Atkins Diet Quick Hits: I Cheated, What do I do now?

[Iamstoned4life6786]

aight I been on the diet for about 4 1/2 months and lost about 58 pounds. Thanksgiving is coming up :I....would it be ok to eat 100-150g carbs for just that night??? I wouldnt mind restarting induction after that night because these 4 months I havent gone over 25 carbs naturally.

[bowulf]

@Iamstoned4life6786 I made a video on this topic of holidays on low carb. I have seen multiple times with others and other family members that make this exception with the intention to going right back the day after only to spend a few weeks undoing their success. If you can do it, then you can probably do the day off.

[bowulf]

@Iamstoned4life6786 I made a video on this topic of holidays on low carb. I have seen multiple times with others and other family members that make this exception with the intention to going right back the day after only to spend a few weeks undoing their success. If you can do it, then you can probably do the day off.

[TehSamo]

Is it possible to do the atkins induction for 1 week, then slowly re introduce carbs and maintain that weeks weight loss? I only aim to lost about 7lbs or so

[bowulf]

@TehSamo I would say with only 7 pounds to lose, that you probably don't need to do Induction. Rather decrease the carbs to 40-50 carbs and simply eliminate the whites. This is what the Atkins for Life plan essentially was. The point shouldn't be dropping the 7 pounds in the first week, but rather figure out what's acceptable for you and find out what carb level you can eat beneath and lose. Then find out what level of carbs you can maintain at.

[TheMissKatrinaxxx]

So I have a prom coming up in 3 weeks where there will be a 3 course meal and dessert... I'm still a week into induction. Should I stay on induction for another few weeks and then move on to stage 2 and then have one cheat night? Or what? Because I really don't want to put on the weight... Thanks.

[bowulf]

@TheMissKatrinaxxx If you want to make it a one night event that you can't miss or not willing to miss the dessert -- likely the one absolutely not Atkins legal on any phase, then you can make it the exception. Most meals however can be altered to be enough acceptable, and you could test those ingredients before hand to see what their specific impact on you would be and how much you could tolerate.

I wouldn't go over the top in either case (taste but don't go overboard).

[bowulf]

@TheMissKatrinaxxx Then just make sure the next days afterwords put you back in ketosis well.

[LavonteR]

It's wierd I was a veggitarian for a year and I had managed not to eat one price of meat but when Im on Atkins I cheat a lil everyday I wonder why

[bowulf]

@LavonteR Perhaps most vegetarians do it for moral or perceived ethical grounds, and doing something for health reasons is more difficult to embolden with the same identity that being a vegetarian does.

[LavonteR]

@bowulf Very true I was a veggie because i though meat was gross and sick but mybe i should think carb filled foods are gross and sick

[danniandadam100]

I got in a position where i had nothing to drink, except for the tap water which they said if i drank it it would make me sick. Sooo i had a small glass of sweat tea, it was presweetened or i wouldve used my splenda. Is it going to take me 3 days to get back on?

[bowulf]

@danniandadam100 Depends on how many carbs you drank to burn them off. The initial carbs from one small glass are probably gone by end of the day, but the cravings may last awhile longer. Obviously, you can take away the need for better planning, but it sounds like you limited the damage done.

[TheMimimocha510]

I cheated ate 1 bad thing on induction do I start over again?

[bowulf]

@TheMimimocha510 I would suggest it. During Induction it is important to be clean in my opinion, but I would definitely figure out why it happened, and plan for how to avert it from happening again. Was it a moment of weakness or a failure to plan for non-low carb friendly situation or a conscious decision to not care. It should help determine what needs to worked on the next time.

[cherd1971]

great advice i am a cheater on all diets

somehting i would love to change

what i did one time was picked one day i wanted

soemhting i shoudlent have

[bowulf]

@cherd1971 See I knew ahead of time that would never have worked for me. I knew I had to treat all days roughly the same, and that if I cheated on one day, eventually more and more days would be cheat days.

[Boogers4dinner]

I carb cutted for a week and I've seen parts of my stomach muscles that I NEVER seen in my life for the first time. I worked out all my life and NEVER seen it when I ate carbs. Just doing that for one straight week. I seen parts of my abs. COOL!

[CutieGutie]

This really helped me! Thank you!

[bowulf]

@CutieGutie I am glad I could help. Happy Monday! :-)

[m7ammad3m]

u r awsome dude just 1 Q why r u telling us all of this ? how will it benifit u ? plz reply

[bowulf]

Why? Because others helped me first, and I am repaying the favor to others. The only benefit is an internal benefit of service to others. It's the same reason I am volunteer fireman or volunteer board member of the local running group.

[m7ammad3m]

@bowulf thanQ u r a true hero ;)

[bowulf]

There is also the other reason that there is so much misinformation about Atkins that I thought someone had better actually say what it is and is not. (simply a meat and cheese diet)

[sigrino]

@bowulf Hi you mentioned in one of your videos that cream cheese, is good ingridient for deserts. However here in uk most soft cheeses I tried how a sourness to them (such as cottage/farmers cheese sourness). So my Q is there a way to get rid of it? And how do you use this cheese ?

[bowulf]

@sigrino I add ~1 tsp to my cream cheese and some vanilla extract, and it is fine. You may to add a bit more to it.

[Gideon359]

@sigrino cottege cheese is not allowed in the atkins diet because it has too many carbs.

[bowulf]

@Gideon359 Not during Induction, but during the dairy rung of OWL phase, you can certainly add it back into the diet with other soft cheeses.

[Gideon359]

@bowulf I have a question. I did the atkins diet for one week; first phase. In that week I went from 204lb to 196lb and then I quit the atkins after a week do to cravins. After going back to my regular heating I gained all the weight back within 2 or 3 days, I wanna know why this happen. Also is there a diet soda that I can drink while on the frist phase of the atkins diet? Thanks for all your help

[bowulf]

@Gideon359 The first weight you lose on Atkins (4-5 days) is burning off the glycogen in the body, which is mostly water. After you get off the diet, your body goes exactly the other way and starts storing water again. Check out my water weight video for why this is temporary condition for the first week, and after the first 4 days, it becomes almost exclusively fat burned.

[bowulf]

@Gideon359 As to your second question, Diet Rite or any soda sweetened with Splenda like "Diet Coke with Splenda" are allowed. 3 servings or less per day however -- they aren't unlimited items.

[JanniPink]

nooo i just started yesterday... but now i craved cereal and i had to have some. :(

[bowulf]

Well at some point, you have to determine what you want more temporary craving fix or long term success.

[lily5377]

Hi Bowulf, I cheated yesterday(day 10). I ate the whole filet o fish sandwich. The problem is I checked my urine 6 times with ketosis strips and it still purple. I thought once I ate the carbs and my body will turn back to normal immediately, Will my body in ketosis forever? I'm so worry.

[bowulf]

No you can definitely put yourself out of ketosis. The good news is that you didn't do it yesterday. I would however start over with Day 1 as getting your eating under control is one of the goals of Induction.

[lily5377]

Hi Bowulf,

I haven't lose any weight and inch for 5 days, yesterday my craving for filet o fish was very strong, finally i ate it, at nite i craved for french fried and I just chewed it and i spit out. finally i get back on track. I weighted myself this morning, surprisingly I lost 2 lbs, do you think if I'm experiencing a stall during the induction, if it is helpful to eat some crabs(only for 1 meal) to rebound my body system?

[bowulf]

No the weight loss like this video said is not a linear thing, and there will be starts and stops of weight loss. Playing tricks with how you eat will only lead to at best short term success until the weight eventually returns.

[bodychef1]

no carbs can be dangerous but lower carb meal plans can offer a healthy way to lose weight

[bowulf]

They can also be really delicious too! :-)

[Dobrinabebe]

are you wearing lipstick bro?

[bowulf]

Nope, just the flaky Logitech software overloading the color...

[Dobrinabebe]

just kidding!!!!

[alkiller1992]

hey do u know what is good substitute for a Nice bowl of cereal with fresh cold milk in the morning because i'm dying for one, in the morning i'm not in the mood for Hot or cooked stuff i don't know why :S do u have any suggestions? something similar to cereals.

[bowulf]

Have a salad or if you are outside of Induction, make low carb granola.

[captainTimetravel]

is it ok to eat pizza once a while? how about once a week is that ok?

you said Atkins diet is life jounary does that mean you will never ever touch food like pizza paste again?

[bowulf]

I would encourage you to investigate what each of the phases and what that means to what foods are allowed. On maintenance, you can eat whatever your body will allow as determined by ACE. If that includes Pizza, go right ahead. Even during the losing phases, I ate pizza sans crust quite often.

I am not so much in favor in cheating while on the diet or taking off days. IMO keep your carbs relatively level; the once a week off day philosophy doesn't work as I would tend to more off days.

[sugarcube67]

was just going to ask for help,i just watched your video and it answered my question .thank you

[bowulf]

Glad I could help...

[svillegas3]

yesterday was my 21st day and my back was killing me. i drink lots of water and check my ketone sticks regularly. i was told that if it was too much of a strain on your kidneys to break it and start again. so i broke it with a chalupa from taco bell and 1/2 cup ice cream. my back did feel better this morning. my question is, is it effective to "break" it in order to give your body a rest?

[bowulf]

Check out my kidney stones video on the myth of "strain" theory.

I do not personally advocate the break theory. I have seen countless people "break" and then stay broken. Then they return to a former weight. For me, I had to keep every day like the last and no day was "special." Cheat days didn't and don't work for me.

Some others say they need them. Dr. Atkins called it the kiss of death. It really comes to only you are accountable for your success/failure, and you have to make the choice.

[BIGSBYTREM]

Does it count if I just talk dirty to a Snickers bar? What if I grope some pasta when no one is looking at the salad bar? Can i freebase Jujubes!

[Heatherstormer]

..... for dinner. I have either the meat loaf, or ground sirloin, whatever I didn't have for lunch. and some salad greens with light oil and vinegar. i drink about 40 oz of water a day? I'm not hungry most of the time. I'm satisfied with the food, but i've only lost about 2 ilbs and it's day 13 of the induction??? what gives?

[bowulf]

One more thing, do remember you are down and eating healthy. It may not be fast, but it still is losing.

One more thought - keep measuring yourself. You could be shrinking and not recognizing it.

[Heatherstormer]

thanks for you quick reply. I have about 50 lbs to lose. This is the second time i've been on the induction. this past week I have either an atkins shake for breakfast on my way to work, or two scrambled eggs with a bit of swiss cheese, 20 oz of water, cup of decaff with splenda and cream. Lunch is ground sirloin, or atkins meatloaf, with steamed veggies on the side. Dinner is either ground sirloin or meatloaf(what i didn;t have for lunch) and salad greens with sauteed onions......

[bowulf]

Check out my "why am I not losing?" video. Here' my gut reaction given what you've told me:

* stop drinking the shakes (I have seen too many stall on shakes/bars)

* drink more water - it's necessary to flush the system (my recommendation is 64oz + 8 oz per 25 pounds to lose)

* still not losing - eliminate any artificial sweeteners (some people can't even tolerate the hint of sweeteness)

The video may have other clues that resonate with you.

[Heatherstormer]

I've been on the induction for 13 days now and have only lost 1-2 pounds. I drink plenty of water and I AM in ketosis, but the weight is just not coming off? I've been following the induction to the letter???? Please help?

[bowulf]

How much do you have to lose? Can you also list your daily menus for the last couple days?

[Mushy2000]

It's just not worth it to cheat, I'm 19 and I can't live like this anymore, my carbs are around 5g of carbs and I'm on a 0 cheat diet along with the low carbs I'm doing low calorie as well, I'm already lost 10lbs and It hasn't even been 1 week.

[Daisyacero]

i have to start again 2mro coz i bn having whipped cream from a can in my drinks ,

[Daisyacero]

is whipped cream allowed during induction? i saw it said cream?

[bowulf]

If you make it yourself from the heavy cream. Not from a can.

[bowulf]

I gave you a pointer on how to find the list in my other response, but I posted the Acceptable Foods List in your profile. (Ignore the ads on that page)

[Daisyacero]

can u have a couple of strawberrys during induction?

[bowulf]

Are strawberries on the Induction Acceptable Foods List?

[babystinky]

I have worked out for a long time, I use to do Body for LIfe (was to hungry) and I actually found the "cheat" days helped me a lot. Now I am on induction to get my Acid Reflux under control not to loose weight, although I will eat lower carb, I find the cheat days help my system and my progress especially if building muscles and loosing for whatever reason I don't know.

[babystinky]

just to add cause I forgot, I won't cheat on induction, but afterward I will cheat one day or so out of the week.

[bowulf]

Finding out what works long term for you is what is going to keep you at goal. If that is a planned day to go off plan, I am glad for you. It just wouldn't work for me, and really to me that is your plan. It wouldn't actually be a cheat day then similar to Saturday or Sunday aren't vacation days from work (since you might not be expected to be there anyway).

Good luck with Induction! I hope you acid reflux gets better.

[smdjmagic]

I am on the Atkins diet and have since lost 25 lbs since Jan 05 2009, I like fruit and am interested in what fruit that I can have on the lifestyle change. Can you please make a video of different fruits and maybe some recpies. Thanking you very much for all information you give us.

Steve

[bowulf]

Once you migrate to the OWL phase, you can start adding a bunch of fruits back into the diet. As for how, check out my OWL video for better details, but the 4th rung of OWL carb ladder is berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries) and melons (cantalope, honey dew, limited watermelon). As you tolerate those higher GI foods, all the rest of the fruit come in later in the 7th rung. Just add them back in 5-10g additional at a time per day, which may be a quarter apple or third banana, etc.

[supakb20]

hi there and thanks for all the helpful tips! im wondering how one should go about having a planned cheat day a month? i know atkins is a life style change but i really do not want to have to give up food i really love forever. i think for me having this day planned gives me better drive on atkins and something to look forward too besides my goal weight. aslo do you ever eat non low carb food now that you are healthy and at a good weight? thanks again. kathryn

[bowulf]

The second through fourth phases of the Atkins Diet you learn how many carbs and which foods you can eat and still either lose weight and maintain your weight. Perhaps your favorite foods will fall within your daily carb limit, and that would mean you aren't cheating but eating to your personal level.

For the cheat day mentality, I'm told you totally ignore limits and circle a day on the calendar and eat without regard. Some people can do that. I can't. I still eat within my limits every day.

[sidecrank]

Is it ok to use Splenda please?

[bowulf]

Splenda or sucralose is ok to use up to 3 servings per day total (including things like diet sodas).

[iRoazz]

im 15 i am 200 pounds.. i started atkins and i dont have a problem with splenda but the bread.. i am craving it really bad. and i am really sugar low too what do i do? please respond.

[bowulf]

Are you seeing physical symptoms other than the cravings and Induction from the low blood sugar? I run daily in the 70-80mm/dl range, but I am completely asymptomatic and unaffected by the low blood glucose.

If you are symptomatic AND diabetic, you should manage to a level higher of carbs. Maybe at your age, 60-80 net grams of carbs would be appropriate, which would include a slice or two of bread.

You can still lose weight at 60-80 grams and not have the problems. Are you diabetic?

[iRoazz]

no i am not diabetic but my grandma is and ever sinse she was diagnosed my mom has gone crazy with dieting. so i have to do what ever says and eat what she makes so i dont really have a choice =[

[moetk15]

I did atkins before 6 months and i lost alot of weight. i stopped my diet this July, and i cant seem to get back on track from July till now (Dec) i cant go back on track i go on for 1 day- 3 days max and i cheat and i have been doing this all through this period. i am afraid if i become fully commited atkins wouldnt work with me anymore. Can it still work even with all the going on and off? Can i still lose weight doing Atkins?

Thank you...

[bowulf]

Yes there is no golden shot at Atkins. Watch my video on that topic for more information. It becomes getting yourself as committed as you were the first time. Look at each meal as chance to prove what path you are on -- one to goal or one to stay where you are at.

You can definitely be successful the second or third time around.

[fellowshipofthecat]

I enjoy your videos. They're inspirational. I've been carb-restricting religiously since last week of August, and I've lost 20 lbs. I weight train every two days and cardio everyday, not including black belt training. I have a cheat day every fifteenth day. I love it. My question. Does exercise increase the removal of glycogen? And what do you recommend for preventing leg cramps after intensive kick training?

[diaryoftheunborn]

Hello and thanks for you videos!! I started atkins 3 weeks ago, have lost 7 kilos already BUT today I suddenly NEEDED so much to have something sugary :s I went for a littl bag of salad cookies (40 grames of them). Will this break my ketosis? they didnt have the nutritional facts on the back. If i dont eat any more carbs in the for of veggies today will I still be in Ketosis? Anyway I will continue with the induction right away, having a steak for dinner, maybe, or eggs.

Thanks in advance

[bowulf]

Two thoughts on this is one do exactly what you describe - limit the amount of the damage and restrict your carb intake for the rest of the day. The other option is just continue where you left off AND figure out where you went off track. Why the NEED?

I think in your case I would recommend just follow Induction or OWL. Reacting too much could lead to negativity and further desire to cheat later. The cravings might not be as bad, but long term might be rougher. Have you progressed to OWL?

[diaryoftheunborn]

Hello again, thanks a lot for the fast response. No, I was still in induction. I have been for two weeks. Being a female at 5'6 i went from 208 pounds to 194 pounds in this couple of weeks, I still need to loose some 56 pounds

[bowulf]

First, congrats on the weight loss. You are definitely on the right track.

You may however want to watch my Ongoing Weight Loss video where I talk about this sort of scenario. You can still lose a LOT of weight on OWL, and you might not have these demanding cravings. I don't want to read too much into one incident, so these are just suggestions.

Good job again on the weight loss!

[vanedenadal]

Hey!! I need ur help.. I lost 10pounds in 2 weeks but I cheated real bad and gained like 15pounds now! =( I´m desperated, today I started it again, But I have a question... In the Atkins book it says that u can eat "freely" many things.. now what does "freely" means? Can I eat all I want of eggs or bacon all day? meat or chicken? or only regular meals? freely for me means I can eat all day... It´s great that can help other people... it´s like I feel supported. Thank u so much

[bowulf]

Freely (or more accurately in my book the word is "liberally") means you can eat until satiated. That doesn't mean eating the old 96'er of John Candy fame. As you eat this way for a few days, the appetite suppression of ketosis will kick in and help you stop eating when you aren't hungry any more.

[Gideon359]

@vanedenadal 10 eggs a day will keep the doctor away

[itownz]

Hey,I'm going to camp for 7 days and all they are going to serve is high-carb foods.I know they have the atkin's bars out there and I can pack food for about 2 days since there is no refrigerator but if there the bars are all done and the pre-packed food is done is it better for me to have a tea spoon of mayo alone?I know that may a bit extreme but not like i will do it everyday.Has fat and no carbs is a tea spoon so is that "acceptable"?.One more question,what do you think about the atkin bars?

[slaymasterflex]

I've been in the Induction stage for almost exactly 4 weeks now. The only "cheating" i have done is an unplanned event at a chinese restaurant with a little General Tso's Chicken! I also tend to drink an average of 6-8 beers on a Saturday night with friends. I'm 21 years of age and have currently lost approx. 17 pounds. I know that beers have 13 carbs per beer, and that alcohol is bad in induction for metabolism, but will these few beers be that bad for my weight loss goal?

[bigwhey]

Thanks for the response. Well can you recommend any pickled egg recipes that arent so strong vinegar overpowered. thanks

[bowulf]

There are new Sweet Pickles from Vlasic that are sweetened with Splenda instead. (They are great BTW.) I am not a bit pickling guy, so my suggestion would be to try simplying replacing the sugar in the pickling recipe of choice with Granulated Splenda.

[bigwhey]

I love eggss!!! I also like like placing hard boiled ones in a jar of juice from store bought pickled beets. Pickled beets have alot of sugar but how many grams would the juice add to the pickled eggs?? thanks

[bowulf]

Sorry no idea... If it tastes sweet, my guess would be 10-30g.

[twister0531b]

Love the videos. Know of any induction friendly soup recipes?

[bowulf]

Check out my low carb cauliflower bisque video that I posted here. It is a great recipe. There is also a pretty good Chicken Noodle with egg noodles soup recipe on Linda's Low Carb.

[ShaytanBozorg]

Great videos. Seriously, how deadly are tomatoes to this diet?

[bowulf]

Actually they are part of the diet. They are in the "Other Vegetable" category, which even during Induction you can have one cup daily along with 2 cups of salad veggies.

[ShaytanBozorg]

Thanks, bowulf. I have a much earlier version of this diet evidently. You're an inspiration. Keep it up.

[bdereck]

Hi,

Love your Quick Hit videos. You are so great.

I was wondering if you can have low carb baking mixes ( like Big Train pancake mix) while on Induction? Eggs and meat are getting me down.

p.s. I am a SLOW loser.

[bowulf]

The baking mixes are not for the first 14-day Induction period, but have a look at my "Atkins Diet: Low Carb Breakfast - not necessarily like Mom made." That should give you some ideas on something other than eggs and meat. Quiches are easy, and maybe don't have the egg flavor you are tired.

[itownz]

Hey many times in a week I have a choice to either have a high-carb meal or wait until I get home then eat my low carb meals.My question will I still lose weight and do i HAVE to eat every 3-5 hours or is it ok to not eat until I get home.

[bowulf]

You can wait in that situation or perhaps better yet, bring something at least to snack on during that time. There are some nice low carb snacks like real beef sticks (not nasty slim jims) or pepperoni. There are other ideas on how to bring full blown low carb meals, but it varies on what you have available to you.

[TrueLoveWithin]

h man. I went to my cousin's wedding the other month and I cheated sooo hard. I woke up with what can only be described as a hangover...from sugar. It was awful. I had nothing but tea, water and maybe a slice of cheese for the next 24 hours because I felt so sick. The other day, I was really pissed off about something and started daydreaming about coffee ice cream, drenched in brandy. I wound up just talking on the phone and buying a used book to distract myself. :)

[bowulf]

Good call - find anything to distract yourself and the craving might go away. You know once you know the ugly after effects the decision might get a lot easier to not follow in the same steps again. Keep up the good work!

[intempe]

I just read your story on the Atkins website. You're doing a great job helping people with the Atkins diet......Thank you

[bowulf]

You are very welcome. I feel honored that people still watch and comment on my videos, and that they say the videos help.

Thanks for the heads up on the Atkins website. I didn't realize it had been posted yet. :-)

[Rachele77]

Oh Ken.... your soo wise =) Thanks for this vid

[nicsweed]

Another 5star...Kent Video;)

He always know's just the right thing to say, but their is pure Truth, Science, and Research; to back him...Thanks Kent;)

[bowulf]

Thank you for your kind words...

[browserLC]

I have a couple of questions on this low carb thing. I did some research in valid journals like the ADA that say eating a four ounce steak releases as much insulin as a potato! If true, this goes against one of the big theories of low carb eating. The other was from a documentary here on you tube where research suggested that there is nothing to the low carb diets except that eating all protein limits calorie consumption, nothing else. Value your opinion. Thanks

[bowulf]

I think it's been pretty conclusive shown that the only macro-nutrient that does not elevate insulin is fat. I would therefore find the fact about the 4 oz steak releasing that much insulin to be problematic. There isn't that much protein in that steak AND the glycemic index of that steak is certainly no where near the potato.

As to low carb simply being another form of Calorie restriction diet. There is a *bit* to that as the appetite suppression does enable one to feel full sooner.

[bowulf]

(cont.) But I think the whole Calorie In - Calorie Out theory is very simplistic. It ignores a lot of the hormonal action going on in the body and the affect of insulin in the storage or utilization of fat. There are a number of studies that have shown Low Carb followers have lost MORE weight and lost LESS muscle on the same Caloric intake as someone following low fat in the long and certainly short term.

So yes we may eat less Calories than before, but the affects of diet is more than that.

[spamllpitdept]

Cool video ... your lips look really red in it for some reason, lol. I thought once you're in ketosis, protein does not cause any release of insulin either?

[bowulf]

Yeah, not quite sure why my lips look so red -- must just be the camera or the outside light today....

As for the insulin reaction to protein, protein can be converted to glucose via gluconeogenesis and simply ingestion. There are a lot of studies that link protein intake to insulin release.

[newbirth35]

I just wanted to add - you don't eat "all protein" on a low-carb diet.  A true low-carb diet is going to include a good amount of fat.

[bowulf]

Good call... High protein diets are almost as problematic as high carb diets.

For others, check Rabbit Diet starvation as a result of what can happen on a low fat high protein diet. The body simply needs the fat to ingest certain vitamins.

[newbirth35]

I eat fairly high protein and low fat (simply because I have a messed up thyroid that lowers my metabolism to zilch). My carbs are "controlled" (around 100 net grams a day), so my diet is not ALL protein. I found by adding nonfat plain yogurt I can get the protein down to reasonable levels without screwing up my calories.

I was diagnosed as having low Vitamin D. My theory is that since it's fat-soluable and I have to eat low-fat, that I don't absorb enough. I have to take a supplement now.

[zegonzales]

False. I am doig some research for college and the metabolic advantage of LC diets is a true and documented fact there are many articles about it. its not about calorie in / calorie out, its about fat formed VS fat burned. Atkins and other low carb plans have the property of modifying this structure, thus its possible to lose MORE FAT with less calorie restriction.

[zegonzales]

False. I am doig some research for college and the metabolic advantage of LC diets is a true and documented fact there are many articles about it. its not about calorie in / calorie out, its about fat formed VS fat burned. Atkins and other low carb plans have the property of modifying this structure, thus its possible to lose MORE FAT with less calorie restriction.

[newbirth35]

Having a cheat day each week is the only thing that keeps me on plan the other 6 days. Due to some metabolic (thyroid) issues I have to follow a very strict low-calorie, low-fat, controlled-carb diet.

I make a distinction between cheat days and binge days. Cheat days are weekly and I try to eat fairly healthy. I'm not stuffing my face with cupcakes. Binge days happen much less often and are free-for-alls of bad food. I do plan all my off-plan days and get right back on the wagon the next day.

[bowulf]

Yep, that is why I tried to differentiate between planned days and the unplanned binge emotional eating. One you are in control, and the other the person is out of control of their eating.

For many though I fear in control planned days could lead to out of control decision making later, but that is of course the risk of that decision. It wasn't for me, but I respect those that can do it.

[aydensfolks]

oy thats depressin when u slip up and eat unhealthy, enjoy that 15 minutes of eating the food cause you'll be paying for it for daaays afterwards.... nooo fun

[5kblonde]

I too was tempted at a work party and cheated.  Afterwards I felt nauseated from the carbs.

[bowulf]

In my case, it was never worth the hassle to cheat and then have to deal with the after effects and emotions. It was just easier doing the same thing and saying no than saying yes, and then have to stress about that decision and consequences.

[afi567x]

Me again...just gonna throw this question in here real fast. I have a cold at the moment and I'm really on edge because I'm really close to getting under 200 (202 at the moment). I just wanted to know...when you're sick does your body retain liquids? I know you're supposed to drink a lot of liquids when you're sick but I don't want to go and drink a gallon of water and have half of it retained in my body. So just give me a simple yes or no. Thanks.

[bowulf]

yes, your body retains fluids. That doesn't mean stop drinking.

[KassahunMarhatta]

I was looking at protein shakes that i could use to replace a meal. A lot of the protein shakes that I saw at gnc, are usually for gaining muscle mass. What is a good protein shake you would recommend for an atkins diet? Thanks!!

[bowulf]

Isopure Zero Carb protein shakes -- although I am not in favor of them replacing entire meals.