Atkins Diet Quick Hits - Can I drink alcohol?

[mizonkey007]

what about tequila? it claims to have zero carbs and no sugar.

[bowulf]

@mizonkey007 It would be fine on the OWL phase (phase 2). Most hard liquors are.

[OpulenceOfKnowledge]

Thanks for the information. Also, well done for losing all that weight!

[bowulf]

@OpulenceOfKnowledge No problem I am glad I could share...

[irock1839]

Hit the treadmill for 4 miles a day and you can eat whatever you want. Hey, look at me, I'm a diet genius!

[bowulf]

@irock1839 When I weighed 429 pounds, I could only walk a mile a day or elliptical for 15 minutes. I did that for months with little success. Change to Atkins, and I have the energy to lost 200+ pounds and eventually run marathons. I'll stick with my success.

[jangordo18]

kent I need your help man, I was such an Idiot yesterday, I hadnt drank in so long and yesterday I drank a Full bottle (about 2qt) of something like vodka and lemon. Im just 25 pounds away from my goal I lost 85 pounds. How is it gonna affect me? what can i do to repair? is it gonna kick me out of ketosis? man thanks a lot, i hope u see my comment, im so desperate

[bowulf]

@jangordo18 The best idea is just to start eating low carb again immediately. Your body is going to burn the alcohol first and foremost. You can reenter ketosis once that is done. It may take 12-20 hours for you to get back to normal, but you can get back to where you were.

[jangordo18]

@bowulf

thanks for replying my friend, hope you did awesome on your marathon, im sure you did!

I have only eaten about a pound of chicken with heavy cream since everything happened, I gained about 2 pounds, since im destroyed can didnt exercise since saturday, tomorow I will get back, I'll do some weight training, 1 hour of joging and I will keep this for the week. Thanks A LOT my friend, hopefully someday I will be able to help people the way you do! Take care!

[ColtonPlaysMinecraft]

i can not drink beer beacuse i am on meds

[jackjackteeth]

I just drink no carb vodka cranberries.

Fit and Active cranberry drink from Aldi's Price anywhere from 59 to 69 cents

This stuff is awesome! No carbs, but I think it has like 5 calories or something.

Splash a shot of vodka in 5 oz of the cranberry drink and tada! (Needs ice)

[frdgordon]

Great video- thanks. I have a random question. I really like bourbon, and I thought all bourbons were carb free (as are most whiskeys). However, I looked online and it said that Old Grand-Dad had 9 carbs per ounce. Is that really true, or is it a mistake?

[bowulf]

@frdgordon I can't find any pictures of its label, but according to livestrong they agree with you. As for all whiskeys or bourbons being zero carb, Southern Comfort also has carbs in it. (3g) Most however are however 0g.

[frdgordon]

@bowulf I found another website (drinksmixer) that said Old Grand-Dad has 0 carbs in it. Which one should I believe? Thanks for your help. 

[itlk2angels]

Mix rum (0 carbs) with sugar free crystal light lemonade (or other sugar free koolaid) and there is a mix drink for you. ;)

[thegriggspaul]

what about pure alcohol,vodka straight..! as far as i,m aware there's no cards in it,however i think there's abount 50 kal a shot..

[bowulf]

@thegriggspaul For Induction, no. But within OWL phase after rung 5, it's acceptable as the video describes. You won't be burning any fat during that period, but you are allowed to drink it.

[cherd1971]

imnot a drinker but once in awhile my

sister in law makes fuzzy peaches

is that a ok drink?

[bowulf]

@cherd1971 Peach schnapps which is what fuzzy navels are made from is high in carbs.

[georgigeorgi123]

Sorry first time have posted didn't think that would actually go through. I am on day 11 of induction but have a party for halloween tonight and not drinking isn't an option realistically... I'm english! I read that vodka will delay weight loss but after it burns off my weight loss will continue please advise... Also how long have you been on atkins? R u still doing it now? I want to lose around 3 stone but never weigh myself! Have been very strict for the induction so far.

[bowulf]

@georgigeorgi123 While the alcohol is in your system, you will not be burning fat. That is true. Just make sure you make wise choices other than the vodka, and you should resume burning fat once the alcohol is processed by the liver.

I am still on Atkins now after 6 years and still at goal. You can certainly do this!

[georgigeorgi123]

i fancy him, he is v cute!

[bowulf]

@georgigeorgi123 I appreciate the sentiment -- at least my wife certainly thinks I am. :-)

[georgigeorgi123]

i fancy him!!

[Flawlesso]

vodka and fresca

[bowulf]

@Flawlesso Yep, you still have be concerned about the excess Calories, but those would be acceptable choices.

[nobux60]

bowolf, I have been on Atkins for the past few months and feel good about my weight...from about 183 to 162 lbs.....and feel success. I have one question...I would like to celebrate my weight loss by drinking just 1 bottle of blackberry brandy. It is very sweet stuff. Like I said....just one bottle. It may have hundreds of grams of carbohydrates in it (750ml bottle) Could just 1 bottle at that many 'drates cause me to gain any weight back? After that....No More alcohol.

[petersen6981]

Vodka no carbs at all.

[mythicstealth]

Good info. When I went thru a ton of stress I drank - a lot! Especially for a small female. One day I quit all of it & cut carbs. I have ZERO craving or need for alcohol even when stressed. Physical pain even subsided and I work out 50-90mins a day! Very excited about this, I'm watching a lot of your vids. Ignore the haters.

[bowulf]

@mythicstealth Simply a fantastic story...

As for the haters, they often bring about some of the best video ideas for why they are wrong. They are also a sign I must be doing something correctly for some to get upset over another's success.

[Medster66]

you need p90x and toughen up!

[bowulf]

@Medster66 What the heck are you talking about? When was the last marathon you ran? The last blazing house fire you fought? How about you have a heaping helping of STFU?

BTW - I have done P90x doubles 2x (72 days one time and 43 days the second as I also ran 40 miles a week)

[vblood911]

One of my favorite low carb/ low sugar cocktails is:

Organic Cucumber vodka mixed with diet tonic water and a splash of lime juice! Shake and serve over ice.

If you can't find the cucumber vodka you can make it yourself. Its really easy or you could use plain vodka and add mudtled cucumber

[torifan2]

Oh man can Atkins help with alcohol or what! I don't even want it anymore, and If I'm at a social gathering, I do rum and diet coke, or any other non-sugar product...but i really don't want it surprisingly...Never thought that'd happen? LOL

[bowulf]

Hey, the effects of low carb keep coming... :-)

[Ronniedasmoker]

you look in ok shape why would u want to diet using this dangerous diet

[bowulf]

I used this diet to drop from 429 pounds to 218 pounds. My health could not be better as evidenced by multiple annual physicals and blood work. "this dangerous diet" is the healthiest thing you could do for your body.

I'd suggest you watch my misconception series and see where the media has steered you wrong.

[torifan2]

Yes Thank you for your videos they are truly informative. I'm making the fried chicken that you showed us on one of your other videos tonight!

Thanks again

[MrSmudger687]

Atkin's diet is very bad for your liver. You should NOT be substituting protein and fats for carbohydrates

[bowulf]

Really, because 6 years into the diet my liver function tests could not be better. My doctor and research also said that the number one cause for non-alcohol related fatty liver disease is excessive carbs in one's diet, especially fructose carbs. I think your information is wrong.

[nobux60]

@bowulf

5 days ago

bowolf, I have been on Atkins for the past few months and feel good about my weight...from about 183 to 162 lbs.....and feel success. I have one question...I would like to celebrate my weight loss by drinking just 1 bottle of blackberry brandy. It is very sweet stuff. Like I said....just one bottle. It may have hundreds of grams of carbohydrates in it (750ml bottle) Could just 1 bottle at that many 'drates cause me to gain any weight back? After that....No More alcohol.

[bowulf]

@nobux60 Sorry on vacation....

While drinking alcohol, you burn exclusively the alcohol first, then the carbs, and then finally resume ketosis. Based upon a lookup of bb brandy, it would have about 2500 Cals and 265g of carbs in a 750ml bottle. You would certainly derail yourself for a day or so, but that is it. You probably also experienced a bit of water gain, so within 3 days you should be back to normal provided eating returned to normal.

[mossruut]

@nobux60 ; Congratulations on your weight loss. My opinion, go nuts, have the whole thing. My experience: sweet liquor casuses MAJOR hangovers.

[gary6599]

@bowulf I agree, when I was on the Atkins diet all my tests showed an improvement yet I was eating nothing but protein and fat.

[adessia2001]

I have been doing atkins induction going on 3 weeks. My main problem is with alcohol, binge drinking at night and the next day craving fast food. This has been the only diet where the craving for alcohol is gone along with less appitite. Im down 10 pounds and my weight is not jumping around like before. Thank you very much for your videos. They inspire me to keep going:)

[bowulf]

Very cool,,, It is amazing what one can do after they prove to themselves that they can indeed control their eating and ketosis certainly helps with all cravings.

[overon777]

Atkins. died very early in his life./ This diet is not good for you long term. A week or two of lo carb is o.k. at times but in the long run you will kill yourself.

[bowulf]

If slipping on ice is diet side effect, then perhaps you have something to be concerned about, but as I have never heard that propensity to slip on ice and bang your head is one, I am pretty safe. 6 years in and my health could not be better.

[torifan2]

@overon777 He hit his head dude. I don't know why people make that statement assuming it was the diet. Look it up, it was a slip-n-fall during bad weather or something... Take care

[artchik]

...(1) Is cooking with wine just as bad as drinking it during Induction? Also I'm a little confused about the comment you made 8 months ago about having wine

during induction, which states

"So yes it (white, white wine, red wine, etc.) is allowed on Induction." Where you referring to wine vinegar? In your video you mentioned alcohol is not allowed during induction. (and 2) So which is it? I'm so confused! Thanks for your videos. They have been SUCH a great help. Seriously Mister I'm hooked!

[bowulf]

The question that was asked was just that - can I use vinegar, specifically white wine in my cooking?

I am extremely glad that people still find the videos of use and helpful getting them achieve the same results I have.

[artchik]

Crap! I used about a half a cup to a full cup of white wine in a butter sauce I made. It cooked on the stove for a few minutes so I'm pretty sure I burned out the alcohol and am not using the k. strips to really monitor. But I digress...

My questions are...

[partyongarth420]

hahahaha no offense i say this with all kindness.. you guys are so dumb... atkins diet is unhealthy.. you guys are seriously lying to yourselves i know it....., cutting out carbs and fruit isnt healthy... its not a balanced diet.. its fucked.....lots of laughs at living on only meat and not eating fruit hahahhaa

[bowulf]

I am trying, really trying to be nice, but if this is brain on carbs, count me out. Overuse of ellipsis must be evidence of carb abuse.

Admit it you've never seen my Atkins Diet and fruit video. That's right it would confuse your myths and misconceptions about the Diet, and you might actually have to think for youself and not let your mother do it for you.

[rainslave]

partyongarth420 is probably one of those folks who, when looking at an overweight person, thinks: "THAT person should do whatever it takes to lose the chunk, fatty!"

This diet may seem extreme to some, but hell it works!!! Good on ya bowulf, you look fab!!!!

[davidlouispaul]

All carbs convert to sugar by the liver - the body does not require sugar by any means, and fruit, apart from having vitamins, is just sugar and water again.

[Patel10314]

Dr. Atkins should have been given a congressional medal of honor for his contributions to diet/nutrition. Excessive carbs will destroy the heart much quicker than meat and dairy.

[oregonskateok]

The brain relys on carbs to funtion properly. Low carb diets are a very dumb idea, if you want to lose weight then start doing cardio and quit stuffing your face with fattening foods. Once you quit the low carb diet you will gain the weight back anyway.

[bowulf]

The body can produce whatever carbs it needs. How about you enlighten yourself and watch the rest of my videos, and actually clear up some of your misconceptions. Over 5 years at goal and 211 pounds down for me...  In fact, on Atkins you lose weight, get healthier, drop amount of cholesterol, improve energy levels, and improve overall fitness by eating a high fat diet.

Don't scoff at what you don't know...

[oregonskateok]

Lol, it's been proven over and over that loow carb diets are a good idea. Im not doubting your weight loss, infact 211 pounds in 5 years is a great deal, but carbs are not what makes you fat, you need carbs for energy, calories and unhealthy ammounts of bad fat make you overweight. I will tell you what, I will watch your videos , and if I am wrong, I will gladly admit it. Fair?

[bowulf]

"it's been proven over and over that loow carb diets are a good idea"

What is your point then? Multiple studies have indeed shown that Low Carb is a good idea.

As for needing carbs for energy, that has not been proved. Dr. Stephen Phinney actually showed that endurance increased for ketogenic LC athletes after the first three weeks. As for unhealthy amounts of fats make you overweight that must be more than 65 to 75 percent of your Calories since I lost the weight doing that.

[oregonskateok]

Ew, I didnt even catch all of the typos in my last comment. Obviously I meant aren't. The majority of Americans are obese because they intake alot of calories from fat, and food sold here has a ridiculous ammount of sugar. I will look up Dr. Phinney's reports.

[DoctorStuart1979]

No they're fat because they have a high fat and carb diat. Things like french fries are high in fat AND carb. Pizza id high in Fat AND carbs as are burgers, potato wedges and so on. Look at the Atkins diet from an anthropological perspective. The evolution of the human species occurred when hunting animals and eating the meat AND fat was a requirement. Things like fruits were seasonal and in short supply.

[davidlouispaul]

Sugar is carbs. A pizza may have 70g of fat, but in comparison, over 400g of carbs. We eat way more carbs in comparison to the amount of fat we eat.

[NickEMT]

FYI guys. Michelob Ultra is 2.6 net carbs and MGD 64 is 2.4 net carbs. Michelob Ultra definately tastes better though.

[cbuhrymailcom]

Intersting what I read. Alcohol is a powerful inhibitor of gluconeogenesis, it forces part of the gluconeogenic metabolic process into reverse. Means-if all the glucose in the blood is being derived from gluconeogenesis then the consumption of alcohol will cause the blood glucose level to fall.Alcohol also stops ketone body production, thus leaving the brain entirely without fuel. Someone who is ketotic is 100% reliant on gluconeogenesis will become disorientated,might lose consciousness.

[cbuhrymailcom]

Hi I would like to say that I enjoy watching your videos very much.I have been on atkins before like 3 or 4 years ago. I did not have much to lose so when I lost it I stopped and went back to over eating now 40 pounds heavier I started again and you videos are inspiring. I would like to share with you what I read on 'n medical site about alcohol and ketosis.

[c1sumus1c]

Being a drinker and working at a winery perhaps I can shed even more light...

Dry wines have less than two grams of residual sugar or RS per liter. Semi sweet wines like Riesling may have up to 18 grams per liter. Sweet wines can contain between 50 - 100 grams per liter or more. Many wine makers list the RS somewhere on the bottle.

Cheers!

[whiteargyle]

Thanks for the video. I have not been able to find any research on vinegar. As it is made from grapes like wine does it mean that it is also not allowed in the induction phase? I use a little of red wine vinegar for salads. Cheers!

[bowulf]

It's under the salad section: "For seasoning salads, vinegar and oil are great, but it should be plain or apple cider vinegar. Balsamic vinegar has sugar, so dont use it."

So yes it (white, white wine, red wine, etc.) is allowed on Induction.

[daveylad0]

thank you for your quick reply i have been on the induction for eight days now and have lost 81b the only thing that bothers me with this diet is that i mis my fruit and veg and also going out now and again for an indian meal how did you go on about cutting out all your treats regards dave

[bowulf]

Just remember Induction only needs to last 14 days AND includes many veggies (check the list) up to 3 cups per day.

You could be having fruit within 4 weeks of starting (third rung of OWL). Try to find an acceptable Indian meal that is acceptable -- I did with Chinese, limit the sauces, eliminate the noodles, and meats/veggies. Check out my temptation & visualization video for other ideas on how to combat past tempters.

[daveylad0]

you hear alot of bad news about the atkins what do you think about that ie kidney problems heart problems etc

[bowulf]

As long as you have healthy functioning kidneys to handle the water you will be drinking, there are no contra-indications to the Atkins Diet. As for heart problems, mine is only functioning better. Check out my Atkins Misconceptions Series especially the cholesterol one.

As Dr. Volek as noted, Atkins Diet is protective of muscle tissue (which the heart is) during weight loss as you lose the least Lean Body Mass. Needless to say, the naysayers have as much an agenda as the evangelists.

[amricanka]

so White Wine is the WAy to go

[bowulf]

White wine or hard liquor would be the best selection. Just remember it is only for the OWL, and that while you have alcohol you will only burn that and not any fat.

[byronsown]

thanks for all your time man.........

you are one of the rue heros in our everyday life.... thanks for the tips

[bowulf]

You are very welcome, and thanks for watching my videos.

[mylilnono]

how long is induction period and when is owl?

[bowulf]

Induction only needs to last 14 days (it *can* last a lot longer -- mine lasted a year). OWL follows Induction and lasts until the final 5-10 pounds left to lose.

[flyingwalenda]

i stick to vodka

[5kblonde]

I found that rum and diet coke worked without much side effect. It may slow down the weight loss minimally but unless you drink heavily every day it shouldn't be a problem. I still lost after having a 2 drinks every couple of weeks.

[pinksweatergal]

What is your opinion on the Keckwick fat fast listed in the original Atkins book? It is quite drastic but wonder about it for those resistant to weight loss.

Sally

[bowulf]

Watch my "what to do about a stall" video where I deal with the fat fast question. In short, I don't recommend it for nearly everyone and is a last ditch resort for a desperate few after months (4-6 months) of no losses. There are very few people who should try it and even less successful on it.

[user7145]

If the folks can't be on a controlled diet for two weeks, then they don't seem to be ready to get started. Two weeks is not long - if someone's not ready to commit to that, I don't know how they can commit to any eating/fitness plan at all. With any eating plan, it cannot be a "short term" thing. No one ever stops eating, ya know?

As for alcohol, I rarely drink anymore; when I do it is a Rum & Diet Coke. Pretty low-carb and reasonably low-calorie too.

Thanks for the video!

[bowulf]

Don't have much to add, you said it as well as I ever could.

[alexmcvey]

I do that. I even like rum in tea, sweetened with Splenda. and coffee.

[Bustydee]

Thank you so much for this video. It sure does help.

Thank you so much for inspiring us. You are the best!

[BigJ8k]

Why no alcohol during induction?

[bowulf]

The short answer is because it's not on the Acceptable Foods List.

The longer answer is due to Alcohol will prevent or slow down fat burning with its empty calories and body's preference to burning acetate over lipolysis. Induction is about getting down to a simple menu to guarantee success, so that when you re-add foods you know the impact on your weight loss. Having it during Induction might mean you never know how big a loser you could be.

[newbirth35]

I lost just fine with a glass of wine every night - too a point. Eventually I had to cut way back.

[ShrinkingTonyG]

:( 2 weeks i can last, i've went on way longer without it

[bowulf]

Yep, it's only short term. If the book said nothing, for some it wouldn't mean anything. It's only because it is denied option that suddenly it takes a new desired state.

[aydensfolks]

hiccup......... lol beer seems like such a waste, I guess red wine has some health benefits... Im guessing once people get used to the diet they wont even want it, since it pretty much cuts all cravings if youre doin it right, unless that was just me. =) thanks

[lowcarbhealth]

Yick! Alcohol. People who can't give up alcohol for 14 days without getting upset over it might just have a problem... :P

[newbirth35]

A week at my church's Conference I can do. Two weeks on a strict diet, no way.

[bowulf]

With my 200 pounds to lose, I saw the choice pretty simple. 2 weeks -- or 1 year -- to set me up for success for the rest of my life was a very small price to pay. For me the temporary discomfort is worth the reward -- just like months of training for marathon to achieve a PR.

[newbirth35]

I want my diet to be as close to how I will eat for the rest of my life as possible. For me, it wasn't an option so I more or less just skipped Induction and started in at 25-30 net carbs a day, including the wine.

[bowulf]

To me it gets down to motivation. When I was starting with 200 pounds to lose if someone offered me success after 2 weeks of discomfort, I would have snapped up the offer. This is a lifelong journey, so 2 weeks is like hitting the gas station before you go.

[rainslave]

Brilliant analogy!

[bowulf]

Thanks!