I would like ADVICE on ATKINS??? :) ***GOOD?**NAY?***

amandavictoria80

Hi everyone,

So, I've heard a lot about Atkins but have always said "no way". Mostly because I heard that 'Phase 1' is NO carbs whatsoever. Not gonna lie, this wouldn't be easy for me in the least. LOL

Recently, I keep hearing really great things about Atkins on MFP. The most common thing I hear in that it jump starts weight loss. Even if just Phase 1 is completed.

I would really like some advice about Atkins. Anyone done Atkins? Success stories? People who don't like Atkins?

I think I need something very different than I've been doing for the last eight months. I have about 23lbs to lose.

I signed up on the Atkins website for now and they are actually sending out a free kit at no charge. That's pretty awesome.

Should I be purchasing the Atkins book? How do I get started? Do I just wait for my kit to arrive and then start?

Thanks so much! Hopefully I can get all the answers I need and make a decision. I really appreciate any advice!!!!

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

* Just wanted to add that from what I read on Atkins site, it isn't a no-carb/low carb approach anymore. They want you eating good carbs.

jpalimpsest

You're probably going to get a lot of hate-speech against all carb-related diets. Personally, I'm not a fan of Atkins. Instead I push South Beach. It recommends limiting simple carbs but encourages complex carbs (the ones your body breaks down more slowly), thus avoiding insulin spikes and the resulting blood-sugar drops.

I previously lost 70 lbs on South Beach, enjoying whole grain rices and pastas.

trea16

everyone that I know that has been on it has lost the weight and gained it back.

Sidesteal

I think that some people can do well on low carb approaches, and for people with diabetes or other insulin related medical conditions, a low carb approach is pretty much desirable.

If you are capable of using a calorie-counting approach without eliminating or severely limiting an entire macronutrient, then you're likely better off not restricting carbs since it's not going to provide you any metabolic advantage.

The jump-start that you'll get from low carbing will be water-weight reduction.

Hyperspace

I've never done pure Atkins because I could not go no-carb without keeling over from low blood sugar.

What does work well for me, however, is strictly limiting carbs in the morning. Usually my breakfast is carb-free or nearly so. (eggs, or a protein shake, or something like that). I try to avoid carbs until lunch but usually I end up having some fruit or the like later in the morning, if and when I start to get hungry.

I find that this (no carbs for breakfast) cuts my appetite for the rest of the day. I try to limit carbs the rest of the day but I do eat them.

I personally think Atkins is OK as a jump start but eventually you'll have to transition into a more normal diet. It can still be low-ish carb, but more normal.

spinal77

I've lost 70lbs over the last year and a half on first Atkins (20 lbs, I gave up on it after some personal life issues and it stopped working), and then 50 more on South Beach, which is a much, much better and more flexible plan.

Once you break the carb addiction in the first two weeks and put yourself in a different mindframe its a lot easier. I was consistently losing 2lbs a week and my doctor's tests were insanely awesome compared to what they were before, despite the fact that I was eating red meat, butter, and oil and not denying myself things that tasted good.

Because of some other health issues (Celiac Disease) its too much for me to try to get back on South Beach, so I'm watching calories.

So in summary, try South Beach, not Atkins, but follow the instructions religiously, and it'll work.

jpalimpsest

I regained some of the 70 lbs, but I did maintain it for over a year.

I started regaining the weight when I began dating an Italian man who cooked. He frowned on whole grain and/or brown rice pastas, and, like so many, he poo-pooed on any diet that paid attention to insulin/blood sugar effects on weight gain. It is hard to say no to an Italian man plying you with authentic and delicious Italian meals. I let him woo me.

I am not dating him anymore. Now, I make his same recipes using brown rice pasta. I enjoy them just as much as when he made them.

jpalimpsest

I should add that I'm not diabetic and my blood-sugar labs have always been normal.

carolann_22

I lost 135 pounds on Atkins in 2001 (excellent blood work results, too!) and kept it off until I got pregnant in 2006 and my OBGYN told me I had to eat carbs for the baby. Sigh. Enter 80 extra pounds, despite following a nutritionists program. I am now doing low carb again, having had problems with traditional diets and calorie counting. I was diagnosed two years ago with PCOS and Insulin resistance, which explained my infertility and inability to lose weight. Started low carbing, got pregnant again, had the baby, and now I am back to low carb for good. It's a lifestyle, for me it's the only one that works, and I'm embracing the reality of how *I* need to eat.

amandavictoria80

I've lost 70lbs over the last year and a half on first Atkins (20 lbs, I gave up on it after some personal life issues and it stopped working), and then 50 more on South Beach, which is a much, much better and more flexible plan.

Once you break the carb addiction in the first two weeks and put yourself in a different mindframe its a lot easier. I was consistently losing 2lbs a week and my doctor's tests were insanely awesome compared to what they were before, despite the fact that I was eating red meat, butter, and oil and not denying myself things that tasted good.

Because of some other health issues (Celiac Disease) its too much for me to try to get back on South Beach, so I'm watching calories.


Thanks so much for this!

So in summary, try South Beach, not Atkins, but follow the instructions religiously, and it'll work.

BioQueen

Hi!

I've tried Atkins - I did it for about three months two years ago. Personally it wasn't for me, but it has worked for other people. I lost about 8 pounds, but I was miserable without any energy and I always felt sick. I followed the program to a T, and my body just wasn't having it hahaha. I also gained the 8 pounds back before I found MFP. My body definitely does better when I limit my carbs, but not nearly to the extent of Atkins. Now I just try to stay under the limit MFP sets.

agentscully514

Atkins does work. Going super low carb not for everyone, for sure. For me and many others it is FINE, you do not keel over from low blood sugar, if anything your blood sugar is far more stable. BUT, super low carb can be tough to face mentally.

I think south beach is fine. Do which ever one you can deal with the best mentally and physically.

Kaathmandu

Everybody is different. I have tried most diets, and Atkins is the only one that works for me. I actually put ON weight doing strict Pritikin, way back when. I got to over 300, but in the last three years have lost over 110 pounds. I still have a way to go, but I had to come to terms with the fact that carbs are something I can not handle. Like diabetics can't do sugar. Does not mean I don't do carbs, but I pay for it!
Mainly I have meat (lots of chicken and fish) and cheese and lots of allowable vegetables. My biggest issue was what to have for breakfast if I can't have cereal - but once I found the Atkins brand breakfast bar, I'm good.
And the best part is, after the first couple of days, you don't get physically hungry (emotionally, though, that can be a whole 'nother kettle of fish!)
No, wait, the best part is, you can eat until you are full (you will find you can't eat as much) and still lose weight fairly quickly!
Get the book and have a read - after the initial phase, it doesn't have to be real strict - depends on your body and how fast you want to lose weight.
Good luck!

Amber82479

If you have ANY health issues, I would suggest consulting your doctor before you try Atkins. I am diabetic and when I asked my doctor about going on Atkins, he said absolutely not. He told me the best and most healthy eating plan he could recommend was Phase 2 of the South Beach Diet. Not the entire program, Phase 2 only.

Of course, that was my doctors recommendation to me, so I'm not sure whether that would apply to your situation. Our neighbors are doing Atkins and are having a lot of success with it, though they haven't been able to maintain the success long term. They'll stick to it religiously for awhile, but if they start to slip and eat too many carbs, the pounds come back. Not sure why that is exactly, just that it's how it worked for them.

Whatever you decide to do, I wish you the best of luck and much success!

Amber

skylark94

I've tried it a couple times. Always lost a lot of weight, but was never able to maintain and ended up regaining. It's too restrictive. I find South Beach to be a lot more practical.

daffodilsoup

I was on Atkins a few years ago. I lost weight, but I eventually gained that weight and more back because it just wasn't something I could stick to.

erickirb

I think that some people can do well on low carb approaches, and for people with diabetes or other insulin related medical conditions, a low carb approach is pretty much desirable.

If you are capable of using a calorie-counting approach without eliminating or severely limiting an entire macronutrient, then you're likely better off not restricting carbs since it's not going to provide you any metabolic advantage.

The jump-start that you'll get from low carbing will be water-weight reduction.

^
This is great advice.

kapeluza

No.

jagpie42

NAY! I have tried it. I lost many, many pounds. I also am here trying to lose that weight once again. I really think anything that is restrictive to something essential that your body needs is not a good thing even for a short period of time. Carbs are necessary. I agree with the South Beach philosophy--sugar is not. Find something more balanced and do not go for the quick, fast approach even for a short period of time.

engineman312

I think that some people can do well on low carb approaches, and for people with diabetes or other insulin related medical conditions, a low carb approach is pretty much desirable.

If you are capable of using a calorie-counting approach without eliminating or severely limiting an entire macronutrient, then you're likely better off not restricting carbs since it's not going to provide you any metabolic advantage.

The jump-start that you'll get from low carbing will be water-weight reduction.

^
This is great advice.

+2

chefkev

I was diabetic. Type 2. I went extremely low carb and stablized my blood sugar. People who say they have blood sugar drop on Atkins must be doing something wrong because it doesn't affect blood sugar levels. They should be VERY stable.

I am now off all medicines for diabetes and high blood pressure. My total cholesterol is now 155.
My diet is 60%fat, 30% protein, 10% carb.

I exercise like mad, and am training for a triathlon. I do 45 mins on a ski machine 6 days a week, and some other activity on the 7th. This weekend was a 5.5 mile hike.

It is the PERFECT diet for ME. I am not saying it is for everyone. I eat tons of veggies, and plenty of foods I like. I limit myself to 1500 calories a day too. My body runs like a top on this plan. But everyone has an opinion. It is why I don't post often on these threads. People always say things like I am crazy or whatever. My doctor and I are extremely happy with my health, test results, and progress.

Hbenson99

Well i have done Atkins many times so i will not say anything bad about it but you have to decide this is a full life change. If you do not believe you can stick with it then dont do it. Atkins effects everyone in your life because you have to eat and prepare to eat according to plan. A lot of calories so just be sure. Good luck in your decision. I have a lot of experience with Atkins and have lost and regain a significant amout of weight on it, so if you need specific info on the diet please send me a message and i will tell you all about it.

Kat5343

You are going to hear a lot of bad reviews on Atkins but I LOVE IT!! I lost 62 pounds so far on this and I modified the diet to fit my lifestyle. Everyone complains about gaining back but of course you will gain back if you go back to eating the unhealthy crap you were eating before. White flour foods are really of no benefit to you. Just get your carbs through vegetables and you will do fine. I cheated over the holidays. I stalled in my weightloss but did not gain a single pound back! So, I say go right ahead and do Atkins. I have lost my craving for bread all together! Don't miss it a bit. I won't lie, that first couple of weeks sucked but the craving is gone! Good luck!

rinzainab

Too low of a carb level is not good for your thyroid, this is a published fact.

I had to go on thyroid meds after doing atkins, after taking meds for 3 years and no longer extremely cutting carbs, no more meds needed. I do not think this is a coincidence.

lainglesita

I did the Atkins some years back and although I did lose some weight I never felt it was healthy. I wouldn't recommend it but if you want to give it a go, why not?

mrsjenfrank

If you have issues with your body digesting carbs, or have a medical illness that requires you cut your carbs, I think it's a wonderful diet to go on. That being said, it is extremely hard. I'm on a doctors required low carb diet. I see a nutritionist every 2 weeks. It does work, not gonna lie. But it is very hard because carbs are in EVERYTHING and unless you understand what good and bad carbs are, you're going to have some issues.

If you decide to do Atkins or South Beach or any of the other low carb plans out there... keep this in mind. Phase 1... the phase where you have no carbs at all, is the worst. SO restrictive! And you'll crave anything and everything carb. Because your body is detoxing from all of the bad carbs through that first phase. Once you start Phase 2 and start reintroducing the good carbs, you'll find the lifestyle becomes a little easier. Although you'll still have to be wary of hidden carbs in foods. It's tough, but it is do-able.

And I do agree with someone who said once you've been doing the diet and go off and start eating all of the different carbs again, you bet you're gonna gain back! And quick!

So the jist of what I'm saying... it can be good for you, but you need to decide if you want to do it for the rest of your life or not. If not, stick with low cal/low fat.

Good luck with your decision!

drvvork

I did Atkins a while back - found it to be a good fondation for my eating - training ... it gave me a basis to learn what worked, satisfied and intensified my well-being. I'm still rather low-carb but not as restrictive as Atkins but once again it just gave me some guidelines to start out with to find out what worked. We are all so individual that it is a continual learning process and as we age our body changes and so do the needs. Live and learn.

H_Factor

I did Atkins in 2005 because I wanted to lose weight and I wanted to lose it quickly. I knew a few folks who had done Atkins and lost weight so I got the book, read it, and essentially followed very close to the induction rules for 7 months. I lost 50 pounds during that time (17 pounds in the first month). I then got complacent, and began cheating some. Eventually, I cheated more. Ultimately, I wasn't doing Atkins or anything low carb anymore. I didn't have a transition plan in place (to a nutrition plan I had a better chance of sustaining) and over a few years, I gained all of the weight back plus some. Anyway, while I was doing Atkins, it worked and my blood work was amazing by the time I stopped doing it religiously.

I've learned some things on my current journey through reflection...and some of those things had to do with my failed Atkins experiment:

1. if your motivation is solely weight loss and not to become healthier, then you are thinking more short term and not long term. With a pure "lose weight as quickly as possible approach", I was willing to do any diet plan that would lead to fast results...because that almighty scale meant a ton to my motivation. This time around, although I obviously wanted to lose weight, I chose a more long term goal of living a healthier life on a nutrition/exercise plan I believed I could personally sustain.

2. although Atkins provided me with a quick pop in the weight loss department (17 pounds in the first month), a lot of that was water weight and weight loss slowed significantly after that. This time around, even though I didn't lose 17 pounds in the first month, I lost the first 50 as quickly as I did when I was doing Atkins. The weight loss was slower at the beginning, but steadier over the course of my journey.

3. If you follow a nutrition plan, try to pick a plan that you believe you will be comfortable following for the long term. For me, Atkins was only going to work as long as I maintained some ridiculous will power because I personally like fruit, pasta, bread, pizza, etc. On my current journey, I can eat all of that as long as I do so in moderation...which, for the most part, I have. During my current journey, I don't ever feel like I have to go without something. Even though I have chosen to greatly limit certain foods, I still eat most foods I like from time to time. For example, I really try to stay away from fast food and fried food. However, this past Saturday, I enjoyed a Five Guys burger and fries. I had accounted for the calories in advance and was fine. That would have effed me up on Atkins.

AlsDonkBoxSquat

To carb or not to carb, that is the question.

I tried atkins a few years ago and it caused me headaches, mood swings, and hindered my clarity of thought. Did I lose a ton of inches in a short time? Yes. Was I still soft in all the wrong places? Yes. Did I gain the weight back? Yes, and then some. I also had crazy dreams. I would dream about being in a bakery, or eating donuts and cakes and what not, when those things really aren't even my weakness.

Other people have better reactions to a low carb diet than I do. The only really good thing that came out of adkins for me was that it verified what my allergist had been telling me, I'm allergic to wheat. So I did have some really positive things come out of the experience.

What it boils down to is that you can find a healthy way to lose weight in such a fashion that it is a lifestyle change, not a temporary diet. If you're just looking for a quick fix when you revert back to your sustainable lifestyle you will lose all the short term benefits (like weightloss). If low carbing is a sustainable, healthy lifestyle that gives you the results you want and can live a life time doing, go for it.

CashierCantin

I was on Atkins for 8 years. The first two weeks are definintely NOT no carbs. You get your carbs mostly from veggies. I ate way more veggies on Atkins than I even do now on low calorie LOL

I say read the book, learn it, then do it. It's very healthy (if you do it by the book and not the way people actually think it is).

The major point has to be that you gotta find something you can live with. I LOVED how I ate for 8 years. I then let life get in the way and I failed the plan, it didn't fail me. I decided to do the calorie thing to get things going again but I think eventually I will go back to Atkins because I believe in it and I am not left wondering what next. I know what happens on Atkins. I don't eat bread/flour/real sugar and I can keep the weight off.

BTW I lost 90 pounds and kept them off for close to 8 years. I only gained 40 back when I let life get in the way (quit smokings, moved, work stress etc. )

HawaiianStitchLuver

I did it several years ago and it worked really well. Because I made sure to follow things exact I did feel healthy; however, the draw back is that eating this way becomes boring and soon pieces of bread start popping up in dreams. I lasted about 6 months, and had decent weight loss. It's not something I could have done for much longer though.