Expert Opinions on a Newbie's Menu

[Fro]

Hi guys. I hope it's acceptable for me to ask for opinions on my menu on a second post

I have been on Atkins since early December and have not lost too much weight. I did have a "Christmas break" from the diet for a week - but even in the 3 weeks proceeding the "break", I didn't lose that much. So here's my menu I have each day.

As I mentioned in my other post, please forgive me if forget to post things "non-metrically" - I am an Aussie

Breakfast -:
3 pieces of rindless Bacon and 3 Eggs (free range if it matters)

Lunch -:
A steak with 2-3 slices of cheddar cheese (each slice is 21g/0.71oz)
or
Half a roast chicken

Dinner -:
A steak with 2-3 slices of cheddar cheese
A large bowl of Diet Jelly (aka Jello) (with Sweetners 952 and 954 - I believe 953 is the nasty one?)

For snacks I have been eating Atkins bars and/or shakes.

Please dont tell me I can't eat my jelly - its one of the few things I enjoy eating Also can anyone recommend a soft drink/soda I can have - that might be available in Australia?

Thanking you in advance Any opinions or comments are welcome

[OzLover]

Re: Expert Opinions on a Newbie's Menu

Welcome to ADBB Fro!

The first thing I notice is there are NO veggies in your menu. We are to eat 3 cups from the salad veggie list or 2 cups from the salad veggie list and 1 cup from the other veggie list. Are you drinking any water? Are you getting any exercise? I must ask if you have read Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution~~a vital tool in this way of eating. I know you don't want to hear this but sugar free jello is a know staller. Here is a link to foods you can eat on Induction & a link with tips for Newbies! Good luck on your journey!

http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...induction.html

http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...lent-tips.html

[liv]

Re: Expert Opinions on a Newbie's Menu

Another staller are those Atkins products - the shakes and bars. I would definitely cut them out right away and add some veggies, vitamins and plenty of water. (You did not tell us what you were drinking)

[firegem]

Re: Expert Opinions on a Newbie's Menu

It looks like you might be going over the daily limit on your cheese. And the Atkins bars and shakes are known to stall people sometimes.

[liv]

Re: Expert Opinions on a Newbie's Menu

Good point on the cheese. 3-4 oz is the limit. 4 ounces is about 113 grams.

[Fro]

Re: Expert Opinions on a Newbie's Menu

Thank all for your valuable advice and opinions

I already have Dr Atkins' book "New Diet Revolution" - which I have tried to base my menu on.

Hmm - I took the vegetables to be an "option" by this statement in the book..

You can eat approximately three cups - loosely packed - of salad, or two cups of salad plus one cup of other vegetables

It appears, however, I am wrong This something I will fix.

A few other points -:

I generally do eat only 4 pieces of cheese a day (making about 2.8oz). Is it better to have less cheese - or not to have it all?

Apololgies for not mentioning water. Yes I do drink the required water - even more so (Thank God for that water cooler at work).

Something else I did not mention is that I had been eating a tablespoon of psyllium husks as well.

Are the Atkins bars and shakes not suitable for Induction? I am sort of glad I guess - some of them cost AUD$4 each here!

Re: Jello. I thought I was fine with this one because it doesnt have Sweetner 953?

Thanking you all again - I'll get on the right path yet

[liv]

Re: Expert Opinions on a Newbie's Menu

Veggies are not optional. They are the building blocks for you new and healthy life. So start eating them
Great that you are doing lots of water and the psyllium is fine too.
951 is aspertame that you try to avoid. isomalt 952 is a sugar alcohol and some people may absorb the carbs on it. I would be careful - especially if I was not losing this would be something I would reduce my intake off.
The bars and shakes contain items we should not eat on inductions such as soy. And they are full of sweeteners. So that means you are really overdoing sweeteners. I would start by cutting those eat and go with as much whole food as possible.

[Fro]

Re: Expert Opinions on a Newbie's Menu

Liv - thanks for your reply. I will start on getting vegetables straight away. I guess I took the book the wrong way

Yes I have my sweetners mixed up there. And the jello I am having does have 952. I might cease the bars straight away and see how that goes for a week or two.

Thanks again - any further comments or opinions are appreciated

[Jeremy]

Re: Expert Opinions on a Newbie's Menu

Hi, you sound like you are doing the "meat and cheese" diet which you will burn out on fast! If you have a grill Kabobs with red, yellow, and or red peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms is a great way to add some amazing vegetables. I also think Taco Salad is a good thing since you can have the meat, cheese, sour cream, and a little salsa (check the labels to find the best one) to go on top. Just omit the chips or shell. Once it is all mixed up with crispy lettuce, you wont know the chips are missing.

Also, is the cheese you are using actual cheese or cheese product? I think that may make a big difference.

Congrats on sticking with it, despite the holiday lapse. From what I have been reading, that is hard to do.

Hope things get better with the tips you have gotten from the experts. Good luck!