Atkins help....

Have you actually tied proper dieting? How can you say you're "fat" from carbs. Carbs are 4 kcal per gram. It's the same as protein. Granted, protein has a higher thermogenic effect on the body but it's not going to make a huge difference.

Maybe post up your diet/exercise plan for the last few months and then you can find something that is a little healthier than Atkins.

Is anyone out there currently doing, starting, thinking about the Atkins Diet? I know there are a lot of people who are not for this diet. I am asking those who have have information regarding the program, sustainability, weight loss... Anyone?

I know beyond a shadow of a doubt I have carb issues. After researching, and still reading his book, I have determined that I am fat because of carbs. And no, Atkins doesn't omit carbs from the diet, in fact it is the exact opposite. Less carbs as opposed to over load. Makes perfect sense for thos who are carb-fat.

My problem.... How in the world will this work for me considering I don't eat tons of meat? What would I consume in the induction phase?

Thanks anyone for any help!

Well you said "i don't eat tons of meat" that means you eat it, but you don't eat lots of it... What is wrong with just consuming more? I recently bought a zero carb protein shake. I think it's like about 50 grams per serving... I guess you can get in 3 servings a days, but that does cost a lot. I went to the grocery store today checking things out in the meat section... there are a ton of low carb options... they are meat... but not necessary a big steak or chicken parts. I saw these 1 carb hot dogs... I wanted them!!!

The reason people criticize the atkins is because they don't understand it. They think it is "eggs fried in butter, with bacon and a big steak on the side." A lot of people do atkins and don't even know it.

What is a salad with chicken breast slices?!?!?! you know, that is completely acceptable in atkins. You should be concerned about saturated fat. I buy omega 3 butter, and olive oil a recipe called for some mayo, i used mayo made with olive oil. I tried to put on a shirt 2 weeks ago... it didn't fit me, been on this plan for about a week... and now the shirt fits me, i'd estimate i lost 5-10lbs in 2 weeks.

People also think atkins is low carbs... guess what? ITS NOT. Atkins you slowly increase your carbs over time, untill you find the best carb limit for your body where you're not losing weight or gaining weight. This is the point where your muscles are full of glycogen, not over, and not under, maximum energy for your muscles with out gaining weight... you also get the required protein and fats... Seems pretty optimal to me. I was familiar with the atkins a while back, i recently wanted to do somethings with my diet for optimal performance... i needed to be in ketosis for a little while, so i went to the source the atkins see how it was done. The atkins had more structure than my idea and the end result was the same, so I went with the atkins.

You also need to take fiber supplments. 90% of proteins and fats get digested, so you only are left with 10% of waste which isn't much.

Also keep in mind about net carbs, lets say you eat some broccoli it has "15grams of carbs" and "10 grams of fiber" you subtract the fiber from the carbs, so you're left with 5 net carbs. Fiber is also carbs, but it can't be digested, so it just passes through the body has no effect on insulin.

I'm on atkins. Message me or add me if you have any questions

I was always under the impression that Atkins got a bad rep becaus Dr Atkins himself was in such bad shape when he died...dependng on which side of the story you believe anyway.

According to his widow and associates he followed his own plan religiously for 43 years. But he also had a history of heart problems, clogged arteries and hypertension, and was overweight when he died (even before the 'bloating' whilst he lay in a coma, which it is claimed tipped him into the 'obese' category).

What I would say is that the 'Atkins Diet' in its original form, ie meat, cheese and butter, looks stupidly dangerous due to its high content of fat and particularly saturates. There's nothing wrong though with eating a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, combined with lean meat and fish and limited quantities of carbs (I get mine through small portions of rice or cous cous, in addition to large quantities of salad and veg). But this isn't technically 'Atkins', just sensible balanced eating.

I think the problem is that when you mention 'Atkins' people assume the unhealthy approach. And hopefully what you're proposing isn't 'Atkins' but a more balanced approach similar to the Paleo diet.

I'm not doing Atkins, but I am doing Dukan, which is similar. It's lean meat and 0% dairy, but low fat. I'm in Phase Two (One is protein only, Two is alternating days of protein only, then protein & veg til you get to your desired weight, then there are two more phases where 'normal' foods, including carbs, are introduced).

I really like it - as a binge-er, it's perfect for me: who wants to binge on protein? And knowing you can't have sugar, even in fruit (which was actually my biggest problem, as I'd binge on it instead of biscuits/carbs) it's great. I'm a little frightened of the next stages where 'traditional' carbs are reintroduced, but hopefully my bad habit's will have been broken by then.

Most anti low-carb people reflect that the weight'll pile back on when you go back to eating normally, but the weight'll pile back on from any 'diet' when you go back to eating 'normally', if that's back to chocolate, chips, etc., all the time. The only thing I think you need to be aware of weight-wise is with low carb, a few lbs are water loss, which will return once you re-introduce carbs.

Have you actually tied proper dieting? How can you say you're "fat" from carbs. Carbs are 4 kcal per gram. It's the same as protein. Granted, protein has a higher thermogenic effect on the body but it's not going to make a huge difference.

Maybe post up your diet/exercise plan for the last few months and then you can find something that is a little healthier than Atkins.

I already stated how atkins is pretty healthy. Carbs spike insulin. This is how it works, You eat carbs so the carbs get converted to glucose and it's in the blood stream, insulin is released to clear the blood of glucose... it stores it in the muscle as glycogen, once the muscles are filled with glycogen it will store the rest as body fat. Protein has the opposite effect, it lowers blood glucose levels, so glucagon is released which pulls out glycogen from the muscle and helps mobilize fat.

Please stop posting mis-information. Thanks.

Like I stated above, fat, protein and carbohydrates can all be converted into glucose. The only difference is that it's easier with carbohydrate based foods. Also, insulin spikes are fine, especially at certain times of the day when blood sugar is low and nutrients are needed.

Is anyone out there currently doing, starting, thinking about the Atkins Diet? I know there are a lot of people who are not for this diet. I am asking those who have have information regarding the program, sustainability, weight loss... Anyone?

I know beyond a shadow of a doubt I have carb issues. After researching, and still reading his book, I have determined that I am fat because of carbs. And no, Atkins doesn't omit carbs from the diet, in fact it is the exact opposite. Less carbs as opposed to over load. Makes perfect sense for thos who are carb-fat.

My problem.... How in the world will this work for me considering I don't eat tons of meat? What would I consume in the induction phase?

Thanks anyone for any help!

I'm doing Atkins now. It is completely sustainable, healthy and safe. You can block the anit-low carb posts stalkers on here! I don't because I find their false perceptions amusing. Vegans and vegiterreans can do Atkins, so it shouldn't be a problem for you at all, if you eat just a little meat. In fact, keep your meat portions average. Atkins doesn't say eat a 12 oz steak for every meal. Do you like fish? Tuna fish on a salad is a good option! Also, eggs. I get some fiber from vegetables, but sometimes I eat a flax seed muffin. (do a search for Muffin in a Minute--it's a really simple recipe). Do you have a list of the acceptable foods for Induction? It's in the books, but basicly they recommend getting at least 12 of your NET carbs from veggies and salads. You can also have 4 oz of cheese (NOT reduced fat) a day. I sautee vegetables in olive oil. Squash and onions are my favorite side! If you would like help, you can friend me! Good luck!

Have you actually tied proper dieting? How can you say you're "fat" from carbs. Carbs are 4 kcal per gram. It's the same as protein. Granted, protein has a higher thermogenic effect on the body but it's not going to make a huge difference.

Maybe post up your diet/exercise plan for the last few months and then you can find something that is a little healthier than Atkins.

I already stated how atkins is pretty healthy. Carbs spike insulin. This is how it works, You eat carbs so the carbs get converted to glucose and it's in the blood stream, insulin is released to clear the blood of glucose... it stores it in the muscle as glycogen, once the muscles are filled with glycogen it will store the rest as body fat. Protein has the opposite effect, it lowers blood glucose levels, so glucagon is released which pulls out glycogen from the muscle and helps mobilize fat.

Please stop posting mis-information. Thanks.

Like I stated above, fat, protein and carbohydrates can all be converted into glucose. The only difference is that it's easier with carbohydrate based foods. Also, insulin spikes are fine, especially at certain times of the day when blood sugar is low and nutrients are needed.

I don't know how physiology is wrong... i stated how it works. Ketones aren't glucose... ketones are ketones... Whatever glucose is used is from gluconeogenesis. As you said it's "easier" for it to be converted from carbs... the easier it is the faster insulin will spike... Spiking insulin to high can cause fat

Have you actually tied proper dieting? How can you say you're "fat" from carbs. Carbs are 4 kcal per gram. It's the same as protein. Granted, protein has a higher thermogenic effect on the body but it's not going to make a huge difference.

Maybe post up your diet/exercise plan for the last few months and then you can find something that is a little healthier than Atkins.

The calorie count is the same as protein, but the break down is different. I read a lot about not consuming too many carbs, Jillian Michaels, Bob Greene, and we all have different body types. I know that carbs has a negative effect on my body. I have minimized the number of carbs and lost a good amout of weight in a short period of time. As soon as I began to eat those foods again, I gained weight. My exercise remained the same, but the increase of carbs changed.

I am trying to find something that works for me. Can't keep battling over the same old six pounds. I want to lose not be stagnant.

I am hoping that some bright light goes off somewhere :-)

Thanks a ton!

You have some misconceptions about carbohydrates. The breakdown isn't that much different. Granted, carbohydrates turn into glucose to be used as energy but fat and protein do the same thing when blood sugar is low and nutrients are needed. This is done through ketosis and gluconeogenesis.

Also, of course you lost weight when you cut carbs out. Carbs hold water. 1g of carbohydrate holds about 3-5 grams of water. If you cut that out, you're going to hold less water. That does't mean you're losing fat, it just means you're going to weigh less on a scale.

The things that "work" for you would be based off of science and not what Jillian Michaels or other unqualified people say. Do it the smart way, not the unhealthy way. You don't need the Atkins diet to lose the last 5 pounds.

You should also be a bit more careful about spreading misinformation. Ketosis does not turn fat or protein into glucose as you stated above in your first paragraph.

Similarly while it is true that you may experience water-weight loss on a ketogenic diet, you very likely also will lose body fat. There are many peer-reviewed studies as well as volumes of anecdotal evidence which support this. Your second post implies that you won't lose body fat on such a diet. Are you explicitly stating that?

As to your comments about science, I think you need to do some more reading yourself.

[snip]

On a ketogenic diet, people also consume less calories by default. I was consuming on average 2500 calories for weightloss before I went in to a ketogenic diet... I'll be lucky if I get in 2000 i do my best to get those calories in. Of course the more protein will help with nitrogen retention and of course resistance training will also help persevere muscle mass.

What is also interesting is that if you consume too much protein it can throw you out of ketosis due to the high glycogenesis. I think protein can use up to around 50% for glycogenesis. This make fat highly important in this diet, since it has no effect on insulin plus it really helps satiety.

I think that is true in my case about fewer calories eaten on a ketogenic diet however I also tend to lose more weight than my calorie deficit would predict. Some of that is likely water weight yet my body fat measurements (I use a BF caliper and also a Tanita BF scale) have also dropped over 7% and my hips and waist have gotten noticeably smaller over the last 4 to 5 months.

I've been tracking calories here for a couple of weeks and before that on a spreadsheet I created and I find that unless I have something really enticing to eat like smoked babyback ribs or Conecuh sausage (that was yesterday, ymmmm), I generally eat fewer calories than what I've planned to eat. One reason for this is that all of my old midday carb cravings have gone completely away.

In addition, doing something active every day, which for me consists of at least a daily 45 minute dog walk along with tennis and strength training three or four days a week, puts my maintenance calories at a level I have difficulty meeting unless I force myself to eat. Because I play tennis, I've been experimenting recently with targeted fast absorbing carb intake right before and during play so that I have enough energy to run for 2+ hours.

I test myself with keto stix every few days now just for kicks but I can generally tell now when I'm in ketosis. I almost never test at extremely high ketone levels unless I'm very dehydrated. On the other hand, I control my nutrient percentage intakes carefully enough so that I rarely knock myself completely out. You are absolutely correct that while controlling the amount and type of carbs is the cornerstone to this type diet, your fat intake is equally important to making it work effectively.

All the above is strictly my opinion, so YMMV.

Have you actually tied proper dieting? How can you say you're "fat" from carbs. Carbs are 4 kcal per gram. It's the same as protein. Granted, protein has a higher thermogenic effect on the body but it's not going to make a huge difference.

Maybe post up your diet/exercise plan for the last few months and then you can find something that is a little healthier than Atkins.

The calorie count is the same as protein, but the break down is different. I read a lot about not consuming too many carbs, Jillian Michaels, Bob Greene, and we all have different body types. I know that carbs has a negative effect on my body. I have minimized the number of carbs and lost a good amout of weight in a short period of time. As soon as I began to eat those foods again, I gained weight. My exercise remained the same, but the increase of carbs changed.

I am trying to find something that works for me. Can't keep battling over the same old six pounds. I want to lose not be stagnant.

I am hoping that some bright light goes off somewhere :-)

Thanks a ton!

You have some misconceptions about carbohydrates. The breakdown isn't that much different. Granted, carbohydrates turn into glucose to be used as energy but fat and protein do the same thing when blood sugar is low and nutrients are needed. This is done through ketosis and gluconeogenesis.

Also, of course you lost weight when you cut carbs out. Carbs hold water. 1g of carbohydrate holds about 3-5 grams of water. If you cut that out, you're going to hold less water. That does't mean you're losing fat, it just means you're going to weigh less on a scale.

The things that "work" for you would be based off of science and not what Jillian Michaels or other unqualified people say. Do it the smart way, not the unhealthy way. You don't need the Atkins diet to lose the last 5 pounds.

You should also be a bit more careful about spreading misinformation. Ketosis does not turn fat or protein into glucose as you stated above in your first paragraph.

Similarly while it is true that you may experience water-weight loss on a ketogenic diet, you very likely also will lose body fat. There are many peer-reviewed studies as well as volumes of anecdotal evidence which support this. Your second post implies that you won't lose body fat on such a diet. Are you explicitly stating that?

As to your comments about science, I think you need to do some more reading yourself.

I think he was talking about the gluconeogenic amino acids and glycerol from triglycerides. Obviously if you eat too much protein on a Keto diet they'll become TCA intermediates.

The second part he was talking about was probably muscle/liver glycogen depletion and the water lost from that. Then of course comes the fat loss afterwards...