Can anyone explain "I cheated and then I lost lbs!"

[camera]

I know I've read many posts across the internet on various Atkins and other LC forums of people saying cheating has helped them lose weight.
Example - "I had a plate of spaghetti and two bagels this weekend and Monday I was down 6 lbs!"

How does that work? And why?
I know it's not TRUE loss, I've read that much, but does the spike in carbs/sugar really change your metabolism that quick to the point you burn more or drop water weight?

There are people in my office now doing LC because it's "trendy" - they're doing it all wrong (I just keep my mouth shut because I don't want to cause trouble) - cheating on the weekends to kick start their stall/plateau.

What's up with this?
I'm stalled right now, and last I checked, I in fact gained a few pounds. If cheating kick starts a stall, what about just upping my carbs with legal foods, properly and REALLY FINALLY starting OWL? Would that work?

[ttdriver]

Hi,

First of all, let me say that I never encourage people to cheat ... and expect to lose weight. Why you can eat more and lose is an easy question to answer ...

Typically on most 'diets', people eat too few calories (below their basal metabolic rate) and so the body goes into what is known as 'starvation mode' and clings to every pound for fear you are trying to starve it. When you increase your calories above your BMR, but below your active metabolic rate (AMR) which factors in your daily activities and exercise, then you can expect your body to 'let go of the weight' and thus you end up losing.

You simply MUST follow all 4 phases of Atkins in order to be successful. Yes, by adding in more carbs (legal of course) on OWL, you will actually kickstart your weight loss. Sounds incredible, but have faith in the plan and the genius behind it!!

You can easily determine your BMR and AMR by visiting www.countcarbs.com and using their links tool. Enter your information and it will calculate your rates for you.

While Atkins stresses limiting and counting carbs, also be aware that counting calories will also help you in your weight loss journey. Alot of people think calories don't count, but I can assure you that they do. Too many is as bad as too few .. you must find the amount YOUR body needs and use that information to help you lose the weight and keep it off permanently!

Good luck!

Betty

[love2beeamom]

I know for myself, when I had done induction for almost 6 months, I did not stall, but slowed quite a bit. I moved on to OWL and upped my carbs just a bit, and the scales started moving for me like they had in the beginning. It is definitely worth a try!

[penelope]

I moved into OWL last week and noticed an increased loss. You should give it a try.

[CrystalBaller]

I can't explain how I've been dieting to the T Monday-Friday and cheating moderately bad on a Saturday OR Sunday and then starting back up as the wk goes on.

Cheating moderately bad = Beer, Chips, Chocolate Peanut Butter Easter Eggs, etc.

237 March 1st to 216.5 April 1st.

WEIRD -- I don't recommend it though.

[2big4mysize]

there are many low carb plans out there and some have a cheat day or a cheat meal Dr Atkins doesn't have that and if you want to do Atkins then you don't have cheat weekends nor days nor meals it is that simple. those that aren't doing Atkins are ask to use the low carb board for discussing their plans as this is an Atkins board.


There is no way to know if the poperson would have lost the weight had they not cheated either. SOmwe folk feel so guilty after they cheat they don't eat *** much for the remaining meals and then sort of just forget about that part and say I cheated and lost! Dr Atkins says very clearly in chapter 11 Q and A if your total cals in are less then your total cals out from all sources you will lose weight so examine their total cheat in and out and see.

There are also other mass change factors that effect scale weight like a fliud release from drinking alcohol during a cheat that will show up as scale weight loss even though no fat loss occurred.

Dr Atkins in the early days advocated cheats for stall breaking but it came with a warning that we would lose all the health benifites of Atkins during that time period and it might be hard to get back to doing Atkins again. He has since removed that advice drom hois program as too many folk didn't get back and regained their lost weight. Playing with that slippery slope as Jo calls it is not something I'd avise anyone to attemt.

[camera]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I'm looking for why the people I know that claim to be doing Atkins "cheat" often and swear that cheating is causing them to lose.

Ugh. Being around that has really got me unmotivated. I can't seem to lose any weight and for some reason, according to my tape measurer, I have not lost any inches anywhere in over 5 weeks. Hmm.
I'm really discouraged and tired and blah.
I started OWL rung1 this Sunday. We'll see how this goes.

[2big4mysize]

good for you moving to OWL.

remember to read the stickies in the OWL forum so you understand what you7 are supposed to be doing as it gets a little confusing in the book witrh everything all spaced out. fats with all carbs is a very omportantconcept for Atkins OWL blood sugar controls. And remember when you add those 5 net carbs of those induction veggies to your 3 cups already you will be satisfying your hunger with slightly less other foods eatten not adding them ontop of what you already eat