I have a few questions

[hissheep]

question 1: While on induction with a 20 carb limit, why does the atkins book say you can have advantage bars, bake mix and morningstart bars, yet EVERY one I talk to that has lost weight says not to eat them on induction?

question 2: Why does it matter in what form you get your carbs, if you only eat 20? For instance Atkins muffins and breads?

question 3: How do you know if you have too much yeast? What do you do about it if you do and will it slow your weightloss down?

question 4: If you are following induction, would it be safe to use almond flour for a cheesecake crust?..or would that whole dessert idea be out of the question?

question 5: If the ketosis/lipolysis strips are in the dark purple and then drop to moderate, does that mean you are out of ketosis, or that you have eaten something that caused it to drop and what might type of foods might do that?

question 6: I thought on this diet that meat and eggs were unlimited, but saw that you must count eggs..and then read that too many calories could cause you not to lose. I thought you didn't have to watch calories, if you were watching carbs.

Okay..final question: If the only way you lose weight is on induction because you don't eat any of the other stuff by atkins or carbrite, or whoever, than what exactly does that mean? You can never get past induction until you actually lose all you want to lose..because if I have to cut out every other thing to just lose on induction I can't see ever getting past induction..

I eat lots of jello, but as an only dessert it does get old, but if it is the only way, then that is what I'll do. It just seems to me that what the book says is allowed and what seasoned atkins dieters say are two different things.

I know it is alot of questions, but I am not getting the hang of this or something and I have read the book, but must be missing or overlooking some of these things. What the book says and what is happening isn't coming together for me.

Thanks so much for your time..I know others have probably asked these same questions, but I do appreciate your taking time to answer.

[babykinz]

Some good questions, waiting in anticipation for the answers

[srsmom]

Can't answer them all, but let's see...

1. When Atkins designed the plan, these products did not exist. After his death, LC products blossomed and many believe they are out to make money. You will lose the fastest eating whole foods.
2.Most of your carbs should come from veggies, not fillers and chemicals. You will lose faster, it is healthier, and you can deduct the fiber.
3. I have no idea, as it does not apply to me, but there is a whole section of it in DANDR.
4. There are recipes for induction-friendly cheesecake, but I would stay away from the almonds until you add them in according to the carb ladder after induction.
5. Any change in the strips can indicate ketosis, it does not matter what color, as long as they are turning. BUT if you eat too much fat, or just high fat, in your diet, that can cause them to turn too. For some people in ketosis, they never turn at all, yet they still lose. Do not live and die by the strips.
6. You will lose weight after induction, just not as fast. You add the carbs back in slowly, increasing by 5 carbs a day for a week, etc. Many stay at induction levels to lose the bulk of their weight faster, then slow down and move to the other stages of weight loss to prepare for a lifetime of weight maintenance.

Hope that helped a little. It is just my opinion, for what it is worth.

[Atkins_Nutritionist]

Sure, I'll answer them as best as possible and hope it helps clarify and confusion.

question 1: The book is written for the general public. Some people will be able to tolerate small portions (ie. The advantage bars 1/2-1/day, RTD shakes (1), and bake mix 1 serving not the whole recipe and to clarify use 1 item, not 1 of each) of these items while on induction. While it is true that NOT everyone will be able to use the products it is difficult to know who can and cannot tolerate the product unless they have tested it out on their own.

question 2: Vegetables are an important component of any nutritional plan but especially important on Atkins because they add to the total vitamins/minerals you are getting from protein. Vegetables are high in fiber which helps to regulate your bowels and contain important health promoting micronutrients. They provide the best nutrient density for the amount of carbs they provide.

question 3: Visit the Atkins website and search "yeast". There are symptoms such as gas, bloat, fatigue, and you can also get an antibody test. If you have yeast, you should supplement your diet with acidophilus and avoid foods that promote yeast overgrowth (fermented and moldy: mushrooms, vinegar, cheese...). Yes, it can slow or stop weight loss.

question 4: If you are only eating 1 piece and following Induction strictly otherwise, it should not cause too much damage. It all depends on your ability to lose/gain weight. It also depends on whether or not you have yeast.

question 5: No. There are a lot of things that effect ketone strips, including the amount of water you drink. Use them as a guide not as a measure of success. Positive ketones are positive no matter what the color.

question 6: You are correct. However, if you are overeating or have an underlying condition you may have to monitor portions but you do not have to go to extremes. Being in ketosis should decrease your appetite naturally so that you eat less without feeling hungry. If you are an emotional eater or eat when you are not physically hungry, it may be necessary to count calories. Otherwise, it is not necessary to count calories, ONLY carbs.
I do not tell people to be concerned with the carbs in eggs.

"Okay..final question: If the only way you lose weight is on induction because you don't eat any of the other stuff by atkins or carbrite, or whoever, than what exactly does that mean? You can never get past induction until you actually lose all you want to lose..because if I have to cut out every other thing to just lose on induction I can't see ever getting past induction." I think this goes back to question 1, if not please clarify.

"I eat lots of jello" As I mentioned in Question 1, eating lots of any dessert is not ideal. Portion control is imperative. Some people stall from eating too much aspartame (found in soda/jello...)

Please let me know if you need further help with any issue. It is a pleasure to give you information that will assist you in making better choices.

[hissheep]

Thanks..I appreciate your answering all those questions.