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A space to talk openly about weight loss journeys and challenges. Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. You may wish to speak to a medical professional before starting any diet.

Original poster

Atkins/Low Carb/High Protein - Anyone doing it?

256 replies

FrogBellyRatBone · 29/08/2006 16:57

Lost 2st on Atkins but have since veered more to GL type diets. Unfortuntely don't seem to be able to stick to them like I could with Atkins.Still want to lose 3 stone (have put back on nearly a stone of the weight I lost) and am debating whether to go back on Atkins. Any opinions welcomed

OP posts:
joelallie · 29/08/2006 17:34

Hi Frog,

there are a few of us on here but everyone else tuts and shakes their heads .

I'm just back on lo-carb after a few months trying to eat a 'normal'diet but with small portions, no snacking, loads of water and exercise. OK for the first month but then it all went pear-shaped (as I began to LOL). Prior to that I tried low-GI (twice ) but had the same problem. I binge eat. I have an addiction to carbs - as I now realise FINALLY - and the only way to cope is to eat lc permanently although when I get back to the weight I want to be, I will allow myself the occassional treat. When I'm eating lc I don't get hungry, I don't even think about food, I can rarely finish a meal whereas on a normal diet I could eat a plate of risotto the size of a small hill without any problems, I eat no processed foods only fish, meat and veg and a small amount of dairy.

I don't know any successfuly lc dieters who have successfully switched to another diet. But then the people that succeed with Atkins are often the real carb addicts so starting to eat carbs again will always cause problems. Sorry not to be more helpful.

Original poster
FrogBellyRatBone · 29/08/2006 20:13

Hi Joelallie
Thanks for responding
Did wonder if I'd be in a huge minority on this one, and did ponder whether to actually raise my head above the parapet at all but I really have got on well with this type of low carb diet. Tbh if done wrongly this type of diet can lead to problems but I did consult my Doctor before I started. On this way of eating I too eat no processed foods, lots of healthy veg (broccoli, watercress, red peppers,sp. onions, salads - all the stuff packed with goodness),olive oil,lots of fish, chicken and lean meat, eggs, and some cheese and cream.Not forgetting loads of water. I do not feel hungry, and do not feel the need to snack.I also feel good in myself, no bloating, clearer headed. Yup. Think I've just convinced myself to go back to low carb. Bugger, just remembered I've stocked up on grapefruits, looks like tomorrow is going to be a grapefruit feast

OP posts:
emotionalwreck · 29/08/2006 21:19

Hi Frog,

I don't disapprove at all! I lost 3 stone on Atkins prior to getting pregnant, and just like joelallie I had definite carbohydrate addiction - Mashed potatoe anyone? Yes please! Then I'd be thinking about what I could eat within two hours of having a massive meal.

Unfortunately after having my DD, I treated myself to nine months of a "normal diet". Consequently I've put on 2 stone, so I'm back to the gym and back on induction. The only thing I would say to you is despite having plenty of veg etc. you should really take a multivitamin supplement too - you'll feel the difference! Good luck!

Original poster
FrogBellyRatBone · 29/08/2006 21:31

Hi emotionalwreck.
Hurrah, another low carber Don't worry, I do take a supplement - Tesco's do one and have been using that. I'm fairly new to MN (the actual posting anyway, have been lurking for ages, but not on these threads) and am so glad that there are others here that I can chat to. Have been lurking on a lot of low carb/atkins sites just for inspiration,but most of them are American,and anyway I am becoming a bit of a MNaholic, and am spending all my time on here. Is there a thread where low carbers get together or is that being a bit of a wishful thinker. It's just that in the past when I worked in an office there were a few of us who weighed ourselves together each week for moral support, and it worked for me.
Anyway thanks for responding, and good luck. I too will be starting induction after I've eaten 8 grapefruits (don't want to waste them )
Good luck

OP posts:
emotionalwreck · 29/08/2006 21:57

I don't think there is an Atkins/low carb type bit but I'll do a deal with you - I'll post my weight here today and we'll meet back a and when we can with our weight loss. Is it a deal?!!

Original poster
FrogBellyRatBone · 30/08/2006 21:32
OP posts:
Original poster
FrogBellyRatBone · 30/08/2006 21:53

Looks like I'm on my own, and have got to go again now . Will be on here again tomorrow, hope to catch you then.

OP posts:
emotionalwreck · 30/08/2006 23:03

Pack your tumbleweed away!

Sorry I missed you - my partner has hogged the laptop all night as he is a tropical fish geek and has been pricing up a new tank. I will soon be able to open my house as "Fat Backside Aquarium" .... er ..... or something!

Anyway as it was my suggestion I'll bite the bullet and go first! Been on induction for 3 days and my start weight was 15 stone 3lb But I am pleased to report that I've already lost 4lb!

Went to a garden centre today that has a fabulous restaurant and had to resist the most delectable slab of coffee and walnut cake you've ever set your eyes on!

Anyway, let me know what the scales say - don't leave me hanging on! Hopefully catch you tomorrow!

joelallie · 31/08/2006 10:07

Hi

Can I join you both?

I'm not weighing as my kids have managed to break 2 sets of digital scales last year (one went in the bath and the other gained a mysterious crack across the screen... ) Anyway I got a bit obsessed with weighing all the time and it was controlling my mood too much. However I am measuring so not expecting too much change very soon. Starting : waist 29.5, hips 38.5 - I'm 5'11 so not hugely overweight but still more than I'd like. Not really looking to lose loads but not pile it on like I was over the summer.

BTW there is a good UK based lc site but I don't know if I'm allowed to mention it here?

emotionalwreck · 31/08/2006 20:18

The more the merrier I say. Wouldn't it be okay to put the link into the website?

The last time my waist measured less than 30cm I was still at school! But despite my envy I understand that its not about your weight or what size you are, its about feeling comfortable and happy with your own image! So welcome aboard!

Original poster
FrogBellyRatBone · 31/08/2006 20:38

Evening all.
Emotionalwreck, well done you - I love coffee and walnut cake.
Joelallie, welcome. The more the merrier.

Well, as of ten minutes ago the scales said 13st 2lbs , but I've been a very bad frog today.Didn't start induction as I started af instead, and have eaten like a pig today
I really am very with myself though as when I started back in Jan I weighed 14st, and I managed to get down to 11st 13lb by July. I then went away to visit family with dd for 2 weeks and thought that as I'd been so good I would eat 'normally' while away. Ha! so much for that. Since then I've toyed with the GL/GI diet but my self control is abysmal especially where potatoes are concerned, and I've been putting weight on again.
So.......> My name is frog and I'm a carboholic and I hereby pledge to start induction, tomorrow 1st September 2006.
I'll weigh myself first thing in the morning and start again from there.
x

OP posts:
emotionalwreck · 31/08/2006 21:31

Mmmmmmmm buttery mashed potato!

what the hell is "af" - I'm probably being totally thick there (but my arse is far bigger than my brain!)

I've just had a lovely low carb takeaway - chicken tikka shashlik - yum.

Original poster
FrogBellyRatBone · 31/08/2006 21:40

AF = Auntie Flo = period. It's what they use on here. Took me ages to work it out. I thought it was Accursed Fiend for ages
How often do you weigh ?

OP posts:
SquillosMum · 31/08/2006 21:41

Hi

Can I join too - I lost loads of weight before having DS using low carb method - the only thing that worked. But used breast feeding as an excuse to eat cake so now need to lose about 2.5 stone (groan). Have been v good for 2 weeks (only ate one piece of cake in all that time) and have lost about 6 pounds so far.

Any suggestions for exciting low carb breakfast ideas?

PS also have to put up with very slim/fit DH who needs loads of carbs at every meal and can eat as much cake as he likes!

Original poster
FrogBellyRatBone · 31/08/2006 21:56

Hi SquillosMum and welcome. Well done so far. For breakfast I usually have scrambled eggs and gammon.
have a lookhere
woo hoo think i've just done my first link
let me know if it works
x

OP posts:
Original poster
FrogBellyRatBone · 31/08/2006 21:59

You'll need to click on the "What's on the Menu today??" sticky.
Can't believe I've managed to do a link

frog hopping around with excitement

OP posts:
emotionalwreck · 31/08/2006 22:24

I try to weigh just once a week but if I'm honest I'll probably weigh myself every day for the first week. After that I'll stick to dipping my wee with ketostix to check that I'm burning fat. Sad I know, but its a tried and tested motivational tool for me!

Welcome, SquillosmMum!

SquillosMum · 01/09/2006 08:05

Thanks for the link - it did work - some interesting breakfast concepts! Not sure if I fancy broccoli soup at that time in the morning...we'll see.

Original poster
FrogBellyRatBone · 01/09/2006 09:22

Morning
Righto, day 1, induction, and weighing in at 13st 1lb.
Emotional wreck, I'm the same.Ketostix at the ready . I too find they are a great motivator, although it will be a few days before anything shows what with the amount of carbs I crammed in yesterday (Spag bol w/ garlic bread followed by home made rice pudding with half milk half cream )
SquillosMum, I love reading all the daily menu threads. Tbh I can eat anything at any time of the day.
x

OP posts:
joelallie · 01/09/2006 09:28

Hey FBFB! That's the site I was going to recommend!

BTW beware of the ketostix - they aren't always that helpful as they will show up any dietary fat that is being burned as well as any stored fat. And very dark purple may just mean you are dehydrated. I never use them - I know when I'm in ketosis as my appetite shrinks and I feel more energetic and less bloated.

I tend to have 2 rashers of back bacon and 2 mushrooms and half a tomatoes - all grilled. Later (after induction) I might get some greek yog with berries or rhubarb.

Original poster
FrogBellyRatBone · 01/09/2006 09:40

Joelallie, was that a freudian slip calling me FBFB ( presumably frog bellyfatbone ??
Don't worry I'm an old hand with ketostix, been using them since Jan, but do agree that deep purple is not the goal. I like them 'cos they are an instant affirmation that I'm on track and they warn me if I'm not drinking enough - though I drink a minimum of 2 - 3lt a day so should be ok on that score.
Your breakfast has made me hungry - just off to make mine - tend to eat it after I've been up a while.
x

OP posts:
joelallie · 01/09/2006 12:32

Oops. Sorry FBRB - just a slip of the fingers...honest

sansouci · 01/09/2006 12:52

Finally some other protein dieters! I need some advice because I can't seem to stop my morning piece of fruit nor my (large) glass of wine in the evening. I'm not in ketosis by much. And then I get depressed because I make such an effort but can't seem to make the ultimate sacrifice of my treats (ie one plum at b'fast fruit & wine at dinner).

I've done this diet before. "My" version is called PSMF or protein sparing modified fast. Unlike the Atkins, it's low-fat. It's quick, which I need to keep me motivated but difficult. Especially when tired or stressed. I've kept the weight off well for several years but put it on again with pregnancies. I started one in February & lost 38lbs, came off it over the summer but am seriously struggling with the last 10lbs.

I need some advice re the fruit & wine. How much carb stops ketosis?

Original poster
FrogBellyRatBone · 01/09/2006 14:09

Hi sansouci. First of all well done, 38lbs since feb is great. Are you doing the Lyle McDonald plan ? Not got any experience of it but have seen it referred to on low carb forums.
As far as I can tell everybody has their own personal level of carb tolerance re. weight loss/maintenance and you just need to experiment. If you have stalled or aren't doing as well as you want then tbh I would drop the fruit or at least swap it for some berries or melon which have a lower carb count. Maybe you've just hit a plateau - it happens to me a lot - and just need to carry on as you are doing but up your exercise levels ?
x

OP posts:
joelallie · 01/09/2006 15:13

Hi Sansouci,

I would agree with Frog about the fruit. Try using berries or rhubarb. It must be hard trying to be low-fat and low-carb! But I must admit I don't eat as much fat as Atkins allows or some people suggest you should eat.

The wine is another matter. 125ml of dry white wine contains 1 g or carb so unless you are knocking back a whole bottle every night I don't think it's the carbs in it that cause the difficulties. However alcohol causes ketosis to stop for a while until the alcohol is gone from your system. I am on induction atm so avoiding all alcohol but plan to have a few g&ts (diet!) at some point. Could you try only drinking wine at the weekend for example?

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