Hello everyone. Just started December 21.

[SamD]

Hi everyone. My name is Sam. For some time I have been really getting up in weight. I sit at a desk all day and don't get any exercise, eat bad food, eat out, and somtimes eat alot for dinner. I'm 5'6" so 170-175 pounds on my frame although not real bad isn't optimum. I should be 150 or at least if not 145. My goal is 150. So I decided to try Atkins.

Well so far since they I have gotten to 164.5 in the morning some days. I figure this is water weight loss. Is dropped 5 pounds or so the expected weight droppage in the first week or should I expect more?

Here is the norm for me on my meals:

Breakfast:

1-2 hard boil eggs
3 slices bacon (no carbs according to package)
1 Atkins Cinnamon breakfast bar(only if I have only 1 egg); man they are good.

Lunch:

home made salad of little bit of lettuce, peppers, cucumbers, mozzarella cheese, brocolli and a tomato slice; no dressing
hamburger(only meat from deli) or sausae from home (1-2 net carbs)

Dinner:

Lettuce, tomato, cucumber mixed with tuna salad made from 2 cans regular tunafish and regular full fat mayonaise and mustard

or

instead of tunafish a small (6 once) steak

or instead of tunafish 6 onces of ground beef


At night of during the day at work I either have an Atkins shake or a shredded thing of cheese snack from the store

I have to be under 20 carbs easy I figure. Am I doing ok or are there some recommendations?

[sillygirl]

Re: Hello everyone. Just started December 21.

Hey Sam, welcome to the board.

Why no salad dressing? You should be eating about 65% fat, 30% protein and 5% carbs. You could plug your foot into www.fitday.com to keep track of all of your food intakes. It's a great tool for keeping one accountable!

Be careful with the shakes and bars. They are loaded with sugar alcohols and other chemicals. If the package says 18 carbs with 2 net carbs, you're really eating the full 18 carbs!

[SamD]

Re: Hello everyone. Just started December 21.

Be careful with the shakes and bars. They are loaded with sugar alcohols and other chemicals. If the package says 18 carbs with 2 net carbs, you're really eating the full 18 carbs!

I usually eat either one or the other a day. Either a bar or a shake. However isn't it the case that during induction it's the "net" carbs. The bars and shakes say they are for the induction phase. Also isn't the main reason for lowering the amount of carbs it to not affect your bllod sugar? And sugar alcohols aren't supposed to affect that as much.

[julirama723]

Re: Hello everyone. Just started December 21.

I'm convinced the company only says that as a marketing ploy. Bars and shakes not only stall many people because their body is effected by ALL the carbs (not just the "net" ones), they can have a laxative effect. Bars and shakes also contain ingredients not suitable for induction, like nuts and soy products.

It's always best to use and eat whole foods...and if you're someone who has a real sweettooth like I do, it's best to stay away from sweets or anything sweet-tasting until you have portions and cravings under control. The bars not only stalled me, but they made me want MORE MORE MORE!

[SamD]

Re: Hello everyone. Just started December 21.

I'm convinced the company only says that as a marketing ploy. Bars and shakes not only stall many people because their body is effected by ALL the carbs (not just the "net" ones), they can have a laxative effect. Bars and shakes also contain ingredients not suitable for induction, like nuts and soy products.

It's always best to use and eat whole foods...and if you're someone who has a real sweettooth like I do, it's best to stay away from sweets or anything sweet-tasting until you have portions and cravings under control. The bars not only stalled me, but they made me want MORE MORE MORE!

My portions are under control. I'm happy that I don't eat too much anymore. However eating mayo, tuna, ground beef and steak has me a bit worried about calories. I basically eat that stuff plus a small salad every day. So not sure what else to cut back on.

[sallyseachange]

Re: Hello everyone. Just started December 21.

My portions are under control. I'm happy that I don't eat too much anymore. However eating mayo, tuna, ground beef and steak has me a bit worried about calories. I basically eat that stuff plus a small salad every day. So not sure what else to cut back on.

Hi Sam and welcome aboard.

I wouldn't stress too much about calories, particularly in induction. It's good that you seem to have got the quanties under control as the most important thing is to keep the carbs way down and to only feed your hunger. When you're satisfied, then stop eating. Also... "real" and fresh foods really are by far the best way to go.

Good luck!

[SamD]

Re: Hello everyone. Just started December 21.

Hi Sam and welcome aboard.

I wouldn't stress too much about calories, particularly in induction. It's good that you seem to have got the quanties under control as the most important thing is to keep the carbs way down and to only feed your hunger. When you're satisfied, then stop eating. Also... "real" and fresh foods really are by far the best way to go.

Good luck!

The problem is that the good fresh foods I really like like tomatoes are a bit high carbs. I can't eat like a whole tomato for instance and I have to even watch how much other veggies I eat. And no fruits. Sorta tough. But I'm sticking to it because I have a goal. I also need to start doing some exercise. Really I'd like to get an exercise bike and that way I can sit in front of the TV and bike away instead of laying on the couch.

Anyway am I wrong in assuming that with Atkins that pounds just start dropping drastically away in the first few weeks? I mean I really need to lose only 15-20 pounds so those pounds aren't going to come off in like a month no matter what I do. Correct? It's a gradual thing.

[Tracie515]

Re: Hello everyone. Just started December 21.

Depending on how much total you have to lose is how fast it will come off in the induction. I have a total of 125 lbs to lose and i lost 17 lbs the first 2 weeks. So, It varies.

[sallyseachange]

Re: Hello everyone. Just started December 21.

The problem is that the good fresh foods I really like like tomatoes are a bit high carbs. I can't eat like a whole tomato for instance and I have to even watch how much other veggies I eat. And no fruits. Sorta tough. But I'm sticking to it because I have a goal...

Why do you say you can't eat tomatoes? Fitday has one Italian tomato down as 2 net carbs. Other kinds are a bit more, but still low enough to be fine for induction.
Induction can be a bit tougher for veggie lovers but then, it's only two weeks, and they pass very quickly. You can then move to OWL and increase variety and amount of veggies. You don't have to move up the rungs quickly, but can take as long as you like experimenting and adding new vegetables. Many people actually lose more when on the first rung of OWL.
I'd advise you to make the move to OWL rung 1 as soon as your induction is over. There's no need to feel frustrated about low veggie amounts after the first two weeks. Hang in there!

[Outback Jess]

Re: Hello everyone. Just started December 21.

Hey Sam, welcome to ADBB...I think you should read the book and get a good foundation of understanding from DANDR. Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution, 2002 edition...It's going to really open your eyes...and of course there is "fast knowledge" here amoung the people who know the grassroots stuff!

[sillygirl]

Re: Hello everyone. Just started December 21.

Why do you say you can't eat tomatoes? Fitday has one Italian tomato down as 2 net carbs. Other kinds are a bit more, but still low enough to be fine for induction.
Induction can be a bit tougher for veggie lovers but then, it's only two weeks, and they pass very quickly. You can then move to OWL and increase variety and amount of veggies. You don't have to move up the rungs quickly, but can take as long as you like experimenting and adding new vegetables. Many people actually lose more when on the first rung of OWL.
I'd advise you to make the move to OWL rung 1 as soon as your induction is over. There's no need to feel frustrated about low veggie amounts after the first two weeks. Hang in there!

Well said Sally and I second the motion to move to rung 1 (veggies) as soon as your induction is over. You will be happy with the veggie choices at that point!



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