I'm dyin' here...

[Teriyaki73]

I have been a pretty regular gym-goer for almost 3 years now (well before I ever started Atkins) and really love the way I feel after a good workout. However, after staring Atkins I'm so WEAK! I used to do 45 minutes of weight lifting followed by 45 minutes of cardio, now I do 30 minutes of cardio followed by as much weight lifting as I can handle till I'm too weak to do anymore (usually only 15-20 minutes)

I'm not pushing myself any harder than I was before. The reason I started this is because I like being muscular (c'mon ladies hit those weights, muscle is hot!) but it doesnt matter if you got a layer of fat over it all.

Anyway, I'm losing some of my strength and endurance and its been several weeks now. Should I wait a few more weeks or should I see a Dr.? I don't want to go off Atkins but I don't want to lose all my muscle either.

Gracias

[xLonix]

Re: I'm dyin' here...

Yeah, I definitely can't lift as heavy since I started Atkins. It hasn't really affected my ability to do cardio, but the strength training has suffered.

[ValidRouge]

Re: I'm dyin' here...

See, I find just the opposite is true for me. I've taken up lifting over the last year and running and I've really built some lovely muscle...especially in my upper body.

Can you post some of your menus for us to take a look at?

[Teriyaki73]

Re: I'm dyin' here...

Sure I'll post my menu if it helps

Breakfast: (I usually have 2 of the following)
- 2 large eggs scrambled with a little cheese and garlic or other spices
- half cup of cottage cheese
- morningstar sausage patties
- fried lunchmeat (yes I watch for the ones with added sugar)
And a medium coffee from Dunkin Donuts with one cream and a couple spenda

Lunch:
Usually a spring mix salad with a bunch of veggies like green peppers, cucumbers, radishes, mushrooms, cheese and almond slices with homeade ranch or olive oil based dressing.
or
Turkey wrap - usually make it on those whole wheat wraps that net 4 carbs. made with Turkey, mustard and cheese

Dinner:
- 8 oz steak with cauliflower/asparagus/broccoli (not all just one)
- cheseburger (just burger and cheese) with bakes sweet potato (sweet potatos are a treat for me, eat them rarely)
- Tofu stir fry (Tofu, bean sprouts, pea pods, onions, mushrooms...)
- and I love making this spicy shrimp recipe I made up. Shrimp in olive oil, crushed red pepper, paprika, and a little lemon juice. I used to eat it over brown rice, but what I will do now it use half brown rice, half mashed califlower

[Teriyaki73]

Re: I'm dyin' here...

Forgot to mention too...

I stay plenty hydrated, in the AM when I go to the gym I generally end up drinking about 30-40 oz of water

During the day I drink about 50oz of decaf iced tea (no sugar or lemon, I like mine straight up on the rocks)

about every other day I allow myself a diet soda

[ValidRouge]

Re: I'm dyin' here...

Okay, so you're in maintenance then??

[Teriyaki73]

Re: I'm dyin' here...

I'm not sure?

I was never good at knowing all the levels, I've pretty much always did induction only. But this time I want to try and stay on it so I allow myself stuff like whole wheat wraps, brown rice and sweet potatos every now and then.

Am I doing this wrong??

[ValidRouge]

Re: I'm dyin' here...

Okay, here's what I *think* is your problem.

First off, your menu is one of someone who is in MAINTENANCE. Definitely not induction. I'd really, really recommend reading the Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution copyright edition 2002.

Start over with induction (only two weeks) by the rules which are here:http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...ead.php?t=6782

Here are the foods you can eat on induction. http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...ead.php?t=6781
If it's not on this list, don't eat it. You are going to get weaker for a few days, maybe even a week. BUT this is what it's going to take to get your body into fat burning for fuel instead of carb burning. Right now, I'd imagine you've never fully gotten yourself off of carb burning for fuel... Right now it's kind of like trying to go on a 1000 mile road trip on $5 worth of gas in a diesel engine. It's NOT going to work. You need to give the engine a full tank of diesel fuel. Once your body switches to fat burning (ketones) instead of carb burning, you'll get your energy back PLUS some.

After the first two weeks, then you need to move into the Ongoing Weight Loss phase (OWL) and start adding the good carbohydrates back into your diet.
Rules of OWL http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...ead.php?t=6745
Carbohydrate "Ladder" http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...ead.php?t=6740

Happy reading.