I'm 14 and weigh about 260lbs.

[cassidy911]

I'm home schooled and wanting to return to school next year in September or October...

Can I lose 80lbs by then?
I know low carb is a life long eating habit, and I'm committing to it.

Is it possible, especially since I'm so young?

[atkinsgal08]

Re: I'm 14 and weigh about 260lbs.

You shouldn't be doing any of the weight loss phases of Atkins without the knowledge and supervision of your pediatrician.

You should also discuss this with your parents ...

[ziggy]

Re: I'm 14 and weigh about 260lbs.

you can eat atkins like just make sure you know how to do it properly and get your parents to help you

http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-low-carb-dieting-faqs/6781-what-foods-can-eaten-induction.html

http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-diet-14-day-induction/77558-atkins-diet-induction-faqs.html

hope these links help

[cassidy911]

Re: I'm 14 and weigh about 260lbs.

You shouldn't be doing any of the weight loss phases of Atkins without the knowledge and supervision of your pediatrician.

You should also discuss this with your parents ...

I've already spoken to my parent's about it, my mom's fine with it.
She's making sure that I'm eating correctly.

[atkinsgal08]

Re: I'm 14 and weigh about 260lbs.

You still shouldn't be doing any of the weight loss phases since you're under 18 ... it's not really safe ... your brain and the rest of your body have different nutritional needs.

[atkinsgal08]

Re: I'm 14 and weigh about 260lbs.

Of course, that doesn't mean you should be eating junk food ... there's lots of things you could do to clean up your eating ... and you should be discussing this with your parents.

Controlling your carbs (as with Atkins Induction and OWL) should ONLY be done under medical supervision.

One thing that your mom can do for you is to wean you off sugar. That means no bread, bagels, pasta, crackers, potato chips, pretzels, soda, fruit juice or any food not in its natural state. Instead, she should offer you nuts, cheese, fruit, and other healthy snacks.

And don't drink diet soda or Crystal Light.

Drink water.

[cassidy911]

Re: I'm 14 and weigh about 260lbs.

Of course, that doesn't mean you should be eating junk food ... there's lots of things you could do to clean up your eating ... and you should be discussing this with your parents.

Controlling your carbs (as with Atkins Induction and OWL) should ONLY be done under medical supervision.

One thing that your mom can do for you is to wean you off sugar. That means no bread, bagels, pasta, crackers, potato chips, pretzels, soda, fruit juice or any food not in its natural state. Instead, she should offer you nuts, cheese, fruit, and other healthy snacks.

And don't drink diet soda or Crystal Light.

Drink water.

I've gave up all junk food, and I will continue to do so after my weight is off I'm drinking plenty of water and I've been walking 5-6miles a day. Woo!

And your saying I can have my weight off by September or October??

[mizski]

Re: I'm 14 and weigh about 260lbs.

Hi Cassidy! Atkins is designed for adults and their nutritional needs. Here is a some info from one of our moderators, Georgiana, that explains it very well:

The Atkins Diet was designed for adults, not for children and teens. It is true that when Dr. Atkins was alive, the Atkins Center was treating children and teenagers as well. However, the diet used for them, although based on the principles of Atkins, was adjusted to the higher nutritional requirements children and teens have.

There is a book, "Feed Your Kids Well", which explains this children- and teen-oriented diet that was used at the Atkins Center. The book is written by Dr. Fred Pescatore, who was the Associate Medical Director of the Atkins Center. It is the principles in this book teens should follow, as diets designed for adults often do not work or have negative effects on children/teen health.

There are a lot of helpful threads in the Atkins for Teens forum and this thread has a lot of helpful info to help you get started. I suggest picking up a copy of Dr. Pescatore's book as well. No one can say how much weight you can lose (in a healthy way) and how fast but you can certainly be headed in the right direction and re-gaining control of your health which is so very important for a young person.

Wishing you success!

[atkinsgal08]

Re: I'm 14 and weigh about 260lbs.

>>your saying I can have my weight off by September or October??>>

Not likely.

[cassidy911]

Re: I'm 14 and weigh about 260lbs.

>>your saying I can have my weight off by September or October??>>

Not likely.

Thank's for the info..
You couldn've been more positive about it..

[atkinsgal08]

Re: I'm 14 and weigh about 260lbs.

Reality is what it is.

[mitzimarie]

Re: I'm 14 and weigh about 260lbs.

I've gave up all junk food, and I will continue to do so after my weight is off I'm drinking plenty of water and I've been walking 5-6miles a day. Woo!

Welcome, Cassidy!

First, I would like to say WELL DONE on the water and walking! I am mother to a 14 year old boy, who could stand to lose some weight. Trouble is... he is not interested in doing things like increasing his water intake or eating more healthily. He isn't interested in exercise other than riding his bike with his friends. So I am super impressed with your effort, and the fact that you understand that you need to stay away from junk food after you reach your goal.

And your saying I can have my weight off by September or October??

Unfotunately, there is no way to predict a person's rate of loss. Each of us is quite unique in how we release the pounds. HEAR THIS, though - just because you may not be at goal by that time, do NOT let this discourage you from turning your life around now. I can guarantee you, that although you may not have lost all of the weight you want to by then, you will be well on your way. You will look better, you will feel better, and you will be on your way to being the healthiest adult you can be!

I wish that I had been able to commit to becoming healthy at your age. I sincerely believe that my life would have turned out a lot different than it did. I'm proud of you for taking the bull by the horns!

OK - just a reminder: You should not follow the weight loss phases of Atkins for adults to lose weight! Just eliminate the processed foods that J mentioned above. Eat plenty of nuts, vegetables, and fruits, and cut out the junk. Continue with your water and walking, and you will succeed!

Best wishes to you.

[mitzimarie]

Re: I'm 14 and weigh about 260lbs.

I've already spoken to my parent's about it, my mom's fine with it.
She's making sure that I'm eating correctly.

Cassidy, I forgot to mention that I think it is great that you discussed this with your parents, and that your mom is helping you.

[Peytonn]

Re: I'm 14 and weigh about 260lbs.

cassidy... welcome... and I hope this works for you... even if you skip to the higher rungs to get more varied food groups... or whatever it is that's recommended for teens...

GOOD FOR YOU that you're feeling empowered about taking control of your own fitness/health/weight...

5 or 6 miles! that's great... I wish I was up to that now...

as for the 80 pounds.... eh.. it doesn't matter if you do it by september... what matters is that you know if that's the goal you set for yourself.. you can do it... just eat right.... stay strong... and know it's for the long haul.. for life.. YOUR life.. not just to get set for new friends (although that's a cool goal... it should be about when you're 18, 20, or like me... 54!

take care!

[poobears1972]

Re: I'm 14 and weigh about 260lbs.

Hi Cassidy,

As a mom to 6 I would like to say I think it is awesome that you are taking your health into your hands (with Moms help of course). Parents can only do so much, it's up to the child to put the work in and make the commitment. Sounds like you are willing to do that. It is possible to get the weight off by then since it's still quite a ways away but it's possible you may not either. Thing is with exercise and eating less processed foods your body will look different than it did before.

For example at 250lbs you may look more like you did at 225lbs. It's hard to explain but your body loses differently when you are doing a low carb diet and you can see major changes in your body even when you only see minor changes in on your scale.

Have Mom order the book mentioned above so you can do the Atkins diet properly for your age and keep us updated on your progress. It won't always be easy but I promise it will be worth it.