Announcement

**kate58** · February 13, 2008, 11:42 AM

Re: My Atkins Journey (so far!)

Welcome Robert, good to have you here!!

While no weight loss is a bad thing, your losses are not quite as much as I would expect after a month in your situation - because you have a lot of advantages: you are young, you are male, you have quite a bit to lose. All of them are often (though not always) pointers towards a somewhat faster loss than you have experienced.

I think I can see why too.

You are eating too much carbs by breaking out now and then (which you know) but also in some of your food choices. Those sausage links have sugar in them, and are not good. Drop the carb master food, you should not be having them at this stage and any yogurt is out till you get to the dairy rung. You need to check the ingredients of your slim jims for carbs too.

Bear in mind that your carbs are limited not just by number, but at least until after the first rung of OWL by the fact that MOST of your carbs should be from veg. In fact most of the people who do very well on this WOE eat a lot of veg thoughout their weight loss and on into maintenance. I know that Atkins is not associated in many people's mind with eating lots of veg, but that's just another common misconception.

If you are eating anything like 40 carbs a day ever and eating non-induction foods. you are not on induction, extended or otherwise, so move on to OWL rung one, eat more veg, learn to love your veg. It'll stand you in good stead for the rest of your journey.

Rather than snacking on these low-carb premade foods, or sugar free jello, eat snacks that contain protein and fat. Or with the extra veg you'll have on OWL, have crispy veg sticks with some sort of dip that has fat in it.

Remember that foods like avocado, olives etc are allowed in moderation on induction - they are filling, fatty and make good snacks too.

I understand that what you are eating now is a lot less carbs than you were, which is great, but you really do need to pare them right back and then slowly add them back if you are to learn about what you can and cannot eat and keep your weight off permanently.

I envy you in finding Atkins so young - I get a bit pissed off when I think of all the years I struggled with my weight, believing that low-fat was the only way to eat, when I could have done this years ago. You have that chance and good for you for taking it. I wish you all the best on your journey and hope one day in the not too distant future to be celebrating your arrival at goal!!

**kristi2578** · February 13, 2008, 11:52 AM

Re: My Atkins Journey (so far!)

I get a bit pissed off when I think of all the years I struggled with my weight, believing that low-fat was the only way to eat, when I could have done this years ago. You have that chance and good for you for taking it.

I definitely agree with you Kate. I heard about Atkins many years ago, but I always dimissed the thought that it could ever be right for me. I'm now on day 5 of induction and down 6 lbs, and I feel freakin' fantastic!

**UrbanShaman** · February 13, 2008, 11:53 AM

Re: My Atkins Journey (so far!)

I agree with Kate. You mentioned that you can't exercise as much as you'd like to which makes it even more important to your weight loss to follow the guidelines of DANDR to a tee, especially during Induction. Sausages almost always have sugar in them, try some nitrate free bacon instead. The CarbSmart products are bad news and, from what I read on these boards, slow weight loss. I've never gotten into them. I'm sure they'd make me want the real thing. Feel free to eat more meat and fat to take the place of those fillers. Instead of a slim jim, reach for a piece of chicken. It really is a better choice in the long run.

Congrats on your weight loss so far. You and I have almost the same to lose and I wish you the best. Please give a clean induction a chance, you'll feel better and I'm ssure your weight loss will pick up even more.

**rozigrl221** · February 13, 2008, 11:54 AM

Re: My Atkins Journey (so far!)

Kate gave some great advice here. I would ditto her response. Good to have you here with us.

**FatBottomGirl** · February 13, 2008, 12:02 PM

Re: My Atkins Journey (so far!)

We all agree with Kate! Not only does she talk the talk (and KNOW's what she is talking about) she has walked the walk

She is a perfect example of how this lifestyle change WORKS! Her pictures themselves speak louder than anything else you will hear.

Congratulations on making a committment to a healthier you. If you haven't gotten your copy of DANDR - got get one. It has lots of valuable information on why this works & if you have questions, just ask

**rrittenhouse** · February 13, 2008, 02:12 PM

Re: My Atkins Journey (so far!)

Thank you all for your responses!

I lack ideas. Ive tried going to the store and picking out a food but see what happens to me? I get into Yogurt and Slim Jims (someone told me to eat these..).

Here lately ive been getting back into wanting to snack in between meals (I was told to eat sugar free jello and the slim jims by a friend following atkins). Chicken would be great and all but it takes for EVER to cook in the oven (at least 1 hour on 450). I'm thinking maybe I should buy an extra bag of chicken each week and boil it so I can have it on hand for snacking? Any other ideas?

I'm at work right now but I'll check out the nutritional facts on the slim jims and whatnot when I get home.

This same friend also bought and sent me a copy of DANDR and another book for counting carbs for common food etc.. Ive read up to the Induction chapter and thats about it. I guess I lost some facts along the way!

Please I will take any input on certain products that I should go buy and whatnot. I'm already spending around $60 or more per week on the foods but I'm sure the yogurt and possibly slim jims can be replaced. So was the jello bad to eat? Im sure it just has artifical sweetner in it which ive been told can hinder weight loss.

One thing I forgot to note is that Im taking One-a-day active vitamins every morning with breakfast.

Seeing that I have so much weight to loose isnt it best I stay on induction? This is how I understood it.

Thanks a lot

~Robert Rittenhouse

**kate58** · February 13, 2008, 03:08 PM

Re: My Atkins Journey (so far!)

Last bit first: Really the only reason to stay on induction is if you have high metabolic resistance. Bear in mind that you can stay on any rung of OWL for as long as you like, and for many people who have a lot to lose that is the veggie rung. More veg can only do you good, and the variety in your diet is helped by having those extra options. Other people climb up as far as berries and stop there for a while. Lots of people skip one rung or try it and abandon it because they find the food doesn't suit them - it stalls them or causes cravings.

Induction is in a way a very easy option - you have a list of foods you can eat, it's very well defined with little need to make descisions. But it teaches you little about yourself, and it does become boring. A lot of people who stay too long on induction either get bored and therefore are more likely to cheat, or find that their weight loss actually stalls - partly because they start eating too little.

Things that are easy to have around and quick to grab for snacks:

Buy some raw chicken wings, roast them in the oven and have them in the fridge ready for quick snacks.
Boil eggs and keep them in the fridge too - an egg with some mayo or even a deviled egg makes a very filling and good snack.
Eat some squares of cheese, or grate cheese (don't buy ready shredded) and put it in little piles in the microwave and zap for 30-60 seconds - makes great cheese crisps.
Cook more steak/chicken/burger than you need for dinner, keep the leftovers for lunch or snacks the next day

If you are really craving something sweet, mix some unsweetened cocoa powder with cream cheese or heavy cream, and a little spenda for a quick chocolate hit. Don't have that often - it's better to overcome cravings than give in to them, if you ignore them they'll eventually just go away.

If you do buy a chicken, don't boil it, roast it. It'll be much tastier and you'll have the lovely crispy skin.

Sugar free jello is ok for some people, but remember to keep your sweetener intake within the stated limits. Other people find that it sets off cravings, others that it causes their bodies to repsond as though they had eaten sugar.

Read the book REPEATEDLY. Read it every day. Read it until you think you probably know it by heart. Read ahead so you know where you are going. The go back and read about where you are. Again and again. It's all in there.

Don't worry too much about what other people can and can't eat - you are you and you have to find out for yourself what YOU can and can't eat, which may be very different that what someone else can. Dr A made it easy to learn with the careful and slow step-by-stop nature of OWL. Take it really slow and you will learn what works for you.

**MrsBrittney** · February 13, 2008, 04:27 PM

Re: My Atkins Journey (so far!)

Hi there! My only thoughts would be to post this in the "Review My Menu" section as well for extra feedback.

I'm counting about 30+ carbs and potentially some high calorie counts (not that we're counting calories!!) like you acknowledged, so maybe try reducing little bits.

I would measure out everything - its been a lifesaver! My eyeball's version of 2 tbsp is often different than the actual amount, lol. I would measure out your dressing and see if you can reduce it a smidge. If you use 5 servings and its 2 carbs a serving, you are utilizing half your allowance (if youre in Induction) for the day on that alone.

I would also use Kate's suggestions. I find when I utilize too many low carb products or fake sugars, my weight loss stops completely. And since I'm (back) in Induction, I can't utilize yogurts at all and have to avoid processed meats, such as Slim Jims.

I would say for anyone, myself included, memorize that food list! If its NOT on it, you can't eat it. *repeats this for myself as well!! lol* And to keep my cheese to 3-4 ounces a day.

You can do this! =)

**rrittenhouse** · February 13, 2008, 05:41 PM

Re: My Atkins Journey (so far!)

One quick question (im evaluating all of my food at home as im kinda scared now that I know I have been doing some big no no's)

Hotdogs.. they are processed so im assuming they are OFF limits? Ive been eating those too for snacks (not many but one here and there)

Thanks

~Robert

**MrsBrittney** · February 13, 2008, 06:11 PM

Re: My Atkins Journey (so far!)

Hrmm.. since the book says to avoid processed meats, I would say check the label. Look for things ending in "ose", such as sucrose, dexrose, etc. They are other words for sugars and they tend to be in all the processed meats I love ever so much lol (like my hard salami). But it also says to avoid them because most contain nitrates, which are just unhealthy.

But some folks here might say OK to the hot dogs - but for me, I don't eat them just because it can be a hidden carb I'm not noticing. But find what works for you! =)

**MrsBrittney** · February 13, 2008, 06:12 PM

Re: My Atkins Journey (so far!)

AND CONGRATS for putting your menu out to be evaluated and then taking the steps to tweak it!

**rrittenhouse** · February 14, 2008, 05:56 AM

Re: My Atkins Journey (so far!)

So not to be to annoying Its breakfast time and I was evaluating the carb smart bars. They contain splenda and I was under the assumption if i keep my artificial sweetners to a limit I was allowed to have them..Which leads me to my breakfast meal ive just started to eat...

The mock danish! - It has 2g of creme cheese, 2-3 eggs, cinnamon, and 2tsp of splenda. The topping has 1tbsp of butter, cinnamon and a dash of cinnamon.

Im just curious if I should just skip this too and go back to just fried eggs and I'll have to buy sausage thats not "premade".

Thanks

~Robert Rittenhouse

**kate58** · February 14, 2008, 06:24 AM

Re: My Atkins Journey (so far!)

The mock danish is just fine - just count your sweetners, don't overdo them and if they make you crave sweet things, give them up for a while at least. Or try using a bit less gradually to wean yourself off the craving for 'sweet'.

You don't have to have 'just fried eggs' at breakfast - have whatever you like, no rules that it has to be 'breakfasty'. I had some fried chiken and mushrooms this morning cos ithe chicken was left over and I fancied it.

Skip the bars though.

**Elizellen** · February 14, 2008, 04:24 PM

Re: My Atkins Journey (so far!)

I agree with Kate about the bars.

Most of them have ingredients that are not on the allowed list of induction foods anyway, so are not allowed till you reach the OWL rung that allows all the ingredients in them.

And I dont think I have had eggs once for breakfast in the 4 plus years I have been on Atkins.

Any induction-legal food you like can be eaten at any meal/snack time, so as we often say here 'Think outside the box'!

Announcement

My Atkins Journey (so far!)

My Atkins Journey (so far!)

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment