Couple of questions prior to starting

[theladyiscrazy]

Okay, I am new. I am researching and reading everything on Atkins so I do this correctly but have run into a couple of questions.

1. On this site there is a link to a list of induction allowed foods. Under salad dressings it says:

Salad Dressings - Any prepared salad dressing with no added sugar and no more then two net carbs per serving (1 - 2 tablespoons is a serving)
Blue Cheese2 tbs2.3

My question is I have the Kraft Roka Brand Blue Cheese dressing (I love blue cheese) and total carb is 1g for a serv size of 2 T. However, in the list of ingredients, sugar is listed. So, it meets the no more than 2 net carbs per serving but it has sugar, so is it allowed?

2. Sugar over all. Is sugar allowed anytime during Induction? For example, I do drink unsweeten tea but when I have coffee, I add sugar. I understand if allowed I would have to count the carbs but I am not sure if it is allowed. I cannot use artificial sweetners (aspartame, saccharin nor sucrolose-aka splenda) as I am allergic to them all. They give me migraines. I hope the question makes sense.

Susan

[DLS]

Re: Couple of questions prior to starting

No sugar ever on Atikins. Sorry.

[squiders]

Re: Couple of questions prior to starting

I would look into trying stevia. It is considered an herbal supplement and it is becoming increasingly more popular. It is made from a plant and is quite sweet. My husband and I use this instead of regular sugar substitutes. It can have an aftertaste, but we like it. I live in Canada and can find it at my grocery store under the health products such as soy flour and gluten free products. You can also find it at most health food stores too.

[Elizellen]

Re: Couple of questions prior to starting

As for the dressings - you are right, Dr Atkins did tell us to use ones with no sugar added, so most of the commercial ones are not strictly 'legal'.

You can in USA find some makes without sugar (I have seen 'Dukes' mentioned) as well as make your own. Having said that I do know many members who cant find brands without added sugar DO use the lowest carb ones they can find and seem to manage to lose weight.

[theladyiscrazy]

Re: Couple of questions prior to starting

Thanks

[Beekel]

Re: Couple of questions prior to starting

I love stevia too I am in the Pacific Northwest and can find it at Fred Meyer. Good questions on dressing.

[Momma2threegirls]

Re: Couple of questions prior to starting

I think the sugar aprt was answered. I can't find a no sugar blue cheese. I watch the carbs. I used to make my own - but with the kiddos, there isn't enough time lately. I have lost lots of weight eating a nice blue cheese with 2 or less carbs despite the sugar. I like the Lighthouse brand b/c it doesn't have a bunch of preservatives in it and it clsoest to my homeade. When i am using a food with suagr I try to find a pure sugar. For instance, I would rather it be sugar or honey vs corn syrup.

[theladyiscrazy]

Re: Couple of questions prior to starting

Nice idea. Thanks for letting me know.

[theladyiscrazy]

Re: Couple of questions prior to starting

Okay, looking for stevia. I did find that you really have to read ingredients on the stevia though. Found a brand that had maltodextrin in it. Doesn't that defeat the purpose of having stevia? What they won't do.

Okay, I understand we do away with sugar (mostly). Stevia would be a good substitute. I was wondering though, while reading Atkins book, it seems he is really against white sugar (and other refine things and processed foods). So, after induction, would raw sugar or sucanat be okay in different foods or drinks (yes you would still need to count carbs but would it be allowed and okay)?

Oh, and another question. He states not to use anything that has a word ending in -ose (all of which are types of sugar) but says you can have sucrolose (Splenda). However, sucrolose ends in -ose. so, isnt that a contradiction?

[Momma2threegirls]

Re: Couple of questions prior to starting

Okay, looking for stevia. I did find that you really have to read ingredients on the stevia though. Found a brand that had maltodextrin in it. Doesn't that defeat the purpose of having stevia? What they won't do. You'll find you have to read labels on EVERYTHING. For example, Shredded cheese often has all kinds of junk in it including potato and corn starches. Mayo often says it's no carbs - but has sugar in it. Regular soy sauce has wheat in it - on tamari is truely made from soy beans exclusively and technically it's a legume and not allowed during induction. You get the idea. Label reading is critical.

Okay, I understand we do away with sugar (mostly). Stevia would be a good substitute. I was wondering though, while reading Atkins book, it seems he is really against white sugar (and other refine things and processed foods). So, after induction, would raw sugar or sucanat be okay in different foods or drinks (yes you would still need to count carbs but would it be allowed and okay)?

Dr. Atkins was definately a proponent of REAL food. Fresh, no addatives/preservatives and basically as close to nature as yu can get. I accomplish this by eating seasonal produce and trying to buy the best meats and protien sources my budget will allow. You will find that this diet, in the pure sense, is a whole foods diet. He never intended us to eat these shakes and bars that are now sold with the Atkins label. It's amazing to me how much my taste buds have changed. For instance I can really discern good ground meat from junky stuff now. I've eaten enough burgers without buns to actually pay attention to quality. On the topic of sugar: No. On a day to day basis, you're giving up sugar b/c it is empty carbs which rapidly effect your blood sugars irrigarless of white vs raw. Consuming sugar (in all forms) changes the metabolic process. This isn't to say that once you get where you want to be that you might not partake in something sweet. But I can tell you from personal experience that it won't taste the same. Case in point. i made healthy weight range and went to a VERY fancy gala event. I was certain I'd refuse dessert. It came and instead of being cake (which I can pass up in a heart beat) A beautiful glass of chocolate mousse was presented. I decided to eat some. it was good - but not "to die for" I expected some sort of fireworks for eating after abstaining for a long period of time. There were no fireworks. I felt unimpressed and two days alter when the scale jumped 2lbs...I knew it wasn't worth it. The scale came back down ..I had migraines the next three days. Was it worth it? I basically polluted my metabolism.

Oh, and another question. He states not to use anything that has a word ending in -ose (all of which are types of sugar) but says you can have sucrolose (Splenda). However, sucrolose ends in -ose. so, isnt that a contradiction?

He states splenda as an acception to the rule and limits you to three servings per day.


Do a clean induction. I live wth the motto: "Anything worth doing is worth doing well" I know many people have had a similar experience to my chocolate mousse story - things jsut stop tasting "worth" it b/c after awhile you truely learn to eat to live...instead of living to eat.

[Cinnamonstick]

Re: Couple of questions prior to starting

I just got the same blue cheese...1 carb....sugar added. I could not find any with out and this was the lowest carb one I found....1 carb/2 tbs. I got it anyway....

I am on week (4)?? now....just staring my 4th...so I figure 2tbs a day on one salad wont totall mess me up..


But the bad news is....I discovered how fun it is to squirt whip cream from the container in my mouth....where have I been? Extra creamy---less than one carb per serving of 2 tbs....but does have a "trace" of sugar. I assume this is not TOO bad as long as I am with in reason (tastes GREAT on sugar free jello!)...but again--all that art. sweetner.....so bad!!! But tastes so darn good!

[Momma2threegirls]

Re: Couple of questions prior to starting

You won't find REAL blue cheese dressing with zero carbs b/c the cheese itself has carbs in it.

as far as cream, I have to be very careful. It's something that easily stalls me if i go over the 3 Tbsp allowed. Also When I want whip cream I simply whip some heavy cream up. It keeps me from over indulging and away from the sugar and preservatives. ect

[Razzle39]

Re: Couple of questions prior to starting

Marie's Blue Cheese dressing in the produce section of your store is the bomb with no sugar. They also have a creamy garlic Italian that is so good. Because there is no preservative it has to be refrigerated. Look near the Bagged salad choices. Enjoy!