2008 Read The Book Challenge

[OzLover]

Re: 2008 Read The Book Challenge

I love this challenge as it really gives us all an opportunity to know one another on a much deeper level.

Great work thus far. Thanks Jo for doing this!

[dglilbit]

Re: 2008 Read The Book Challenge

Week One:
1. Considering the Phase you are doing, post the #1 reason you want to lose weight OR the reason you continue to do Atkins.
I want to feel and look good, stabilize my blood sugar so that my hypoglycemia doesn't control my life and ultimately lead to worse health problems, have optimum health and learn fully a healthy lifestyle so that I can teach my family, friends and future children about it.

2. Read ALL the TIPS and KEY POINTS in chapters 1 - 9. Post the TIPS and/or KEY POINTS from chapters 1 -9 that are most useful to you.

Chapter 1. The typical American style of eating is grossly mismatched to the normal human metabolism. I fully agree with this and want to do my part in changing the American style of eating with myself and then with others! Studies consistently show that sugar, refined white flour and junk foods are bad for your health, your energy level, your mental state and your figure. I feel this is the key to preventative health.

Chapter 2. By drastically increasing the intake of carbohydrate, the American diet has changed dramatically in the past sixty years. This really speaks to me about the importance of monitoring carbs and how much healthier Atkins is.

Chapter 3. How You'll Succeed: [This program] is going to literally change your life-and your perception of yourself. Just in the 2 months when I've really made an effort to learn this program, I feel my perception of myself and how much better I know my body has changed postively.

Chapter 4. Eating large amounts of foods high in sugar, white flower and other refined carbohydrates can promote or aggravate hyperinsulinism. I've seen this in myself since I was a teenager.

Chapter 5. Excessive carbohydrate intake results in an oversupply of glucose, and thus insulin, in the body. This chapter is great in explaining the science behind blood sugar and insulin response!

Chapter 6. When you dissolve fat, it breaks down into glycerol and other fatty acids, which in turn break down into by-products called ketones. When this happens you are enjoying a state called ketosis. It makes so much sense and really explains why ketone sticks can work.

Chapter 7. Numerous studies have reinforced the metabolic advantage of burning fat for energy. More data to back up this healthy way of eating.

Chapter 8. All carbohydrates are not created equal. This is a key point I've learned with this WOL.

Chapter 9. Fallacy #4: The Atkins Nutritional Approach is unbalanced and deficient in basic nutrition. This is laughable considering what most people have no idea of the poor nutrition they consume during the SAD.

[Misnagid]

Re: 2008 Read The Book Challenge

Week One:
1. Considering the Phase you are doing, post the #1 reason you want to lose weight OR the reason you continue to do Atkins.
I have committed myself to this WOE because it's the only way I can lose weight and because it's the only way I can get my longterm case of thrush under control. The main reason I want to lose weight is because of my abysmal energy level and worries about my health as well as the realization that I'm not getting any younger, it's only going to get harder the older I get and that now is my best opportunity to do this. All of the rest of looking better, being able to find clothes that fit for less money, etc. is just gravy compared to the benefit of having a lot more energy and being healthier.

I'll have to do Question 2, tomorrow.

[liv]

Re: 2008 Read The Book Challenge

Week One:
1. Considering the Phase you are doing, post the #1 reason you want to lose weight OR the reason you continue to do Atkins.
Right now I am doing phase two - ongoing weightloss. I wanted to lose weight because I was over weight, getting out of shape and did not like the way I looked. Size 18 was a bit too much to swallow. Now in OWL I want to get to my goal. Although I am close and feeling fine here. I think it would be an accomplishment for me to reach the goal I originally set.


2. Read ALL the TIPS and KEY POINTS in chapters 1 - 9. Post the TIPS and/or KEY POINTS from chapters 1 -9 that are most useful to you.
Right now I am working with trying to see what foods I can or cannot eat both for weightloss and for when I reach maintenance. So
In Chapter 8:
Choosing foods that are low in carbs grams, have a low glycemic index value and are high in antioxidants is your passport to weight loss, increased engery and improved health. (I think I may try Cherries or plums
next - and remember to eat some garlic more regularly)

From Chapter 8 pg 89 (because I am about to try some starchy veggies are my next rung)
When you eat highter -carbs vegetables, such as yams or winter sqash, do so along with proteins and fats.

From Chapter 7 (because it is too easy to get sloppy and carb binge)
Spread your carbohydrate intake throughout the day to avoid blood-sugar spikes.

From Chapter 4 (and I need to remember this -since my variety is highter on OWL it is pretty easy to grab a carb snack and forget how important protein always is)
Don't ever go more than hours without having a meal or a high protein snack.

[jimmie 48]

Re: 2008 Read The Book Challenge

it's great to wake up, get online to get charting done and see that a few more challengers have done some work. y'all are really doing great!
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todays assignment is basically putting your nose in the book. you've got a couple days to finish this since you'll be reading chapter 10. no assignment will be posted on tuesday.

Assigment week one continued:
3. Read chapter 10 and answer the following question. In relationship to doing Atkins, when are you suppose to start exercising ?
4. Not actually stated but referrenced in chapter 10, what are the 3 particular points of the Atkins Triad aka: the "three legged stool"? Which of these 3 key points gives you the most 'problem' and why?
5. Concerning "Convenience Foods", particularly the Atkins bars and shakes, what does the book say. What has been the experience for most ADBB members concerning "convenience foods"?
6. Concerning chapter 10, is there anything you are unclear of and need/want to discuss or any point you would like to make a statement about?

[Misnagid]

Re: 2008 Read The Book Challenge


2. Read ALL the TIPS and KEY POINTS in chapters 1 - 9. Post the TIPS and/or KEY POINTS from chapters 1 -9 that are most useful to you.

Chapter 1: Studies consistently show that sugar, refined white flour and junk foods are bad for your health, your energy level, your mental state and your figure. Which is why I need to permanently stop eating these things.

Chapter2: By drastically increasing the intake of carbohydrate, the American diet has changed dramatically in the past 60 years. Which is another reason to stop eating this way. The more carbs we eat, the fatter and unhealthier we get.
Chapter 3: ...the critical factor is not how much you eat, but what you eat. And if you're overweight, the what is likely an excess of carbohydrates.

Chapter 4: The protein-and fat-rich foods you eat when doing Atkins stabilize your blood sugar, making food cravings disappear. This is also very helpful for dealing with mood swings and other emotional issues that make it easier to resist food cravings by keeping blood sugar levels stable.

Chapter 5: Atkins can stabilize insulin production to make it easier to lose weight. For me, this is the name of the game. This is where my problems are.

Chapter 6: When you dissolve fat, it breaks down into glycerol and other fatty acids, which in turn break down into by-products called ketones. When this happens, you are enjoying a state called ketosis.

Chapter 7: Only by doing Atkins can you lose weight by eating the same number of calories on which you used to gain weight. So true, since I gained weight when I followed the WW plan and was hungry all the time.

Chapter 8: All carbohydrates are not created equal. Another great USDA construction bites the dust. A carb is not a carb is not a carb.

Chapter 9: Fallacy # 15: It is impossible to keep off the weight lost on the Atkins Nutritional Approach for the long term. There is a grain of truth in this fallacy, which is if one goes back to the bad old ways of eating, then the weight will come back. The answer is that this is a lifetime commitment.

[Gem238]

Re: 2008 Read The Book Challenge

These are great. Exactly what I need to focus back on the basics.

Week One:
1. Considering the Phase you are doing, post the #1 reason you want to lose weight OR the reason you continue to do Atkins.
My #1 reason to lose weight is my health. Diabetes and heart disease run in my family. I have watched my family struggle with their health.
I don’t want to leave my daughters the legacy of having to sit in hospital rooms like I have with my family. They deserve so much more than that. I need to be able to be around for them when they grow up. I want to be a healthy grandma for their kids. And, I don’t want for them to have to take care of me because I am too sick to care of myself. And I never want to know that they are crying for me because of bad decisions I made.

[FLdoodette]

Re: 2008 Read The Book Challenge

Assigment week one continued:

3. Read chapter 10 and answer the following question. In relationship to doing Atkins, when are you suppose to start exercising ?

Although he urged readers to begin exercising ("Even a half hour of brisk walking four times a week will make a big difference"), under A Matter of Morale, Dr. A. also stated: "A note about that new energy and zest: Are you ready to increase your current level of physical activity? Another important step in getting ready is to read Chapter 22 and have your exercise plan in place. (You may not want to implement this plan, however, until after the first two days on Atkins. In that forty-eight-hour period, you may feel tired and a bit off-kilter as your body makes its conversion from burning glucose to burning fat as its primary fuel.)"

Personally, even though I kept up an existing walking and glider routine (at least, until my glider broke!), I didn't add regular gym workouts until I'd been on Atkins a month. I figured one huge lifestyle change a month was plenty!

4. Not actually stated but referrenced in chapter 10, what are the 3 particular points of the Atkins Triad aka: the "three legged stool"? Which of these 3 key points gives you the most 'problem' and why?

If referring to Diet-Exercise-Supplements (what comes to my mind immediately when thinking of Atkins), I would say exercise, since I'm a natural-born slug and don't enjoy working up a sweat! But I'm in the gym at 5 or 5:30 a.m. five days a week, doing exactly that, because I want to regain my health (not to mention my girlish figure!).

Also, in Chapter 10, Dr. A. makes several references to cholesterol levels - stressing the importance of not only total cholesterol but levels of HDLs, LDLs and Trigylycerides, so there's another "trilogy" and one that is of particular interest to me, since my cholesterol is a continuing concern, especially the HDL levels. I did one of those home cholesterol tests recently and while the total cholesterol was way down, the HDLs had dropped like a rock also ... Gulp! Well, I've got a lipid profile and doc visit coming up soon ... that's what I'm paying him to figure out! I'm doing everything I can on my end

Additionally, Dr. Atkins stressed taking the following medical steps: Reviewing your medications, having a checkup, and undergoing tests (the above-mentioned blood work as well as a glucose-tolerance test). So there's another Triad!


5. Concerning "Convenience Foods", particularly the Atkins bars and shakes, what does the book say. What has been the experience for most ADBB members concerning "convenience foods"?

Clearly, real, wholesome food is always going to be preferable to the dreaded "Frankenfoods," but even Dr. A. admitted they have their place ... "...some controlled carb food products can come in hand when you are unable to find appropriate food, can't take time for a meal or need a quick snack." I know some people really like the Atkins bars and such, but to me, they just taste rank! At any rate, it's key to watch the carb content of all foods - real or manufactured!

6. Concerning chapter 10, is there anything you are unclear of and need/want to discuss or any point you would like to make a statement about?

When Dr. A. wrote Get Your Loved Ones On Your Team, I couldn't agree more about needing an in-house support system. If my husband weren't on board with this (even though he's not doing Atkins himself), then I would be struggling, I'm sure. Not that the ADBB isn't a HUGE help, but I feel terrible for those Atkineers who are up against naysayers and saboteurs on the homefront or at work. When my guy looks me up and down and compliments me on my good work so far, that's better than money in the bank!

[Gem238]

Re: 2008 Read The Book Challenge

Assignment 2: Read ALL the TIPS and KEY POINTS in chapters 1 - 9. Post the TIPS and/or KEY POINTS from chapters 1 -9 that are most useful to you.

Ch 1: Studies consistently show that sugar, refined white flour and junk foods are bad for your health, your energy level, your mental state and your figure. These are very same things that are my triggers. I no longer have sugar or white flour in my diet. But sweets can still be a craving when I am under stress.

Ch 2: When grocery shopping, stick to the aisles on the perimeters of the store. The center aisles are where the junk food and processed food lurk. Until I read this a few years back, I never realized how true this statement was. By following this I have cut the amount of time I spend in the store.

Ch 3: get back on track if you occasionally “fall off” atkins This is very helpful because you don’t have to stop because you had one slip.

Ch 4: Don’t go more than 6 hours without a meal or snack. After years of eating all day long, this is helpful for me to stay on track and not get too hungry so I gorge.

Ch 5: If you lower your carb intake you will lower your triglycerides. This is the fast track to get diabetes for me. My triglycerides were through the roof a few years ago. As I have lowered my carb intake the numbers have come down.

Ch 7: Count carbs not calories. This is great for me because I have never been able to count calories. With carb counting, it is easier for me to keep track.

Ch 8: All carbs are not created equal. No kidding. I eat bread My system goes crazy, I eat broccoli no big deal.

[DLS]

Re: 2008 Read The Book Challenge

todays assignment is basically putting your nose in the book. you've got a couple days to finish this since you'll be reading chapter 10. no assignment will be posted on tuesday.

*Assigment week one continued: *

*3. Read chapter 10 and answer the following question. In relationship to doing Atkins, when are you suppose to start exercising ? * I read it to mean that we should start after the first 24 hours because "you may feel tired and a bit off-kilter as your body makes its conversion from burning glucose to burning fat as its primary fuel." I was already exercising regularly prior to starting Atkins so this wasn't a problem for me. But the funky feeling those first few days surely didn't make me feel like exercising.

*4. Not actually stated but referrenced in chapter 10, what are the 3 particular points of the Atkins Triad aka: the "three legged stool"? Honestly I'm not sure what you are referring to. I suppose it could be having an initial exam with all the pre-Atkins tests, preparing your kitchen, family and your own mind for this great change about to take place, and diving in to it to include exercise

**Which of these 3 key points gives you the most 'problem' and why? * The only thing I suppose you could call a "problem" for me is that I did not get the initial exam. I HATE going to the doctor's office, only to be told that I need to lose weight. Like I didn't know that! Meanwhile most of them are overweight!

I doubt I got this question right. I read this chapter then looked it over SEVERAL more times trying to figure out what the heck the "triad" was! LOL

*5. Concerning "Convenience Foods", particularly the Atkins bars and shakes, what does the book say. Under "Have the Right Food on Hand" Dr. A suggest that you, along with all the meats and veggies suggested, "stock up on the wide variety of controlled carbohydrate foods available in your local health food store, drugstore or in most supermarkets." I believe this was an effort to sell more of his own products, ie bars and shakes. Granted it is much worse today from those running the Atkins empire, but even Dr. Atkins pushed his own "low carb" treats to people. But I think we should all choose the fresh veggies, fruits and nuts in local markets that would give us a more vitamin/antioxidant rich snack or meals.

What has been the experience for most ADBB members concerning "convenience foods"? * I find that most ADBB members hate them. I understand that they can cause a stall in some folks. I have had them I am, however, trying to be particularly careful not to eat the whole box in a couple of days though. I will admit as well that they can be addicting and can cause you to crave more sweets! I do keep a bar in my purse or a baggy with 22 almonds so I have something on hand when am stuck out longer than expected. But I count all the carbs that aren't fiber. I don't believe in those other "magically disappearing" carbs.



**6. Concerning chapter 10, is there anything you are unclear of and need/want to discuss or any point you would like to make a statement about? ** Stmt #1- I took the "blood-sugar" quiz on pages 150-151 when I first started Atkins. WOW! Was I a carbaholic!!!!! On 8-30-08 my score was 73! Now I am at 18! What a wonderful difference! Stmt #2 - So true about the lowering of the blood pressure! Mine has gone from borderline/high to 106/69! Totally happy about that! (hubby is on two or three blood pressure meds! Wish he would try Atkins!)

[brightstar7801]

Re: 2008 Read The Book Challenge

I am a little late, but I am at work so I will have to answer the rest of the questions at home tonight. But here is my number 1 so far. I will edit later:

1. Considering the phase you are doing, post the #1 reason you want to lose weight OR the reason you continue to do Atkins.

I am currently moving to OWL rung 2 I made it past the veggies and have moved on to dairy. The reason why I am on Atkins is because my doctor said I have insulin resistance and I do not want to get diabetes. I have gained quite a bit of weight around my middle which I know is indicative of insulin resistance. I want to halt pre-diabetes now so I do not have to monitor myself later down the road. Also my grandfather was diagnosed with diabetes, and had been living his way of life so long that he refused to modify his diet, which resulted in him having to have his leg amputated shortly before he died. Though I don't have children, I want to be here for my nieces and nephews. I want to be healthy, and I want to be to the point I was before I got my diagnosis, slimmer, and happier.



2. Read ALL the TIPS and KEY POINTS in chapters 1-9. Post the TIPS and/or KEY POINTS from chapters 1-9 that are most useful to you.


Chapter 1: Low-fat diets are in effect high-carbohydrate diets and bring on the very problems that they were intended to protect us from.

Most obesity is the result of metabolic disturbances, not overconsumption of fat.


Chapter 2: It is not true that the only way to lose weight is to limit your intake of calories.

By drastically increasing the intake of carbohydrate, the American diet has changed dramatically in the past sixty years.


Chapter 3: YOU WILL LEARN HOW TO OVERCOME CHALLENGES SO YOU CAN: get right back on tack if you occasionally "fall off" Atkins.

ensure that what you lose is fat and not lean body tissue.

I WILL SHOW YOU HOW TO GET HEALTHY SO YOU CAN:
avoid the health catastrophe of hyperinsulinism.


Chapter 4:

Excess weight around your waist is often the first sign that your body is not metabolizing sugar properly.
Don't ever go more than six hours without having a meal or protein-rich snack.

Chapter 5:
Hyperinsulinism is what makes it hard for many people to lose weight.

Chapter 6:
When you dissolve fat, it breaks don into glycerol and other fatty acids, which in tun break down into byproducts called ketones. When this happens you are enjoying a state called ketosis.

Chapter 7:
Count carbs, not calories.

Chapter 8:
Adding some fat and/or protein to a salad minimizes the impact of carbs on your blood-sugar level.

Chapter 9:
Fallacy #13 People on Atkins learn to eat fatty foods like bacon and eggs, so if they stop doing the program they are worse off than before.

[jimmie 48]

Re: 2008 Read The Book Challenge

i'm trying to read as ya'll post but i know i'll have to back track. i wanted to address the 'triad'. i figured this would trip some or everyone up but i felt it 'non negotiable' to use Dr. Atkins words when it comes to exercise. bad me.... should have stuck with the exact stuff in the exact chapter.

the triad it's self is not mentioned in chapter 10 but the reference to woe + exercise + supplements is there. he also refers to them as the 'three legged stool".

ya'll get a A+ for attempting to answer the question.

adding this because i'm on a mission...............
this is the problem of not reading the whole book but it's what i could do at the time. on page 54 of your book you will read of the 'triad'. it is stated there but referenced in chapter 10 and elsewhere, ie: chapter 22, the first paragraph.

[gbidruglord]

Re: 2008 Read The Book Challenge

Week One:
1. Considering the Phase you are doing, post the #1 reason you want to lose weight OR the reason you continue to do Atkins.
We've been doing induction for over 2 months now. I'm probably to the point where I should switch to OWL, but since I'm doing this with Tink, I'd like to stay in the same phase as her. I think the #1 reason I'd like to lose weight is to just be healthier. I've believe I've been overweight since I was a child and since some medical issues run in my family, I'd like to get down to a healthier weight.
2. Read ALL the TIPS and KEY POINTS in chapters 1 - 9. Post the TIPS and/or KEY POINTS from chapters 1 -9 that are most useful to you.

Eliminate from your kitchen sugar and all products that contain sugar
A few days before starting Atkins, we donated all of our sugary, starchy, all around bad for the lifestyle food to my in-laws. Without the off limit foods in the house there is no temptation to eat off plan.
The protein-and fat-rich foods you eat when doing Atkins stabilize your blood sugar, making food cravings disappear
This cannot be any truer. I haven't had a craving for bread or starches since before Atkins. Even when we have luncheons at work and there is all this carby food around...no cravings for me

Only by doing Atkins can you lose weight eating the same number of calories on which you used to gain weight.
It's absolutely incredible that I can (and have) loose (lost) weight by getting a bunless ketchup free Monster Thickburger from Hardees

[DLS]

Re: 2008 Read The Book Challenge

i'm trying to read as ya'll post but i know i'll have to back track. i wanted to address the 'triad'. i figured this would trip some or everyone up but i felt it 'non negotiable' to use Dr. Atkins words when it comes to exercise. bad me.... should have stuck with the exact stuff in the exact chapter.

the triad it's self is not mentioned in chapter 10 but the reference to woe + exercise + supplements is there. he also refers to them as the 'three legged stool".

ya'll get a A+ for attempting to answer the question.

adding this because i'm on a mission...............
this is the problem of not reading the whole book but it's what i could do at the time. on page 54 of your book you will read of the 'triad'. it is stated there but referenced in chapter 10 and elsewhere, ie: chapter 22, the first paragraph.

LOL That was a tough one! At least I got part of it right.

As far as supplements go....I do the multi-vitamin (no iron, although I don't know why not), chromium, and L-Cartanine.

[jimmie 48]

Re: 2008 Read The Book Challenge

LOL That was a tough one! At least I got part of it right.

As far as supplements go....I do the multi-vitamin (no iron, although I don't know why not), chromium, and L-Cartanine.

you still get a A+

no iron is because of the meat you are eating. basically, on induction, you will be getting plenty of iron. an overload of iron is not good. that's the 'rule of thumb' but in some cases i've seen members who need the iron. that's an issue to be taken up with doctors.
i'd be interested to know why you take chromium.