No... you're NOT doing Atkins correctly

[adreliluc]

Re: No... you're NOT doing Atkins correctly

I'll put my hands up and say that I am sorry for being a member of the Atkins police. All I try and do is pay it forward, following my success on plan. Bearing in mind that I stuck to the diet by the letter for all of my weight loss.

Ya know, the "Atkins police" used to (kind of ) get on my nerves, but now I can't tell you how glad I am to have the "police" around.
I'm not perfect, that's for sure. I've slacked and tried tweaking (sp?) this WOE a handful of times...
It comes down to following the plan as closely as possible. If you do that it will work. The police help remind of us that by their knowledge and their continued success.
No body is perfect - not even the pro's but if we all help each other then we'll all win.

[SugarFreeSheila]

Re: No... you're NOT doing Atkins correctly

An unflattering story:

I remember before I read the book, I thought Atkins was just high-protein and that the basic goal was to add protein-rich foods to whatever was already on my menu - and to avoid the obvious bread and sugar for the most part, incorporate low-carb bars, and eat almost no vegetables. When I didn't lose an ounce, I blamed Atkins for being ineffective and unhealthy rather than my own folly.

BOY, I'm glad I went back to the program a second time and actually bothered to read the book!

[ValidRouge]

Re: No... you're NOT doing Atkins correctly

War, I am so glad you were open to hearing what "the police" (I hate that term) or the "by the bookers" or the "pros" or the "goalies" are trying to tell you. You really heard the message that was intended. I wish more folks would.

Dream, I totally agree with what you are saying!

I'd give you both more rep, if I could!!!!

[julirama723]

Re: No... you're NOT doing Atkins correctly

I love the Atkins police.

If I would have kept eating my bars and shakes and diet coke, and some softie would have said, "Oh it's ok, keep eating that, you're human" I'd still be at 265, cursing Atkins and saying it's all a crock of bull.

But instead, I got a wake up call that bars and shakes are bad news. I had members who cared enough about my success to tell me to quit the diet coke, and to show me links and articles about caffiene and what it does to some people. The Atkins police know that with many things "your mileage may vary" but it's best to assume that each dangerous food WILL stall a person. Never assume that bars are ok and coffee is ok and diet coke is ok for another person even if it's ok for you.

OK sorry to ramble. I also agree that if it works, there's nothing wrong with the occasional cup of decaf coffee, or the occasional soda, or the occasional SF chocolate. This is afterall, a lifestyle change. However, when it becomes a staple, or a daily "treat" or an addiction, it's time to stop.

I do hope that you realize I wasn't addressing my Fatkins comment to anyone here. I have a co-worker who is on Fatkins. I saw her eat 7 ounces of cheese in one sitting with a can of diet coke. She ate slim jims, peanuts and coffee for everyday of induction. Her only veggie was iceberg lettuce, and she ate perhaps one cup of it every 2 days. THAT is my definition of Fatkins.

[Lulubell]

Re: No... you're NOT doing Atkins correctly

perhaps the term "atkins police" was too strong. what i really meant (and should have written) was that the manner in which instruction/criticism comes forth is sometimes rather heavy on the judgemental side (i'm so pefect, why can't everyone else be?), although i'm sure it's not intended that way.

and quite frankly, we are talking about the difference of 1 cup of caffeinated coffee per day versus let's say... a plate of french fries or hershey bars. big difference. no one can assume that what is right for one is right for another, but there is certainly room for someone who drinks caffeinated coffee to be considered following the diet properly.

[ValidRouge]

Re: No... you're NOT doing Atkins correctly

One other thing to keep in mind. War was having some issues and asking for help, in the spirit of SUPPORT we advised him (including myself) that the coffee *may* have been part of his problem. He heeded our advise (among some grumbling at the time lol) and guess what...when he cut out the coffee, he cut out his problems.

Coffee is one of those mileage may vary types of things. It's also one of those things that IS allowed by Dr. A but he also cautions that it is a known staller and that if you encounter problems to look at the common culprits. Cheese and cream are both in that category as well.

I don't think ANYONE on this board would say that you aren't doing Atkins if you drink coffee. I wouldn't. Now, I would say that you aren't doing Atkins if you are eating fries.

In regards to the sugar free candy--that's a known problem causer as well. Maybe it works for some, but it causes BIG ISSUES in some other people and flatulence is a MINOR one of those issues. The "police" on here wouldn't say that this person isn't doing Atkins, but would caution them that sugar free junk food is STILL junk food and eating them OFTEN is a behavior that got us in the fat boat to begin with.

Just my two cents

[scarpetta]

Re: No... you're NOT doing Atkins correctly

This may be harsh but there's a reason fat people are viewed generally as being weak willed or gluttons.

I got really fat because I love fast food, sugary desserts and rum & cokes. I ate when I wasn't hungry, but because it was there. I ate the last piece before someone else could "finish it." I overate all the time and had no shame about the quantities of crap that I wolfed down without even slowing down to taste the food.

Face it. Obese people gorge on food. How else do they maintain their scale-tipping weights? I know because I'm one of them. And I am disgusted with myself.

I get tired of people on this board having a "momentary lack of judgment" or "just this once" mentality. It just reinforces the belief that fat people are gross and spineless.

When I committed to this WOE a little over 4 weeks ago, I committed that I would not eat anything off plan even if I am "starving." (Come on, are you really "starving"?) I promised I would not breakdown and eat bread or pasta or cake or cookies because it's there or convenient or delicious.

Every morning I look long and hard at my naked body and that's reinforcement enough for me to banish those niggling thoughts from my mind. I will not be a slave to food one more day.

[dream]

Re: No... you're NOT doing Atkins correctly

Excellent post, scarpetta.

Thank you!

[misplaced southerner]

Re: No... you're NOT doing Atkins correctly

well this has been an interesting thread to read for sure! i for one come to the board for advice and support...don't we all? so when i GET that advice, man i TAKE it!!! i figure that most people here have been here longer than me and "know the ropes." why not take advantage of their experience.

i see my role as a support for others if i can be that. i don't take it personally if someone is not following the plan and complaining that it does not work....sometimes people get it the first time. sometimes it takes lots of times to catch on....we as teachers know that on the average, something needs to be said or explained MANY times before we "get it."....

repeat, repeat, repeat..it does not hurt us to do that and sooner or later, it will sink in! GREAT IDEAS here...thought provoking for sure.

[WarOnTypeII]

Re: No... you're NOT doing Atkins correctly

Well I didn't come here to argue, but I will add my perspective from time to time. Different people need to hear the message differently.

To anyone who might be struggling, don't let the lack of perfection stop you from trying. That's all I'd like to say.

Other than that, I'm having a bowl of canned salmon mixed in with some Duke's Mayonaise (No sugar in it. That recommendation was from one of the cops ... lol ... so I love me some Atkins Police too)

Listening, watching, learning, and losing. That's why I'm here.

Good talk.

OUT

[misplaced southerner]

Re: No... you're NOT doing Atkins correctly

YUM!!! and agreed!
we are all in this boat together!!!
lots of paddling will get us there.

[scarpetta]

Re: No... you're NOT doing Atkins correctly

Yes, these boards are used for support. But some people use this forum as an excuse to eat off plan knowing they can come here and be absolved of their cheating sins.

[Thumper1616]

Re: No... you're NOT doing Atkins correctly

I know from my own personal experience, I don't want to be obsolved of my cheating sins, I just want to know that I'm not alone and one mess up does not mean abandon ship. I too wish I could be perfect but "Progress not perfection" is my mantra and slowly but surely I am getting "it".

[WarOnTypeII]

Re: No... you're NOT doing Atkins correctly

I don't seek absolution.
But I do seek an abs solution.


bwahahahahaha that was a good one, get it, abs ... solution.

[misplaced southerner]

Re: No... you're NOT doing Atkins correctly

you go thumper!!! 26 pounds is great! you MUST have "it!" and looks like you are doing great at the gym too! i am like the turtle for sure...slow BUT steady wins the race!