Atkins Diet

Motivationrequired

Hi all, anyone done the Atkins diet?? I can't eat wheat at the moment anyway so upped my protein and starting Atkins tomorrow, appreciate any help or advice !!

blink1021

I have never done it due to only having one kidney it is not safe for me. Good luck I watched a friend do it and she lost 60lbs on it. Just make sure you take the supplements she said they were important.

tjdurden

Hi,

Yeah I ran the Atkins a few years ago. I found that if you eat healthily on it, it gives better results. Many folks eat waay too much fat on it, thinking that's okay. It's not. It should be seen as a higher protein diet, with low fat and low carbs. Plenty of fish, lean chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, grilled this, grilled that and you'll find it alot easier.

Personally, I'm doing Diet Chef at the moment and loving it. It's really easy and really tasty too. I found Atkins was hard to prepare - breakfasts were most difficult for me. Either way, best of luck and hope it goes well for you.

-Tim

panyg

Yes, I lost 87 pounds doing Atkins. I've gained most most of it back now after eating normally!

I'm back on Atkins now so would be happy to give any advice you need!

AliciaStaton

Hi I did this a couple of years ago and lost two stones. I kept to a lot chicken and fish. If you start having headaches stop doing it. My friend who was also doing it at the same time had to stop due to having terrible headaches. She has since lost four stones from not dieting but changing her eating habits which we both are doing at the moment. Good luck:bigsmile:

Crystal817

Yes, I lost 87 pounds doing Atkins. I've gained most most of it back now after eating normally!

I'm back on Atkins now so would be happy to give any advice you need!

Are you planning on doing atkins for the rest of your life? If you gained all the weight back when you started eating "normally", wouldn't that be a clue that Atkins may not be the best way to go?

Just a thought... :flowerforyou:

KavemanKarg

Yes, I lost 87 pounds doing Atkins. I've gained most most of it back now after eating normally!

I'm back on Atkins now so would be happy to give any advice you need!

Are you planning on doing atkins for the rest of your life? If you gained all the weight back when you started eating "normally", wouldn't that be a clue that Atkins may not be the best way to go?

Just a thought... :flowerforyou:

Maybe we should stop brushing our teeth then. You know. Because if we stop we will get cavities. A sure sign brushing our teeth is a bad way to go according to that logic.

You cannot judge any diet by what happens if you quit. All diets fail if you quit.... we all gain the weight back when we return to eating like we did before.

All changes in eating are a lifetime commitment. You cannot return to your old ways and stay thin. What made you fat the first time, will do so again the 2nd time, only faster.

PinkAndSparkle

A lot of people mistake the induction phase as the whole diet, but in reality, it works you up to a more "normal" diet over time.
I'm not strict about it, but I do try to keep my carbs low, like 60 net or so. So far I feel pretty good! Good luck!

KavemanKarg

To the OP:

Induction on Atkins is hard for some. This initial two week period is extremely strict.

If induction is hard, skip it, just like the books say to. Induction is optional.

Induction is also something you can stay in as long as you like, if you find you are OK with it.

Ongoing weight loss is the only necessary first step, and at that point you are finding out how many carbs a day are right for you.

Atkins is not about being low carb. Atkins is about finding the right level of carbs for you, where you can still lose weight, yet feel good too.

To many judge the plan by its induction phase, which by design is very restrictive. They fail to understand this is an optional step. The do not or refuse to see that after you gradually increase your carbs. That many people on Atkins actually end up eating more vegetables, fruit (healthy, REAL, carbs) then grain eating dieters doing a well rounded approach trying to lose weight. Many Atkins dieters end up over 120 grams of carbs a day, THAT IS A HUGE AMOUNT OF PLANTS!!!!

In Atkins, work the phases and the plan, and if you are having issues, be prepared to implement the adjustment advice that is readily available.

There are also alternatives that some find a more rounded approach. I enjoy doing the primal blueprint. I have found it suits me quite well. I do not do Atkins, but I have yet to see an attack upon it on MFP by anyone that has actually understood it fully.

Most of the critism I see of Atkins breaks down like this:

-To restrictive (which to me means a person would rather eat for pleasure than goal)
-To unhealthy (I have found over 100 clinical trials so far comparing a low fat diet to an Atkins style approach, and each time Atkins style approaches have tied or won)
-I gained the weight back when I quit, so the diet sucks (No, the diet does not suck. The diet was working. Quitting sucks. Quitting never got anyone to any goal EVER. Returning to your old ways is what put the old pounds back on)
-It made me sick, my doctor said it was killing me, etc... (I am sure some people cannot do Atkins and we all have some food sensitivity to some food. The presence of lactose intolerance does not cause us to universally abandon millk, the presence of gluten sensitivity and celiac disease does not cause us to universally put down bread)
-Atkins died of a heart attack (Atkins had a congenital heart issue, from birth, which caused a heart attack in his life, this had nothing to do with his diet, and the heart attack was not caused by clogged arteries but from this defect. He recovered admirably, he died of a slip and fall on ice, and while in a coma his body was unable to process and he bloated up, leading to reports he died overweight

The truth of Atkins is not something you will see reflected well on this board, and it is a hot button issue. Atkins is for people that want results, not public acceptance.

Good luck.

nothingisred

Yes, I lost 87 pounds doing Atkins. I've gained most most of it back now after eating normally!

I'm back on Atkins now so would be happy to give any advice you need!

Are you planning on doing atkins for the rest of your life? If you gained all the weight back when you started eating "normally", wouldn't that be a clue that Atkins may not be the best way to go?

Just a thought... :flowerforyou:

Maybe we should stop brushing our teeth then. You know. Because if we stop we will get cavities. A sure sign brushing our teeth is a bad way to go according to that logic.

You cannot judge any diet by what happens if you quit. All diets fail if you quit.... we all gain the weight back when we return to eating like we did before.

All changes in eating are a lifetime commitment. You cannot return to your old ways and stay thin. What made you fat the first time, will do so again the 2nd time, only faster.

But surely that is a good reason NOT to lose weight on a fad diet such as Atkins and instead do it through adopting sustainable healthy eating and exercise as a lifestyle. You're more likely to fall off of the wagon on a fad diet because you're only restriciting yourself, which most people on here will know eventually leads to binging, instead of learning to make lifelong healthy choices.

Motivationrequired

thanks neveryone am going to give it ago and if it makes me feel ill will stop it x

xmalonex

I tried Atkins once and had great success, but started eating carbs again and gained it all back.

ninjapixie87

I did Atkins back in high school for a month or two (it was a while ago, can't remember exactly). I think I did mostly the induction phase. I ate lots of eggs, meat, cheese sticks, lettuce, and other veggies. It was really tough because I have a sweet tooth and I LOVE pasta...giving up pasta was probably the hardest part. But I lost about 20lbs, and only gained a few back right after I stopped. My parents, who were also doing Atkins with me (which really helped to have other people sticking to the same diet with me) also lost weight, but gained most of, if not all, of it back.

I read a report from a study once that said Atkins (and other low-carb) diets work simply because cutting out all those carbs cuts out a lot of calories, and the weight loss people experienced was consistent with the weight loss from the calorie defecit.

If it works for you, go for it. Just be careful not to relapse or binge once you quit, because it's easy to gain it back.

ElizabethRoad

It can work but you really do have to stay on it for the rest of your life. Unless you are prepared to do that then don't waste your time.

tjdurden

Folks, please read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atkins_diet before making wild claims about the Atkins diet.


@ninjapixie87 - I don't mean to jump down your neck, but that study wasn't true at all. The calories cut out from carbs on the Atkins diet are replaced by calories in proteins and fats. The focus of Atkins is to send your body into a ketogenic state which is like a different system of burning fuel within the body. Usually, the body uses energy from carbohydrates (effectively sugars), but in the absence of such, the body breaks down stored fats instead. It's a pretty technical process, but there's plenty of info on ketogenic diets online. Wikipedia's a good starting point if you're interested - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ketogenic_diet. My main concern is that for folks that want to break down 'stored fats', when they're not really that overweight, then you risk breaking down stored fats from around the vital organs - which is where we need them.

Anyway, my main point is that if the Atkins diet makes you live forever, then why is Robert Atkins dead? No, that wasn't it. my point is that unless the OP is a lot fatter in real life than her profile pic suggests, then the Atkins is probably a pretty extreme path to follow, when you'd probably be much better off just getting down the gym and eating a normal/healthy/balanced diet that works for you / your wheat issues.

Take care.

p.s. Quorn sucks.

FairyMiss

Yes, I lost 87 pounds doing Atkins. I've gained most most of it back now after eating normally!

I'm back on Atkins now so would be happy to give any advice you need!

Are you planning on doing atkins for the rest of your life? If you gained all the weight back when you started eating "normally", wouldn't that be a clue that Atkins may not be the best way to go?

Just a thought... :flowerforyou:

actually NO if he gained weight eating what most people consider "noramal" it was probably not the proper "normal" for him.

i am sorry but it a diet does NOT make anyone gain their weight back. What they eat afterwards does.
I am sorry and no offence to this dude but, if a person finishes a diet, goes back to eating some way or another starts gaining back. Its their resposibilty if they do not say HEY i am gain weight back i need to adjust my eating habits.

FairyMiss

Yes, I lost 87 pounds doing Atkins. I've gained most most of it back now after eating normally!

I'm back on Atkins now so would be happy to give any advice you need!

Are you planning on doing atkins for the rest of your life? If you gained all the weight back when you started eating "normally", wouldn't that be a clue that Atkins may not be the best way to go?

Just a thought... :flowerforyou:

Maybe we should stop brushing our teeth then. You know. Because if we stop we will get cavities. A sure sign brushing our teeth is a bad way to go according to that logic.

You cannot judge any diet by what happens if you quit. All diets fail if you quit.... we all gain the weight back when we return to eating like we did before.

All changes in eating are a lifetime commitment. You cannot return to your old ways and stay thin. What made you fat the first time, will do so again the 2nd time, only faster.

But surely that is a good reason NOT to lose weight on a fad diet such as Atkins and instead do it through adopting sustainable healthy eating and exercise as a lifestyle. You're more likely to fall off of the wagon on a fad diet because you're only restriciting yourself, which most people on here will know eventually leads to binging, instead of learning to make lifelong healthy choices.

sorry babe but reall tell me one thing not sustainable about eating meats and veggies, not to mention in time fruits and healthy grains?

Oh my god thats sounds like a normal diet

CashierCantin

I started Atkins in 2003. I lost 90 pounds and kept it off for quite a few years. I quit smoking and got a job and convenience won out over strictness.

I am now doing the low calorie thing to shake things up, but I believe and endorse (so does my doctor) that the Atkins diet is VERY healthy as long as you don't perceive it as the meat and cheese diet.

I was able to eat the beautiful veggies and enjoy them with real butter, have real half and half with my coffee, enjoy a big steak without feeling guilty. My cholesterol numbers were outstanding and my blood pressure was always 120/80.

Once I started to stray from the plan (moving, working, life) and fast food replaced healthy meals of protein and steamed veggies, the weight started creeping on.

My cholesterol started getting high, my blood pressure started to rise.

I may go back to that lifestyle of Atkins because I know I can eat that way for the rest of my life. I also am finding out I can eat like I am now....healthy fiber enriched grains, veggies and lean protein. I just need to pick one and stick with it.

Please read the book. That is my one solid advise. Everyone can tell you how 'unhealthy' it is, but I can bet you any amount of money they never read the book and are only going by what 'they' heard. The book makes perfect sense, the plan makes perfect sense....you just have to pick the one meal plan you can live on, not just follow for a few months to get the weight off.

I wish you lots of luck on your low carb journey.

Motivationrequired

Thanks so much all of you I REALLY appreciate the advice, kindda thinking maybe not to do it now I’ve read all the comments, not sure what to try as really bloated, drink at least 10 glasses water a day can’t eat wheat anyhow and yoghurt also bloats me…..if anyone has any advice whether I like it or not would love to hear from you, have a good week all of you  xx

KavemanKarg

I started Atkins in 2003. I lost 90 pounds and kept it off for quite a few years. I quit smoking and got a job and convenience won out over strictness.

I am now doing the low calorie thing to shake things up, but I believe and endorse (so does my doctor) that the Atkins diet is VERY healthy as long as you don't perceive it as the meat and cheese diet.

I was able to eat the beautiful veggies and enjoy them with real butter, have real half and half with my coffee, enjoy a big steak without feeling guilty. My cholesterol numbers were outstanding and my blood pressure was always 120/80.

Once I started to stray from the plan (moving, working, life) and fast food replaced healthy meals of protein and steamed veggies, the weight started creeping on.

My cholesterol started getting high, my blood pressure started to rise.

I may go back to that lifestyle of Atkins because I know I can eat that way for the rest of my life. I also am finding out I can eat like I am now....healthy fiber enriched grains, veggies and lean protein. I just need to pick one and stick with it.

Please read the book. That is my one solid advise. Everyone can tell you how 'unhealthy' it is, but I can bet you any amount of money they never read the book and are only going by what 'they' heard. The book makes perfect sense, the plan makes perfect sense....you just have to pick the one meal plan you can live on, not just follow for a few months to get the weight off.

I wish you lots of luck on your low carb journey.

My experience on low carb, very similar. And so are many others. Friend request INCOMING.

proudmommylmb

Atkins is NOT a fad diet....my goodness. It's a very healthy way of eating actually. Now, just because some people scarf down a protein burger everyday and call it Atkins doesn't mean that is the "real" way to eat on that WOL....it is about eating healthy lean meats and protein, vegetables, and some fats to help...that's all.

I lost 25lbs in a month on it. It boosted my metabolism and I kept losing after I stopped.

tjdurden

@Motivationrequire - Go to your GP, ask to speak to a Nutritionist/Dietician. They'll be able to sort you out a diet that meets your dietary restrictions. You probably don't want to be doing the Atkins really.

If you know your BMR, then you have a good idea of how many calories you need to sustain your weight. If you already have a diet, or rather, a way of eating, but you feel you're still putting on weight, then you just need to figure out how to reduce it slightly to meet your calorific requirements, and then drop it a bit more.

It's a simple equation. If CALORIES CONSUMED < CALORIES BURNT, then you lose weight. There's no excuses to that rule, unless you're already underweight, in which case, you still don't need Atkins!

Seriously though, post your stats - weight, height, exercise routine (ACTUALLY), current diet (DAILY). I'm sure there's something you can switch up.

FairyMiss

it is not always all about It's a simple equation. If CALORIES CONSUMED < CALORIES BURNT, then you lose weight.

if it were that easy , so many people would not have very much trouble, losing weight, i can eat at 1200 calories but if i do not watch my carbs very carefully i will gain, yes gain on that, and NO i am not a lazy *kitten*, i have a very active job, plus exercise several times a week. about to start insanity again. and yes even on insanity the above was true.

H_Factor

Atkins works...for as long as you follow it. As with any diet or nutrition plan, I strongly recommend reading the book first. I firmly believe that understanding the what's, how's, why's, do's and don't's helps you achieve success with the plan.

As others have said, if you stop Atkins...and don't have a solid exit plan...the weight comes back. It did for me in 2005. I lost 50 that year on Atkins. I got complacent, began eating more and more carbs more and more often, did not have an exit plan from Atkins, and gained the weight back (plus some). That's not an indictment against Atkins at all. Atkins works when you're following it. But, if you find that its not something you can follow as a lifestyle, then research ways to exit the plan without gaining all of the weight back...before you exit.

vanessaclarkgbr

I did it twice years ago, once it went really well, the second time - well, let's say the digestive issues made me give up during the induction phase! It works really well for some people though, but one thing I would say is drink loads and loads of water or the ketosis won't happen, and try not to eat the processed meats in order to get the protein in or you'll start feeling ropey :-) Good luck!

Teliooo

why woulld you try a diet again if you gained back all the weight afterwards?