Why cheating can't really be an option... at least for me.

[Papa Deuce]

My wife and I stopped over a friend of ours home... He and his wife are Indian. We were expecting to just stay about 20 minutes or so, but they made a really big deal about having us stay for dinner, as we don't see them often. Plus the wife was already cooking a huge amount of Indian food for an event today.

So, we stayed. I didn't wan't to because I knew I would cheat, and that there would not be lots of Atkins friendly options, or, even if there was, I wouldn't know how to tell, as I wouldn't know all of the ingredients.

So, I decided "What the heck, it is just one meal, and tomorrow I can get right back on plan"..... and, in fact I am right back on plan. BTW, my wife and I LOVE Indian food, and this woman can cook up some great meals!

But let me tell you that "I" can't cheat.

Within 2 hours of getting home, my body TOTALLY revolted.... like almost an unimaginable amount.... I spent most of the night, and most of this morning in the bathroom. Not vomiting, but going to the bathroom. Like every 20 minutes.... and I am sure it wasn't the food istelf being bad, as my wife had the same foods I did and she is fine.

Plus, according to my scale, I gained 5 pounds overnight, which I don't see how that is possible, but that is what it shows.

So, I learned my lesson..... "I" can't cheat. It isn't worth the agony.

BTW, that was my first misstep, really, since January 2nd, when I started Atkins.

[Elizellen]

Re: Why cheating can't really be an option... at least for me.

Wow - that certainly is an incentive to stay on plan

I hope you are feeling better today

[tfek70]

Re: Why cheating can't really be an option... at least for me.

Here you go Chuck:

http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/main-atkins-diet-forum/68543-effects-cheating.html#post1013554

I'm sure you'll bounce back just fine. It might even jumpstart you. I've had cheat meals help me get moving again when I was stuck at a certain weight.

T. J.

[Lyssie]

Re: Why cheating can't really be an option... at least for me.

I also gain the immediate 5lbs. I *literally* pass out asleep if I eat too many carbs and am usually either nauseous or starving when I wake up.

Good to know it's not just me!

[Papa Deuce]

Re: Why cheating can't really be an option... at least for me.

Here you go Chuck:

http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/main-atkins-diet-forum/68543-effects-cheating.html#post1013554

I'm sure you'll bounce back just fine. It might even jumpstart you. I've had cheat meals help me get moving again when I was stuck at a certain weight.

T. J.

Thanks, T. J. That graph and story are very useful. Now just tell me why my body revolted so much!

[tfek70]

Re: Why cheating can't really be an option... at least for me.

It's water, you'll be fine unless you went crazy with the curry. I think I'll write a low carb curry recipe, sounds good.

[sallyseachange]

Re: Why cheating can't really be an option... at least for me.

Sorry to hear you had such a dramatic result to your "deviation" from plan... but, look on the bright side: It'll serve as great motivation to stay on track!

Hope you feel much better very soon!

[lawyerchick]

Re: Why cheating can't really be an option... at least for me.

I can't explain the reaction of the body to "purge" carbs after you haven't eaten them for awhile, but I do the same thing. The advantage, of course, is that it helps encourage you NOT to cheat. Who wants to be up sick all night? I also *immediately* know if there's any hidden sugar in foods I eat!

Indian food doesn't have to be a big cheat, though. Unlike Chinese food, there don't tend to be sugar-based sauces. Tandoori chicken is completely safe. So is saag paneer, or tikka saag. Chicken or lamb vindaloo are fine. In OWL, chicken tikka masala is fine. And many many others. There's a fabulous dish that's just chicken, garlic, and butter, that I can't remember the name of. Instead of rice or naan, layer over cauliflower or cauliflower rice. Lots and lots of yummy options.

[lisau39]

Re: Why cheating can't really be an option... at least for me.

OMG! Cheating did all that?! I so believe it because I, the sugar addict, made lo-carb brownies, ate 2 and had a headache for a day and a half. I think a lot was in my mind but I think some was the choc I was not to have too! But, I knew best! It was lo carb!
Gosh, all the stuff I tell myself sometimes.
Thanks for sharing Chuck and TJ. I get sooooo much from you all.
You guys rock!

(((lisa)))

[Papa Deuce]

Re: Why cheating can't really be an option... at least for me.

believe it or not, I think I am just now, fully over that one meal.

I am headed to Las Veas next Sunday. Since day 1 I had planned to have 2 cheat meals while there - 1 at each of my 2 favorite restaurants. This experience has changed my feelings..... No cheating for me.... I sure hope I can figure out what I can eat at "Lotus of Siam".....

Menu:

http://www.saipinchutima.com/northern_menu.htm

I am leaning towards this one, with no rice:

H. Nam-Prik-Noom (Green Chili Dip) 9.95
Roasted green chili, garlic, onion and tomato pounded in mortar. One of the most popular and spicy dips of Northern Thailand , eaten with sticky rice, fried pork skin and fresh vegetables. (Medium Spicy and up)

[lisau39]

Re: Why cheating can't really be an option... at least for me.

You are aware of your body's turmoil when you cheat, having lived it first hand. I have NO doubt in my mind that you will be fine. You know what you have to do and that will keep you strong. You are a very strong person and you have given me much inner strength. Let your inner strength guide you. YOU CAN DO IT CHUCK!!

(((lisa)))

[Papa Deuce]

Re: Why cheating can't really be an option... at least for me.

In an effort to discourage cheating, let me tell you, I have only lost ONE POUND of those 5 pounds I gained overnight. One single pound.

[ThinSoon]

Re: Why cheating can't really be an option... at least for me.

Thanks for sharing your story! I have been off plan for sometime because I thought one meal wouldn't hurt me... It's a rough road!

Thanks and have a great time in Vegas!!!

Tracey

[goin2befit]

Re: Why cheating can't really be an option... at least for me.

I hear you.... Indian food has done it to me before as well... SALT!!! In most dishes there is alot of salt. I am really sensitive to it in the sense that I will hold the water. Of course rice, some of the bean dips and sauces will increase your carb count. Another thing is sometimes there is not enough protein/fat to balance the carbs. But if I had my guess... SALT... when doing Atkins I realize that unless you eat pork often your sodium is low... of course not sodium free... For me I always know if it is sodium b/c I swell in my fingers and feel "puffed"... If it is then drink extra water for the next few days and by about day 4 or 5 you should be back down. Also as for the bathroom, sometimes the spices in Indian food can upset a "clean" stomach...

As for Me... Well Papa John's was my enemy last night. I had been craving pizza for a while and finally gave in yesterday after noon. The girls and I had it for lunch, well within 1 hour I was literally about to pass out. Thanks God it was their nap time. I tried to lay down but the naseau and dizziness wouldn't let me relax. I just couldn't handle it... Finally after about 3 hours I was able to stand up and move around. Horrible Horrible experience.

[Tanyaskees]

Re: Why cheating can't really be an option... at least for me.

I can't explain the reaction of the body to "purge" carbs after you haven't eaten them for awhile, but I do the same thing. The advantage, of course, is that it helps encourage you NOT to cheat. Who wants to be up sick all night? I also *immediately* know if there's any hidden sugar in foods I eat!

Indian food doesn't have to be a big cheat, though. Unlike Chinese food, there don't tend to be sugar-based sauces. Tandoori chicken is completely safe. So is saag paneer, or tikka saag. Chicken or lamb vindaloo are fine. In OWL, chicken tikka masala is fine. And many many others. There's a fabulous dish that's just chicken, garlic, and butter, that I can't remember the name of. Instead of rice or naan, layer over cauliflower or cauliflower rice. Lots and lots of yummy options.

Thanks for this, I love indian food and we have it every weekend. Now I know what I can and can't have. Always skip the rice and naan.