Dating and Atkins

[philliha]

Alright all you single guys and gals, or those who've been there before, how do you handle dating while eating low carb? I'm getting back into the dating scene and this is something that makes me pretty nervous.

Do you let the guy know that you're on Atkins when he wants to go to dinner at Olive Garden? Do you simply claim to eat no sugar/no flour? How soon into the dating process do you tell about your WOL?

[UrbanShaman]

Re: Dating and Atkins

Oooh, just encountered this situation this weekend. I went with the " I gave up refined sugar and flour." My date was more than okay with discussing what would be a suitable place to eat. Really, if you're eating out, there's going to be a few hidden carbs and we just have to minimize the damage so i suggested Black Angusn which worked out because they have that great 2for deal anyway. I'm not quite ready to trumpet to the world that I'm on Atkins but he accepted my explanation readily enough and we went from there.

I think most dates, guys or girls, will respect that you are trying to be healthier, and if they throw a fit over dietary restrictions on the first date, that kinda says a lot about how they'll be in the future.

Think of your WOE as a screen for bad carbs, and a screen for intolerant people. Who knew Atkins would help our love lives?

[philliha]

Re: Dating and Atkins

Haha very true, I guess it's just that I know that I would have thought it was kind of a weird thing not too long go--I loved my pasta! I also know that some of my friends think I'm a little crazy for doing this, although they can't deny the results. But it's great to know that you've done it and it was fine, hopefully I'll have the same experience.

[presidentholmes]

Re: Dating and Atkins

Just say carbs dont agree with you, they make u sleepy.
As soon as you say your on Atkins to anyone, everyone has an opinion and is an authority on the subject!!!

[SugarFreeSheila]

Re: Dating and Atkins

Put the shoe on the other foot. Do you question your first dates' food choices if he were to order his meal with "no-this" and/or "extra-that"? Do you even pay it any mind to begin with?

No need to justify your preference to order food prepared without sugar or starch/with extra veggies unless the person you are eating with is honestly curious. Then by all means, spread useful information! But the way you eat should not be an issue - and if others judge you or like you less or are put off by the fact that you are not a carbon copy of themselves ........... who cares? Approval-seeking is for the birds, and one cannot lead from a crowd anyway!

[IrishSarahHB]

Re: Dating and Atkins

Thats a tricky one .. i wouldnt want to seem like i have a bunch of food issues or that im worried about my appearance .. i like to appear confidant especially on a first date .. i would suggest somewhere that has steaks .. or burgers and then not eat the bun .. if he says something simply say oh no bun for me and move on .. i think if you make a big deal about it .its gonna seem and feel like a big deal .. but if you just act casual about it he / she will hardly notice .. and if they do , and dont like it .. screw em ;-) you dont want someone like that anyway ..

Remember the date should be about you two hanging out or getting to know each other .. not about each others dietary needs ...

[Bulldawg]

Re: Dating and Atkins

I've just sworn off dating for the next 6 months or better, lol. I want to stay focused on my health. Hmmm....dating? Health?? Is there a correlation here?? LOLOL

[spazzyhilo]

Re: Dating and Atkins

I've always been an outgoing person and I have absolutely no tact whatsoever so my advice may not be...the best..

I just do what I want (including ordering my cheeseburger without the bun or steak without the potato) and if they ask I'll tell. They don't like it, tough. It's my body and I know now how it reacts to bad carbs. They wanna tell me I'll die I'll say yes, but not because of my eating habits. If they are ok with it, well thats the kind of person I wanna spend more time with

[Mirya]

Re: Dating and Atkins

They don't need to know necissarily that your on a diet persay but yes I would just simply state that there are things you will not eat and being around pasta is too much of a temptation. NOW Olive Garden does have things you can eat but not much. If the guy/gal asks why you don't eat that stuff choose whether you want them to know that much. Personally if the person I am dating isn't supportive/contradicts/belittles/intentionally tempts/teases you about trying to live a healthy lifestyle. GUESS where she/he would be with me?..... at the freaking curb.

[Adena]

Re: Dating and Atkins

For a first date, I think it's a pretty acceptable thing to say that you've "given up the white stuff, so I'd rather not go Italian, but most anything else would be fine" (though it is true that even pasta places have some legal options). Most people applaud that and not a single person tries to convince you otherwise. Yet if you say you are on Atkins, which is virtually the same thing, you often get flack. Amazing.

Good luck jumping back into the dating scene!

[APanthesilia]

Re: Dating and Atkins

I tend to just say something like "They do really good spinach here" as an explanation for substituting my potatoes. Or "The salad looks really good!". I try to not make it about what I can and can't eat as my WOL but just try to make it about what I want to eat for that particular meal.