Atkins Dieters...

[yvette]

:hi:

All of you on Atkins out there....How's the diet going?????

:hmm: I was just curious as to how everyone's progress has been :D

[Kathi]

I could live on the diet, but it doesn't work with antidepressants & I only lost a little weight & then it stopped. BOO
Kathi

[Alexa]

So far, so good! 12 pounds lost (and I don't want to find them!)

:)
Alexa

[MakinIT]

Originally lost 80 pounds on an Atkins like diet (for diabetics...) Since losing the wieght, got dx'd with IC and have gained about 7 pounds but It's staying right around that point (like, stable for about 2 mos) I still would like to lose more wieght (need to lose 10 to be in my BMI range) but I am happier about my wieght than I was 2 years ago.

Tracey

[ICNDonna]

Just today hubby and I saw our primary care doc for a routine visit. He is pleased with the results both of us are having on Atkins. Husband Terry has lost about three times as much as I have, but I feel better and my blood pressure is better.

We'll keep hanging in there.

:)
Donna

[Rita_Lorraine]

HI all! I just found this thread! I was so happy to see some other Atkins followers here!

I have been doing Atkins for almost 2 yrs now. I originally lost 65 lbs. but have gained 15 of them back.:( Before starting Atkins I was a very healthy 45 yr old, now I have neuropathy in my hands and feet and was diagnosed with IC. I don't know if the Atkins diet had anything to do with it, but I have now modified my eating plan and am eating more fruits and whole grains. I also stopped eating so much animal protein and am getting my protein from peanut butter and other sources besides meat. I wasn't getting enough fiber in my diet before, and my neurologist was concerned about the high level of B6 I had in my blood. Normal range is 1-26, mine was 85!! I was also tested for diabetes, gout, lupus, etc. I am on many different medications for both neuropathy and IC so I think that is why I have gained some back, and it has been very hard trying to get it back off!:toosh: Good news though, since I started with my modified version, I have lost 4 lbs. So, that makes me happy. I know I will NEVER go back to high carb eating. I have about 35 lbs to get to my goal. I hope to be there before this Christmas.:pray:

[Rita_Lorraine]

OMG!!! I didn't mean to put the "mooning" icon in my post! ROFL I don't know how it got there! LOL :toosh:

[jaime15]

Well..........3 more pounds shedded!!:thumbsup:
For a total of 9 pounds......

Everyone sounds like they're doing great!!:bouncy:

[MakinIT]

Ahhh...but don't cha all just crave a warm gooey chocolate chip cookie once in while?

I'm fine cause I won't make the stuff but my 14 year has decided it is her family duty to start baking this stuff, (since I won't do it ) so every once in a while we have some scary looking, yet tasty and smelling good cookies. (she's good with following recipes, just hasn't figured out how to make an edible looking cookie, so they do taste good.):biglaugh:

I just have to stay focused. when I get depressed and in pain I go for comfort foods. So I try to stock my house with lo carb snacks but they just don't look as good as that chocolate dipped oreo cookie bar.:toosh: That's what I'm afraid my butt's gonna look like if don't watch it. Oh well, managing to stay in a size twelve. But part of that is the nice pt who makes me do lots of exercises and stuff (especially abs) that is keeping me "fit"looking. Believe me, Idon't look like I'm disabled. I'm quite strong...my endurance is ca-ca though.:mad:

Tracey

[ICNDonna]

We had quite a long conversation with our doctor yesterday. He said that we do need to allow ourselves a small treat occasionally. If we don't, we're setting ourselves up for failure. So I bought my hubby a honey tangerine today, which he totally loves and has been missing. I haven't allowed myself any yet, but one day soon......

I forgot to mention that hubby has been taking Prilosec for several years for problems related to hiatus hernia --- and he doesn't need the Prilosec now.

Hugs,
Donna

[yvette]

(((((((Kathi)))))))) I'm glad you responded and you gave me an honest reply....which I appreciate :D

Everyone who is losing weight, I think that is wonderful news too...I'm a bit afraid to try it....I know my sweet tooth (which is really bad) ...and I don't know if I could do just the meat and eggs thing for a long time....plus I think I'd end up eating foods that aren't allowed and not know it....which is why I asked for a sample menu from some of you (btw: thank you.)

Aren't there certain veggies you can't eat? Like carrots and no fruit....or is that too extreme? Hmmm....I'm still looking into it. :bouncy:

[MakinIT]

I can put some slivers of carrots in my salad. The fruit is supposed to be a no-no at least to start on Atkins (I believe) My diet for diabetics is absolutely a no-no forever, but I also know I need some of the fiber so I eat some blueberries with my breakfast and sometimes a pear. I am a fruit hound so that's t he hardest thing for me.

Good luck...

Tracey

[jaime15]

You only have to do the strict two weeks of no fruit, carrots, pasta potatoes, etc.....

Then in the third week you slowly add some fruits and such back in.

It's hard..for sure!!:rolleyes:

After the last doctor appt..I haven't jumped back on a scale...cause, for one, I've had some chocolate chip cookies, and just last night a slice of birthday cake. (boston creme pie!!)
YUMMY!!
Easter hasn't came yet, and I ordered some petit fours from our bakery....don't think I paid all that money and not gonna try one??!!:D :D Or two..........

But I have started walking more....up to 40 min. every other day........and boy do I feel it..:yikes:

I needed to add that I'm really on South beach, but they are somewhat similiar...

[dbays]

I started atkins this week.....any help or suggestions would be wonderful.

[MakinIT]

Dbays:

STAY away FROM any bakery!!!! For goodness sake, the smell alone will cause you to cause you to say "forget about it"...:D

[Alexa]

Hi dbays! My main bit of advice would be to make sure you're drinking lots of water (I know that's hard on IC though) and to hang in there! For me, the first 3 days were difficult because I was craving sugar and my energy level was lower than usual because of the sudden lack of carbs. However, I am so glad I hung in there! To tell you the truth (and I NEVER thought I'd say this)...I don't miss any of the stuff I used to eat!! Even the chocolate!! I think it is a good point about sugar being an addiction (for lack of a better word)....after just a few days out of my system, I have had no cravings or anything. I feel SO much better after every meal I eat than I ever did before. I think in moderation, a "low carb" way of eating can be very successful and benefical for most people. I am very glad that I've started a low carb lifestyle, and couldn't imagine going back to my old way of eating. Good luck and let me know if I can be of any help to you!

:) Alexa


PS. There are 4 stages to Atkins. In the first 2 weeks, your diet is restricted most significantly in order to "induct" your body into this way of eating. However, you don't always need to be this strict with your diet. You gradually add more carbs to your diet each week, and your diet becomes broader, including fruit and nuts. At this point, I've lost 12 pounds (I have about 25 to lose all together), and I eat mostly beef, pork, fish, poultry, cheese, eggs, lots of veggies, berries and almonds. I also occasionally have a low-carb bar as a snack. I also exercise 3-4 times a week at the gym. So you can eventually have quite a bit of flexiblity in your diet - but always in moderation.

[amethyst79]

MakinIt....

GREAT ADVICE! :lmao: That was a desperately needed smile!

Chelle

[MakinIT]

Alexa...just don't start back on those carbs...I thought I was "cured" of my carb cravings...but that first time you eat something you are not supposed to, It all comes back why you like 'em. :) I haven't gotten fat again but I'm fighting the cravings again. Especially since my 14 year old loves to bake (scary stuff in terms of how it looks, but it sure tastes and smells good) since I won't anymore.

Amesyth: Thanks...it's very true though!!!!!! Smell is such a powerful thing. :D

Tracey

[gypsyjoy]

Hi all, I tried Atkins at the end of last year and it landed me in the hospital for 4 days with a nasty bout of diverticulitis:( There just isn't enough fiber for my body I have to do 30-40 grams of fiber a day and fiber meds just don't work well enough.
So I went on Dr. Phil McGraws Ultimate weight Loss Solution.
It isn't dieting, it is reasonable and healthy way of eating.....AND I have lost 24 pounds since I started Jan 1,2004 It first came off really fast but it has slowed way down for two reasons, so many meds,AND............I QUIT SMOKING!!!!! I didn't know how I would handle it but it has been really alot easier than I thought it would be. I had smoked for 25 years and had only treid to qiut twice going cold turkey. I did it the smart way this time wellbutrin and the patch.:thumbsup: :thumbsup: GEE, does it sound like I am proud of my self? Well, if it does then so be it, cause I am.:D As far as lossing.... it took along time to put it all on so I know I can't take it off over night. Still have a long way to go but I'm going it.
JOY

[amethyst79]

Hi gypsy...

Sorry to hear about the diverticulitis. I have a very good friend who just got out of surgery, had divert. and caused some horrible problems for him. Luckilly, he's getting back into the swing of things and only has a month left of recovery.

Dr Phil is great, in my opinion. But above the weight loss - congrats on quitting smoking!! I quit for both of my pregnancies but always found my way back to them horrible cigarettes. I quit again for 8 months, and started a new job with lots of smokers going out on smoke breaks - next thing I know I'm smoking again. I know I have to stop NOW and I have to lose weight... and there about a million other things I need to do.

Great job... You're an inspiration ;)

Chelle

[MakinIT]

Gypsy: I'm so glad for both of your triumphs!!! How incredible to do both at once, you must have some internal strenghth!!! I always believe that different diets work for different people depending on their own chemistry. I am diabetic and, I think, anyone who is diabetic or pre diabetic (insulin sensitve) has to watch their carbs. I too, found I needed more fiber...(due tothe pain meds..you know the unpleasant side effects of those) so I'm focusing on the good for you carbs that will keep my bowels moving along. (Um...can't remember if they are called hi glycemic or low glycemic index foods) I know one I definately have to stay away from...(white flour, cookies, baked stuff except certain breads I've found that are incredibly high in fiber)..Then, of course, I get gassy...and that irritates my IC....At some point, you gotta eat though;

T

[Kathi]

What did you find made you gassy? I've been having this alot lately & I think it's from some crackers I've been eating. I'm wondering if it's the wheat or what. Fiber?
:( Kathi Going to start Atkins again on Monday. I've been cutting down on my antidepressant to see if that helps.

[yvette]

Well I'm glad to hear some of you have brought up the *gas* issue....I'm used to eating a packet of instant oatmeal to ......help things move along. I was wonderting if Atkins' binds. Especially those 2 weeks where the comsumption of fruits/veggies is minimal....and I am concerned about gout...(someone at work just recently had it and he looked really like he was in pain)

It seems my stomach is always on the verge of bloating, or I feel like I've eaten to quickly. Or I'm holding back little burps...I swear this gas is because of the IC....

[MakinIT]

the gas for me definately has come from the fiber. Since I've been adding it into my diet, I'm constantly "tooting" at very unpredictable times and feel a little bloated...but at least I can go. (The toots seem to happen when I bend over, always a lovely thing to happen:toosh: ) I make this oatmeal, the long cooking kind, add some flax seed (high in Omega 3's and fiber), some almonds, and afterit cooks, blueberies (about 7 or 8) Also add a wee bit of milk and wee bit of brown sugar (cause, really, who can eat oatmeal without it) Not an Atkins approved food by a long shot but I have to eat something to get my intestines movin' and, by gum, that does it!!!

This is all I eat during the day that is somewhat high incarbs (although the fiber takes some of the carbs out.) The rest of the day, I'm good. I stir fry veggies in a little olive oil, have some meat (if I'm hungry) I find my appetite with IC has just gone downhill. I can't eat after 4 pm or it really hurts (burns) my stomach and digestive track...Why? I dunno...a great mystery.... but I sure wake up hungry so that Oatmeal does the trick for me. Sometimes, that's all I eat all day because of lack 'o appetite.

Good luck to ya'll

[Alexa]

I had a brief problem with constipation after about a week on Atkins. Sugar free chocolate did the trick for me, but Atkins recommends eating wheat bran, ground flaxseed or psyllium husks in order to "get things going" as needed (even during the first 2-week Induction phase). Don't forget though that green leafy veggies (ie. spinach), and other fibre-rich veggies (eggplant, broccoli, asparagus, etc.), along with lots of water can provide enough fibre in your diet. I find that if I'm constipated, it exacerbates my IC symptoms, so I'm really careful in that department now!

Take care,
Alexa

[sunshine_77us]

Gypsy Joy
What do you eat on Dr. Phils diet? Is it low carb or low fat?
I've tried Atkins but so mad at myself because I have not stuck to it.
Has anyone found any kind of salad dressing they can use instead of just Olive Oil. I've tried Olive Oil and can not handle that! I really miss my Ranch dressing.

Making It, What kind of bread have you found that is IC safe?


Thanks for the info

Pam
:)

[MakinIT]

I seem to tolerate bread that is low in carbs (ie: high in fiber). It tends to be much more expensive but is so worth it to me in terms of eating well. Generally, the bread is, of course whole wheat (which I know really bothers many people but I have carefully tested on myself and it's ok) and made with nuts, flax seed, etc....My friend in Florida calls it my nuts and twig bread. (says we PNW people are nothing but twig eaters.) I buy it at Wild Oats stores (formerlly Natures?) T hey also have non wheat based bread there but it's pretty BLechy to me. Agggghh..brainfart, can't remember what the stupid name is of the bread and I don't have any right now, need to make a run to Natures.

Who ever thought toast would be a treat? It is to me though.

Tracey

[amethyst79]

I'm not personally on Atkins, but a friend of mine who is was very excited about the new Carb Creations(?) I think it's called. I know they make sauces, salad dressing, and a few other things, all very low or 0 carbs.

Chelle

[MakinIT]

yea. The stuff's not bad but so overpriced it irritates me. Check and compare the labels between reg. stuff and so called "lo carb" often they are very similar only people buy the stuff labeled "lo carb" because they don't realize it is to begin with.

:) Just a money tip. My own discovery.
Tracey

[amethyst79]

Oh boy, yet another mind game aimed at health conscious consumers... Gotta love it :shake:

Have a hoppy hoppy day, hehe

Chelle :bunny:

[yvette]

:help:
So I took the book, plowed thru the first 14 chapters this weekend and it is pretty simple....it just seems really....well I feel I'm standing this great abyss....I could try it, but the eating of certain foods makes me cringe....what if I get WAY fat from eating all that? (Bacon, whole eggs, bunless cheeseburgers, ham, steak, panfried chicken) :yikes: What if it becomes even harder to lose that????? That whole thought just kinda freaks me out.

And what gum to you chew to avoid that *breath*? Well I suppose I have nothing to lose but to try the 2 weeks...
::::::::::big heavy sigh::::::::::::

[gypsyjoy]

Dr. Phils diet is just a good balance of fats, carbs, and protien all I know is it is really easy for me to live with.

As far a my diverticulis goes I am having surgery to resection my bowel here in a couple of weeks. I want to wait until I see my gyno due to a mass found on one of my ovaries last week. So if the overy has to come out I want it done at the same time. I knew I should have had them removed when I had everything else taken out.

I do not eat any processed foods. All whole grain, high fiber, low fat. When I first started this way of eating I really thought I would miss pasta but the whole grain pasta is really good.:thumbsup:
I hope everyone had a nice easter.
JOY

[MakinIT]

Yvette: I know that years of programming have taught us "lo fat, lo fat" (say the mantra) However, What I've noticed is people who are sugar sensitive (pre-diabetic, diabetic, insulin resistant..whatever) Actually do lose alot of wieght because their bodies can't process the sugar in all those low fat foods. (the low fat foods tend to be very high in "bad" carbs) BUT...everyone's body is different. A friend of mine who dieted at the same time as me did the opposite of me...and she lost just as much wieght. (She's most of it back on, however....We both lost 80 pounds..) Due to my IC I've upped some of my carb intake (good ones) but gained a little wieght back. (I am diabetic and incredibly sensitive to sugar) But I never did atkins...My diet was an extreme diet recommended by my accupuncturist for diabetics. It only allows me a total of 60 carbs per day. (realize, a slice of bread is about 20 carbs.)

Remember...the idea of low carb is that you are filling up faster on the higher in fat foods...hence, eating less overall.

Besides my wieght lose, I also dropped my triglycerides (free fat in my blood) by 40%, and my HDL/LDL is PERFECT. My doc says my bloodwork is better than 95% of his patients.

I JUST wish my IC would do as well!!!!!:mad:

Good luck....