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**Shrew2u** · December 2, 2009, 09:35 PM

Re: Contradictions between Allowed Foods and Menu Planner

Mmmmm, perhaps atkinsgal08 meant it as -

If you're counting calories, 10-12 times current weight is a general rule of thumb to eat enough calories to meet your Basal Metabolic Rate. Thinking of it that way, 1500-1800 calories at your current weight might actually be under-eating - and that's something to avoid on Atkins, because your body *will* go into starvation mode. As the weight drops, your BMR will decrease and your caloric needs will continue to change.

With this way of life, balance is key. Balance in the timing and portions of your meals, balance of fat, protein and complex carb, balance of blood sugar levels throughout the day, balance of hydration, exercise and food - all of which have a role to play in your ongoing weight loss and eventual weight maintenance. For now, eat to satiety and focus on your net carbs. If you can do that in 1500-1800 calories per day, perfect. If not, don't be afraid to add the calories you need to create an optimal fat-burning machine.

[I could be wrong, too. She can speak for herself!]

**Georgiana** · December 2, 2009, 11:26 PM

Re: Contradictions between Allowed Foods and Menu Planner

Originally posted by sheprice View Post

You know, I thought long and hard before posting my current weight, but then I thought "Oh this is a safe forum. No one will comment." WRONG...

The comment was meant to help you, not to pick on your weight or anything like that. It is not unusual to calculate your caloric requirements based on weight. It is also possible that your weight gain was not caused by the number of calories you were consuming, but by the foods eaten (if you followed the 2-week Induction menu online).

My suggestion is that you estimates your caloric needs by calculating your BMR. Most people are able to lose weight by eating a few hundred calories above their BMR. See if that comes close to 10-12 times your body weight, to 1500-1800 calories or to some completely different number. As J. said, 1500-1800 might be undereating... or it might not be.

Also, may I ask how you obtained 2200 calories for day 1 of the online menu at Atkins.com? I think I am selecting the wrong foods, because I can't get more than 1600 or so.

**mizski** · December 3, 2009, 12:47 AM

Re: Contradictions between Allowed Foods and Menu Planner

Originally posted by sheprice View Post

You know, I thought long and hard before posting my current weight, but then I thought "Oh this is a safe forum. No one will comment."

I know what you mean about sharing your weight with others. When I topped out at over 300#s no one...I mean NO ONE (except my doctor) knew that about me. Not even Mr. Ski. When I joined ADBB I noticed that quite a few of the successful people here started heavier than I was so I knew they would understand.

Don't know what to suggest on the daily calories thing. I'm post menopausal so my calorie intake seems to be lower than a lot of other people's. What I've learned is that it can be much higher than when I was doing traditional low fat/low calorie dieting and that has been wonderful. That and not having to have fat free (aka taste free) foods!

**Georgiana** · December 3, 2009, 01:10 AM

Re: Contradictions between Allowed Foods and Menu Planner

Originally posted by mizski View Post

That and not having to have fat free (aka taste free) foods!

I accidentally bought low fat cream cheese a few weeks ago. That thing tastes awful! I never had low fat cheese before... (and we don't have fat free here, as far as I know).

**sheprice** · December 3, 2009, 11:55 AM

Re: Contradictions between Allowed Foods and Menu Planner

The purpose of this thread was to pose the question of "What gives" with the contradictions between the Menu Planner on the Atkins Web site and the allowed foods.

It was not "Please look at my current weight that I posted, trustingly, and tell me how many calories I should be eating because I have no idea"

If you actually read what I wrote about calories and process the context of that, you will get it. I was merely showing yet another of the Contradictions between what they say and what the Menu Planner suggests.

And it is for that reason that I took offense. That someone wouldn't take the time to actually read and understand the context of this thread, hone in on one little detail, mix that with my weight and then post something that has NOTHING to do with the original thread.

And I would think that most people who come to this group (in fact this very forum) are sensitive about their weight.

**sheprice** · December 3, 2009, 12:41 PM

Re: Contradictions between Allowed Foods and Menu Planner

To get back on track:

I looked again at the Meal Planner (again, this is the Custom Meal Planner, selecting Phase 1) and one of the suggestions is Huevos Rancheros. The recipe calls for a Low Carb Tortilla.

Now I don't know about you, but I have yet to find an LC Tortilla that doesn't contain at least some flour. It is usually the second ingredient and this is never allowed during induction.

(As an aside, the Two Week Meal Plan seems to be decent on the meal side but (again) they are "pushing product" that shouldn't be eaten during Induction for the snacks.)

Perhaps someone should create a Menu Planner that doesn't contradict the "Allowed Foods List".

**liv** · December 3, 2009, 01:08 PM

Re: Contradictions between Allowed Foods and Menu Planner

There are contradictions there. I think there always will be when you are trying to balance a lot of interests - commercial, political correct, scientific, nutritional. I don't think we need to be super surprised about that.

It is really up to us as individuals to be aware of stuff and to educate ourselves and make our own good choices.

If you want to use that mealplanner - use what you think is good - leave the rest. I don't really use meal planners - I just plan around the protein of the day.

**atkinsgal08** · December 3, 2009, 01:38 PM

Re: Contradictions between Allowed Foods and Menu Planner

>>It was not "Please look at my current weight that I posted, trustingly, and tell me how many calories I should be eating because I have no idea">>

I was commenting on the information that the Atkins Information Agent gave you regarding calories ... which I believe to be "bad" advice.

And since you posted what the AIA said, it had everything to do with this thread.

However, I will not trouble you any further ...

I do wish you well on your Atkins journey!

**sheprice** · December 3, 2009, 02:11 PM

Re: Contradictions between Allowed Foods and Menu Planner

You are totally right Liv. It is just disappointing to see them heading in that direction.

"It is really up to us as individuals to be aware of stuff and to educate ourselves and make our own good choices."

I completely agree. Rather than just accepting their word for it; which is (and I reluctantly admit) my little lazy way out. Sometimes you just want to mouse click here there and presto. All the thinking done for you.
(Which is why I really like meal planners.)

Ah well..."Liv" and learn

Thanks Liv.

**imagood1** · December 3, 2009, 02:19 PM

Re: Contradictions between Allowed Foods and Menu Planner

I do the same as Liv -- a few days in advance I plan out what protein I'll be having everyday, then I work my carbs around that. I put everything into FitDay so I know exactly what amounts of protein/fat/carbs I'm getting.

**sheprice** · December 3, 2009, 02:27 PM

Re: Contradictions between Allowed Foods and Menu Planner

You know, that's a really good idea. I have always been such an extremist that I either have every meal planned out and prepped for an entire week or (at the opposite end of that) I find myself wandering aimlessly in food land.

But I think that's a great way to go. I could use the Meal Planner as a "suggestion system" for each day's protein (if I really feel that I can not part with my mouse-clicking-approach-to-food-planning) but not rely on it for everything.

I have been using sparkpeople for quite a while. I've added a bunch of additional nutrients - i.e. sodium (that's a biggie for me), carbs (obviously), fibre, etc.) Those types of tools (whether fitday, spark or whatever) are awesome!!

Good suggestions...

**dewolfe** · December 15, 2009, 01:52 PM

Re: Contradictions between Allowed Foods and Menu Planner

This is such a sore spot for me!! Why would the Atkins people lie to us! WHY! The only thing I can think of is Money! I see people asking about this ALL the time on this forum!
I myself was suckered into thinking that the bars were ‘Fine’ on the induction period and I wasted a good 2 to 3 weeks thinking I could have a bar or 2 every other day if not every day!!!
How can we get them to stop this false advertising!?!?!?!?!?!

**Georgiana** · December 15, 2009, 03:27 PM

Re: Contradictions between Allowed Foods and Menu Planner

Originally posted by dewolfe View Post

Why would the Atkins people lie to us!

With the bars, you mean? Not everyone is stalled by them. However, I still believe they are not a good choice... especially during Induction.

The only thing I can think of is Money!

It's a business... and the bars and shakes are the products that support this business.

**Elizellen** · December 16, 2009, 06:54 AM

Re: Contradictions between Allowed Foods and Menu Planner

Originally posted by dewolfe View Post

How can we get them to stop this false advertising!?!?!?!?!?!

I don't think anything short of people stopping buying them would do that.

If only they were honest and stated only that they were 'applicable' for the later rungs of OWL it would not be so misleading

**dewolfe** · December 16, 2009, 07:02 AM

Re: Contradictions between Allowed Foods and Menu Planner

yes I agree Elizellen!

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