Ask Kimmer!

[snoocharoo]

Hey Kimmer,

First of all thank you for generously sharing with us your knowledge and experience.

I've been yo-yo'ing with Atkins for about 3 years. I go on and am good and lose a lot then I get confident and fall off. This is probably my 5th time re-inducing and I'm noticing that with each induction it takes me longer to get into ketosis. Is this a common reaction? Is it possible to build up a ketosis immunity? Any suggestions for jump starting ketosis? I'm afraid to water fast and would have to do it undercover as my family is vehimently opposed to the idea. Would a water fast kick my metabolism into gear?

Also, I don't have a lot to lose, maybe 20lbs or so. Is attaining ketosis more difficult in persons who have less weight to lose?

Sorry to ask so many questions.

[Kimmer]

Originally Posted by catkin

What's your view on skipping breakfast?

If you're not hungry, don't eat.

Some will say it's important to eat when you wake to kick start your metabolism. To a degree that's true because your body gets into gear to digest the food ... but it's not an advantage. It's not a 1 for 1 deal, as in "If I eat 300 calories my body will burn 400 or burn higher for hours." No.

Some people just aren't breakfast eaters. I'm not. It's a Circadian Rhythm deal, which is your body clock. Some people are morning types, some are night owls ... some love to eat as soon as they get up, some aren't hungry until noon.

If someone is skipping breakfast thinking that they're eating fewer calories, but are then starving at lunchtime ... clearly this isn't a good idea. But for those who honestly aren't hungry, which is rampant during 'real' ketosis, there's no reason to force yourself to eat.

[Kimmer]

Originally Posted by willgetthere

You are my hero!!!! I did have a 2lb whoosh waiting for me when i got up this morning just like you said

If you're still eating what you showed me, you'll have another 2-3 lbs tomorrow and about 4 lbs a week after that for a month or two.

[Kimmer]

Originally Posted by cristaljoy

oh, yes

i have a similar question because i know you say no lc treats, but i don't really consider it a treat-- instone pudding

it's 100 calories a can and 20 gm of protein, and i'm not a meat eater, so eggs and tilapia all the time gets boring

ok, not ok... for the kimkins plan?

I think it's ideal, especially with the protein and that it seems to be 2 total carbs. Again, add a veggie side and you're set for lunch or dinner.

[Kimmer]

Originally Posted by catkin

Will post your actual menus here? Like this?

Example:

B/2 scrambled eggs w/1/2C peppers, 1t. olive oil
L/tuna, light mayo, 1/2 sliced Roma tomato
D/chicken breast, 2T. mozzarella, marinara sauce, steamed broccoli

Pretty please?

You mean what I eat now at Maintenance?

[Kimmer]

Originally Posted by willgetthere

Since I was hurt on my job last sept I haev been unable to exercise I broke my back in three places putting out a fire. So I also HATE exercise and seeing that it can be done is such an inspiration. Losing that 20 lbs by may 25 is a possibility?

Oh ye of little faith! It will be way more than 20 pounds, just keep doing what you're doing.

[Kimmer]

Originally Posted by snoocharoo

Hey Kimmer,

First of all thank you for generously sharing with us your knowledge and experience.

I've been yo-yo'ing with Atkins for about 3 years. I go on and am good and lose a lot then I get confident and fall off. This is probably my 5th time re-inducing and I'm noticing that with each induction it takes me longer to get into ketosis. Is this a common reaction? Is it possible to build up a ketosis immunity? Any suggestions for jump starting ketosis? I'm afraid to water fast and would have to do it undercover as my family is vehimently opposed to the idea. Would a water fast kick my metabolism into gear?

Also, I don't have a lot to lose, maybe 20lbs or so. Is attaining ketosis more difficult in persons who have less weight to lose?

Sorry to ask so many questions.

If you're not into the idea of water fasting, by all means don't!

When you say you're "doing Atkins" how are you interpreting it? How many "fat" foods like cheese, salad dressing, sausage, cheeseburgers? What about Atkins bars, sugar alcohol candy or LC baked goods (bread, tortillas)?

There's a big difference between doing Atkins at 2500 calories compared to 1000 calories, with LC products or without, net carbs or total. The bold choices will give you much better results.

So will a set of measuring cups, spoons and a cheap food scale.

You can also try the Kimmer Experiment for 3 days and see how much you lose. If it's 3-4 pounds on Day 3-4, you were "over" on carbs, somewhere.

[snoocharoo]

I eat very clean (no frankenfoods, no perservatives, follow the DANR to the letter). I'm gonna try the 3 day experiment and see if that kicks me into deep ketosis.

Thanks!

[Kimmer]

Originally Posted by gurlradiant

Kimmer,
When water fasting I start to feel bad/weak. I eat 2 sticks of celery or a Lc yogurt and feel better. Do you thinkby doing that I am defeating the purpose of the fast? Will I not lose as fast as I could eating 1 cup Lc yogurt and 2 sticks of celery?

The worse you feel the more your body needs the cleaning, that's why you feel bad ... not to mention detoxing while going into 'real' ketosis. Everyone feels horrible the first 3 days. I call them the "Ickies". If you're eating yogurt (sugar) you're postponing that.

You'll lose nearly as fast because yogurt is 100-300 calories, plus 10 for celery so ... 300 calories a day isn't much. But if you don't want to water fast, why not add a little protein? A can of tuna or a chicken breast will pretty much take care of that for a whole day.

The downside is that for people who fast as a "cleansing", eating yogurt or veggies grinds that process to a halt.

That was a plug for water fasting. Don't do it if you don't feel good about it.

[anakaliapo]

kimmer, how long did you fast during your journey? Also how did you come off the water fast? I have heard that protein is hard on the liver after fasting for a long time.

I imagine coming off to chicken broth or miso soup would be okay?

[Thx.Dr.A.]

Kimmer,

With your fast weight loss, did you experience excess skin issues? If so,
did it shrink back over time? Any recommendations in this area?

Thanks for your insights.

[Kimmer]

Originally Posted by snoocharoo

I eat very clean (no frankenfoods, no perservatives, follow the DANR to the letter). I'm gonna try the 3 day experiment and see if that kicks me into deep ketosis.

Thanks!

The problem can be that some people who follow DANDR really embrace the "be shockingly unafraid of fat" approach and overeat. A doublecheeseburger can come in at 700 calories alone easy. If someone is close to goal, that doesn't leave many calories for the rest of the day.

Other low carb yet high calorie offenders are pork rinds, daily bacon or sausage, too much mayo in tuna or egg salad and gobs of full fat salad dressing (a salad bar ladle is 300-400 calories alone!)

This is the sample Induction menu published by the Atkins group in many popular magazines a few years ago. Check your typical day against it:

Breakfast: Tomato/avocado omelette, coffee w/ cream
Lunch: Grilled steak, mixed greens w/ dressing
Dinner: Broiled salmon, spinach sauteed w/ garlic

Notice it's pretty much protein + leafy veggies. No junk, snacks, desserts.

This is another sample Induction menu from E-Diets with approval of the Atkins group:

Breakfast: Eggs (2), cheese (1 oz), salsa (2 tablespoons)
Lunch: Roast chicken (4 oz), mixed greens (1 cup) w/ dressing
Dinner: Broiled steak (6 oz), mixed greens (1 cup) w/ dressing
Snack: Broccoli florets (1 cup) w/ tuna dip (.25 cup)

Notice the suggested quantities? I don't know what goes in the "tuna dip" but .25 cup is only a heaping cereal spoon full.

[Kimmer]

Originally Posted by Thx.Dr.A.

With your fast weight loss, did you experience excess skin issues? If so, did it shrink back over time? Any recommendations in this area?

There's three things to consider about excess skin ... age, sun damage and stretch marks.

Age: At 40+ there's going to be sagging 'somewhere' no matter what.

Sun Damage: Soccer moms and sun bunnnies might be surprised when they lose considerable weight. Their collagen is damaged (sagging) and the puffiness (body fat) that was keeping the skin taut, is gone.

Stretch Marks: Whether old or new, it's emergency skin our bodies make due to very rapid weight gain, whether extra fat, pregnancy or weight lifting (competitive type).

I had stretch marks on my bosom due to "early development" at 12 plus 2 pregnancies. Stretch marks on my tummy due to 2 pregnancies and more marks on my inner thighs due to "whatever". Those areas had serious sagging and when I reached goal my HMO paid for a mastoplexy (lift) and tummy tuck. My thighs are not in model condition, never will be (that skin isn't going away), but I'm perfectly OK with it. I prefer wearing dresses & skirts which work perfectly with my body.

If sagging is a concern, consider the 3 factors above. If skin has enough elasticity (young, no stretch marks), it will come back. If not, then no.

[Kimmer]

Originally Posted by anakaliapo

kimmer, how long did you fast during your journey? Also how did you come off the water fast? I have heard that protein is hard on the liver after fasting for a long time.

I imagine coming off to chicken broth or miso soup would be okay?

I fast one weekend a month and have since I was 24-25 years old. I start on Friday around 4 pm until Sunday around 4 pm. I do it for cleansing and detox, but more importantly it's a treat to myself. I relax, endulge in home spa treatments, catch up on reading or quiet projects or watch a favorite movie (I love B & W classics like Double Indemnity and Mildred Pierce).

Protein shouldn't be any harder on kidneys or liver after a fast, assuming that the person had good function to begin with. Protein is more challenging for the filtering the kidneys do, but that's true no matter what. I think relatively few people actually do get blood work before beginning weight loss plans and wouldn't know if they are causing harm.

When I break my fasts, I usually start with a small raw veggie salad, later maybe veggie soup, and a small veggie platter for breakfast. Theoretically you're supposed to "break" half as long as you fasted, but I play it by ear.

[Kimmer]

Originally Posted by aim in Fla*working

I LOVE THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks so much Kimmer~

I love it, too! I'm working on several things at the same time I post on this site, so now I just wait for an email that there's a post here and ... viola!

[willgetthere]

Panic mode has set in on vacation when i cannot weigh my food what can i do? I plan on staying on M/E during the two weeks i will be gone any suggestions? I will be on a ship

[Kimmer]

Originally Posted by willgetthere

Panic mode has set in on vacation when i cannot weigh my food what can i do? I plan on staying on M/E during the two weeks i will be gone any suggestions? I will be on a ship

I hope when you say "M/E" you mean lean protein and no cheese?

If you're weighing/measuring food now you've probably got a good idea of what 4 or 6 oz of chicken or steak look like, so you'll be better at "eye balling" portions at a restaurant.

I can't imagine a place that couldn't rustle up a grilled chicken breast with a salad, so you'll be fine.

A word of warning though is to not let "vacation syndrome" trick you into caving. You know the feeling, "I'll just eat a bite of that since it's vacation."

If you're in 'real' ketosis at the time, it will be much easier ... no appetite.

[willgetthere]

strictly meat and eggs no fat no cheese. And just the thought of having a bite of chocolate or cheesecake and gaining 7 lbs back because of it makes me shutter.

[Kimmer]

Originally Posted by willgetthere

strictly meat and eggs no fat no cheese. And just the thought of having a bite of chocolate or cheesecake and gaining 7 lbs back because of it makes me shutter.

Doh, I just reread your post. Are you going on a cruise? Yikes, you're brave! If it were me, I'm sure I'd already be making up my "excuse" list. I'm so pathetic at times, LOL.

I'm sure you're planning to take advantage of all the activities on-board (i.e., away from food) and there should be a great variety of grilled meat, chicken or seafood ... lucky you, I'm jealous!

[willgetthere]

Yes DH and I are going on a 12 day cruise to alaska. We had one planned last year but his father passed away so we spent the time home in Cali at our lake house.

[willgetthere]

How about i take you with us then you could be right there to answer all my silly questions

[thindreams2reality]

Kimmer,
I just wanted to say THANKS! I mostly lurk (especially when I cheat because of the guilt), but I wanted you to know that you are a huge inspiration to me. Your kindness and openess are inspiring for weightloss as well as how to tackle and achieve any huge goal in life!

[gurlradiant]

One more question is the following allowed on a water fast:

Tea unsweetened
Cocco unsweetened (keeps me regular)
Diet Sprite

[HP]

Hi Kimmer, thanks for answering my question earlier...how did you gain all your wisdom? Experience, research, trial and error? Oh and if I can be nosy(ier) I know you said you would be 48 soon, how old is your AFTER picture in your avatar? (Where you look FABULOUS by the way)

[Kimmer]

Originally Posted by gurlradiant

One more question is the following allowed on a water fast:

Tea unsweetened
Cocco unsweetened (keeps me regular)
Diet Sprite

Technically only water is allowed. Since I don't like water I drink 0 calorie drinks like diet soda, Crystal Light and unsweetened weak tea. So, you're not supposed to, but I do.

Nix on the cocoa. If you have regularity problems, buy a small carton of epsom salts (in the medicine aisle) and follow the directions. It tastes horrible, works great ... mix with diet soda to help a bit.

For people who do the Liver Flush, the epsom salt "drink" is crucial.

[HP]

Sorry, one more question...in reading your posts you say how drastically lowering calories isn't as bad to the metabolism as some would claim (as well as skipping breakfast - unless like you say they are skipping breakfast to gorge at lunch) but there are also people on this board that post doing the rollyeyes thing and saying you are damaging your body/ruining your metabolism, etc. Is this one of those subjects where you guys just agree to disagree?

-Heather

[colleen44]

Kimmer- I remember you saying that you drank chrystal light. Im not a water drinking either but I loooove chrystal lite. Ive been drinking lots of it lately and I dont think its harming my loss but how did you count it in fitday? I know it says it has no carbs in a serving but I know those carbs sure add up if I'm drinking tons of it.
Thanks.

[colleen44]

funny I posted that before I read this:

Technically only water is allowed. Since I don't like water I drink 0 calorie drinks like diet soda, Crystal Light and unsweetened weak tea. So, you're not supposed to, but I do.

ok so its got no cals but dont the carbs add up?