I was reading the post from a couple of months ago and was wondering if those of you that are on the Atkins diet could give an update on your weight loss. My husband is trying to talk me into going on the Atkins diet and I guess I'm afraid to. I am a BIG baked potato person and not sure if I could give sugar up either. I would really love to try it because we both definately could lose some weight, I guess you could say I'm a skeptic, but less now that I have read the posts on it. Thanks in advance!

By Insaneusmcwife on Wednesday, April 7, 2004 - 01:09 pm:

I don't know much about the atkins diet except that there is a lot that you can't have. I fail at diets like becasue when I get in my head that I CANT have it then I HAVE to have it. I guess I don't have any will power. I have been on Weight Watchers now for going on 5 weeks and have lost around 14lbs. Its a program that allows you to eat pretty much anything you want, but in moderation. Everything has a point value and you get a certain amount of points based on your weight. It teaches you to eat smarter. You can check out the weight watchers website at www.weightwatchers.com. My doctor recomended it to me and the same day I ran into one of my friends at the commissary and she said she goes to the meetings so I now go with her. And it has really changed my life already. If you can't attend the meetings they have an online support system that I've heard is excellent, I'm thinking about signing up myself to do the online bit of it. If hubby is going to do this with you, the online might be better for your $$$ as you will only need one account to get access to all the goodies and can track the weight loss yourself on paper. I know this isn't what you were asking for but I just wanted to put my 2 cents in. Also, there is a group of us that has started to do a weekly email on our Weight Watchers updates. Good Luck in wich ever you choose.

By John on Thursday, April 8, 2004 - 01:04 pm:

It may have been my posts you were reading...

I've been on Atkins since July 2003. I've lost 55 pounds (249 to 194) and gone from a 43 to 36 waist.

I was inspired by my sister who lost A LOT (>100lbs) on a low carb diet.

I chose the low carb approach because it has been found to be beneficial to those with pre-diabetes sympthoms.

I was beginning to show some signs of blood sugar problems (feeling tired after meals, headaches when not eating for a while, etc.)

Both my parents developed diabetes later in life and I wanted to head that off to be there for my little 4 year old son

I also was showing signs of hypothroidism (96-97 degree body temp, being always tired) like my sister (who had the condition and was taken off medication after her diet change)

Many people confuse the Atkins Induction period with the Atkins diet. In induction you are restricted to about 20g of carbs a day, but that usually only lasts 2 weeks or so.

After induction, you add back many carbs until you are eating 50-100g a day.

I actually skipped the induction period because I think it's unnecessarily strict and did fine.


I probably feel 10 years younger than before with tons more energy.

I like Atkins because it eliminated the health issues I described above and because of that I will be eating low carb for life since it's the right thing for my body.

As you can tell I'm an Atkins fan!
Whether it works for you is of course a very personal thing.

By Ghfaninnj on Thursday, April 8, 2004 - 04:49 pm:

Thanks Insane! I'm actually trying to decide what I want to try, but I do know that I want to do something because I'm tired of being overweight! I will take into consideration what you have told me.

John, I think that your weight loss is amazing and that's kind of what I was hoping for. Like I said, my husband knows guys at work that have tried the Atkins diet and they are also BIG fans of it. I just am stuck on how to get started. Should I make a date and mark it on the calander when I want to start, or should we just start any time by cutting out some of our carbs? Your input is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

By John on Friday, April 9, 2004 - 10:41 am:

You mentioned that your husband was recommending Atkins. Is he on Atkins or has he just heard about it?
It's usually easier if you have your significant other on a diet with you since you don't have to make separate meals, don't have sugary and high carb snacks lying around etc.

By Insaneusmcwife on Friday, April 9, 2004 - 12:30 pm:

Good Luck in which ever you choose.

By Michimo on Saturday, April 10, 2004 - 09:54 am:

GHFANINNJ, I am on Atkins, as well. I've lost about 20 pounds. from size 18/20 down to 14/16. I would recommend starting on a Monday, after payday. There are definitely things that you should have in your house, that are easy to eat, with minimal preparation. My quick fix is avacadoes. I also keep low carb chocolate, for emergency fixes. Be careful of these, the main sugar replacement, "maltitol" can have a huge laxative effect, if you overdo it. I have a friend who has been with weight-watchers for about three years. She went from 310# to 190#. When I tried it, I gained weight! It's all up to you deciding to stick with what you choose. Good luck!

By Ghfaninnj on Sunday, April 11, 2004 - 05:29 pm:

John, my husband has a couple of friends that are on the Atkins diet and they recommended it to him. I think that this diet would be great for us! I am actually excited to start and see results.

Michimo, here's where my problem lies. I think that I would have to throw absolutely every thing in my refridgerator and cabinets in the trash and start over. I have no idea where to start and what to put on my shopping list. I am one of those people that have never looked at the nutritional information on the back of any food. I am a person that loves trying new foods, but my husband is the exact opposite. I actually placed my Schwans order yesterday and ordered no potato or breads(very unusual) and I ordered fish(thought that would be a good start). Other than that I have no idea! Not to mention we have 3 children and I don't want them on the diet. Thanks all for listening!

By Ladypeacek on Monday, April 12, 2004 - 05:54 am:

I also hope it works for you, i do think that the atkins work for those who can stick to it. i am also a carb-o-holic! That diet was very hard for me when i tried it simply becuase i love my bread!! But we have friends that have had great success with it. You see so many kinds of diets and hear so many good and bad about all of them. In the end i think most are great for the right person. We all have different bodies and different lifestyles and when weight is an issue (like for me now) we need to find what works with our life! Good luck to you. I am still searching for the diet that fits me!

By Kaye on Monday, April 12, 2004 - 08:32 am:

My husband has been low carb sept. He took a big break in dec/jan. But he lost 30 pounds in a little over a month, gained about 10 back by Feb, slowly started eliminating the carbs again and he is now back down to his 30 pounds lost. He looks great, he feels great. He is also prediabetic and it has done wonders for his blood sugar. I did it for 2 weeks, we ate the same foods...I lost 10 pounds week one and gained 10 pounds week 2...not sure what happened. I think it is an easy to follow diet and ultimately very healthy. I think you can take it to the extreme and it not be so, but I can say that my hubby eats healthier, more veggies than ever and even less food. Good luck!

By Momaroze on Monday, April 12, 2004 - 10:32 am:

John, your post has inspired me. I bought the Atkins book a couple months back. I think it is called "the Atkins diet" can't remember exactly I have to go find it? Anyways, is there a book I can buy that will tell me exactly what foods I can eat. Can you give me an example of foods you cannot eat or eat in a given day. I feel blind to this diet, that it is such a big deal to follow? I to am borderline hypo (now) and pre diabetic.

I really do want to try this lifestyle change as I am exercising alot, eating faily well and still having a very difficult time shedding the pounds especially after this last baby. I still want to lose 20 lbs. As you know pre-diabetic overweight in a no no. I want to stay healthy for my kids too. I cannot afford weight watchers w/3 kids one income. Thanks. E

By Momaroze on Monday, April 12, 2004 - 10:35 am:

John or (Michimo) I am looking for easy to eat minimal preparation foods. I don't like to cook much at all (for myself)! Eggs? Cheese? ???

Input would be greatly appreciated from anyone

By Debbie on Monday, April 12, 2004 - 10:48 am:

Momaroze, you don't need to buy a book, just go to www.atkins.com. This website has all the information on Atkins. If you go into the section called How to do Atkins, it will give you the list of all the foods you can eat during induction.

By Momaroze on Monday, April 12, 2004 - 11:27 am:

Thanks Debbie!

By John on Monday, April 12, 2004 - 12:18 pm:

Momaroze,
The best book to use is called "Dr Atkins New Diet Revolution". It's about $10 thorough the Atkins site and $7.99 through Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/006001203X/qid=1081786221/sr=2-1/ref=sr_2_1/104-9246801-5249530

It's true that you can work the diet without the book but there a few nice things in the book,like a carry around food chart and background information, that make it worth the $8-$10.

I'd also recommend you see a doctor for a checkup before you start for two reasons:

Check for any undiscovered health problems (like kidney or liver conditions) that make ANY diet a potential risk.

Check your blood (lipids, blood pressure, etc.) so you can see the improvements after you've been on Atkins a while.


Green leafy vegetables(like spinach, lettuce, etc.) and other high fiber vegetables are the mainstay of the Atkins diet.
Avoid starchy vegetables like peas, corn, potatoes, and sweet potatoes.

Eggs and (hard)cheeses are fine. Things like cottage cheese and other soft cheeses contain a good amount of carbs. If in doubt, check the "carbs" number on the label.

Meat and poultry in general can be eaten without limitation. You can eat chicken with the skin.

No sugar containing soda, no fruit juices, or other soft drinks containing sugar (like iced tea for example).

Avoid bread, pasta or anything made with flour or containing sugar.

Butter and heavy cream(no sugar) are fine as well.

Here's the Atkins.com link describing the phases:

http://atkins.com/howto/index.html

In my opinion the main purpose of induction is to determine your body's tolerance for carbs (how much do you need to cut carbs to lose weight) that Atkins calls the Critical Carbohydrate Level for Losing.

You also lose a good amount during induction (5-20 pounds) that helps motivate many people, even though most of it is water.

As I mentioned before, I skipped induction without any problems.
I'd advise that you move to Phase 2 (ongoing Weight Loss) as soon as possible to avoid boredom with what you are eating.

In that phase you will widen your food choices and begin to really enjoy what you can eat!

(How does bacon and eggs for breakfast (skip the toast and orange juice) or blueberries with whipped cream sound for dessert?)

By Momaroze on Monday, April 12, 2004 - 01:59 pm:

Breakfast sounds great John!
I will give it a try. Thanks so much for the info. Sounds easier coming from you....I did check out the website. Was a little overwhelming. Nice to hear in a "nutshell" what you can eat. I REALLY appreciate it.

By Feona on Monday, April 12, 2004 - 04:05 pm:

Metamucil has a pill that is natural fiber. You need to take 1-3 a day.

By John on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 - 09:58 am:

Feona makes a very important point about fiber intake on Atkins.

It's VERY important to have enough fiber to stay "regular". I take metamucil fiber (in water) with my meals, since I often don't eat enough of the salads and veggies Atkins says you should.

I also take a multivitamin(without iron because of the meat I eat) and a high dose vitamin C (1000mg) with each meal as well.

By Momaroze on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 - 10:21 am:

Gotcha. Thanks!

By Ghfaninnj on Monday, May 10, 2004 - 09:46 am:

Just wanted to post that I started Atkins on April 26th and I'm getting very discouraged! So far, I've lost only about 3 pounds and 2 inches. But I can't really look at myself and see a change. Is that the norm or am I doing something wrong? Every other day I check my weight and nothing moves and I get really depressed, I guess for some reason I thought that this was a quick fix. I've been doing really good counting my carb intake and I never go over 20 a day. HELP!!

By Debbie on Monday, May 10, 2004 - 11:11 am:

Are you eating a lot of cheese??? I have done Atkins twice before. One time I lost a lot quickly, but I hardly ate cheese. I did it again at a later time and ate more cheese, I didn't loose anything. I also noticed that if I ate less fatten things, I did better.

What kind of things are you eating??? Maybe I can help more if I see your typical day.

By Eve on Monday, May 10, 2004 - 05:13 pm:

Cheese kept me from losing too! You just have to give most of it up. With Atkins, was it only 4 ounces that you could have? That's a small amount. (Atleast it was that way with me.) Also, I was eating Salami which I guess has some hidden sugar. So, you have to be careful of some deli meats too. Please post what you are eating. There might be some little trigger that is doing it. Also, are you getting all your water?

By Ghfaninnj on Tuesday, May 11, 2004 - 09:13 am:

My breakfast usually includes bacon and some kind of eggs, usually "dippy" eggs. If I have a snack at all I have pork rinds. Lunch is usually a lettuce salad or tuna with mayo. Dinner is lots of meat and green beans and a salad. I make sure that I only eat 3 cups of veggies a day, that's adding the salad and green beans, and I try to stay far away from the sugars, although I do have some foods with sugars in them. I don't drink as much water as I should probably, could that be the problem too? Also, I don't have alot of cheese at all, maybe 1 slice a week. I could swear that I'm following this induction phase to the T, I read the book, I just don't know why I'm not losing weight.

By Debbie on Tuesday, May 11, 2004 - 11:28 am:

Well, not drinking enough water could be the problem. You really have to drink lots of water while you are on Atkins. Also, if you are eating some foods with sugar in them, then that could be the problem. Even if you are just eating a little, it could be enough to throw things off. You shouldn't eat any sugar on induction. I would try and drink more water and not eat those foods with sugar and see what happens. Good luck

By John on Tuesday, May 11, 2004 - 07:54 pm:

What kinds of "foods with sugars in them" are you eating?

By Feona on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 08:07 am:

If you have to cheat try chocolate truffles. Like 5 carbs a real chocolate and very satisfying.

By Ghfaninnj on Thursday, May 13, 2004 - 11:55 am:

John, for instance, the green beans that I eat have 2g of sugar in them. I didn't really realize that just that little could hurt you.

By John on Thursday, May 13, 2004 - 03:32 pm:

Many foods contain natural sugars. Nothing to worry about..simply count them as carbs for the day.

I'd suggest either frozen or fresh vegetables.
Avoid prepared or canned foods which often add sugar and/or starches.
Condiments often contain hidden carbs. Carefully read the labels of salad dressings and steak sauces. You often find one salad dressing with 0 carbs and another with 6-8 per serving!

Could you post a sample of your typical daily menu, with serving sizes if you know them. Please include any added condiments and drinks.

By the way, "fast" weight loss is 1-2 lbs a week on ANY diet. While many lose a bit more early on (due to water loss), it should always settle down to this amount over the long term.
That may not sound like much but it adds up to 25-50 lbs in 6 months. I would sometimes go for 2 weeks without losing anything!
http://www.momsview.com/discus/messages/2514/14571.html

When my sister was on her diet thorough OA, she was told to get rid of her scale and to only weigh herself ONCE A MONTH. That way her focus was on sticking to her diet rather than how well she had "performed" this week.

By Ghfaninnj on Friday, May 14, 2004 - 08:21 am:

I totally agree with getting rid of the scales, I'm weighing myself every morning and that's probably why I'm getting discouraged! Sample menu: (sounds kind of discusting, but...) Breakfast yesterday since we were in a hurry was: a pork chop and a hot dog with about 1 Tbsp of Atkins ketchup. I only drink water now, Fruit 2 o, made with Splenda. Lunch was Egg salad with salt and pepper and a sweet italian sausage link. Snack before supper was pork rinds, then for supper I had a piece of steak with about 2 cups salad with Carb options salad dressing, about 2 Tbsp. Had nothing after supper, but my water. This is a menu that is pretty regular, except any other morning I would've had some bacon and an egg, and maybe tuna for lunch instead of the egg salad.

My hubby took my tummy measurements again yesterday and I've gone, since Apr 26th, from a 41 1/2 inch waist to a 37 inch, so i guess I should be happy, also I've gotten a lot of compliments from friends that see me everyday that say I'm losing weight, I guess I'm just not seeing it myself yet.

By John on Friday, May 14, 2004 - 10:45 am:

Sounds to me like you're doing great!
4 1/2 inches off your waist in 3 weeks is incredible!

The Atkins diet causes the body to replace fat with lean tissue. This is why the scale may say you haven't lost any weight but your measurements say you have lost fat.
You HAVE definately lost fat, but at the same time a toned body is being built underneath!

If you are comfortable with it, light exercise (like walking) will help things along by encouraging the body to burn fat.

Soon you may also notice an increase in energy as your metabolism will slowly increase from the diet.

Maintain your fat intake to keep your metabolism and energy level up. Many people feel tired on Atkins because they cut their fat intake.

You want to get your metabolism accustomed to burning fat for energy (mostly your own fat).

Interestingly, for really difficult weight loss cases Atkins would put people on a 70% fat diet for a period of time to get their weight loss kickstarted! This is described in his book.

Another important thing is to try and listen to your body's hunger (and full) signals.

On Atkins the foods you are eating are MUCH less bulky. After eating a proper meal serving you may not get the typical "full" feeling that you would get with a bowl of pasta.
However if you ask yourself if you feel hungry after eating, the answer would be "no".

In other words, learn to eat until you're not hungry anymore, not until you feel full.

If you keep eating until you get the same "full" feeling as a carby diet you may be eating too much.

This was the biggest adjustment for me. After learning this I found that I would serve myself less to begin with.

Don't be afraid to move to OWL (Ongoing weight loss) so you don't get bored with what you are eating.

Good Luck

By Ghfaninnj on Saturday, May 15, 2004 - 09:14 am:

Thanks John and all for the comments and suggestions!! It was appreciated. Monday morning I will drag out my treadmill and get to work!! Thanks again all!

By Mariamali on Wednesday, May 19, 2004 - 03:02 am:

I am so excited i just had to write. I have been on South Beach (similar to Atkins) for 7 days now. It is a great achievement for me cuz being an Asian, my staple diet was carbohydrates and i still have a houseful of people eating carbs everyday. It has taken every drop of my self-restraint to sit at the same table and not eat carbs. so i am sorry if this sounds silly to you all... but i feel really like i have acomplshed something!. I have lost weight but cant be sure exactly how much yet as i donot trust my weighing scale.. i am going to the doc's today to get myself weighed. there iss omethign though... i have cheated.. not tremendously but having a bite or two of wholemeal pita, just to satsfy my tatsebuds Hope that isnt too terrible

By Feona on Wednesday, May 19, 2004 - 06:44 am:

Oh no that sounds fine. You are too hard on yourself!