Atkins Newbie Questions

beckyh · 12-24-2007, 06:30 PM

Hello!

I'm basically a "transfer" from South Beach Diet, since I think monitoring how many carbs I take in is important for my progress...I have 20 very very stubborn pounds to lose and am hypothyroid and perimenopausal.

Atkins induction makes me cringe because I am afraid I may binge around my TOM. How do others cope with this? Can a person needing to lose 20 pounds skip the induction phase?

Also-- Does it matter which editon of Atkins I purchase?

Thanks!

lisabinil · 12-25-2007, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beckyh

Hello!

I'm basically a "transfer" from South Beach Diet, since I think monitoring how many carbs I take in is important for my progress...I have 20 very very stubborn pounds to lose and am hypothyroid and perimenopausal.

Atkins induction makes me cringe because I am afraid I may binge around my TOM. How do others cope with this? Can a person needing to lose 20 pounds skip the induction phase?

Also-- Does it matter which editon of Atkins I purchase?

Thanks!

I switched from SBD but did Induction. Ketosis really helps with hunger & cravings. Also I feel much fuller and satisfied on Atkins than I did on SBD-higher fat has helped. Induction really does jump start fat burning.

beckyh · 12-25-2007, 08:58 AM

I already am finding much more satisfaction with Atkins...higher fat foods do satify me more quickly, even in low quantities.

I read that 20 carbs a day = induction. I will do that on the assumption that ketosis will help quell TOM cravings.

I also detest exercise, even though I used to be fanatical about it! Winter snow/cold gives me a zillion excuses not to exercise...

Marlad3672 · 12-25-2007, 10:44 AM

beckyh, I have great news for you; if you follow the plan, your cravings should be almost non existant once TOM rolls around. My cravings are pretty much a thing of the past. I was able to have TOM, and go to two Christmas dinners (we went to early celebrations over the weekend) and I did not even want the candy or the cookies. I was worried that I would before I arrived but I really did not want it.

You will be fine!

beckyh · 12-27-2007, 08:23 AM

Is it true what I've heard in the past that the closer you are to your goal weight, the more slowly the weight comes off?

I'm wondering if increasing exercise (ugh) might speed things up. Or maybe staying around 20 carbs for a while longer might help, too.

flourchild · 12-27-2007, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beckyh

I read that 20 carbs a day = induction. I will do that on the assumption that ketosis will help quell TOM cravings.

That's only part of it; I hope you're using the book as a guide because the source of those 20 carbs is important. Welcome.

Zabrinne · 12-27-2007, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flourchild

That's only part of it; I hope you're using the book as a guide because the source of those 20 carbs is important. Welcome.

So true the source of the carbs are almost just as important as the quantity. No just this one bite of ice cream, because that will put you back at least 3 days. No I think it would be better to go slightly over with perhaps veggies, than something completelely void of nutritional value.

Rory8343 · 01-02-2008, 08:29 PM

With TOM cravings I up my legal carbs and satisfy the cravings that way. Better some extra broccoli than resisting and resisting then caving and eating 2 dozen chocolate chip cookies.

cleochatra · 01-02-2008, 08:34 PM

Hi, becky! I agree with the others! You wouldn't follow South Beach without reading the book, so you definitely want to at least start with Chapter 11 of your Dr Atkins New Diet Revolution book.

The induction is sososososo important to get through, and once you're through the rest becomes much easier. South Beach, though, isn't that much different, to be honest. Atkins is higher fat and a finite carbohydrate amount, which might seem really restrictive, but induction is meant as a detox--thus the stringency of the first two weeks.

lisabinil · 01-03-2008, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cleochatra

Hi, becky! I agree with the others! You wouldn't follow South Beach without reading the book, so you definitely want to at least start with Chapter 11 of your Dr Atkins New Diet Revolution book.

The induction is sososososo important to get through, and once you're through the rest becomes much easier. South Beach, though, isn't that much different, to be honest. Atkins is higher fat and a finite carbohydrate amount, which might seem really restrictive, but induction is meant as a detox--thus the stringency of the first two weeks.

On this one Cleo since I used to follow SBD, I have to disagree-it is very different. Not only is it low fat it also stresses portion control-with meat servings at 3 ozs and so forth. And if you have a second protein portion you have to have it with more veggies etc. You don't count carbs but do follow a mealplan which is very structured.

mistyw · 01-03-2008, 03:21 PM

SBD...hee hee!

Okay, sorry...immature moment.

I'm right behind you, becky. Tried SBD myself, but nada. Ready to try something that works!

cleochatra · 01-03-2008, 03:55 PM

I own the SBD book (research purposes), but I didn't like that Dr Agatston ranked on Dr Atkins, and then proceeded to basically copy his plan in so many ways. LOL

But, still, to each their own. If a person can't handle the fat, SBD is a good plan.

bentleykisser · 01-03-2008, 05:33 PM

Ok, I have a major question for you guys. I too was on SBD for a long time, and lost close to 150lbs doing it. I dont remember watching my portions too much though. I was very diligent about WHAT I ate and worked out like a crazy person. I have been doing DANDR for almost a month now. I am so much happier, but haven't lost an ounce! Could it be that my body cant handle the fat? I sure do LIKE the fat!...just not on my arse!

lisabinil · 01-03-2008, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cleochatra

I own the SBD book (research purposes), but I didn't like that Dr Agatston ranked on Dr Atkins, and then proceeded to basically copy his plan in so many ways. LOL

But, still, to each their own. If a person can't handle the fat, SBD is a good plan.

Very true Cleo! But I was so hongryyyy on SBD!

lisabinil · 01-03-2008, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bentleykisser

Ok, I have a major question for you guys. I too was on SBD for a long time, and lost close to 150lbs doing it. I dont remember watching my portions too much though. I was very diligent about WHAT I ate and worked out like a crazy person. I have been doing DANDR for almost a month now. I am so much happier, but haven't lost an ounce! Could it be that my body cant handle the fat? I sure do LIKE the fat!...just not on my arse!

I was a member of the SBD website twice and in the book it clearly states 3 oz of protein-if you have another serving you have to have more veggies. I still have the basic mealplan saved. All of the moderators on the site stress portion control as well. Maybe you don't do well with higher fat-have you been using Fitday to track your food? You can check your percentages of fats, carbs & proteins to help you tweak what you're eating. Are you taking measurements? Maybe you are losing inches instead of lbs at this time.

beckyh · 01-03-2008, 07:14 PM

After reading your posts, I am all the more convinced that Atkins is the plan for me. SBD did lead me down the path of low carb living, but even though I lost some weight, I was never anywhere near as satiated as I am now. I don't fear dissatisfaction/hunger with Atkins the way I did with SBD. And those "100 cal sweet treats" were the beginning of the end for me-- I could get very "creative" with my portion size...

Thank you!

bentleykisser · 01-03-2008, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lisabinil

I was a member of the SBD website twice and in the book it clearly states 3 oz of protein-if you have another serving you have to have more veggies. I still have the basic mealplan saved. All of the moderators on the site stress portion control as well. Maybe you don't do well with higher fat-have you been using Fitday to track your food? You can check your percentages of fats, carbs & proteins to help you tweak what you're eating. Are you taking measurements? Maybe you are losing inches instead of lbs at this time.

Yeah, I know SB says to watch portions, I just never had to. I guess I was lucky on it. I ate until I was full and usually didnt have any issues with hunger. I have been using fitday with DANDR, somewhat sporadically though. I freaked at first though because the fat was much higher than I had been used to on SB...I guess I have been confused partly by what has been beaten into my brain through years of "mainstream dietary rules", and then all of the books that I have read over the past two months concerning LC and DANDR.

The past week all of my days have been averaging at 1520 cals. 29% protein; 69% fat; 2% carbs (14 g total).

Should I lower the fat and up the protein? It seems that they are pretty hand in hand though. I do know that I need to back off the cream cheese. That is going to be the first thing that I curtail. I feel full during the day and feel like I am eating healthier this way yet not gorging like I would have before going back on LC. Before I was constantly rummaging through the fridge, never happy with what I was eating (unless I fixed me a LC meal)!
Oh, and...when I started Dec. it was tom.....then I lost like 7 lbs or so...well, guess what this week is....d'oh

! you would think after almost 30 years of dealing with that....I would remember that stupid thing! I am not going to panic until next week...let tom leave me alone for a few weeks, retake my measurements and then re-asses! My legs have felt "baggier"...if that makes sense! lol
Thanks for any and all help!

2big4mysize · 01-04-2008, 11:23 AM

actually try checking your tape measure and see if you are shrinking. Atkins will morph your body adding lean body mass as you burn off body fat mass so many times the scales lie.

When you get close to goal on any plan your weight loss slows because each pound represnets a bigger part of your total body. for example when I started 1 pound was a mere .69% of my total weight needed to lose, but just before goal that same pound was20% of my needed to lose weight when I was 5 pounds away.

Dr Atkins also stresses taking 6 months to lose the final 5-10 pounds so we are better able to be life long losers and not a flash in the pan goalie who regains it within a yr of getting there as 9 out of 10 folk do

beckyh · 01-04-2008, 12:01 PM

[quote=2big4mysize;9729190] Dr Atkins also stresses taking 6 months to lose the final 5-10 pounds so we are better able to be life long losers[quote]

Thank you so much for the above information! It really put perspective on this experience as a journey rather than a "quick trip". My husband reminds me that it took me nearly 2 years to put on the weight, so it will take time to lose it. It really is the only way to go.

This website has been so incredibly encouraging to me! And it's free!

Beckyh

kathc1 · 01-13-2008, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lisabinil

I was a member of the SBD website twice and in the book it clearly states 3 oz of protein-if you have another serving you have to have more veggies. I still have the basic mealplan saved. All of the moderators on the site stress portion control as well. Maybe you don't do well with higher fat-have you been using Fitday to track your food? You can check your percentages of fats, carbs & proteins to help you tweak what you're eating. Are you taking measurements? Maybe you are losing inches instead of lbs at this time.

Things must of changed in the new book. It is unlimited protein now, but somehow I remember SBD being the way you explained the first time I did it years ago. There are a few other things that have changed.

kathc1 · 01-13-2008, 10:40 PM

Ok, my mind is going...forgot to add- I have to agree that I feel more satisfied on Atkins than SBD, even though I do think it is a great plan. My SIL as lost a lot of weight on it and was able to control her borderline blood sugar.

beckyh · 01-14-2008, 12:42 PM

I, too, find more satisfaction on Atkins, but think the weight loss for me will be s-l-o-w.

I at least lost 5 lbs on South Beach in 3-4 weeks, but haven't lost an ounce in 3 weeks on Atkins. Although I have to say I've been around 20 carbs daily, and in ketosis for 10 days+, but not eating the 12-15 of it in vegetables. Sure seems like I'd have lost something by now.

So, South Beach works if you work it. I just struggled with the lean/low-fat mantra. I went off it eventually because I craved fat.

2big4mysize · 01-14-2008, 02:05 PM

if you were already dieting when you begin any plan you will not get the initial large drop cause you don't have the body glycogen reserves.

However that does not mean you are not burning off body fat even if the scales don't move cause Atkineers add lean body mass just eating Atkins per the UConn Volek study on maintnenance folk eating low carb vs high carb maintenance diets. Si get out your tape measure and check your body even when the scales don't how pounds lost you can be dropping pounds of body fat as you add pounds of lean tissue.

happy low carbing.

12-24-2007, 06:30 PM	#1
beckyh Senior LCF Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: North Idaho Posts: 145 Gallery: beckyh Stats: 12/12/8 5'2" WOE: Organic/Low Carb Start Date: April 2008	Atkins Newbie Questions Hello! I'm basically a "transfer" from South Beach Diet, since I think monitoring how many carbs I take in is important for my progress...I have 20 very very stubborn pounds to lose and am hypothyroid and perimenopausal. Atkins induction makes me cringe because I am afraid I may binge around my TOM. How do others cope with this? Can a person needing to lose 20 pounds skip the induction phase? Also-- Does it matter which editon of Atkins I purchase? Thanks!

01-03-2008, 07:14 PM	#16
beckyh Senior LCF Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: North Idaho Posts: 145 Gallery: beckyh Stats: 12/12/8 5'2" WOE: Organic/Low Carb Start Date: April 2008	After reading your posts, I am all the more convinced that Atkins is the plan for me. SBD did lead me down the path of low carb living, but even though I lost some weight, I was never anywhere near as satiated as I am now. I don't fear dissatisfaction/hunger with Atkins the way I did with SBD. And those "100 cal sweet treats" were the beginning of the end for me-- I could get very "creative" with my portion size... Thank you! Last edited by beckyh : 01-03-2008 at 07:16 PM.

01-04-2008, 11:23 AM	#18
2big4mysize Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 5,017 Gallery: 2big4mysize Stats: 313 to current goalie 169-173 WOE: Atkins 2002 Start Date: june 1 2002	actually try checking your tape measure and see if you are shrinking. Atkins will morph your body adding lean body mass as you burn off body fat mass so many times the scales lie. When you get close to goal on any plan your weight loss slows because each pound represnets a bigger part of your total body. for example when I started 1 pound was a mere .69% of my total weight needed to lose, but just before goal that same pound was20% of my needed to lose weight when I was 5 pounds away. Dr Atkins also stresses taking 6 months to lose the final 5-10 pounds so we are better able to be life long losers and not a flash in the pan goalie who regains it within a yr of getting there as 9 out of 10 folk do __________________ 5/04 goalie Hashimoto hypothyroid diagnoised 02 kimkins info 2BIG's BLOG Memeber of LCFs before 2006? Please click here to help with the kimkins case

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12-25-2007, 08:58 AM	#3
beckyh Senior LCF Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: North Idaho Posts: 145 Gallery: beckyh Stats: 12/12/8 5'2" WOE: Organic/Low Carb Start Date: April 2008	I already am finding much more satisfaction with Atkins...higher fat foods do satify me more quickly, even in low quantities. I read that 20 carbs a day = induction. I will do that on the assumption that ketosis will help quell TOM cravings. I also detest exercise, even though I used to be fanatical about it! Winter snow/cold gives me a zillion excuses not to exercise...

12-25-2007, 10:44 AM	#4
Marlad3672 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Vermont Posts: 67 Gallery: Marlad3672 WOE: Atkins Start Date: July 2007	beckyh, I have great news for you; if you follow the plan, your cravings should be almost non existant once TOM rolls around. My cravings are pretty much a thing of the past. I was able to have TOM, and go to two Christmas dinners (we went to early celebrations over the weekend) and I did not even want the candy or the cookies. I was worried that I would before I arrived but I really did not want it. You will be fine!

12-27-2007, 08:23 AM	#5
beckyh Senior LCF Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: North Idaho Posts: 145 Gallery: beckyh Stats: 12/12/8 5'2" WOE: Organic/Low Carb Start Date: April 2008	Is it true what I've heard in the past that the closer you are to your goal weight, the more slowly the weight comes off? I'm wondering if increasing exercise (ugh) might speed things up. Or maybe staying around 20 carbs for a while longer might help, too.

01-02-2008, 08:29 PM	#8
Rory8343 Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 7,493 Blog Entries: 12 Gallery: Rory8343 Stats: 20W/16M/8 WOE: Atkins is the Man! Start Date: January 2003 Start again November 2007	With TOM cravings I up my legal carbs and satisfy the cravings that way. Better some extra broccoli than resisting and resisting then caving and eating 2 dozen chocolate chip cookies.

01-02-2008, 08:34 PM	#9
cleochatra Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: May 2005 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 7,885 Gallery: cleochatra Stats: 350/264/125 WOE: Atkins Start Date: January 1, 2008	Hi, becky! I agree with the others! You wouldn't follow South Beach without reading the book, so you definitely want to at least start with Chapter 11 of your Dr Atkins New Diet Revolution book. The induction is sososososo important to get through, and once you're through the rest becomes much easier. South Beach, though, isn't that much different, to be honest. Atkins is higher fat and a finite carbohydrate amount, which might seem really restrictive, but induction is meant as a detox--thus the stringency of the first two weeks.

01-03-2008, 03:21 PM	#11
mistyw Junior LCF Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 14 Gallery: mistyw	SBD...hee hee! Okay, sorry...immature moment. I'm right behind you, becky. Tried SBD myself, but nada. Ready to try something that works!

01-03-2008, 03:55 PM	#12
cleochatra Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: May 2005 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 7,885 Gallery: cleochatra Stats: 350/264/125 WOE: Atkins Start Date: January 1, 2008	I own the SBD book (research purposes), but I didn't like that Dr Agatston ranked on Dr Atkins, and then proceeded to basically copy his plan in so many ways. LOL But, still, to each their own. If a person can't handle the fat, SBD is a good plan.

01-03-2008, 05:33 PM	#13
bentleykisser Senior LCF Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Savannah, GA Posts: 668 Gallery: bentleykisser Stats: 1/1/08:235 2/13/08:225 4/28/08:215 WOE: Atkins '72 & Stillmans (SORTA!) Start Date: 12/30/2007	Ok, I have a major question for you guys. I too was on SBD for a long time, and lost close to 150lbs doing it. I dont remember watching my portions too much though. I was very diligent about WHAT I ate and worked out like a crazy person. I have been doing DANDR for almost a month now. I am so much happier, but haven't lost an ounce! Could it be that my body cant handle the fat? I sure do LIKE the fat!...just not on my arse!

01-04-2008, 12:01 PM	#19
beckyh Senior LCF Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: North Idaho Posts: 145 Gallery: beckyh Stats: 12/12/8 5'2" WOE: Organic/Low Carb Start Date: April 2008	[quote=2big4mysize;9729190] Dr Atkins also stresses taking 6 months to lose the final 5-10 pounds so we are better able to be life long losers[quote] Thank you so much for the above information! It really put perspective on this experience as a journey rather than a "quick trip". My husband reminds me that it took me nearly 2 years to put on the weight, so it will take time to lose it. It really is the only way to go. This website has been so incredibly encouraging to me! And it's free! Beckyh

01-13-2008, 10:40 PM	#21
kathc1 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Avon, NY Posts: 263 Gallery: kathc1 Stats: 189/179/135-125ish WOE: Atkins	Ok, my mind is going...forgot to add- I have to agree that I feel more satisfied on Atkins than SBD, even though I do think it is a great plan. My SIL as lost a lot of weight on it and was able to control her borderline blood sugar.

01-14-2008, 12:42 PM	#22
beckyh Senior LCF Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: North Idaho Posts: 145 Gallery: beckyh Stats: 12/12/8 5'2" WOE: Organic/Low Carb Start Date: April 2008	I, too, find more satisfaction on Atkins, but think the weight loss for me will be s-l-o-w. I at least lost 5 lbs on South Beach in 3-4 weeks, but haven't lost an ounce in 3 weeks on Atkins. Although I have to say I've been around 20 carbs daily, and in ketosis for 10 days+, but not eating the 12-15 of it in vegetables. Sure seems like I'd have lost something by now. So, South Beach works if you work it. I just struggled with the lean/low-fat mantra. I went off it eventually because I craved fat.

01-14-2008, 02:05 PM	#23
2big4mysize Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 5,017 Gallery: 2big4mysize Stats: 313 to current goalie 169-173 WOE: Atkins 2002 Start Date: june 1 2002	if you were already dieting when you begin any plan you will not get the initial large drop cause you don't have the body glycogen reserves. However that does not mean you are not burning off body fat even if the scales don't move cause Atkineers add lean body mass just eating Atkins per the UConn Volek study on maintnenance folk eating low carb vs high carb maintenance diets. Si get out your tape measure and check your body even when the scales don't how pounds lost you can be dropping pounds of body fat as you add pounds of lean tissue. happy low carbing.