Need Advice

[timjoestan]

I'm fairly new to the board, but I've used the forums for guidance on more than one occasion. I've come to a cross-roads of sorts, and I'm definitely in need of some advice.

Over the last 4 months, I've lost just under 50lbs on the diet. I'm still sticking to it, but obviously my weight loss has slowed over the last month to an average of 1-2 lbs per week (which is healthy). I'm about 30 lbs from my goal, and I've been working out nearly every day. I've recently gotten back into cycling, and the amount of cycling I am doing requires (at least according to most sources) a far greater amount of carbs than Atkins allows. I'm not talking about cycling around the block, I mean a 62 mile marathon type of event.

My question, I guess, is should I stay on Atkins until I hit my goal or modify my diet now for a "cycling" diet and hope that the amount of exercise I'm getting will offset any possible weight gain from extra carbs? I've read that Atkins is horrible for serious exercise and endurance because the body needs even more carbs to burn for fuel, and that it isn't meant for seriously active people. Any truth to any of this? I'll take any advice I can get. Thanks!

[Elsie150]

Re: Need Advice

Okay...I am no health expert so will be checking up to see what others are saying. First of all...weigh to go on the weight lost!!

I would stick to the plan and start climbing the rungs (if you haven't already) and adding the carbs as directed. That is what OWL teaches us. Then premaintence even more. I think there you will be adding carbs until your weight loss stops and then going back down in the carbs until you reach goal. But you are lossing 1-2 pounds a week...which...like you said is a healthy amount. Your last 10% should come off very slowly.

Good luck!

[Elizellen]

Re: Need Advice

I dont think there is any truth to that as I am sure I have read that on lowcarb the body adapts to use the fuel we give it instead of carbs, but I am not a heavy exerciser.

We do have many members who are though, and they tend to congregate in the Exercise forum.

Perhaps if you also pose your question there
Exercise - Atkins Diet
some of them will be able to give you a more educated response with perhaps some references of scientific value to help you.

[timjoestan]

Re: Need Advice

I have been slowly climbing the rungs. I'm on OWL rung 3 right now, just don't feel like I'm getting enough carbs to fuel my body for the intense workouts I'm getting.

[sadie147]

Re: Need Advice

If your still losing then definately keep adding your owl carbs, I only run 3/4 times a week 3 or so miles at a time, and I can eat 100gs a day. ..maybe you could eat the bulk of your days carbs before your bike rides. I do agree with Elizellen, try posting inthe exercise forum. We have a couple of marathon runners in there that will probably have some suggestions. .