Fell off the Wagon (atkins related)

The reason you "fell off the wagon" is because you're trying to do a restrictive diet. Simply cut down on portion sizes and track your food so that you're in a slight* Caloric deficit.


* I don't know how much you have to lose, but a 1/2 to 1 lb per week goal, which would mean 250-500 Cals per day deficit, is reasonable for most people.

IMHO, you are doing the right thing ditching Atkin's... it might work for the short term but it's not sustainable, as you have discovered. As you already know you should exercise and you are here (on MFP), I think you are doing everything you need to IF you follow the program. One of the things I liked about the MFP plan is that nothing is off the table, you can have it... just log it. Take care and don't forget to breathe.

The reason you "fell off the wagon" is because you're trying to do a restrictive diet. Simply cut down on portion sizes and track your food so that you're in a slight* Caloric deficit.


* I don't know how much you have to lose, but a 1/2 to 1 lb per week goal, which would mean 250-500 Cals per day deficit, is reasonable for most people.

Ditto. I was on atkins like last month and felt like crap. Now, I eat carbs mostly coming from fruits but yea I eat carbs and don't stress it. I try to balance my meals and do exercise now. Please don't do diets, just do calories in and out. There is no secret and macros are important in a sense but calories is what gets the long term results. Think about eggs and bacon over fruit? Can't be good for your heart and when I was on it, I felt chest pressure. Hey, do what makes you feel healthier. 3500 kills a pound of fat, so that's all that matters.

dalesd

do you intend to eat that way for the rest of your life? i'd much rather focus on learning to eat healthy then following something strict like that forever...and because atkins is certain restrictions you are more likely to gain the weight back when you go back to "eating normal"

Here a re a few thoughts on making MFP work.

Super Foods
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/dsjohndrow/view/if-you-have-to-eat-use-super-foods-193350

Not So Healthy Healthy Foods
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/dsjohndrow/view/foods-that-are-not-as-healthy-as-you-might-think-207984

The Atkins Wagon...
Officially off the Wagon :embarassed: I'm thinking of not doing atkins for awhile, I have been trying to do it since January now and can't stick with it, I just get tired of eating the same old thing, I know it works because I did lose 50 lbs 4 years ago but for some reason I just can't stick to it, I watched the Biggest Loser yesterday which did motivate me to workout but if they can lose weight by watching what they eat and excercising then I should be able to as well, Right!? I have never had much luck with WW or eating "healthy" which is why I have been desperately trying to do atkins, I think I am gonna take a day or 2 off and read my biggest loser fitness book, I just don't know what to do besides exercise..BTW-Thanx for letting me vent, my Fiance' just doesn't get it and thinks its so easy to lose weight, he's skinny :grumble:

STRESSED!!! :huh: :noway:

I really love the benefits of cutting carbs, so I just simply decrease them in my diet. Rather than extreme reduction I try to keep it below 40% of my calories. Which naturally encourages me to eat more protein, which I have trouble eating for some reason, it's never something I crave really.

I was just simply counting calories until I hit my first plateau, then I did some research, determined my TDEE and decided on a low carb diet to try and get me over the slump. I started to lose again immediately, even though I'm eating 200-400 calories more a day. ... and exercising less because I'm injured.

Don't focus on the motivation you have lost before, and focus more on how much closer you are getting to having the right, sustainable lifestyle for you. Maybe try easing back into less carbs, and just focus on steps rather than just throwing yourself completely into something you are worried you might just fall out of.

You can do it!!

Atkins can make you lose weight but its not a diet to maintain for the rest of your life. Every single person that I know who tried atkins and lost weight (big or small) regained all the weight back and more. You have to figure out a well balanced diet that you can sustain for the rest of your life to keep the weight off.

If you enjoy an atkins-like diet, an easier way to do it is FORGET THE RULES. Just stop eating all processed foods. That includes flour, bread, pasta, rice, etc. Anything processed. What that leaves you with really is all meats, veggies, nuts, fruits, and that about it. Cuts out all the crap. Have dairy if you want, your call. I dont' care either way.

But, for Petes sake, don't call it anything. Just eat that way. It's kind of the same thing, but now it's not a diet, it's just eating helthful food. Also, allow fun food that you just like, such as pizza once a week or soemthing. Don't do unrealistic diets. Just eat clean good food.

basically how I have been eating...except my fun food is wine and pasta. haha. But I feel fantastic. I did herbal magic and it was a huge expensive failure.

If you enjoy an atkins-like diet, an easier way to do it is FORGET THE RULES. Just stop eating all processed foods. That includes flour, bread, pasta, rice, etc. Anything processed. What that leaves you with really is all meats, veggies, nuts, fruits, and that about it. Cuts out all the crap. Have dairy if you want, your call. I dont' care either way.

But, for Petes sake, don't call it anything. Just eat that way. It's kind of the same thing, but now it's not a diet, it's just eating helthful food. Also, allow fun food that you just like, such as pizza once a week or soemthing. Don't do unrealistic diets. Just eat clean good food.

Great statement Jerry! I agree! Ive been doing low carb myself for MONTHS and can't seem to get past those few "non-Atkins" foods that I love. This is the approach I am going to start following too. Stop stressing the carbs so much and just eat cleaner.

Atkins is sustainable long term. It's not a lifetime of induction level carbs, which is where most people fail - they never add back carbs slowly to reach their own personal limit. I'm up to 25% carbs and will probably end up around 35- 40% since my carb tolerance is better now that I'm way more active.

That said, unless you have serious issues with handling a number of carbs I don't see the point of going thru the whole restriction and elimination process of low carb.

Best wishes in your weight loss.

OP...I'm sorry you're having a hard time with Atkins. I would encourage you to give it one more shot, but this time, go back and read the book! Start over, but with a serious commitment to NOT CHEATING. I haven't looked at your diary, but I think if you have a day or weekend where you eat whatever you want---don't go crazy, but don't count carbs or calories---then start fresh on Monday. Do 2 weeks of Induction, and DO NOT CHEAT! Drink lot's of water, start exercising after the first week, take your multi-vitamins. Try to get 12 of your 20 net carbs from veggies and salad. Read the book!

You will probably feel fatigued, sluggish, lethargic and have some head-aches for about 3-4 days. This is normal. Your body is cleansing itself of all of the sugars and carbs. Drink water, take Tylenol. If you DON'T CHEAT, you will feel 100% better and more energetic when you come out the other side! The book has some tips on what to do if you feel terrible.

Just commit to TWO WEEKS. If you still haven't lost weight or feel better after two weeks of following the diet honestly and strictly, then you can move on to something else with the satisfaction of knowing that you did everything you could.

Good luck!