I don't know what to do

[Esc8p2NeverLand]

Hi all,

I'm done with induction and I am about 5 pounds away from my goal. I was at 220 and am down to 195. It's not a great weight loss, but significant. I chose this diet because my previous one, where I went from 240-160 took a toll on my body and I lost a lot of muscle weight. I kept off the weight for about 3 years and slowly added it back on after the second year.

My problem is, I don't really want to lose much more weight, I am thinking of getting my body back onto carbs again, but am afraid that I will gain my weight back. I want to control my eating and keep my caloric intake to about 2000-2500 (normal for my height, sex, build, and so forth). I don't think I can go through with OWL either. Eating is a big part of my life and it's taking it's toll on my relationship with friends and my girlfriend. Going out to eat has been a large part of our activities and there aren't enough Atkin's approved meus out there.

sorry about this whole jumble of typing. I'm just unknowing of what to do. I guess I want to know if I get off of this diet, cold turkey, and go on a regular diet of 2000-2500 calories, will the sudden change in my blood sugar levels cause me to gain all my weight back?


Thanks

Tyler

[not2late]

Hi.

Have you read the OWL chapters yet? I found that it's much, much easier to eat out during OWL than it ever was during Induction,because you have a wider variety of food and a larger number of carbs to eat.

AS for going back to a "regular" diet. If that "regular" diet is what your were eating while you gained weight, the chances of regaining your weight are pretty good if you go back to it. That's the main reason why people regain weight after losing it---they go back to their former dietary and lifestyle habits that got them fat in the first place.

My advice to you is to spend the weekend reading the OWL, Pre-Maintenance and Maintenance Chapters.

[Esc8p2NeverLand]

Thanks for the advice. I was just angry about the diet and life in general. It has passed and I've just made some delicious Vietnamese style spring rolls with a low carb dipping sauce.

I just got a little overwhlemed at the time I was typing that. I was trying to find Atkins approved menus for dining all while trying to find something my girlfriend can enjoy too.

I think I will stick with the Atkins diet, through and through.


Thanks

Tyler

[Elleth Faewen]

Tyler,
While there are not a lot of menus that are stamped Atkins approved, you can usually make your own atkins menu when eating out. Here are some things I look for
1) A salad

2) A side of mixed vegetables or snow peas when I can get them

3) A meat

4) I pass on the bread

5) I am at the top of the OWL ladder, so once or twice a month I get French Fries (which are the only way I eat potatoes, for others some baked potatoe or mashed potatoes would be fine). I do not eat the huge servings they give, though. I keep it small.

6) Grapes, apple slices, orange slices

When I go for fast food, I usually get something like a grilled chicken salad. A lot of restarants serve a salad as a meal with some type of meat in them.

What types of places are you eating? List the names and we can help you come up with some menus.

Megs is right about OWL making things easier. Your menu choices grow tremendously.

[easttexasdaisy]

I'm not sure where you are from, but many restaurants offer low carb menus, might look there for some options when ordering. We were art Chili's last night and I noticed their menu had a section for both low carb and low fat, with the nutritional information added. Also we were at Grandy's last week and they have a grilled chicken breast with a mushroom gravy, a small salad and green beans. Very satisfying.
You might try to decide where you are going to go eat, see if they have a menu online and give it a quick look and find what you want to eat in advance. Then when you get there it won't be so confusing.
In answer to your question about returning to your old style of eating. My brother in law lost a lost of weight on Atkins. He is currently not practising it closely, but applies a lot of the principles. Stays aways from refined sugars and white breads. Works for him and he just doesn't count anything. Again this works for him, but still that cuts out a signifigant amount of carbs. He did work though OWL though and knows his trigger foods and avoids them. A little time in OWL would probably be a big help to you.