Le'ts Weign-in on Atkins

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  • PaleoPath4Lyfe
    PaleoPath4Lyfe Posts: 3,161 Member
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    A few years ago, I attempted the Atkins and lost about 17 pounds within the first month. I also got severe leg cramps. My doctor told me it was possibly early signs of Ketoacidosis, which can cause leg cramps, drowsiness and an array of other symptoms. He recommended I also try a more balanced diet. Perhaps try increasing your carbohydrates (if you're still wanting to eat a lower carb diet you eat 100 grams of carbs and won't be in a range of ketosis) and eating lean protein.

    Your Dr needs to go back to medical school.
  • PaleoPath4Lyfe
    PaleoPath4Lyfe Posts: 3,161 Member
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    Considering you have paleo in your s/n I should assume thats how you eat. THAT is lifestyle. I'm sorry but the low-carb Atkins diet is a FAD.

    Eating for your body, and eating the things your body needs to function is a lifestyle.

    How is craving protein toxic?

    I was on the Atkins lifestyle prior to Paleo, just went stricter that is all.

    Atkins is a LIFESTYLE.
  • PaleoPath4Lyfe
    PaleoPath4Lyfe Posts: 3,161 Member
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    Not supporting the Atkins diet per se but would like to mention this

    Dr. Atikns created his plan in the 1960's with his obese and depressed patients, he found success with them and began specializing in treating obesity.

    So, is it a fad to have a program that was succesful with overweight and sick people and has been around for 50+ years with mixed results? I don't know, I guess I think of fad diets as ones that are not not supported by research, brand new, promise a one size fits all, and momentarily popular. It all comes down to how you define a fad diet.

    Would I do Atkins? No, I'm not sick and overweight.
    Do I happen to utilize some of his same principles through my own independent research for general health? Yes, as a lifestyle.

    touche. I guess my problem lies in anything called a diet that limits nutrition in some way. Of course cutting out refined sugars and grains is good, but limiting carbs in a big way for any amount of time just doesn't sound healthy. And, I feel like a lot of people go in to these strict diets blindly and end up failing miserably or as above noted becoming deficient in some way.

    It is people like this that no nothing about the LIFESTYLE that say it is a Diet.

    Atkins lifestyle is called the Atkins Nutritional Approach, it is an elimination plan that starts out with protein, fat and veggies and then adds in higher carb veggies, fruit, nuts, dairy, legumes/lentils, grains according to the glycemic index.

    It is tailored that way so people can learn first hand what their OWN body can tolerate food wise as we are all different.
  • PaleoPath4Lyfe
    PaleoPath4Lyfe Posts: 3,161 Member
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    Not supporting the Atkins diet per se but would like to mention this

    Dr. Atikns created his plan in the 1960's with his obese and depressed patients, he found success with them and began specializing in treating obesity.

    So, is it a fad to have a program that was succesful with overweight and sick people and has been around for 50+ years with mixed results? I don't know, I guess I think of fad diets as ones that are not not supported by research, brand new, promise a one size fits all, and momentarily popular. It all comes down to how you define a fad diet.

    Would I do Atkins? No, I'm not sick and overweight.
    Do I happen to utilize some of his same principles through my own independent research for general health? Yes, as a lifestyle.

    touche. I guess my problem lies in anything called a diet that limits nutrition in some way. Of course cutting out refined sugars and grains is good, but limiting carbs in a big way for any amount of time just doesn't sound healthy. And, I feel like a lot of people go in to these strict diets blindly and end up failing miserably or as above noted becoming deficient in some way.

    Completely agree with you. Unless directed by a medical professional, I don't believe on cutting back that much on any macro. It just isn't healthy or sustainable.

    It is a temporary cut back and as you add in foods your carb levels go up until you find the number of carbs that is right for YOU.
  • SammyKatt
    SammyKatt Posts: 364 Member
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    touche. I guess my problem lies in anything called a diet that limits nutrition in some way. Of course cutting out refined sugars and grains is good, but limiting carbs in a big way for any amount of time just doesn't sound healthy. And, I feel like a lot of people go in to these strict diets blindly and end up failing miserably or as above noted becoming deficient in some way.


    Clearly you need to do a little more research on it since thats EXACTLY what Atkins is about. You do eat carbs again after the first two weeks, just not the crap thats processed.
  • tsh0ck
    tsh0ck Posts: 1,970 Member
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    Technically we should not be having cravings. If you are craving anything, it is actually toxic to your body in the form of intolerance, allergy or addiction.

    that's crazy talk right there.

    I did atkins years ago. lost weight. was miserable. stopped. gained it back. for the vast majority of people, it simply isn't a pleasant, sustainable lifestyle. this moderation thing, on the other hand? yeah. it works. and I still eat food I want and like. oh, wait. I'm not supposed to want anything. I've been hankering some KFC for a few days. planned to have some this weekend, maybe. guess the colonel's toxified me. damn.
  • SammyKatt
    SammyKatt Posts: 364 Member
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    [/quote]

    And when Dr. Atkins' autopsy came back, it was determined he was riddled with heart disease from his "healthy" diet. Just sayin'.
    [/quote]


    Show me the report.
  • SammyKatt
    SammyKatt Posts: 364 Member
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    And here's another thing, a lot of people are low carb and don't even know it. You know what a low carb meal can consist of?

    lean meats and vegetables.

    Net carbs are Total carbs - fiber. If it's under 100 you're on a ketogenic diet.


    AGREE!!! I like you! =D
  • PeggyWoodson
    PeggyWoodson Posts: 337 Member
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    Not supporting the Atkins diet per se but would like to mention this

    Dr. Atikns created his plan in the 1960's with his obese and depressed patients, he found success with them and began specializing in treating obesity.

    So, is it a fad to have a program that was succesful with overweight and sick people and has been around for 50+ years with mixed results? I don't know, I guess I think of fad diets as ones that are not not supported by research, brand new, promise a one size fits all, and momentarily popular. It all comes down to how you define a fad diet.

    Would I do Atkins? No, I'm not sick and overweight.
    Do I happen to utilize some of his same principles through my own independent research for general health? Yes, as a lifestyle.

    touche. I guess my problem lies in anything called a diet that limits nutrition in some way. Of course cutting out refined sugars and grains is good, but limiting carbs in a big way for any amount of time just doesn't sound healthy. And, I feel like a lot of people go in to these strict diets blindly and end up failing miserably or as above noted becoming deficient in some way.
    My question is this, have you ever read any of Dr Atkins books cover to cover? If you had you would know that it is not a fad.
  • PeggyWoodson
    PeggyWoodson Posts: 337 Member
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    I really despise fad diets. They are always lacking in SOMETHING nutritionally. I think you are better off counting calories and cutting out the bad stuff (fast food, sweets, soda, etc...) for the first month or so as to detox. And then, if you want to treat yourself every now and then, but just keep it within your cals.

    My body and mind have readjusted to craving things that my body needs so I listen to what I'm craving.

    I am sorry, Atkins is not a FAD, it is a LIFETSYLE.

    And when Dr. Atkins' autopsy came back, it was determined he was riddled with heart disease from his "healthy" diet. Just sayin'.
    Could you please produce a copy of his autopsy report?
  • musclefat2k
    musclefat2k Posts: 89 Member
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    Before I joined this site, I heard there were a few individuals who were the SMARTEST people alive in their responses. I will just keep this short and say if you want information on how to properly do the low carb lifestyle while working on weightloss feel free to hit me up. I will be glad to share my own experience and healthy alternatives and substitutions I have gathered through the years.
    #thatisall
  • martinah4
    martinah4 Posts: 583 Member
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    Considering you have paleo in your s/n I should assume thats how you eat. THAT is lifestyle. I'm sorry but the low-carb Atkins diet is a FAD.

    Eating for your body, and eating the things your body needs to function is a lifestyle.

    How is craving protein toxic?

    You are misinformed. Atkins is a lifestyle as much as Paleo is a lifestyle. Atkins has been around since the '70's, so nearing 50 years. That's quite a "fad". Atkins does not recommend staying on low-carb forever, and really, just promotes lots of healthy veggies, and less processed and refined carbs. Meh! Do what you want for yourself, dear carb addict, I'm not wasting my breath.
  • castlerobber
    castlerobber Posts: 528 Member
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    A few years ago, I attempted the Atkins and lost about 17 pounds within the first month. I also got severe leg cramps. My doctor told me it was possibly early signs of Ketoacidosis, which can cause leg cramps, drowsiness and an array of other symptoms. He recommended I also try a more balanced diet. Perhaps try increasing your carbohydrates (if you're still wanting to eat a lower carb diet you eat 100 grams of carbs and won't be in a range of ketosis) and eating lean protein.

    Arggh. Ketoacidosis does not equal ketosis. Ketosis is harmless and normal--the body and brain run just fine on ketones. Ketoacidosis is harmful, but it's only going to happen to someone severely lacking in insulin, such as a type 1 diabetic, or to an alcoholic who goes on a drinking binge. The doctor should know better.
  • Masterdo
    Masterdo Posts: 331 Member
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    There has been a recent study that compared a low carbs, high protein diet with a high carbs, high proteins diet.

    They found no significant difference in weight loss. So much so in fact, that in their conclusion they even mention that it is likely other studies concentrating only on low carbs without explicitly controlling protein intake see results ONLY because of the collateral higher protein intake. That's pretty solid :p

    I'll try to find it back in my history and link it here. But yeah, if you are not training for an olympic competition, it truly does not matter. Eat carbs, have a better mood and all around health :)
  • martinah4
    martinah4 Posts: 583 Member
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    I recently went on Atkins and completed the two week induction phase. I lost 17 pounds, felt energized, and then all of a sudden something went terribly wrong. I got bad muscle cramps in both legs that left me in pain and scared....

    My doctor told me that while you lose weight fast, there can be adverse side affects to an Atkins diet and to try a well balanced one instead.


    Has anyone else had any similar experiences with Atkins?

    Congrats on your weight loss in Induction! I hope you are able to keep going, and slowly add your carbs back in. The leg pain is not uncommon, but it could mean you're not getting enough salt, or enough potassium. I don't have my book in front of me, but if I remember correctly, try to have some chicken broth. It does go away, along with any headaches and fatigue. Your body had to adjust to burning fat for fuel instead of carbs. Do you own any of the Atkins books? Make sure you're drinking enough water and taking a multi-vitamin. Good luck!
  • karonbrinkley
    karonbrinkley Posts: 9
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    Go to the dollar store and take some potassium pills. I at one time went to a dr.that puts you on this diet and this is what she said take those and you probably want to get some stool softerners.Keep the good work up. Until you get the potassium maybe eat a banana to stop the craps.This is not on atkins ,but it will help you out. Keep up with the great work.
  • karonbrinkley
    karonbrinkley Posts: 9
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    I f you eat just prtein it can mess you liver up,as long as you eat plenty of veggies,you will be ok.
  • martinah4
    martinah4 Posts: 583 Member
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    I recently went on Atkins and completed the two week induction phase. I lost 17 pounds, felt energized, and then all of a sudden something went terribly wrong. I got bad muscle cramps in both legs that left me in pain and scared....

    My doctor told me that while you lose weight fast, there can be adverse side affects to an Atkins diet and to try a well balanced one instead.


    Has anyone else had any similar experiences with Atkins?

    Ok, this is right from the book "The Atkins Essentials":

    "During the first week of Induction, in some people, Atkins has a strong diuretic effect. When you lose a large amount of water, as you do at the start of some weight loss programs, you can lose electrolytes, the minerals sodium and potassium, and magnesium and calcium. This may result in leg cramps. To replace these vital nutrients, salt your food to taste and take a mineral supplement that includes calcium, magnesium and potassium."

    Hope that helps! Good luck!
  • Masterdo
    Masterdo Posts: 331 Member
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    Alright, I give up for now trying to find that darned study, my web history is a mess...

    Strangely I found two of the related studies that I read at the time though, which are also both great, but the other one was better... Still, here it goes :

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12684364
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC333231/

    The first one is a 2003 systematic review of over 100 studies on low carbs diets. It concludes that there is nothing to substantiate low carbs helps to lose weight, and that weight loss reported are due to caloric deficit and lenght of the diets anyway. Basically, if you are doing a low carb diet, chances are you are also checking your global caloric intake, and THAT is helping you lose weight.

    The second one evaluates 2 diets, one keto and the other one regular. They check for weight loss composition (fat, lean mass, water). They conclude that while the keto diet did produce faster loss, it was 100% due to water loss. Their methodology was quite extreme though, at 800 kcal/day, but their subjects were medically monitored though.

    Both articles have free full texts available. Won't matter because people don't want to read things that contradict what they think, but for the OP, PLEASE, if you don't fell well with Atkins, just stop. It does nothing more for you anyway...
  • Masterdo
    Masterdo Posts: 331 Member
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    Alright, I give up for now trying to find that darned study, my web history is a mess...

    Strangely I found two of the related studies that I read at the time though, which are also both great, but the other one was better... Still, here it goes :

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12684364
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC333231/

    The first one is a 2003 systematic review of over 100 studies on low carbs diets. It concludes that there is nothing to substantiate low carbs helps to lose weight, and that weight loss reported are due to caloric deficit and lenght of the diets anyway. Basically, if you are doing a low carb diet, chances are you are also checking your global caloric intake, and THAT is helping you lose weight.

    The second one evaluates 2 diets, one keto and the other one regular. They check for weight loss composition (fat, lean mass, water). They conclude that while the keto diet did produce faster loss, it was 100% due to water loss. Their methodology was quite extreme though, at 800 kcal/day, but their subjects were medically monitored though.

    Both articles have free full texts available. Won't matter because people don't want to read things that contradict what they think, but for the OP, PLEASE, if you don't fell well with Atkins, just stop. It does nothing more for you anyway...

    I will agree with you, if she doesn't feel good with atkins she shouldn't do it. Low carb isn't for everyone. I can tell you right now those studies are BS. " It concludes that there is nothing to substantiate low carbs helps to lose weight" this isn't true due to the fact that with protein it takes longer to digest, and satiety is a factor in weight loss.

    The other issue, is water loss and fat loss. There is no accurate way to differentiate between the 2.

    Hum... low carbs doesn't always mean higher protein though. That's the point in fact. Low carbs, in themselves are not contributing to weight loss. General calorie deficit and sticking to your diet plan does. That was the conclusion of the systematic review based on the 107 studies that they evaluated. Also, some complex carbs take much longer to digest than some protein sources, like whey or whey isolate for example.

    And for water/fat, for us it's pretty complicated to differentiate accurately, but there are very accurate methods to get your exact body composition. The latest would be the Bod Pod, but for that study it was probably water displacement or another method. The article outlines how they measured it. So yeah, when they say that the difference was water weight, they are not guesstimating. It was measured, is reproducible and peer reviewed :p

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