Atkins diet questions....

[LadyP]

I only want to lose about half a stone but am too lazy to do it the conventional way.

SamboM asked a question on the 'diet starts tomorrow' thread re breakfast alternatives so I will look at the responses to that but my main concern is the bad breath and constipation.

Can they be avoided? Can drinking lots of water help?

Also, is this just a diet where you eat yourself slimmer or do you have to undertake excersise as well (if so, I'll go to WW as I can defo avoid the bad breath/constipation thing with that ).

Finally, how realistic is it a weight-loss to maintain once a 'normal' diet is resumed?

Thanks

My theory is that it was designed for really, really obese people so that they notice some immediate weight loss. Have to say, I've not been at all faithful, but just giving up pasta, sandwiches at lunchtime and rice has meant my jeans aren't so tight and I don't feel hungry. But very conscious of a 'meaty' taste in my mouth. Nice.

Thanks Jasper. That sounds much more appealing.....Its so weird doing this diet after years of low fat efforts. All the things that you couldn't have on low fat diet in abundance. I just hope it works!

pipsqueak if you are feeling flush have a browse in M&S at the little pots of fresh deli fillers. Lots of them are very atkins friendly - egg mayo, salmon and cream cheese,chicken in a creamy dressing.
The diet absolutely works. It's a bit more all or nothing than most others but really seems to suit some people.I know whatyou mean about it being a different mindset - you can have cheese but not tomatoes, how odd!

Two deserts I used to make were sugar free jelly with whipped or thick double cream on top, and hot chocolate made using cocoa powder, artificial sweetener, a mix of hot water and cream with whipped cream on top. That tastes a lot better than it sounds and I'm not suggesting it is the last word in healthy eating but when you are craving something sweet it might hit the spot.
You can also make a very acceptable mousse type thing by folding together whipped cream, a whisked egg white and sugar free jelly( melted into a little water and allowed to cool) .
Leave to chill till set.
Eat.

I have been on the Atkins for about 5 weeks now and seem to have got stuck after loosing just over half a stone. The rest dosen't seem to be moving now. I must say that although I have been following it very closely (apart from each Sunday), I had to stick with caffine as I thought I might die after the 'cold turkey' I experienced after two days wothout.
Can anyone tell me why you are meant not to have caffine (what difference does it make) and why has my weight loss stopped?
I have to say that whilst I have been good my energy levels have been soaring and I feel so good.

Nothings gonna ever bloody work, apart from state of mind, being hyper, and running around alot

Enchanted I did not give up coffee either as it made no sense at all and as I take it black there wasn't a problem with milk or sugar.
Like most diets it is not uncommon for your weight loss to get stuck . I seem to remember the Atkins diet book suggesting if you get stuck or bored, give your body a shock by having a day of eating fruit. Do check the book as I may have imagined this !
www.lowcarbfriends.com is a very good website with an active chat room full of very knowledgeable atkins folks. I am sure they could be of more help.

Enchanted I just found this which might help.
Unfortunately it mentions caffeine

enchanted, i think the reason for avoiding caffeine is that it makes your blood sugar unstable.

WELL DONE for sticking to it for so long - i didnt!

enchanted - I lost half a stone quickly on Atkins and then lost nothing for about 4 weeks, even though I was eating the same things, but after that I went on to lose another half stone, to reach the weight I wanted - just lost 1lb each week, so don't give up !

Ok, I'm going to get called a party popper, but here goes.

I was thinking of going on Atkins somewhere in my post pregnancy period. But then I read something that freaked me out.

When I was admitted into the hospital for hyperemisis I wasn't allowed to go home until the ketones in my urine had disappeared as I was told that they are only present when your body starts to burn muscle instead of fat. Basically you body will do this if is is actually starving.

So I was reading Atkins and it said it was a Ketogenic diet, that it stimulated weight loss through the actual production of ketones, as these are also produced when you eat less then 100gm of carbohydrates a day. I read in a newspaper that in New York you could tell who was on Atkins as they kept ketostix is their bags, and whenever they were postive for ketones they went and ate carbs.

Has anyone else heard all this stuff. I'm thinking that even with the weight loss I really don't want to feel as ill as I did in hospital. It was like my whole body hurt.

Freaking out here!!

Go type "atkins ketones dangers" into a search engine, Pie. Scarey stuff!!!!

Enchanted, I lost half a stone, got stuck for 10 days and then lost another half in a few days!

I drink coffee and I have vodka and tonic too.

Jasper Thanks for the tips. Have had a few fairly minor lapses but almost through induction. Can't wait for those veggies ! I dont feel hungry but crave a slice of toast (or two) and jam!

I'm on week 2 of Akins and have lost only 3 pounds - and expected to lose more. My down fall (amongst others)is a drink on these hot days - I usually drink red wine. I spent hours in sainsbury's trying to find a drink which didn't include aspartim - dodgy spelling and couldn't - any suggestions any one? I sound a real dipso - I'm not really!

i know vodka is pretty much carb free if you can bear that as an alternative - v refreshing with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, sparkling spring water and lots of ice

Thanks spacemonkey your a treasure - I'm just off to try it CHEERS!

Mumski, white wine spritzer is good too.

Thanks! have tried both suggestions - just in the interests of research and both are v. refreshing.
The other down fall is a curry on a Friday night - any suggestions of what is 'safe'?

Thanks

Dh and I have just started the Indduction for this today having seen the results of a good friend of ours. Our plan is NOT to follow this diet for ages and ages but to kick start our new diet for a couple of months, then follow the Weight Watchers points diet which I followed once before (have points book, not going to the meetings).

A question though for any 'experts' out there:

I like a couple of cups of tea (decaf) a day but can't drink it black or with cream. Will a tiny drop of milk in it really mess the whole thing up?

And any alternatives for a quick breakfast other than eggs?

I am sure I will have loads of questions over the next week or so, so thank you in advance!

I had skimmed milk in my tea ... didn't seem to cause too many problems.

Breakfast .... grilled bacon, sausages ( yuch ! ) how about going continental and having cold meats ( salami, Ham, smoked salmon ... )... check the carb content though as some "processed" meats are high in carbs

I have promised DH sausages and bacon at the weekends when we don't have to rush about for work - definitely no time before work.

Forget to say about self though - I don't eat meat; do have fish though. Suppose I could try something like kippers or mackeral, or smoked salmon - just answered on question I guess now but any ideas would be really appreciated!

DH has cheese for breakfast (those snack sticks of ordinary cheddar) and full fat milk in his coffee/tea. TBH I can't see how the small amount of milk you have in tea/coffee could possibly make a difference.

Looks like I will still to the milk in my tea then; don't think I can go a day without a cuppa let alone 2 weeks!