Changing Diets And Veiws On The Atkins?

[magsmay]

Following on from my previous thread I've been on WW pro-points for three weeks and have lost 9lbs (hey!) but have been constantly hungry. So -I've decided to change tactics and am starting a low carb diet on Monday -I've been studying the Atkins diet and personally think if its done correctly, will be an ideal diet for me as I don't eat vast quantities of food , can give up on cakes,bread and pasta , and some of the recipes sound really nice. I know Atkins have had bad press -but I don't envisage me eating huge mountains of bacon eggs and fried pork -just lean fish and meat cooked with a little butter or olive oil and loads of leafy veg -has/is anyone on the Atkins at the moment -what are the benefits and pitfalls -Thanks!

[TopKat]

The main advice I'd give is to remember that it will take your body a while to adjust so don't give up if it's difficult at first. You may find that you crave the carbs you're not eating (bread was the thing I really missed!) but the cravings will pass, especially if you concentrate on the delicious things you can eat, like butter! Make sure you have lots of low carb foods easily to hand so you won't be tempted to cheat - I used to cook various meats on the weekend and freeze portions so I would have them easily to hand. Also, treat yourself to pre-prepared salads if you can afford it as it is then easy to make a lunch or dinner with lots of healthy, low carb veg. Also, remember to read the labels - it's amazing how many things have added carbs, particularly anything that's "low-fat". Hope this helps! Good luck.

[magsmay]

Thank you for your reply Top Kat ;-) I'm looking forward to starting this regime -am winding down on carbs over the weekend -tonight I had roast chicken with broccoli and ate the skin (heaven!) tomorrow roast leg of lamb with green beans and salad. I've bought some Atkins shakes on line for breakfast as i always struggle to know what to have at breakfast as I have no appetite -also bought some indulgence bars to snack on if I'm away from home. Are yu following the Atkins diet - has it been successful for you losing weight?

[pastafreak]

DON'T have the shakes,bars etc. They are full of rubbish(just like WW or SW bars,etc. It's just a way to get your £'s.
I don't have time to eat in the mornings-so I make a big crustless quiche,and portion it out for several days to have at work. Nice cold or warmed up. Tinned fish-sardines,mackarel,or packets of hot smoked salmon from Aldi are also good.

[pastafreak]

Atkins was not obese at the time of his death-which was from injuries sustained in a fall. He was well over 6ft tall,and weighed under 200lb on admission to hospital....but water retention and other factors caused his weight to go up-while he was in a coma. That was the 'excess' weight he carried-it was not body fat.

[woofgang]

The only thing I would say about Atkins is that it can be hard on the kidneys.

[pastafreak]

That's ok mags....it was a rumour that took hold after he died.
As for diets...I do low carb...because it works for me. That's what any one should do-find what works.

[pastafreak]

ooops...not mags...*headwreck*...

[yelenots]

I have done both SW and WW but never fancied the Atkins! I have been doing a low calorie for the past week - lost 3lbs so far!
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/weight-loss-guide/Pages/losing-weight-getting-started.aspx

[TopKat]

I'm afraid I have to agree with Pastafreak about the "Atkins" shakes - they contain sugar alcohols (like maltitol) which have an effect on blood sugar levels for many people so I wouldn't advise having them. Breakfast can be a hard meal, but if you can't face eggs and bacon (my weekend start) then why not try some ham and cheese, or boiled eggs made the previous day. And don't force yourself to eat first thing if you don't fancy anything. Just take a low carb snack with you and eat later. As long as you drink enough, you won't do yourself any harm. Again, good luck!

[magsmay]

headwreck -thanks for the encouragement! WW is ok but like I said i am constantly hungry - porridge makes me feel hungry after I've eaten it -fruit makes me feel hungry -I'm doing the online WW and having to put in pro points for everything takes time and makes me focus on food . Exercise -well I think I get enough of that -3 horses to muck out every morning and 5 miles horse riding at trot every day plus I compete long distance riding so sometimes do 40k on horseback every weekend in the Summer. My downfall is eating after 6pm -summers are ok cos I'm out doing things but winters in front of the telly with wine, cheese and crisps have piled on the pounds. Anyway 9lbs gone and only another 21 to go..thanks again for the encouragement! ;-)