The Atkins Diet ...Any Freeper experience? (Vanity!)

Me

[Partisan Hack]

Okay... I did it. I read the New Diet Revolution and I've bought into the whole notion of a 0 - 20 gram per day, low carbohydrate diet. I'm in the "induction phase," and the Doctor assures rapid weight loss during this initial two-week run. Supposedly, as success is achieved, the dieter can begin to gradually increase the amount of carbs that they consume. The trick is to remain in ketosis while attempting to shed weight.

My most important question is if any freepers out there have had any success with this diet and what tips might they be able to pass on.

Also, are "free" foods truly "free?" Does nutrasweet negatively impact this diet?

I'm a week into it, (and have confirmed that I am indeed in ketosis) but I'm not yet loosing any weight. I'm hoping to loose 40 lbs!

Sitting in front of this computer, glued to Free Republic has caused me to gain this weight btw!!!

[Neets]

I think it is the best diet, for me anyway..I have tried lotz and it is the only one where I actually lose weight, and don't gain anymore after I go off of it, than what I had on before I started.

The key is exercise and MAINTENANCE.

Be careful when in the induction part...and yes, I have found the free foods to be free.

[Neets]

ANother important thing to remember is that everyone's body is different, so a diet that works for me may not work for you.

I am short and at most need to lose 10-15 lbs at various times, so this one works best for me and my biggest weight gainer IS CARBS.

[let freedom sing]

Diets stink!

[bluefish]

I am quite familiar with Ketogenic Diets. For those who want more science and less hype, I suggest "The Ketogenic Diet: A Complete Guide for the Dieter and Practitioner" by Lyle McDonald. The book does a very thorough job of explaining exactly what is happening metabolically. While it is primarily written for the athlete (body builder), it is quite good. I personally feel that it is very important to understand what is going on and to have a very factual basis for evaluating the multitude of conflicting OPINIONS you will receive, many of which are based on nothing more than heresay or "popular" yet incorrect knowledge.

Be prepared for constipation and take measures to relieve it. You may need a sugar free fiber substitute. I have found that higher doses of MSM helps promote bowel movements too. Nobody has mentioned drinking tons of water yet, which will also help.

Definitely take your supplements (they don't have to be Atkins - a very good broad spectrum multi-vitamin / multi-mineral supplement plus addition minerals as mentioned by others).

I once tried to do this with zero carbs for a week once in combination with heavy ephedrine / caffeine / aspirin as an experiment. Oops! By the end of the week, I was experiencing severe Adrenal Fatigue. I personally believe that your carbs should be around 50 grams and no less to avoid oversuppression of Thyroid as well. This, in combination with thinking Atkins is a one time thing is what causes many people to regain the weight. You can't just go back to doing what you were previously doing when you are done. You are never done. Those that don't understand this are not doing Atkins, so their criticism is for THEIR personal version of a temporary diet rather than the Atkins Diet.

Too little protein will casue lean tissue loss. This will contribute to weight gain when you add back carbs. You must prevent muscle wasting by insuring you are getting adequate amounts of protein.

[Tuscaloosa Goldfinch]

6 sets of heavy squats made the diet seem like a piece of cake.

Did someone say cake? I don't think that's allowed. (smile)

[Ward Smythe]

In a word...constipation...

[P-Marlowe]

I lost about 20 pounds real fast, but then my liver almost failed, I turned as orange as a pumpkin and almost died. Before I turned orange I was starting to get really scatterbrained, which didn't help me in my business because I'm an attorney.

I think you lose weight even faster after you're dead, but I decided to stop before that. I think the best diet is to stop eating so much and start exercising. I haven't tried it, but I hear it works.

[bluefish]

As a long-time defender of Atkins / Ketogenic diets, I am coming to the conclusion that most of us who try it recognize some sort of impaired glucose metabolism. Thus, the real solution is to simply eliminate simply sugars once and for all. Atkins may help prepare for this eventuality better than trying to eliminate the simple sugars without first inducing ketosis by eliminating virtually all sugars. Personally, I am finding the most satisfaction, success and health gains by merely inducing ketosis for a week and then slowing adding back complex carbs and leaving out the simple sugars. If you find that you regress bact to eating white flour or sugar, it is easier to eliminate the cravings by doing the induction diet than it is to try weaning them off while maintaining the complex carbs.

[Slapper]

I can`t speak for the effectiveness of the diet, but I do know that the man who was promoting it on television in New Zealand, Kevin Trudeau, is a convicted fraudster.

[Squire]

Most people I know have had amazing success with Atkins. As others have said, the initial two-week Induction Phase can be tough (especially if you go the no-caffeine route), but after that, your energy will go through the roof. it's a great program. My only caution would be that you should consult a doctor if you have diabetes (either Type I or Type II). On the other hand, most docs don't understand what it involves, and you may have to clear up their misconceptions about it. Good luck. I'm sure you'll do well.

[Squire]

Oh yeah -- the weight loss usually kicks in AFTER the two-week induction period (Week 3-ish). If it hasn't started yet, don't sweat it.

[Partisan Hack]

Thank you. I think I can honestly say I'm off of refined sugar and flour for life. I had terrible cravings for them the first few days -- now I couldn't care less about them. I also bought some "Carb Solution" bars today at the store and they are great!! Not only are they a tasty snack but they include a nutritional suppliment as well. Have you tried any of the low carb food products? I saw Cake mix on the Atkins site.

[bayourod]

All diets work if you can stay on them long enough. The weight returns after all diets if you return to your previous eating habits.

I lost 40 lbs on the Atkins diet 25 years ago. It must be followed precisely using the test strips. Don't try to go on and off the diet.

The original diet that I used allowed only 5 grams of carbs the first week.

If you can't stay on the diet because of carbohydrate cravings, try a very simple diet of 800 calories per day. Low calorie foods include cabbage soup, fat free turkey/ham/beef on diet bread, salads, etc... I lost 50 lbs this year that way with no feelings of deprivation. I also cheated occassionally.

[bluefish]

Be VERY CAREFUL with the "Low Carb" bars (including Atkins). Consumer Labs found that most of the Protein bars have a significant amount of hidden carbs. I knew this to be true before I read the report because every time I used them, they kicked me out of ketosis. Most of the bars truly are junk. I can't recall the substance (glycerin? - used to make them "moist"), but while not classified as a sugar, can trigger an insulin response nonetheless. Unfortunately, many of the supplement manufactureres are rather unscrupulous. I don't advocate government intervention, but I do advocate serious research.

[ICU812]

Don't listen to the naysayers. Everyone I know who has gone on this diet has lost weight with no bad side effects. Its true that once you go off the diet you will gain weight but what weight loss plan keeps working after you stop doing it?

The most important things to remember are; eat lots of green veggies, increase your water intake and incorporate some kind of mild exercise into your lifestyle(even if its just a walk around the block every evening).

Another tip: vary your diet as much as possible, meat and cheese every night will get old fast. Most people go off the diet because they get tired of the monotony, go online and find dozens of atkins sites with enough recipies so that you never have to eat the same thing twice if you didn't want to.

[Partisan Hack]

Thank you so much. I was worried that I wasn't loosing anything. It's interreseting to see all the contradictory opinions to my reply. Yours was most reassuring.

[Not gonna take it anymore]

Everyone is different. Trite, but true. If your weight hovers in your mid section, chances are this diet will be great for you.

I am and have always been a protein freak. If I eat an orange (for example) I will be hungry almost immediately. This diet is not unbalanced. Just look for the carbs in what you eat.You can get a range of vegetables and fresh fruit without eating high carbs.

Broccoli, green beans, lovely organic baby lettuces, cantaloupe, etc. are great to eat and very low in carbohydrates.

For instance, last night for dinner I had prime rib, salad with dressing (no low cal), white wine with dinner, and lovely fresh vegetables. Get rid of white food; pasta, potatoes, white bread, rice, carrots and corn. (Okay, so they're orange, still get rid of them) Eat fresh food, buy no prepared boxed stuff (especially if you can't pronounce the ingredients nor spell them).

Good luck.