Any low carbers/Atkins people here..

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Replies

  • mrmagee3
    mrmagee3 Posts: 518 Member
    Because I was eating the way you described and have been gaining weight... I just need a jump start. I am not looking for a magic diet. I have been stuck for months and need some motivation. But thank you for your input.

    For what it's worth -- I counted net carbs (carbs-fiber), though I ate no sugar and ended up with net carbs in the ~15 range, so total carbs were still around 25.

    I didn't feel any need to bump carbs up after the fact. I still am around there, and eat around 70% fat most days.
  • princessputz
    princessputz Posts: 283 Member
    I deduct my fibre from my carbs to get net carbs and about once a week I will use a strip to test for ketones. I can stay in ketosis eating up to about 50 net grams /day. Not everyone needs to eat 20-25 g per day :).
  • mhouston2011
    mhouston2011 Posts: 155
    If all you want to do is bash the Atkins style, then why even respond and stir up a hornets nest? OP obviously is looking for support from Atkins users...not unsolicited advice on whether or not it is "right".....if you don't like it, don't respond and move on..thanks, have a great day!
  • Jennms85
    Jennms85 Posts: 49 Member
    I did the Atkins after having my son 6 yrs ago. Lost 30+lbs very quickly (about 6 months). Found myself too thin and started eating carbs back to gain. Problem I found was once I started eating them again...the more I wanted them and put 15-20 lbs back on. My advice would be to make sure this is a diet you know you will stick to or the weight will creep back up. If you can stick to it then i found it to be a great diet. i just love pasta and potatoes too much! South beach is also a good diet which teaches you which carbs to introduce back, worth looking into when you get to where you want to be. Good luck to you on your journey.
  • kabdu108
    kabdu108 Posts: 14 Member
    Atkins worked at one point in my life but didn't work again when I tried later on. I had to go fully ketogenic to lose the weight. However, once lost, I have been able to maintain (with small fluctuations) on a regular moderate-high carb diet here in Korea - they eat 75-80% carbs (from what I've observed).

    I have moved my lifestyle to keto eating. I am of northern European descent, coming from a long line of proud carnivores. Before I gave up wheat and grain-based carbs I suffered from IBS, Allergies, Acid Reflux, Joint Pain, and myriad of other symptomatic effects. I was not an adherent of the "Gluten Free" or other wildfire concepts that are current. However, after going through the induction, the flu, and 6 weeks later, I have lost inches, substantive pounds, and feel better than I have in 30 years. I am now exercising daily for pleasure, loving my morning coffee with lots of cream and reveling in my health. Losing the cravings for sugar, carbs, bread, etc. has been great, and like the man above who now maintains with carbs - , I may be able to add more vegie carbs into my diet soon, but I'm not going back to wheat.
  • carriespence1
    carriespence1 Posts: 70 Member
    The keto flu is something you usually get the first week of any low Carb diet and it lasts a couple of days. It includes being tired ( really tired) grumpy, low blood pressure and headaches. I've heard that upping your salt intake really helps or eating avocados,kale,spinach . After a couple days you feel better than ever, no more cravings and ready to go. I've heard from 2 docs that its caused by low potassium or processed food detox. All those processed foods and starchy carbs are loaded in salt.
  • mrmagee3
    mrmagee3 Posts: 518 Member
    I indulge in plenty of sodium and potassium on a keto-style diet. I personally figure that the 'keto flu' is due to a lag time for your body to switch from a glucose-based metabolism to a ketone-based metabolism.
  • OkieTink
    OkieTink Posts: 285 Member
    I think Atkin's calls it “induction flu”. Some people go through it while the body is adapting to burning ketones instead of glucose. You may suffer from headaches, nausea, upset stomach, brain fog and fatigue. I also had a slight sore throat, not sure if it was from keto or just a coincidence. Drinking a ton of water and warm beef broth (not low sodium) helped me through it.
  • OkieTink
    OkieTink Posts: 285 Member
    Atkins worked at one point in my life but didn't work again when I tried later on. I had to go fully ketogenic to lose the weight. However, once lost, I have been able to maintain (with small fluctuations) on a regular moderate-high carb diet here in Korea - they eat 75-80% carbs (from what I've observed).

    I have moved my lifestyle to keto eating. I am of northern European descent, coming from a long line of proud carnivores. Before I gave up wheat and grain-based carbs I suffered from IBS, Allergies, Acid Reflux, Joint Pain, and myriad of other symptomatic effects. I was not an adherent of the "Gluten Free" or other wildfire concepts that are current. However, after going through the induction, the flu, and 6 weeks later, I have lost inches, substantive pounds, and feel better than I have in 30 years. I am now exercising daily for pleasure, loving my morning coffee with lots of cream and reveling in my health. Losing the cravings for sugar, carbs, bread, etc. has been great, and like the man above who now maintains with carbs - , I may be able to add more vegie carbs into my diet soon, but I'm not going back to wheat.

    Ditto. I have never felt better. I am eating a little more that 25g net carbs lately, and remaining in ketosis. Darn these fresh blueberries and strawberries! :)
  • annasor70
    annasor70 Posts: 187 Member
    Why do you want to do Atkins? It's a very unhealthy unbalanced diet for the most part. Why not just eat really well with lots of fruit, veggies, whole grains like quinoa, millet and brown rice and nuts, lentils and beans and healthy proteins? The Atkins diet can be hard on the organs...think about it..your body goes into ketosis!
    I am not trying to be forceful at all...but I sometimes wonder why many folks are looking for a magic diet which is impossible to sustain longterm when the body is healthiest for the most part on a primarily plant based way of eating for life.

    Because I was eating the way you described and have been gaining weight... I just need a jump start. I am not looking for a magic diet. I have been stuck for months and need some motivation. But thank you for your input.

    Oh I see..I understand...sorry if my comment hijacked your thread ...was genuinely trying to help..good luck :)
  • KatLifter
    KatLifter Posts: 1,314 Member
    Here is how to configure MFP to calculate net carbs for keto, http://cavemanketo.com/configuring-mfp/

    Looks like some people had trouble configuring it, but it works for me.
  • dlaciv12
    dlaciv12 Posts: 13
    Too many responses for me to go through so forgive me if I am repeating myself. I've been low carb for the past 10 years or so with a few wagon falls around the holidays.

    I would recommend NOT subtracting the fiber until you're well into fat loss. Then count the fiber as you start to add carbs back into your diet.

    Ignore ALL criticisms! If you stick to it and exercise you will be eating a healthful, whole food diet by the time you reach your goal.

    Don't worry about the things your missing and bask in the glory of the things you get to eat. No other lifestyle gives you such a rich and flavorful diet.

    Remember, low carb junk food is still junk food. I love Atkins but most of their products are more problematic than beneficial. Their app and website are just awful. I know MyFitnessPal is built around calories (completely useless) but you can adjust your goals on the website for % carb, protein and fat. Just use it and focus on the carb counts.

    Low carb is tough because of the toxic word we live in. It's time to learn to cook and save money by not eating out. Focus on big meals with left overs and bringing the family together at 1 meal a day or a few a week if you can.

    When it's time to add carbs do it with vegetables and fruit not grains. Start a garden and grow some of your own. It's incredibly rewarding and will introduce you to new foods. It turns out my family LOVES kale.... Who'd've guessed it?!
  • mrmagee3
    mrmagee3 Posts: 518 Member
    Too many responses for me to go through so forgive me if I am repeating myself. I've been low carb for the past 10 years or so with a few wagon falls around the holidays.

    I would recommend NOT subtracting the fiber until you're well into fat loss. Then count the fiber as you start to add carbs back into your diet.

    Ignore ALL criticisms! If you stick to it and exercise you will be eating a healthful, whole food diet by the time you reach your goal.

    Don't worry about the things your missing and bask in the glory of the things you get to eat. No other lifestyle gives you such a rich and flavorful diet.

    Remember, low carb junk food is still junk food. I love Atkins but most of their products are more problematic than beneficial. Their app and website are just awful. I know MyFitnessPal is built around calories (completely useless) but you can adjust your goals on the website for % carb, protein and fat. Just use it and focus on the carb counts.

    Low carb is tough because of the toxic word we live in. It's time to learn to cook and save money by not eating out. Focus on big meals with left overs and bringing the family together at 1 meal a day or a few a week if you can.

    When it's time to add carbs do it with vegetables and fruit not grains. Start a garden and grow some of your own. It's incredibly rewarding and will introduce you to new foods. It turns out my family LOVES kale.... Who'd've guessed it?!

    Good post!

    Also, I eat a ketogenic style diet. If anyone wants to see my diary, just drop me a friend request. I don't diary every day, or every meal, but there's enough there to give an idea of the way I eat, in general.
  • Golightly17
    Golightly17 Posts: 347 Member
    Join the Keto or Low Carber groups- awesome support and resources. The main forums can be argumentative on one's personal diet strategy.
  • josiereside
    josiereside Posts: 720 Member
    The keto flu is something you usually get the first week of any low Carb diet and it lasts a couple of days. It includes being tired ( really tired) grumpy, low blood pressure and headaches. I've heard that upping your salt intake really helps or eating avocados,kale,spinach . After a couple days you feel better than ever, no more cravings and ready to go. I've heard from 2 docs that its caused by low potassium or processed food detox. All those processed foods and starchy carbs are loaded in salt.

    Day 6 and no flu.. I do eat plenty of avocado so perhaps that is keeping my potassium repleted! I kind of had eliminated processed foods for the most part prior to this so perhaps that is why I am smooth sailing!
  • josiereside
    josiereside Posts: 720 Member
    Join the Keto or Low Carber groups- awesome support and resources. The main forums can be argumentative on one's personal diet strategy.


    yes, sad but true...
  • josiereside
    josiereside Posts: 720 Member
    Why do you want to do Atkins? It's a very unhealthy unbalanced diet for the most part. Why not just eat really well with lots of fruit, veggies, whole grains like quinoa, millet and brown rice and nuts, lentils and beans and healthy proteins? The Atkins diet can be hard on the organs...think about it..your body goes into ketosis!
    I am not trying to be forceful at all...but I sometimes wonder why many folks are looking for a magic diet which is impossible to sustain longterm when the body is healthiest for the most part on a primarily plant based way of eating for life.

    Because I was eating the way you described and have been gaining weight... I just need a jump start. I am not looking for a magic diet. I have been stuck for months and need some motivation. But thank you for your input.

    Oh I see..I understand...sorry if my comment hijacked your thread ...was genuinely trying to help..good luck :)


    No problem!
  • OkieTink
    OkieTink Posts: 285 Member
    Mine didn't hit until about the 12th day. It only lasted two days, which thankfully, was the weekend. I felt like I had been hit by a Mack truck. You may not come down with it at all, some don't. Good luck!
  • erikkmcvay
    erikkmcvay Posts: 238 Member
    Nope :) In fact I'm HIGH Carbs :) 55% of my daily caloric intake is carbs (ok 50-55%) and I've lost 45 pounds.

    However, most people think whole grain rice isn't a carb as well as Quinoa, whole wheat, oatmeal etc.
  • josiereside
    josiereside Posts: 720 Member
    Thanks all for the very helpful replies! I will be checking out the groups suggested!
  • Birdy989
    Birdy989 Posts: 52 Member
    I've naturally been eating low carbs for the past couple of weeks, and have felt so amazing (and so not hungry) that I'm going to go full-fledged Atkins. If any other low-carb Pal wants to friend me, please do! I've done Atkins in the past, and loved it. I have no idea why it took me so long to go back on it. Low carb eating is just so, so much better -- for me at least. It's like night and day.

    I need new low-carb, Atkins or Keto friends! =)
  • PaleoPath4Lyfe
    PaleoPath4Lyfe Posts: 3,161 Member
    I've naturally been eating low carbs for the past couple of weeks, and have felt so amazing (and so not hungry) that I'm going to go full-fledged Atkins. If any other low-carb Pal wants to friend me, please do! I've done Atkins in the past, and loved it. I have no idea why it took me so long to go back on it. Low carb eating is just so, so much better -- for me at least. It's like night and day.

    I need new low-carb, Atkins or Keto friends! =)

    Feel free to add me............I am Paleo, but use the Atkins carb ladder currently to add back in fruits and vegetables as I am trying to isolate possible new intolerances............