Hello! A couple of questions..

[jessica141622]

Hi, I'm Jessica.

I started atkins a little while ago, did induction perfectly and then carried on with owl for another fortnight, with only a couple of cheats. (atkins bars)

I lost half a stone on the first week of induction, and then gradually put 5lbs back on over the next few weeks..Quite disheartening to be so strict for a month and only lose 2lbs in the end, the book lead me to expect more dramatic results! I decided to go off atkins a week ago to start a low calorie diet..and failed miserably! My IBS symptoms have come back ( i didn't realise how much atkins had helped them until i lost patience with it) and I'm currently off work with crippling stomach cramps, fatigue, nausea and bloating. Needless to say, I think I should have stuck with atkins in the first place!

Anyway, tomorrow is a new start and I'm looking forward to feeling in control of my eating again! Wish me luck!
I'm going to cut out diet coke, definately no atkins bars this time, and really try to focus on eating non processed meat. If that doesn't help I'll cut out dairy too.

Questions:

Why is it that alcohol is not allowed? Spirits have no carbs and wine is relatively low in carbs too - I really struggled without my nightcap last time! I understand that whilst the body is in ketosis alcohol can affect you more strongly, and that the body will burn alcohol in preference of fat. Is this the only reason? And how much would alcohol delay the fat burning process? (assuming you stay in ketosis)

Also, I have the 1999 edition of DANDR, are there any major differences between my copy and the 2002 edition?

Thanks everyone!

5'3", 133lbs. GOAL 112LBS

[Nick.Alpert]

Re: Hello! A couple of questions..

"Anyway, tomorrow is a new start and I'm looking forward to feeling in control of my eating again! Wish me luck!
I'm going to cut out diet coke, definately no atkins bars this time, and really try to focus on eating non processed meat. If that doesn't help I'll cut out dairy too. "

You should go back and read the first couple sections of the book. One thing that's really important in the induction period is that you specifically follow the list of allowable foods. Diet coke, Atkins bars, dairy (except butter/cheese/cream), should not be in the induction phase. Which leads me to your next question -->

"Why is it that alcohol is not allowed? Spirits have no carbs and wine is relatively low in carbs too - I really struggled without my nightcap last time! I understand that whilst the body is in ketosis alcohol can affect you more strongly, and that the body will burn alcohol in preference of fat. Is this the only reason? And how much would alcohol delay the fat burning process? (assuming you stay in ketosis)"

The main problem with alcohol is not that it has carbs, but that it will incur a spike in your blood sugar level which will increase your desire to crave things that you aren't supposed to have. When you're in the early phases of Atkins you really want to avoid foods that will play with your blood sugar levels. Going back to the diet coke or that Atkins bars this is for the same reason.

I'm not really sure on the 99 vs 02 thing, but I'm sure someone in here can answer that for you.

[liv]

Re: Hello! A couple of questions..

Welcome Jessica
Nice to see you. I don't know what happened last time but I see that your weight is well down there and you may not have a lot to lose. You may hope to lose but the less you have the slower it will take. It is great that the diet works for you and that you are feeling great on it.

Atkins tried out the diet for years and years and he must have had his reasons for leaving alcohol our. We start very basic diet that is low on carbs and also low glycemic. It is a time for readjustment.

The 99 is different especially where OWL is concerned. There are some differences when it comes to fibre - which is deducted in 2002 edition and how you measure your veggies are different. I really recommend the 2002 version. It is what we base our advice on here on ADBB.

[imagood1]

Re: Hello! A couple of questions..

Welcome back -- since you only have 21 pounds to loose it might be wise to move from induction right to OWL (ongoing weight loss) and start up the rungs so you'll have time before you hit maintenance to find the foods that agree with you and those you will need to avoid.

Good luck to you.

[Georgiana]

Re: Hello! A couple of questions..

The main problem with alcohol is not that it has carbs, but that it will incur a spike in your blood sugar level which will increase your desire to crave things that you aren't supposed to have. When you're in the early phases of Atkins you really want to avoid foods that will play with your blood sugar levels. Going back to the diet coke or that Atkins bars this is for the same reason.

Non-carby alcohol (e.g. vodka) actually causes a drop in blood sugar, at least in normal weight, healthy patients (which is how the studies were done). Still bad.

Jessica, as everybody has said, stick to the Rules of Induction in your first two weeks, then move to OWL. Make Atkins a lifestyle by following it correctly.

If you don't have the 2002 book, check the FAQs to read the rules and compare them with those of the 1992 plan. This is the link to the FAQs: Atkins Low Carb Dieting - FAQ's - Atkins Diet

Happy Atkinsing!

[jessica141622]

Re: Hello! A couple of questions..

Thanks for your help!

I think I'll have to get the 2002 book.
I'm back in control and feeling great, perfect so far except.... I have had two glasses of wine in the past few days, it's the only thing I'm really struggling with!

Any tips on avoiding alcohol cravings????

Does the blood sugar spike/fall affect weight loss or is it just the sugar cravings to look out for? I always like to know the science

I had a perfect two week induction last time, it was only once i moved to OWL afterwards that i started to slip with the atkins bars and diet coke etc.. It's strange really, I NEVER craved fizzy drinks or chocolaty things at all before i started atkins!
Maybe stricter rules work for me. Is it ok to do the induction for longer periods of time if i find it easier, although i don't have loads of weight to lose? The all/nothing approach makes me feel safe i suppose, It's when i have more freedom in my food choices i tend to think 'oh just a little bit won't hurt'. Not good eh!