Butterfly "Winners" - Those who follow to the letter

[johnnysmom]

I've met and seen some amazing amazing success stories and nearly everyone of them have done one thing in common that I have noticed: they have followed the Atkins program to the letter. You are all so amazing!

I have a few questions directly to this particular audience. I am not trying to cut corners or stretch it a bit...I want to follow it to a "T"...but here is what I am wondering:

With the approved foods that have 0 carbs, like eggs, can they be consumed in greater quantities than identified on the daily diet --- (no laughing ) -- if the menu calls for 3 pieces of bacon and 2 scrambled eggs - both of which have 0 carbs, can I eat 5 pices of bacon and 3 scrambled eggs?

Also, coffee. I am drinking my coffee using pure whipping cream which has 0 carbs. Can I therefore, have as much as I want of this cream in my coffee?
I also use an *above average* amount of Splenda in my coffee(s). Each packet says it is "less than 1 Carb". What the heck does that mean and should I be counting those in my carb count someone ?(ouch!).

Also, I understand that coffee/caffeine increases craving for sweets, but does it have to be restricted or eliminated altogether -- meaning, does it keep you from losing weight as you should be?

If I eat a "bigger" salad - all of which is greens (lettuce only) -- than the 3 cups...is this a problem?

Finally, I drink lots of Crystal Lite in my water. The label says 0 carbs. Is this a problem?

I realize from reading your posts, that it can sometimes be the little things that keep us from losing as "we could". Am I sabotaging my success with any of the above? I think I know the answer........but have at it!

Thank you!

Nancy

[SunnySmile501]

Re: Butterfly "Winners" - Those who follow to the letter

First: Eggs have carbs--you can consume more, but just count the carbs. Splenda has carbs and there is a limit of three (3) packets or the equivalent per day. Whipping cream has carbs and there is a limit as to how much you can have per day. Crystal Lite has carbs and other bad stuff--stay away from it. Read the label.


You say you are not trying to cut corners, but it's pretty obvious you haven't read the book. All of these questions are answered in the first few chapters. There is a limit on cheese and all dairy. You have to learn to read labels. If it has less than one full carb, they can get away with calling it zero carb.

Read the book! :reading: I didn't lose 120 pounds without reading the book--many times. I have several editions and three copies of the 2002 edition. One is near my fingers at all times--even after nearly three years of this WOE. Reading the book first, and then coming to ask questions about what you are confused about is the only way to lose and keep off a lot of pounds.

I never once followed a 'menu' while losing 120 pounds. I followed the rules of induction and then the rules of climbing the carbohydrate ladder--all of which are in the book.

Sunny!

[purplecat]

Re: Butterfly "Winners" - Those who follow to the letter

When I started induction I ate 3 eggs, 3 slices bacon (my eggs have 1 carb per egg). I had to because I was so hungry the first few days. However, I've found (as you will find) that if you follow the plan, your hunger will diminish. I actually have to make myself eat now. I'm an Emotional Eater so this is major. In times before when I'd get stressed I'd eat....now I have to force myself.

I think Splenda stalls a lot of people (from what I've read). It will depend on your individual make-up. I can eat peanuts and they don't stall me but they stall a lot of others.

Dairy (heavy whipping cream) should be limited (don't have the #s on hand). I don't do much dairy due to allergies.

Bigger salad? I am not sure but I'm sure if hunger is an issue a low carb protein snack might take off the edge. Just don't go over the 20 carbs during induction.

Best of health to you!!

[johnnysmom]

Re: Butterfly "Winners" - Those who follow to the letter

First: Eggs have carbs--you can consume more, but just count the carbs. Splenda has carbs and there is a limit of three (3) packets or the equivalent per day. Whipping cream has carbs and there is a limit as to how much you can have per day. Crystal Lite has carbs and other bad stuff--stay away from it. Read the label.


You say you are not trying to cut corners, but it's pretty obvious you haven't read the book. All of these questions are answered in the first few chapters. There is a limit on cheese and all dairy. You have to learn to read labels. If it has less than one full carb, they can get away with calling it zero carb.

Read the book! :reading: I didn't lose 120 pounds without reading the book--many times. I have several editions and three copies of the 2002 edition. One is near my fingers at all times--even after nearly three years of this WOE. Reading the book first, and then coming to ask questions about what you are confused about is the only way to lose and keep off a lot of pounds.

I never once followed a 'menu' while losing 120 pounds. I followed the rules of induction and then the rules of climbing the carbohydrate ladder--all of which are in the book.

Sunny!

Thank you Sunny. I did buy the Atkins Essentials (2 week program), the Atkins Journal, and the New Diet Atkins Revolution. However, I have not read it as deeply as I should have/be. I will do that know. hanks for the kick in the buttocks ...very fat buttocks at that!

By the way, 120 pounds! WOW! You are a hero in my book. Thanks for setting me straight.

Nancy

[kate58]

Re: Butterfly "Winners" - Those who follow to the letter

With the approved foods that have 0 carbs, like eggs, can they be consumed in greater quantities than identified on the daily diet

This is in a way the hardest of your questions to answer, partly because I've never followed a menu plan at all, I just made up my own.

You basically need to keep a food diary and watch your daily intake rather than concentrating on any specific meal/food. So, lots of eggs should be fine as long as your daily numbers are ok. I'd watch the bacon though - even though you will (won't you?) be finding a brand that has NO sugar, it is salty and can cause stalling. I only eat bacon once a week or less now, I ate it more at the start, but it does cause me to retain a load of water so I cut back.

Can I therefore, have as much as I want of this cream in my coffee?

It isn't just about carbs. You are allowed 3 tablespoons of cream a day, no matter that it has 0 carbs. I'm assuming your coffee is decaff, and even decaff has some caffeine, so you should be having very little of it. 3 spoons would be a LOT of cream in a couple of cups of coffee.

Beware though, that although cream can be used as a special category food (ie not necessarily an everyday thing) Dr A points out in the book that it can stall some people and that you need to be alert to this.

I also use an *above average* amount of Splenda in my coffee(s). Each packet says it is "less than 1 Carb".

Continuing to eat large amount of sweetener will do nothing to wean you off the craving for sugar, and you'd be best to limit your use. Again carb count is not the critical thing. You are limited to 3 servings of sweetener (and this includes ALL sweeteners) a day. Each packet must be counted as one carb, no matter what it says on the packet.

Also, I understand that coffee/caffeine increases craving for sweets, but does it have to be restricted or eliminated altogether

It should certainly be drastically reduced, and eliminated is better. Some people seem to do ok while still drinking coffee, but definitely it should be limited.

If I eat a "bigger" salad - all of which is greens (lettuce only) -- than the 3 cups...is this a problem?

Lettuce is pointless - eat more nutritious veg!! On induction, you can only have 3 cups of salad veg (which includes lots of things besides lettuce that are more nutritious) OR 2 cups of salad and one of other veg. That is ALL. Yes it is important to stick to it, it's only for 2 weeks. Part of the reason is to help your body move to a different type of metabolism, but I believe that another part is to teach portion control.

Remember too that MOST of your carbs on induction must come from veg. So if all you eat is three cups of lettuce, you are only getting just over one carb from veg, so have only one other carb allowed from other sources in the day...... that's not going to be easy. So it's important to maximise the amount of carbs you get from the 3 cups by choosing carefully.

Once you move on to OWL, you add 5g of carbs from veg extra a day, which gives you pretty much leeway to eat a LOT more. That would be the equivalent of about 15 cups of lettuce - so you can certainly have your three cups then along with ots and lots of other veg.

Finally, I drink lots of Crystal Lite in my water. The label says 0 carbs. Is this a problem?

You need to count the sweetener in Crystal Lite towards your three allowed daily servings. So an occasional one may be ok, but lots is not.


The most important thing that comes out of all that is that yes, carbs are important, but you have to look at the nature of the carbs and follow the other rules as well.

[kate58]

Re: Butterfly "Winners" - Those who follow to the letter

I did buy the Atkins Essentials (2 week program), the Atkins Journal, and the New Diet Atkins Revolution.

Here's what I'd suggest.

Dump the Atkins Essentials, dump the journal (use fitday.com instead) and make sure that the copy of the Atkins New Diet Revolution you have is the 2002 copy.

Why?

Because Atkins Nutritionals is now a company whose primary concern is the sell low-carb products. Their books are marketing. 2002 is the last edition that Dr A wrote. That is the book that people here use.

Then, having done that, reads the ENTIRE book. Then read it again. Then again. Keep it close and handy at all times, and refer to it OFTEN. Keep reading it until you can practically recite passages of it off by heart. Do what it says.

[johnnysmom]

Re: Butterfly "Winners" - Those who follow to the letter

This is in a way the hardest of your questions to answer, partly because I've never followed a menu plan at all, I just made up my own.

You basically need to keep a food diary and watch your daily intake rather than concentrating on any specific meal/food. So, lots of eggs should be fine as long as your daily numbers are ok. I'd watch the bacon though - even though you will (won't you?) be finding a brand that has NO sugar, it is salty and can cause stalling. I only eat bacon once a week or less now, I ate it more at the start, but it does cause me to retain a load of water so I cut back.



It isn't just about carbs. You are allowed 3 oz of cream a day, no matter that it has 0 carbs. I'm assuming your coffee is decaff, and even decaff has some caffeine, so you should be having very little of it. 3oz would be a LOT of cream in a couple of cups of coffee.

Beware though, that although cream can be used as a special category food (ie not necessarily an everyday thing) Dr A points out in the book that it can stall some people and that you need to be alert to this.



Continuing to eat large amount of sweetener will do nothing to wean you off the craving for sugar, and you'd be best to limit your use. Again carb count is not the critical thing. You are limited to 3 servings of sweetener (and this includes ALL sweeteners) a day. Each packet must be counted as one carb, no matter what it says on the packet.



It should certainly be drastically reduced, and eliminated is better. Some people seem to do ok while still drinking coffee, but definitely it should be limited.



Lettuce is pointless - eat more nutritious veg!! On induction, you can only have 3 cups of salad veg (which includes lots of things besides lettuce that are more nutritious) and 2 cups of salad and one of other veg. That is ALL. Yes it is important to stick to it, it's only for 2 weeks. Part of the reason is to help your body move to a different type of metabolism, but I believe that another part is to teach portion control.

Remember too that MOST of your carbs on induction must come from veg. So if all you eat is three cups of lettuce, you are only getting just over one carb from veg, so have only one other carb allowed from other sources in the day...... that's not going to be easy. So it's important to maximise the amount of carbs you get from the 3 cups by choosing carefully.

Once you move on to OWL, you add 5g of carbs from veg extra a day, which gives you pretty much leeway to eat a LOT more. That would be the equivalent of about 15 cups of lettuce - so you can certainly have your three cups then along with ots and lots of other veg.



You need to count the sweetener in Crystal Lite towards your three allowed daily servings. So an occasional one may be ok, but lots is not.


The most important thing that comes out of all that is that yes, carbs are important, but you have to look at the nature of the carbs and follow the other rules as well.

Kate - what you wrote was so informative and helpful that I have just printed it out. I will consider it my mini AD guide.

Thank you again!


Nancy

[Sherri]

Re: Butterfly "Winners" - Those who follow to the letter

I've met and seen some amazing amazing success stories and nearly everyone of them have done one thing in common that I have noticed: they have followed the Atkins program to the letter. You are all so amazing!

I have a few questions directly to this particular audience. I am not trying to cut corners or stretch it a bit...I want to follow it to a "T"...but here is what I am wondering:

With the approved foods that have 0 carbs, like eggs, can they be consumed in greater quantities than identified on the daily diet --- (no laughing ) -- if the menu calls for 3 pieces of bacon and 2 scrambled eggs - both of which have 0 carbs, can I eat 5 pices of bacon and 3 scrambled eggs?
Eggs have a carb count. one egg has 0.6 grams of carbs in it. So yes, they should be counted. Watch your bacon for added sugar and nitrates.
Also, coffee. I am drinking my coffee using pure whipping cream which has 0 carbs. Can I therefore, have as much as I want of this cream in my coffee?
I also use an *above average* amount of Splenda in my coffee(s). Each packet says it is "less than 1 Carb". What the heck does that mean and should I be counting those in my carb count someone ?(ouch!).
As far as heavy whipping cream goes. You are allowed 3 Tbls. during Induction and OWL(rung 2) you're allowed a 1/2 cup of heavy cream a day. We are limited to 3 splendas a day. Page 230 DANDR. Yes, you should be counting ALL CARBS!

Also, I understand that coffee/caffeine increases craving for sweets, but does it have to be restricted or eliminated altogether -- meaning, does it keep you from losing weight as you should be?
Dr. A suggests we consume decaffeinated coffee and teas. Reason being that caffeine consumption may cause Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels), unstable blood sugar and should be avoided by those who suspect they are caffeine dependent. Everyone should avoid caffeine. Page 127 DANDR. Stay out of the Java Jungle. Page 189, DANDR.

If I eat a "bigger" salad - all of which is greens (lettuce only) -- than the 3 cups...is this a problem?
Veggies, YUMMY, On Induction you are allowed 2 cups of salad veggies (page 123 DANDR) and 1 cup of Other Veggies (page 126 DANDR) or you can just eat 3 cups of salad veggies. Try to choose veggies from the salad veggies list, for lettuce is just crisp water You want to get as many nutrients from your veggies as possible. Variety is best!

Finally, I drink lots of Crystal Lite in my water. The label says 0 carbs. Is this a problem?
Dr. A warns us to stay away from aspartame! Page 128, DANDR. Chrystal light is powdered poison!

I realize from reading your posts, that it can sometimes be the little things that keep us from losing as "we could". Am I sabotaging my success with any of the above? I think I know the answer........but have at it!

Thank you!

Nancy

Hello Nancy,
You couldn't be more right when it comes to the little things that make a BIG difference in what effects us when it comes to Atkins and our weightloss success. I'm still learning after four years of my Atkins Lifestyle. . It is a continuous learning Journey. The more knowlege you carry with you on this journey, the more successful you will be. Wishing you excellent health and lite.
Sincerely, Sherri}{
P.S. Remember, Fresh is always best and stay away from processed food ( Frankenfoods), They'll get you in trouble.

[SunnySmile501]

Re: Butterfly "Winners" - Those who follow to the letter

Thank you Sunny. I did buy the Atkins Essentials (2 week program), the Atkins Journal, and the New Diet Atkins Revolution. However, I have not read it as deeply as I should have/be. I will do that know. hanks for the kick in the buttocks ...very fat buttocks at that!

By the way, 120 pounds! WOW! You are a hero in my book. Thanks for setting me straight.

Nancy

Atkins Essentials was written after the good doctor died--it is not real Atkins. It was mostly written to push the low carb junk food that the new people that took over the company was trying to get us to eat--so they wouldn't go bankrupt. It didn't work to save them from bankruptcy and it won't work to get a lot of pounds off and improve your health. I have a copy of that book, but I just read enough of it to know I would have never lost weight by going by those rules. The best book is the 2002 edition of Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution (DANDR) but all the ones written in the 1990's are good, too. I started off following the 1999 edition and it covers most of what the 2002 edition does.

If I had followed the Essentials book, I would have never removed wheat totally from my diet and would never have known that it is the cause of my life-long asthma. Also, it is the cause of much of my stomach/intestinal problems, for which I had been treated wrongly for years. You are allowed to eat 'low carb' bread on induction. If I never lost a pound, it would be worth it to never have to use those awful asthma drugs and inhalers ever again. I hadn't been able to sing for years, now I am singing in the choir once more--solos even. How great is that???

Sunny!

[sadie147]

Re: Butterfly "Winners" - Those who follow to the letter

You've got some excellent advice here!

I just wanted to add, you do not need to follow any 'menu'. Atkins induction has lists of allowed foods and amounts (as mentioned above), you should be planning your meals from these lists, and then add additional foods when you move to OWL. You need to learn to adjust your eating for this woe, following a specified 'menu' will not allow you to do this. These menus should serve as examples only, eat what satisfies you and what you enjoy, keeping within the rules of induction/OWL.