Have you tried any of the atkins low carb bars?

[debi1746]

I was just wondering if anyone tried any of the Atkins bars and if so how did you use them in your diet plan, as a snack? Also why are they considered frankenfoods in my copy of DANDR Page 129 Convience foods he says that we are suppose to get our primary carbs from unprocessed foods, but he also says if you need a quick snack his company makes some available for the induction phase.I am wondering if my book is out dated..It has a one week induction menu on page232-235 with stuff on the menu I didn't see on the acceptable lists such as gelatin desert topped with whipping creme,contoled carb strawberry shake,bran a crisp crackers, could someone let me know if I am confusing what he says or is my book wacked its a paper back addiiton thanks :wave

[not2late]

I hope the below will answer yoour question about food containing things that aren't "legal" being allowed on the diet.

The patients who stayed, however, were extremely loyal to both atkins and his low-carb diet. But they had one major complaint: In a fast-paced world where everything was low in fat or high in carbohydrates or both, it was difficult to find something that they could eat on the run while still remaining on the low-carb program. They had no time to prepare their own snacks. Perhaps something like the low-fat energy bars sold in convenience stores would be great, only low-carb instead.

Atkins hesistated, and for a good reason. One of the things he constantly stressed with his patients was that they should eat foods that were as close to their natural state as possible, and for him, any kind of energy bar was as good as poison since it was clearly a processed food...

But his patients continued to beg him for something---"you sell the vitamins and other supplements, why not energy bars?" they reasoned--and so, with great reluctance, he gave in and developed not only an energy bar but also a low-carb shake that would make it easier for patients to keep to their Atkins programs.

"As long as you only use it for emergencies," he reminded them.

****

The energy bars and shakes were a necessary evil, there only because he thought his patients were too lazy to prepare the real kind of unprocessed foods that were the mainstay of his diet.

---Excerpted from:
Dr. Robert Atkins: The True Story of The Man Behind the War on Carbohydrates Lisa Rogak. Chamberlian Bros. 2005. Ch. 6

[Elizellen]

you are probably thinking of this paragraph from the acceptable foods list

Convenience Foods
Although it is important that you eat primarily unprocessed foods, some controlled carb food products can come in handy when you are unable to find appropriate food, can't take time for a meal or need a quick snack. More and more companies are creating healthy food products that can be eaten during the Induction phase of Atkins. Just remember two things:

Not all convenience food products are the same, so check labels and carbohydrate content.
While any of these foods can make doing Atkins easier, don't overdo it. Remember, you must always follow The Rules of Induction

Although he does say you can use these you must check the labels to make sure you are still following the rules of induction which means - only eat them if the list of ingredients doesnt contain anything not on the list.

So - whatever the package suggests - if they contain grain products or soy products or nut products or milk products they should not be eaten while you are on induction. You should save them till the proper rung of OWL.

[michigangirly]

i would have an atkins advantage bar a few times a week and didn't have any problems. i wouldn't make it a habit to have them more than that, but they do come in handy, especially when traveling and on the go.

[hulagrl1120]

some people use them with no problem but you really have to analyze the kind of person you are before you decide to try them...are you at that point in your diet where can you eat just one or will the taste of chocolate make you want more...does it increase your cravings...and for some people the sugar alcohols cause stomach problems...everyone is different so take all those things into consideration.

[michigangirly]

my experience with the bars is that is totally "hits" the spot with cravings. it is just that chocolate taste i am wanting, and i after i am done with the bar i am satisfied and don't feel like i need more. i know everyone is different...but i do think they are wonderful when you are craving chocolate.

[Desertthorn]

Re: Have you tried any of the atkins low carb bars?

I was just wondering if anyone tried any of the Atkins bars and if so how did you use them in your diet plan, as a snack? Also why are they considered frankenfoods in my copy of DANDR Page 129 Convience foods he says that we are suppose to get our primary carbs from unprocessed foods, but he also says if you need a quick snack his company makes some available for the induction phase.I am wondering if my book is out dated..It has a one week induction menu on page232-235 with stuff on the menu I didn't see on the acceptable lists such as gelatin desert topped with whipping creme,contoled carb strawberry shake,bran a crisp crackers, could someone let me know if I am confusing what he says or is my book wacked its a paper back addiiton thanks :wave

If you have the 2002 addition of Dr Atkins New Diet Revolution you have the right one. Unformtunately there were some editing problems and of couse the Atkins corp is trying to sell their products.
Gelatin is okay as long as its homemade with Splenda or a jello made with splenda. Whipping cream is also okay, in limited amounts. This board has 100s of testamonials about shakes stalling folks weight loss, so we recommend that if you try them you do it after your 2nd week on induction and if your weight loss stalls, cut them out quick. There is a recipe going around for flax seed crackers.
Just remember its the money that is currenly driving atkin.com, not the purity of the diet.
Welcome aboard.

[pingtastic]

i tried those morning bars or whatever they are called, the choc chip and strawberry ones. I used to eat them every second day when i was in my first 2 weeks of induction and they didn't interfere with my weightloss. Nowadays i eat one every 3-4 weeks :yes

[spydergrl80]

If you must eat one, which I don't recommend(they stall tons of people), I vote for the Apple Crisp flavor, they are SOO yummy.

[Teacher4Peace]

I tried all the Advantage Bars and liked most of them; unfortunately, I recently became addicted to them and have lost nothing in the past 4 weeks. I do think that they may slow down weigh loss. Before I tried them, I was getting all my carbs from souces Dr. A. recommended in his book; I was REALLY loosing. I have now CUT off all bars and "fake" carbs. I started making my own snacks. On Sunday night, I boil around 18 eggs and leave them in the fridge; I also make a huge bowl or tuna salad, chicken salad and egg salad and also put in the fridge. Finally, I cook some chicken, cut it up and place in the fridge. I have a variety of snacks ready to go. The rest of the week, I just cook my regular meals.

[america57]

Good for hikes

My husband & I hike 4 miles on the weekend. We stop at the 2 mile marker and have an advantage bar and a bottle of water. It gives us the stamina to walk the two miles back. It hasn't had any effect on my weight loss.

[icandoit]

I love the enduldge bars, I don't eat them a whole lot, but for a treat.

[cruiser gal]

I will have a breakfast bar, when I'm in a rush, and have no time to make a good breakfast. But I try to limit them to 1 or 2 per week, and then I usually just exercize a bit more that day.

[Moochiecat]

Pre-Atkins I bought 3 Advantage bars, thinking they'd come in handy, but with a little planning ahead, I've never felt the need to turn to them, and I threw them out about 5 months into the Plan.
It takes 10 seconds to peel an egg, or cut off a piece of cheese or wrap up some pepperoni and cheese, and I know exactly the effect these foods have on my system, and I'm leery of what the processed bar would do.

[spirittalker]

Personally I have decided to avoid them at all cost due to the craving monster that comes out once I eat a bar. Even splenda is bad for me. In fact I fell off plan because of the sweet taste in those bars. I say stay away but YMMV.