Atkins? Anyone?? Am I the only one doing this?I feel alone.

ido10612

Been on Atkins for a week. Its freakin awesome. I cant believe its really working!!! But i never see any of my friends doing it too. Am i the only crazy person that is doing atkins right now???? I just want others to talk to about my atkins journey. Add me if you are on it please. we can help eachother =D

idwoof

Not many people on here are probably on it, because it is not really a balanced diet. It works and if you are willing to get on a balanced diet after you lose the weight it could work. But the reality is the majority of the time people gain back the weight plus more after they get off it. Nothing can replace a well balanced low calorie diet.
I should add that I have no problem with it! Anytime people are willing to lose weight, more power to you!

scarnall2

It's great in the beginning for losing weight, but it will be hard later to maintain that type of eating style. Best not to limit yourself to same old foods. Plus can you eat stuff like bacon on atkins? That fat is off the charts on bacon, cheese, etc. Yes, it works, but once you start incorporating regular foods into your diet, your weight is going to shoot back up. It's been proven, you can eat whatever you want as long as you maintain a certain calorie level. Heck, look at the guy that lived on the twinkie diet and lost 27 lbs, but he kept his calorie intake to 1500 a day. Just be careful and be healthy and most of all be happy.

tigeratty

You might consider paleo or primal eating in lieu of Atkins.

dittiepe

There are a lot of us low carbers here
Atkins is a very healthy way of life. I say 'way of life' because it isn't something you should start and stop. It's a lifestyle. You should be willing to continue eating under the Atkins plan for long after you've lost your weight.

A lot of us are here: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/324624-atkins-support-group

Unknown

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dittiepe

The OP asked if there were others on the diet, not for your misinformed thoughts on it.
Really why do people have to do that? I wouldn't jump onto somebody asking about low fat diets and throw misinformation at them. It's not productive.

idwoof

She didn't throw misinformed facts. I think it is well documented that a low carb diet is not a healthy lifestyle. It can work for short term dieting.

http://www.worldfitness.org/low-carb-diet-problems.html
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/lowcarb.htm

daveytrouble

THERE'S ABOUT TO BE A WHAAATT??!

dittiepe

I'm not going to hijack the OPs thread to go through the same tired arguments.

daveytrouble

you can't really attest to the long term results or sustainability of the thing while you're still actively involved in the first step of the process

idwoof

Yes same tired "arguments". It's not really an argument when it it is proven that one side is not a healthy lifestyle choice, and the alternative is a well balanced low calorie diet.

terrellc1

I am on Atkins, too. However, I have been afraid to post anything about my lifestyle choice because a lot of people on here are mean.

I was diagnosed with PCOS in November. My doctor put me on a low carb diet and Metformin and told me to start exercising. Well, By April, my ovaries were in great shape, my insulin was great, and I no longer needed Metformin. I had lost 30 pounds mostly by dieting alone. I finally felt like my self again.

I went on vacation for a month, and I didn't adhere to Atkins. I enjoyed some great food and lots of cocktails. I gained about 10 pounds. It took me about 3 weeks to lose the weight, and I even had to by a size smaller jeans than I wore before going on vacation! YEA!

Two weeks ago I started doing about an hour of walking a day plus climbing lots of stairs. I feel great...both from Atkins and now the added exercise.

Good luck on your journey.

dittiepe

Yes same tired "arguments". It's not really an argument when it it is proven that one side is not a healthy lifestyle choice, and the alternative is a well balanced low calorie diet.

Really? You just have to keep going, don't you?
http://thyroid.about.com/b/2004/05/17/duke-university-study-shows-low-carb-diet-more-effective-than-low-fat-diet.htm
http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/news/20100802/low-carb-diets-improve-cholesterol-long-term
http://www.boston.com/news/health/blog/2008/07/diet_study_hold.html
http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa0708681

And then I could also get into how it helps diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and let's not forget those that have a resistance to carbohydrates and actually GAIN weight following the standard 'balanced diet' you're preaching. You don't wear the same size shoe as the person next to you, or the person next to them, and so on. So why throw the same "diet" at people and say they should do it?

Yes, low carb works. Yes, it is healthy. Yes, there are a lot of us here on MFP, happily and healthily losing weight without bread, rice, pasta, and other starchy, carb-heavy foods.

Apologies to the OP for throwing the thread off topic. Some people just have it stuck in their head that the sky is purple.

SouLThinking

Been doing this for 5+ years and if you've read the book..which I don't think a lot of the people who are "anti-Atkins" have..it really is a "ballanced" diet. I want one person to tell me why I need white sugar, white rice, white potatoes , white flour, and all the stuff made from these. I am almost to goal. I eat about 135 gm of carbs per day..good carbs. I have worked up the ladder like Dr. Atkins said to do. I am a success story. If I went back to eating the white carbs again. Yes I'd gain it back. But, why would I go back? I know several people who have done calorie counting, WW, and so many other "diets" who stopped and guess what?? They gained it back. So..maybe..the thought should be..Yes Atkins works..just like any eating plan it has to be a Way of LIFE not a "diet".

Read the book
Work the carb ladder
and don't give up.
You are so worth this.
God Bless

SouLThinking

Thats because ATkins isnt a healthy diet to follow. Works for weight loss yes....for long term health. no.

I wonder why I am so healthy now. I wonder why I don't take 7 meds (3 blood pressure, 1 fluid, and 3 anxiety/ depression) meds. I wonder why it's been over 5 yrs and I haven't gained it back..hmmm.

I wonder if anyone can tell me that they have actually read the book? and then say it's not healthy. NO I don't think so.

ido10612

Thank you to those of you who answered my question. I will def check into your suggestion. Thanks for being nice!

Thoses of you who oppose Atkins... you should really learn to keep your opinions to yourself. People do not post topics on here to be ridiculed or made fun of. They are simply looking for support. . I joined MFP to find others that would support my lifestyle. As did you, im sure. You should not be poking fun at others for there lifestlye choices. I dont make fun of your diet. Sorry you have nothing better to do with lives.

SouLThinking

Yes same tired "arguments". It's not really an argument when it it is proven that one side is not a healthy lifestyle choice, and the alternative is a well balanced low calorie diet.

Hey ..look over here..Success story! Proven ..it works. ..No more meds.

SouLThinking

Thank you to those of you who answered my question. I will def check into your suggestion. Thanks for being nice!

Thoses of you who oppose Atkins... you should really learn to keep your opinions to yourself. People do not post topics on here to be ridiculed or made fun of. They are simply looking for support. . I joined MFP to find others that would support my lifestyle. As did you, im sure. You should not be poking fun at others for there lifestlye choices. I dont make fun of your diet. Sorry you have nothing better to do with lives.

Do what feels right for you. Like any change it has to be for life. It's not a quick fix..(no way of eating should be) It's a real life change. The nay sayers are proven wrong by the people who do it right! Not the band wagon jumpers who never ever follow the rules or read the book. I for one look in the mirror and into my childrens eyes everyday and I know it works. I am alive. that's proof.

idwoof

Ok, your first link is about how low carb is better than low fat diets. I didn't argue that, it's not the 90's anymore SnackWells don't work. We know that.
Then you go on to say how it helps diabetes and arthritis? And losing weight in any fashion doesn't help those diseases???
And who said anything about eating white carbs, and processed sugar? I wouldn't consider those part of a healthy balanced diet, because they aren't healthy. There are carbs that aren't white, I hope you know that.
For the few that have some allergy to carbs, or something that makes it so they shouldn't eat carbs, then fine. They obviously aren't included in this. But be honest, the majority of people on low carb diets are on them because they want to lose weight fast. Which is fine as I said in my first post. Just don't argue to me that it is a sustainable diet for the rest of your life. It is unhealthy in the long term, and most of all why would you punish yourself for the rest of your life and not eat good carbs?

idwoof

Thank you to those of you who answered my question. I will def check into your suggestion. Thanks for being nice!

Thoses of you who oppose Atkins... you should really learn to keep your opinions to yourself. People do not post topics on here to be ridiculed or made fun of. They are simply looking for support. . I joined MFP to find others that would support my lifestyle. As did you, im sure. You should not be poking fun at others for there lifestlye choices. I dont make fun of your diet. Sorry you have nothing better to do with lives.

Ok I want to get it straight that I'm not poking fun at your diet. What I do have a problem with is people ignoring science. Your body needs carbs.
If I was to get on here and say "is anyone on here doing the olive oil diet, I drink 1000 calories of olive oil everyday, and its working" I hope somebody informed would get on and tell me that it's not healthy, and I'm not going to be able to do that the rest of my life.
And I do apologize to anyone I offended. I mean no harm, my parents, uncles, aunts, grandparents have all done atkins and lost significant amounts of weight. They all gained every pound back and more. It wasn't until my dad got on a balanced diet that he lost weight and kept it off.
Any person trying to better themselves is fine with me.

SouLThinking

Ok, your first link is about how low carb is better than low fat diets. I didn't argue that, it's not the 90's anymore SnackWells don't work. We know that.
Then you go on to say how it helps diabetes and arthritis? And losing weight in any fashion doesn't help those diseases???
And who said anything about eating white carbs, and processed sugar? I wouldn't consider those part of a healthy balanced diet, because they aren't healthy. There are carbs that aren't white, I hope you know that.
For the few that have some allergy to carbs, or something that makes it so they shouldn't eat carbs, then fine. They obviously aren't included in this. But be honest, the majority of people on low carb diets are on them because they want to lose weight fast. Which is fine as I said in my first post. Just don't argue to me that it is a sustainable diet for the rest of your life. It is unhealthy in the long term, and most of all why would you punish yourself for the rest of your life and not eat good carbs?

Ok we are talking about Atkins. NOT just some LOW CARB quick fix. If you are following Atkins you are cutting out white processed carbs. Who said anything about cutting out all carbs? That is not Atkins. I am currently eating up to 150 gms (usually 135) carbs a day and still losing. 86 lbs gone forever. Yes all weightloss can cure those illnesses. Some "diets" are easier than others some work for one set of people others work for another set. I ate 1200 calories a day for 6 months and never lost. I was on 7 meds. My Dr. told me about Atkins. I read the book number one! and I did what he said to do. Do I feel deprived when I can eat such good food? No I don't I haven't. I eat in moderation like any "diet" says to. I have my ups and downs. I am not perfect but I can tell you that after over 5 yrs. I for one say it's sustainable. If you do it right. If anyone says they are doing Atkins and are doing "no" carbs. then we aren't talking about the same eating plan. Your only restricted in the beginning. And oh yea Dr Atkins tells you to eat your veggies..those are carbs too

SouLThinking

Thank you to those of you who answered my question. I will def check into your suggestion. Thanks for being nice!

Thoses of you who oppose Atkins... you should really learn to keep your opinions to yourself. People do not post topics on here to be ridiculed or made fun of. They are simply looking for support. . I joined MFP to find others that would support my lifestyle. As did you, im sure. You should not be poking fun at others for there lifestlye choices. I dont make fun of your diet. Sorry you have nothing better to do with lives.

Ok I want to get it straight that I'm not poking fun at your diet. What I do have a problem with is people ignoring science. Your body needs carbs.
If I was to get on here and say "is anyone on here doing the olive oil diet, I drink 1000 calories of olive oil everyday, and its working" I hope somebody informed would get on and tell me that it's not healthy, and I'm not going to be able to do that the rest of my life.
And I do apologize to anyone I offended. I mean no harm, my parents, uncles, aunts, grandparents have all done atkins and lost significant amounts of weight. They all gained every pound back and more. It wasn't until my dad got on a balanced diet that he lost weight and kept it off.
Any person trying to better themselves is fine with me.

I don't think your being rude. I also am just defending my balance diet. Please define your balance diet. Also, be sure you actually look up the principles of Atkins before comparing the too. Atkins allows carbs...yes I said that LOL. The carbs it allows are HEALTHY carbs. Not white fake processed carbs. Even potatoes are allowed when your closer to goal. I love a potato every now and then. But do I need one every day to survive no..but I do need food and my balanced diet includes protein/fat/carbs ..carbs coming from good whole grains and great healthy veggies.

Grokette

Been on Atkins for a week. Its freakin awesome. I cant believe its really working!!! But i never see any of my friends doing it too. Am i the only crazy person that is doing atkins right now???? I just want others to talk to about my atkins journey. Add me if you are on it please. we can help eachother =D

There are lots of low carbers here.................

I was on Atkins for 8 years and maintained my weightloss easily until I had a near fatal car accident in 2008. Not being able to cook and relying on a hospital and hubby once home to cook the way I was used to eating was my downfall.

My advice is to read, read, read the book and keep the food whole foods. It is balanced nutrition and anyone that says otherwise has not read, researched the plan.

Climb the carb ladder and keep adding in the veggies, fruits, dairy, and even whole grains as it tells you too.

Most importantly follow all 4 phases by the book and you will have a complete lifestyle that is easy to follow and you will know how many carbs YOUR individual body requires to lose weight, maintain weight and gain weight.

And remember that exercise is non-negotiable!!!

Here is the Atkins support group thread!!!

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/296966-atkins-support-group?hl=atkins+support+group&page=14#posts-4255246

Grokette

Thank you to those of you who answered my question. I will def check into your suggestion. Thanks for being nice!

Thoses of you who oppose Atkins... you should really learn to keep your opinions to yourself. People do not post topics on here to be ridiculed or made fun of. They are simply looking for support. . I joined MFP to find others that would support my lifestyle. As did you, im sure. You should not be poking fun at others for there lifestlye choices. I dont make fun of your diet. Sorry you have nothing better to do with lives.

Ok I want to get it straight that I'm not poking fun at your diet. What I do have a problem with is people ignoring science. Your body needs carbs.
If I was to get on here and say "is anyone on here doing the olive oil diet, I drink 1000 calories of olive oil everyday, and its working" I hope somebody informed would get on and tell me that it's not healthy, and I'm not going to be able to do that the rest of my life.
And I do apologize to anyone I offended. I mean no harm, my parents, uncles, aunts, grandparents have all done atkins and lost significant amounts of weight. They all gained every pound back and more. It wasn't until my dad got on a balanced diet that he lost weight and kept it off.
Any person trying to better themselves is fine with me.

Dude, you have no idea as to what you are talking about. Pick up the book and read it. You will be surprised at what you will learn.

There is solid science behind the Atkins plan - the one that Dr Atkins himself wrote. Not that new plan that has been changed to fit in processed foods.

If the plan is followed from start to finish and all 4 phases from Induction to Maintenance you can't get any more "balanced" than the Atkins plan.

Grokette

Thats because ATkins isnt a healthy diet to follow. Works for weight loss yes....for long term health. no.

I wonder why I am so healthy now. I wonder why I don't take 7 meds (3 blood pressure, 1 fluid, and 3 anxiety/ depression) meds. I wonder why it's been over 5 yrs and I haven't gained it back..hmmm.

I wonder if anyone can tell me that they have actually read the book? and then say it's not healthy. NO I don't think so.

Amen!!!

Grokette

You might consider paleo or primal eating in lieu of Atkins.

I switched from Atkins to a more Paleo / Primal approach and let me tell you it is much stricter than Atkins.

Atkins allows for the addition of dairy, beans, lentils, and grains. paleo / primal do not. Someone has to be willing to give up said foods forever to be successful.

And since Atkins is an elimination plan and then add foods back in as you move up the carb ladder you learn what foods YOUR individual body can handle and foods it doesn't tolerate well - hence my reason for moving over to the paleo lifestyle.

With Atkins you will find the number of carbs your body can tolerate to lose weight and maintain your weight if done by the book and if you go over your maintenance number consistently - Yes, you will begin to gain weight.

Grokette

When sitting down to meals like these becomes unhealthy - I will go back to eating "everything in moderation."

idwoof

Ok we are talking about Atkins. NOT just some LOW CARB quick fix. If you are following Atkins you are cutting out white processed carbs. Who said anything about cutting out all carbs? That is not Atkins. I am currently eating up to 150 gms (usually 135) carbs a day and still losing. 86 lbs gone forever. Yes all weightloss can cure those illnesses. Some "diets" are easier than others some work for one set of people others work for another set. I ate 1200 calories a day for 6 months and never lost. I was on 7 meds. My Dr. told me about Atkins. I read the book number one! and I did what he said to do. Do I feel deprived when I can eat such good food? No I don't I haven't. I eat in moderation like any "diet" says to. I have my ups and downs. I am not perfect but I can tell you that after over 5 yrs. I for one say it's sustainable. If you do it right. If anyone says they are doing Atkins and are doing "no" carbs. then we aren't talking about the same eating plan. Your only restricted in the beginning. And oh yea Dr Atkins tells you to eat your veggies..those are carbs too

135 Carbs to me is not a balanced diet, unless your total calories for the day are around 1000 calories. I believe, along with most nutritionists that carbs should be around 60% of your daily calories. Not 30% or 40%. Carbs are not something to be afraid of, the first couple weeks you lose so much weight because you deplete all your glycogen, you gain all that weight back as soon as you start eating carbs again.

SouLThinking

Ok we are talking about Atkins. NOT just some LOW CARB quick fix. If you are following Atkins you are cutting out white processed carbs. Who said anything about cutting out all carbs? That is not Atkins. I am currently eating up to 150 gms (usually 135) carbs a day and still losing. 86 lbs gone forever. Yes all weightloss can cure those illnesses. Some "diets" are easier than others some work for one set of people others work for another set. I ate 1200 calories a day for 6 months and never lost. I was on 7 meds. My Dr. told me about Atkins. I read the book number one! and I did what he said to do. Do I feel deprived when I can eat such good food? No I don't I haven't. I eat in moderation like any "diet" says to. I have my ups and downs. I am not perfect but I can tell you that after over 5 yrs. I for one say it's sustainable. If you do it right. If anyone says they are doing Atkins and are doing "no" carbs. then we aren't talking about the same eating plan. Your only restricted in the beginning. And oh yea Dr Atkins tells you to eat your veggies..those are carbs too

135 Carbs to me is not a balanced diet, unless your total calories for the day are around 1000 calories. I believe, along with most nutritionists that carbs should be around 60% of your daily calories. Not 30% or 40%. Carbs are not something to be afraid of, the first couple weeks you lose so much weight because you deplete all your glycogen, you gain all that weight back as soon as you start eating carbs again.

Ok my calories range from 1200 to 1400. I realize that "most" nutritionists say this but ..today there are more diabetics than ever. There are more obese children then ever. Now Dr's and nutritionists are saying stay away from processed white carbs. So, My carbs come from whole grains and healthy veggies. I eat lean meats and healthy fats. The last sentence is what confuses me. I am eating carbs. I haven't gained it back..it's been over 5 yrs ..so explain that?

What carbs do you think we HAVE to have to LIVE?
What amount..like a serving size? Do I need white rice? Do I need white pasta??
I am eating whole grains...nutrionists push this
I am eating fruits.
I am eating veggies
I am eating lean meats
what's unhealthy about this?

Grokette

Ok we are talking about Atkins. NOT just some LOW CARB quick fix. If you are following Atkins you are cutting out white processed carbs. Who said anything about cutting out all carbs? That is not Atkins. I am currently eating up to 150 gms (usually 135) carbs a day and still losing. 86 lbs gone forever. Yes all weightloss can cure those illnesses. Some "diets" are easier than others some work for one set of people others work for another set. I ate 1200 calories a day for 6 months and never lost. I was on 7 meds. My Dr. told me about Atkins. I read the book number one! and I did what he said to do. Do I feel deprived when I can eat such good food? No I don't I haven't. I eat in moderation like any "diet" says to. I have my ups and downs. I am not perfect but I can tell you that after over 5 yrs. I for one say it's sustainable. If you do it right. If anyone says they are doing Atkins and are doing "no" carbs. then we aren't talking about the same eating plan. Your only restricted in the beginning. And oh yea Dr Atkins tells you to eat your veggies..those are carbs too

135 Carbs to me is not a balanced diet, unless your total calories for the day are around 1000 calories. I believe, along with most nutritionists that carbs should be around 60% of your daily calories. Not 30% or 40%. Carbs are not something to be afraid of, the first couple weeks you lose so much weight because you deplete all your glycogen, you gain all that weight back as soon as you start eating carbs again.

It is funny that I was able to keep 100 pound weight loss off for 8 years on Atkins and I ate plenty of carbs - all until that fateful day when I had a near fatal car accident.

Hospital food is among the worst as far as healthy and then my hubby isn't the greatest cook so it was a lot of take out until I could get back on my feet again to take back over.

135 grams of carbs is more than plenty to eat balanced or what you want to say is balanced.