Lets get the SKINNY on the Atkins Diet

CookingWithCarlo.com ^ | Oct 4 2003 | Carlo3b Dad, Chef, Author

[TruthNtegrity]

If you have an Atkins and a recipe list, please add me. For the other stuff you mentioned, no thanks.

I wish I could say that I've done as well this year as I did last year on Atkins. I have so much to lose, I figured it would take me awhile but this year, I've only lost 20 pounds. The whole year! Ugh. And I've begun to exercise more, just to try to get the rest of the weight off, but it doesn't seem to be making much difference. I believe I am really "insulin resistant" but the all-fat days to break it are pretty boring. Anyone have any ideas?

[RikaStrom]

I'll share some recipes POE. I've lost 20 pounds so far.

I still have a ways to go if I am going to look good for CPAC, but no I am adding in the exercise bike and I expect even better results! LOL

[Henrietta]

"My only problem with the diet is the lack of good stuff to drink."

I like herbal tea and that carbonated flavored water (no sugar, no carbs). Here's a recipe for a spritzer that I like. Note that cream has some carbs.

Crushed ice
sugar-free Toriani vanilla syrup (0 carbs)
carbonated mineral water
Heavy cream

Put ice in a glass, add cream. Put in carbonated water. Syrup to taste. Very good!

[carlo3b]

You are a pingee ... *<}:P

[carlo3b]

Done!

[Henrietta]

Re your plateau, have you tried cutting out the franken-food (bars, shakes, etc.)? If you aren't doing franken-food, but still are stalled, try drinking more water. You might also be sensitive to nuts or cheese. Try cutting those out and see what happens.

[Toskrin]

Whether you're eating Atkin's, or a more traditional low-fat diet, it all comes down to the calories consumed. Digestion doesn't burn that much in the way of calories. If you like meat and cheese, you'll do well with Atkins. If not, you won't do well with it.

[Unmarked Package]

The Atkins approach was certainly the key to achieving and maintaining my weight at 158 lbs (male, 5’10”). However, I found one effect of the low-carb diet worked against me until I recognized the problem and the solution. I’ll mention it here for those who are just starting the Atkins diet.

I can testify to the fact that, for some people, the Atkins diet can significantly suppress hunger between meals once the maintenance phase of the diet is reached. On days that I was extremely busy, I would sometimes eat only two meals or even just one meal during the day. For several days after these semi-fasting days, I usually gained 3-4 lbs with no change in diet. I eventually realized that it’s important for me to eat at least three low-carb meals a day, even if hunger is not present. For some people, the maintenance phase of Atkins might place their metabolism in a state of equilibrium that easily switches to storing fat; probably the body’s response to low calorie intake to protect it from perceived starvation.

Keep this in mind if you are complying with the diet but experience weight gain in the maintenance phase.

[TruthNtegrity]

I WISH I had lost 87 pounds this year. I am so envious of your results. I have just not had that kind of result. I did last year - lost over 100 pounds in 2002. But this year, it has been going very slowly, and I still have 50 pounds to lose.

I can only guess that I need to pick up the exercise but darn it - that makes me hungry!

[Lacey]

Ping me too. I started about 10 days ago; feeling pretty good!

[TruthNtegrity]

Except that I will prolly change the syrup to "Chocolate" extract, I like this idea. I am so tired of decaf coffee (even my Kona, for Pete's sake!!) and Diet RC. This has given me the incentive to make more of my own drinks. Thanks!

[TruthNtegrity]

Hi Gretchen - here's an Atkins list with some great recipes I thought you should see!

[Ditter]

No franken food consumed here. LOL I am going to cut the amount of meat, add extra helping of green vegs. & drink more water. (I hate to complain becauseI feel better than I have in years!)

[surely_you_jest]

Marking place.

[carlo3b]

Ping me too.

You are going to be pinged you luck duck!

[Technocrat]

Take me off the ping list, please. Thanks!

[Iowa Granny]

marking spot

[samiam1972]

Please add me to the list. My husband and I have recently started an exercise program to become lean and mean again! I'm always looking for new and interesting recipes. I'm not sure if I can do the no carb thing but will be more aware of them now!

Salo, have you tried the Crystal Light drinks? 5 calories and 0 carbs/sugars per serving. They have teas and a variety of lemonades. My husband quit drinking Dr. Pepper a year ago(6-pack/day) only to replace it with lemonade. He's been doing awesome since we switched to Crystal Light! Good luck!