Life without ketosis.

[Lamby-pie]

Hello Maintenance folks!

Last year, I failed miserably in the maitenance phase of atkins. Once I started adding in higher rung foods, the appetite suppression of ketosis was gone, the cravings returned and I was crippled. Needless to say, I'm completely disgusted with myself.

I'm re-starting today (induction) to get the 20 lbs off that I gained.
I'm very afraid that when I reach goal again, I'll start slipping again without ketosis there to help me.

Can one live in ketosis forever? Is it necessary, is it healthy? Will atkins stop working eventually? (I have read that Eskimos eat high fat with no ketosis)

OR...do I simply have to have a different plan in place? Is maintenance simply a matter of will power and constant, daily vigilance?

As you can see, I'm planning ahead this time by visiting with you nice folks here in maitenance.

Thank you in advance!

[shari_dawn]

Re: Life without ketosis.

Do you have a copy of the Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution? I'd have to brush up on that part but at some point you do go out of ketosis. You add the 5 grams of carbs I think its each week as you go up the rungs. YOu get to a level where you are no longer losing and it is at that point you do not add any further carbs. I believe... and don't quote me... you still climb the rungs but you don't add more carbs. I think any way of eating is a matter of will power and constant vigilance. You have to stick to your guns make that commitment. You can do it!

[ttdriver]

Re: Life without ketosis.

It takes work and effort to successfully maintain. For me, that means DAILY VIGILANCE. Some may call me obsessed, but I don't care! I know what *my* body needs ..

Figuring out your CCLM takes experimentation and patience. Its different for everyone. Some can maintain at over 100 grams of carbs per day (I'm not one of them!), while others have to limit themselves to, say, 40 or so (that's more where I fit in...) You need not be in ketosis, but you will need to see how many carbs you can eat without gaining.

Congrats getting back on track and planning ahead ! YOU WILL DO IT!

Betty

[sallyseachange]

Re: Life without ketosis.

Well done for getting back on plan.

Concentrate on getting back to goal now, and start thinking about a plan for when you're in maintenance again... we'll help you!

[Lamby-pie]

Re: Life without ketosis.

Hello,

When I was in owl, I stopped losing at the berry rung, at about 40 carbs a day. I couldn't go any higher.
I'll re-read my chapter on maintenance, but that sounds like a good thing to start planning for, keeping my maintenance carbs at around 40-50 and really keep a close eye on everything going into my mouth, each and every day.

I guess if I want it bad enough, I'll knuckle down and do it. And this time, be careful enough to keep control of myself so this doesn't happen ever again. No one can do it for me, and I cannot blame anyone but myself. I greatly appreciate all your support!

Thanks for the replies, hope to be back in maintenance in 3-4 more months.