME. But when I eat the Atkins way, those terrible cravings go away....

I do belong to a group on here - Group LLC - the LLC stands for Livin Low Carb. Most people are doing some sort of low carb, be it Atkins, South Beach, Dr. Dukan - whatever. The link is below - feel free to come and say hello! We just decided to start a Holiday Challenge thread - to get us through to the holidays, which aren't that far away!

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/124710-group-llc-holiday-challenge?page=2#posts-1702056

LowCarbAmanda

I'm on Atkins! A lot of people talk about how it doesn't work long term, but they tend to mention going back to "normal" eating after reaching their goal weight, instead of staying in Lifetime Maintenance Phase 4. I had 120 lbs to lose, so I've stayed in induction, sort of. I have started adding some of the rungs on the ladder (like nuts, and fresh cheese), but I've lost 36 lbs in the first three months, so I'm almost 1/3 of the way through! You can definitely add me as a friend. Good luck!

JMun

I lost 30lbs and gained back 40lbs. Atkins wasn't a lifestyle change for me. It was just a diet and that's why I failed.

Good luck to those of you trying it. It certainly didn't work for me in the long run.

BrinaJo

I was 265 lbs. and now weight 145-148 and have kept my weight off for over 9 years, by doing a high protein low carb and in my opinion it is the only way to go. I do agree that it can be bad for you if you do it wrong, but come on being over weight is not good for you anyway, so however you get it off, and it works then do it, atkins works great period. After you get your weight off, I would recommend the south beach diet, it teaches you the goods and the bads and makes perfect sence of eating right. I have stuck to it for alot of years now. I have hypoglycemia and it works great to keep my blood sugar regular. If you have any questions or need any tips I would love to help you. I just will warn you, I have a tendancy to not spell check or preread my post before sending so hopefully it makes sence.. haha good luck!!1

Grokette

I hope you do well, my experiences with this diet is that it does work and I lose the weight and lose it quickly, I gain it all back and then some. Also it is so so bad on your kidneys with it trying to process all of that protein you are putting your body through. I also found it very hard to stay "regular" and began experiences periods of constipation. I found a nother diet that is more of a carb exchange program that has gotten some pretty good reviews. Its call the Belly Fat Cure diet, there is a book written by Jorge Cruise and its been at the top of the best seller list forever now. Just a thought. Good luck

Did you gain it all back while adding in carbs through the phases? I know when I did my version of this diet (not reading the book or doing the program as intended) I lost a lot of weight fast and then decided to start eating carbs.....carb overloaded and before I knew it I had gained it all back.
I do worry about my kidneys and gallbladder but I don't think I am eating a whole lot more protein than I already had been. It is a concern of mine and will be aware of my body signals. And about being regular, as long as I stay diligent about eating enough fiber I should be fine.
The belly fat cure is different from the flat belly diet??
There's something for everybody out there, for every body type and whatever else comes into play when talking about our metabolism.
Thanks for the input, I do appreciate it.

People gain the weight back because they go back to their old eating ways.

TreeZombie

I just started Atkins on Nov. 30th. I have heard a lot of good things about it, I really hope it works for me!

LowCarbAmanda

I just started Atkins on Nov. 30th. I have heard a lot of good things about it, I really hope it works for me!

Good luck! Just be sure to read the NEW book! It's pretty involved, but it is awesome!

Grokette

I just started Atkins on Nov. 30th. I have heard a lot of good things about it, I really hope it works for me!

Good luck! Just be sure to read the NEW book! It's pretty involved, but it is awesome!

I like the 2002 version of Dr Atkins New Diet Revolution, 2002 edition.

The new version is put out by Atkins Nutritionals and they condone the use of too many products.

samantt

Hi new to this site, but love atkins last year i lost 77lbs by following the programme unfortunately 6 months ago went on meds that increased my appetite and of course i grabbed all the sugary bad foods and hey presto 35lbs went on in 2 months. I love the new atkins and have been on the 2 week induction also being able to eat salads and veg really help when you get too the stadge of being sick of meat cheese and eggs. I would love to have a buddy to do it with so add me please :happy:

LowCarbAmanda

I just started Atkins on Nov. 30th. I have heard a lot of good things about it, I really hope it works for me!

Good luck! Just be sure to read the NEW book! It's pretty involved, but it is awesome!

I like the 2002 version of Dr Atkins New Diet Revolution, 2002 edition.

The new version is put out by Atkins Nutritionals and they condone the use of too many products.

I read your post, and then went on eBay and bought a copy for $5! It will be interesting to compare and contrast Dr. Atkins' actual diet to the new revised one. Maybe tweaking what I'm currently doing will pick up the pace! LOL!

Pragmatica

I have lost 132 pounds doing ketogenic low carb since October 2009, but the key is making it a lifetime commitment. You must watch your carbs for the rest of your life! Once I hit my goal, I plan to go into something like maintenence, around 75g of good, healthy carbs. Right now, I stay around 15-25g net carbs daily with high fat and protein. I do watch my calories, but not religiously.

kpinney

I am doing Atkins but I did not start at induction this time since I have 10 lbs to lose. I do try to keep carbs 30-40 a day. I started Atkins a few months ago and did lose weight for the month I was on it. However, I have a hard time sticking with any long term diet or way of life as they call it.

Atkins is not about eating HIGH PROTEIN its about reducing your carbs and eating fat. I am not going to say I have not lost weight by other methods. I prefer Atkins because I do feel satisfied and not hungry all the time. I am definitely having good results of not having any flare ups with arthritis when I reduce my carbs. I still get my bread in with carb free bread by Jullian bakery. Its amazing for a person like me who LOVES bread. Also love Atkins vanilla shake-it is creamy and yummy.

I eat alot of broccoli and tons of eggs~Hubby is a meat guy so it works great for him too.


Anyhow, good luck on Atkins!

zano2008

Hi, I'm trying Atkins starting today. I've done it before and had success. Unfortunately the weight came back on, this time I'll plan on post weight loss living. Does that make sense? Good luck to all....Zano

Gbach

I am doing another low carb diet, the Dukan diet. It allows for a few more carbs from milk and yogurts but less from fat. I lost about 9kg with it this year, fell off the wagon and am determined to stick to it again. Went on Attack Phase (eqaul to induction with Atkins), only protein from meat, chicken, fish and milk products for 2-10 days and then you alternate pure protein and protein with lots of veg days.
I used to do atkins but I don't lose weight with atkins anymore. I love the richness of the food and the variety, but I just don't lose with it anymore.
I too can't handle the calorie counting, as carbs (even an apple in the morning) will trigger a major binge and I have no control anmore. I guess I am a true carb addict. I know I need to be low carb for life if I want to reach and maintain my weight.

zano2008

Hi..third day of induction. I've had success before and hope to sustain it. Anyone know a group of low carbers? Have a great day...Zano.

crissimoyer

Hey I have low-carbed it many times...and LOVE it. I feel better in general & never hungry!!

hippiechick67

I am back on Atkins, did it from Feb-April 2010 and lost 15 lbs. Stayed in induction for 4 weeks and it was really hard but it worked for me. Gained back only 5 over the holidays so back on it now to lose the 5 plus maybe an extra 5 if I can. My hubby got me on Atkins last year after he has successfully used it in the past but what has helped me keep the weight off is making a true lifestyle change. Don't get me wrong, I still ate "fun" things occasionally like fries , pasta and sweets, but it was no more than maybe once a week and only AFTER I reached my goal weight. I realized I had an addiction to sugar and an allergy to bread yeast and beer yeast (made me swell & retain water like crazy!).

Hubby bought me an EVO phone for Christmas and I loaded the mobile app - LOVING IT!!!!! I am in Day 3 of Atkins induction and am very pleased at how many of the foods I eat are already in the system. Lots of people who have added sugar-free foods have been kind enough to list the "net carbs" for items which helps a lot. I have lost 1 lb already, not hungry and feeling pretty good.

Atkins worked for me - I was only slightly overweight but found it impossible to lose weight no matter what I did. I have burned fat like crazy on this diet and that is with VERY slight exercise. I am a 40 something female and think I just can't metabolize the carbs anymore like I could when I was younger so it needed to be a lifestyle change for me.

haileemou

Hi

I started the Atkins type diet yesterday, i did it at the beginning of last year and i lost almost a stone.

Ive tried low calorie intake but its does not work at all for me, the only thing that does work is low carbs and high protein!!

I do get bored of it though and get put off certain foods, but im desperate to lose weight before my wedding in June, deperate measures now!

ProTFitness

Atkins is NOT SAFE!. IF you Do carbs do complex ones, whole grains, bean veggies fruit ect. THe bad carbs and the ones that cause cravings are the processed ones and ones with added Crap. Yes people have lost weight with this FAD DIET! Mostly water at first and they ususally gain it back plus some.
Remember your Brain does need those natrual sugar from the GOOD Carbs to function physically and Mentally. DIETS dont work! THis is not something you can do long term. Really think about considering doing balanced meal plan.
Check out Dr. Oz he had a good show on yesterday about 11 week plan.

If it is something you can't do long to DON'T DO IT! Here is a list I give my clients so they know what good and bad is. Hope this all helps

GOOD CARBOHYDRATES FOR FAT LOSS

VEGATABLES (ALL KINDS)

FRUIT (LIMIT QUANTITY IF YOU ARE TRYING TO LOSE FAT)

OATS&OATMEAL

YAMS

LENTILS

WHOLE GRAIN BREADS

WHOLE GRAIN PITA’S

WHOLE GRAIN CEREAL

POTAOES
_____________________________________________________________________________________

CARBOHYDRATES TO AVOID OR LIMIT FOR FAT LOSS

WHITE PASTA

WHITE RICE

WHITE BREAD

INSTANT OATMEAL

FRUIT JUICES

BAGELS

DONUTS

MUFFINS

PROCESSED BREAKFEST CEREALS

WHEN IN DOUBT CHOOSE CARBOHYDRATES FOODS THAT ARE UNPROSSCESSED OR MINAMALLY PROCESSED
___________________________________________________________________________________________


GOOD SOURCE OF PROTEIN FOR FAT LOSS

MEAT

BEEF(LEAN CUTS)

PORK

VEAL

FISH

SALMON

TUNA

SARDINES

ALL OTHER SPECIES OF FISH

POULTRY

CHICKEN(SKINLESS)

TURKEY BREAST

VEGATABLES(LESS CONCENTRATED)

BEANS(LENTILS, ADZUI BEANS AND OTHERS)

NUTS(PEANUTS, ALMONDS, PISTACHIOS)

PEAS(SPLIT PEAS & CHICKPEAS)

GRAINS & SEEDS ( BE AWARE OF FAT CONTENT)

DAIRY

WHEY PROTEIN POWDER

COTTAGE CHEES(LOWFAT)
_________________________________________________________________________________________________

PROTEIN TO AVOID OR LIMIT

LUNCHEON MEATS(SPAM, CANNED HAMS, MEATS ECT)

WHOLE MILK

GROUND BEEF

HAM, BACON, PORK CHOPS

CHEESE

IF IN DOUBT CHOOSE PROTEIN FROM FOODS THAT ARE UNPROCESSED OR MINAMALLY PROCESSED.

---

GOOD FAT SOURCES

FLAX OIL

FISH(ESPECIALLY OMEGA 3 SOURCES LIKE COD & SALMON)

NON-PROCESSED VEGATABLES OILS

NUTS(HAZELNUTS, ALMONDS)

OLIVE OIL

UDO’S CHOICE OIL ( OMEGA 3 AND OMEGA 6)

FISH OIL

PEANUT OIL

---

LIMIT FAT SOURCE

BUTTER

SATURATED FATS( AS IN RED MEAT AND CHEESE)

MAYO

MACADAMIAN NUT AND PEANUT BUTTER
__________________________________________________________________________________________________


FAT SOURCES TO AVOID

MARGARINES

FOOD WITH TRANS-FATS(FRIED OR LABLED PARTIALY HYDROGINATED )

IF IN DOUBT CHOOSE FOODS THAT ARE UNPROSSED OR MINAMALLY PROCESSED, AND THAT CONTAIN LOW SATURATED - AND TRANS FATS

Pragmatica

Haha. Following Atkins is safe, and it is something you can do for the rest of your life. That list you put up is basically what you do when you follow a low carb diet - you avoid starches, pasta, bread - especially if you are following the newer Atkins diet.

I have been doing "low carb" since October 2009, and have continued my success by making low carb my daily diet and routine. This is nothing unhealthy about being in ketosis, it was how our ancestors evolved with a high protein diet and why it works so well. But you have to make a COMMITMENT to follow it for life - LIKE ANY DIET.

hotpickles

I'm attempting to cut out certain kinds of carbs tomorrow. It's for the simple reason I have discovered I dislike anything and everything whole grain, but somewhat enjoy the fluffy white breads and rice (which isn't healthy at all). Therefore, it's gone. I also find a lot of grainy products just leave me bloated.

Edited for a second time because my spelling is terrible today.

scagneti

Low carb worked very well for me a few years ago when I was on it, but I found I was hungry ALL THE TIME. Not just "not full" but insanely hungry. I would have just eaten a plate full of veggies, salad and a big steak and would have been able to eat the same thing again immediately afterwards.

I had heard good things about the Carb Addict diet (essentially on induction for every meal except one hour a day you eat all your carbs). I'm having success with calorie cutting right now, but if the weight stops coming off, I might do that. I really find that I can't live on it though -- I'd rather have less food than cutting out pasta or chocolate!