Atkins Diet Misconceptions: Mental Acuity and Low Carb Zombies

[athletichunta]

can you be in ketosis and gluconeogenesis at the same time tho?.

[bowulf]

@athletichunta Yes, but as you are gluconeogenesis your weight loss will slow down...

[misslilygish]

Better a few weeks of grumpyness on low carb than years of grumpyness on low fat.

[bowulf]

@misslilygish I completely agree. People don't seem to understand that or willing to accept the short term loss for the long term benefits.

[MsOobii]

My interpretation having done a very low carb diet in the past was that I only felt better when some carbs were re-introduced. I am in favour of low-carbing but I thought the side effects of Atkins induction were horrendous and pretty much unnecessary. I actually lost a load of weight when I ate fruit again because the energy level was so low on high protein. People have also gone long enough periods with meat only and have actually died as a result, which kind of says it all really!

[bowulf]

@MsOobii Thanks for your perspective, but it was only after going through the restrictive period and getting properly acclimated that I functioned well.  For me, a week of discomfort was worth 7 subsequent years of fantastic health and energy. Heck, I even run marathons now on ~25g of carbs per day.

As for the claim people eating meat only, Vilhjalmur Stefansson ate only beef for 2 years and was healthy. That said, this is not that diet nor is it even high protein. It is high fat.

[MsOobii]

@bowulf My memory isn't completely clear on the death / meat thing, perhaps it was protein without fat and carbs that caused it.. It was based on some sort of protein "fasting" idea that turned out to be a daft idea. There are definitely pros to it, I'm not disagreeing. I for one get bad heartburn and yeast issues from carbs... Still, informative video, thanks :-)

[landriajennette]

God Bless you sweetheart , so sorry for your loss :(

[enpnews]

I've had just the opposite experience of the person who was concerned about mental effects: I have an anger and depression problem normally, but the few times I've done Atkins for a significant period of time, I was calmer and more energetic.

[Vittoria10538]

First, so sorry about the loss of your brother. I have two sons & understand how close the relationship b/t brothers can be.

Lost lots of wt on Atkins 10 years ago. Then, as with so many in this carby world, carbs started making their way into my body. To get the wt back off, I became a vegetarian, thinking it'd work fine.  After a 5 lb gain went back on Atkins. As vegetarian, felt like a mental vegetable: Foggy thinking, chronic sleepiness-& CRANKY! On ANA, I'm happy, alert & mentally sharp.

[bowulf]

@Vittoria10538 I know what you mean. When I was on diets before Atkins, I would be irritable and constantly dreaming of the next meal or more food. Other than general irritability, I was restless as well.

Since Atkins and after Induction flu, all those symptoms went away, and food no longer dominates my life. Thanks for relaying your story and on the non-scale health and mental benefits of Atkins!

[mythicstealth]

Thanks for posting this vid. I just started a keto-diet again and my mood is euphoric. I guess all people are different. My energy levels are through the roof, I'm really clear and sharp etc. I went from doing no workouts to 3 per day (2hrs total) and I'm not tired! Hard part is re-learning to "eat" fats/meats. Working on ratios but so far I feel like a new woman.

[bowulf]

@mythicstealth Yeah, this is one of the biggest myths out there. Just today I got a post that said:

"great diet for old people sedentary etc basically people who dont need energy"

I was thinking "Umm... Did you not see my finish of the Minneapolis Marathon video? Have not seen the reports of boundless energy in my other videos? Are you not paying attention to others when they said this diet unlocked the reserve of energy?"

The skeptics will always bury their heads to the truth. Good job!

[anutuk]

Quitting ALL grain carbohydrates improved my consciousness significantly.  When my diet was mostly fat/oil, I felt like I was stoned and I gained a little weight, though. I decreased my fat and increased NON-GRAIN carbs. like vegetable and dairy products. I feel and think better than I did when I ate grains. Now all is well!

[bowulf]

Others take different roads. I still eat between 30-50g per day fueling primarily on Fat, and most of my carbs come in the form of veggies and some fruit. During the Induction flu (first week or so), like I said my thinking was off, but I was also jonesing or craving carbs like a junkie needing his fix. After the period of acclimation, my thinking has been right on. In my field, I couldn't handle a period of being off mentally for long.

[anutuk]

That's interesting. I still do a lot of fats, just not 3 parts fat to 1 part protein combined with carbs, like I did. I'm keeping a record. Yesterday I had 124 gm of fat, 77 grams of protein, and 11.9 grams of carbs. That's a ratio of 1.73 parts fat to 1 part protein combined with carbs. I'm feeling very good like this. No craving for carbs. Love the protein. Isn't the effect of food amazing?

[bowulf]

I don't think you are too far off or at all...

My fat grams are roughly the same as yours. In fact I have your percentage of Calories from Fat at 75%. Generally mine are in between 55-70% of my Calories are from fat, so three to one fat to protein would be extremely low protein. That's one of the reasons the Fat fast is only for a very few highly metabolically resistent people.

[bowulf]

Just as common guideline I am generally 1-1 with Fat and Protein grams, and since there are 2.25x the Calories in one gram of Fat, protein works out roughly as half the daily Calories as fat.

[anutuk]

Interesting.  My calories are around 1,900 lately.

[brushfour]

You DON'T have to take Potassium supplements for God's sake. Natural foods like Potataoes and Bananas have all the Potassium you could ever want. Consuming these foods will get you lean and keep you there. Oh wait,....that's right, you let this goofball talk you into Low Carb eating. You'd better look into supplements of all kinds then as this diet is short on LOT'S of em'. Then when you're done with all that supplementing, you'd better invest in tic-tacs cause your breath will be THE WORST!

[bowulf]

There's more potassium in beef than there is in a banana.  I would suggest you actually research the topic before letting everyone know what a fool you are.

"Potataoes and Bananas"

The exact same foods the guy you quoted recommended staying away from.

Talk about the low carb angst -- still feeling insecure about your body type I see...

[bosyeux2]

potassium supplements (atkins recommends them) help more than just leg cramps--very low carb levels (induction) may not provide enough potassium. low potassium levels are associated with irritability. after just a few weeks, my mood evened out and the depression lifted.

high ketogenic diet is great for those with alzheimer's since their brain's glucose receptors don't work well. quickly much brain function is restored. though simply eating coconut oil can help those folks.

[bowulf]

Was not aware of the potassium (although electrolyte imbalances can certainly be impactful), so thanks for forwarding on the info.

[rpmsfpr]

Man, You are True Inspiration

Thank You

[bowulf]

You are welcome... Thanks for watching!

[chuckabuckmoore]

hey kent,

I just finish my first month on atkins, and I ate a little piece of cookie my 5 yr old made for me. should i start induction over again.

[bowulf]

Check out the "I cheated, what now?" video. Basically it comes down to why you cheated. Was it a rational choice that you chose to break plan? Or was it a craving that went overboard? If it was the first, you might be able to pick up where you left off. If it was a craving, then you might need to do Induction for awhile to help with cravings.

In either case, I would suggest planning for how to handle these situations in the future.

[michaelfevans]

I have been on Atkins since April 17th of this year. The 1st week you do feel a bit under the weather but after that I have felt better than I have ever felt before. I have lost a total of 66lbs this year. No wonder I feel more energetic. I think the MIT's are only showing the temporary side affects of switching your body from burning carbs as fuel for fats for fuel. Maybe the MIT study was a no carb. LOL. I don't know but this is the best thing I have done for myself. Thanks Kent. =)

[bowulf]

Who knows, but I couldn't be happier now compared to 5 years ago. I am not stressing or fixated on my weight problems or any the health issues I had. I absolutely agree with you.

[SlimQuest]

Thanks Kent, I was wondering about that... that is good to know... I stalled out for about a week and thought it was my protien intake so I lowered it from 170g to about 120g and I started losing again but some what slow going... when I did that I up'd my fat intake... Do you think if I were to lower my fat which is currently 168g I will lose more consistantly? use my hunger as a guide but still keep ratios at 70f - 25p - 5c? let me know your thoughts... thanks SlimQuest :)

[mckemckenzie]

glycogen is as good for the brain and organs as glucose. I made sure I had a 'quick' menu ready before I started atkins so I could just grab and go between meal preparations. In my case I was already anxious and agitated having pcos. I found I can take zoloft and klonopin without effecting ketosis. But most antidepressants do. I feeel goood.. :) Also, look up Dr. Ezrin and Trazodone here on youtube. He talks about the value of sleep on Atkins.

[SlimQuest]

Hey Kent quick ? Is there such thing as eating to much fat? I am eating on average about 168.5g fat per day which is about 67%. Protien is 149g at about 28% and carbs are at 32.5g at 5%. Are these good levels to be at? Please let me know your thoughts.. thanks

[bowulf]

Those numbers should be fine for your size and stage of the diet.

Can you eat too much Fat? Yes, the body uses dietary fat first for fuel and then body stored fat, so overconsumption restricts the amount of stored fat you consume. That said the body cannot store fat without the presence of insulin, whose release is restricted on low carb.

So if you aren't hungry and still eating fat, you are overconsuming it. I am a proponent of listening to your body and its own hunger cycles for how much.

[SlimQuest]

Thanks Kent, I will look for mayo without sugar. I really limit myself to deli meats. some turkey. I like bacon I use low sodium sugarfree bacon that has 0g carbs. Thank you I appreciate your help. Did you start doing excercise when you first started at your heaviest? I get really exhuasted from just walking sometimes. I don't feel I have enough energy when I excercise or walk alot. What did you do to start? should I eat any carbsor fat before I work out? will that help? SLIMQUEST :)

[bowulf]

I started exercising (walking and lifting weights) about 4 weeks after starting the Diet. I think it is more important to get the eating right first and then progress to exercising. Check out my exercise videos (I have 3 of them) on why exercise sucks initially and why it gets better after 4 weeks. They also deal with what you should eat or not before an exercise, and what is critical to have during the exercise.

[SlimQuest]

quick ? do you discourage eating mayo... I just found out it has sugar in it and I have been having 5 tbs per day since I started YIKS... are there sugar free versions out there? what other fats can I use besides butter, EVOO, OO, protien fats... also do you discourage bacon or other cured meat due to sugar, nitrate content? Please let me know your thoughts... thanks SlimQuest

[bowulf]

Mayo is normally fine -- I use Mrs Clark or a grocer brand of mayo which does not include sugar.

Almost any fat is ok to eat except trans fat (partially hydrogenated anything is evil).

Luncheon meat I suggest waiting until later or specifically getting high quality brands like Boar's head especially on Induction. With you being at OWL you may be able to tolerate something with slightly higher carb 1g per serving. Bacon, I am not a believer in the nitrite problem. Ensure only 0g carb.

[SlimQuest]

Hello Kent, are all fats created equal on the Atkins Diet? is it better to stick closer to the mono & poly unsat fats for better bood lipids? Is it better to eat fish & chicken rather than bacon, pork, beef etc? Do cholestrol levels increase during the weight loss phase, due to my body burning fat for fuel? Fat being mostly made up of Trigly will I have a temporary increase in Trigly during the weight loss phase & then lower as I lose more fat off my body? Please let me know your thoughts?

[bowulf]

Watch my Atkins Diet Misconception video about cholesterol.

The short answer is all you know about Saturated fats, cholesterol, and triglycerides is wrong.

[bowulf]

Or perhaps more accurately - most of what the mainstream media tells you is wrong. Any of the major studies with Atkins Diet show an improvement in all heart markers.

[h2007]

Thanking your brother for motivating you and you motivating me. It's a great infectious thing.

[gothicprincess52]

i am sorry to hear of your brother's passing.  he inspired you to lose the weight and now you are inspiring others. god bless.

[SlimQuest]

Hey there Kent, hope all is well... I lost about 10 pounds in the first week and now I have stayed at the same weight for the past 4 days... I have been in Ketosis according to the keto sticks..., drinking 120 ounces of water and keeping my carbs below 35... was wondering if you can be in ketosis and not lose weight... Please let me know your thoughts on this... I did find out that I can not eat cheese not even a little because during that 4 days I was having trouble with constipation. thanks :)

[bowulf]

Certainly being constipated can delay weight loss.

Weight loss happens or not happens for a variety of reasons. I would not worry about a 4 day no weight loss period. I would lose weight in spits and spurts and not lose for a few days.

Google Atkins Diet Weight loss is not linear for why this is.

[SlimQuest]

Hello Kent, hope all is well... I was wondering if you knew how many mg of Sucralose are in each packet of Splenda? I know I am only supposed to have 3 packets per day. I do not use it in the packet but I am drinking Powerade Zero, 0 cal, 0 carbs, 0 fat, 0 sugar... however it says it has Sucralose in the ingredents. I called Coca Cola and they said they put 84mg of Sucralose in each 32 ounce bottle. I drink 2 per day plus 2 with water only. let me know what you think... thanks. SlimQuest :)

[bowulf]

That should meet the 64 oz minimum water intake. Unsure on mg per packet, but it would count for one serving. Dr. A never broke down how many mg equals a serving, but I think a packet and bottle of powerade would both equal just one serving.

[DonnyPlunkett]

Hi Kent,

I've been on the Adkins Diet for 4 months and have lost 40 pounds.

How do you accurately count carbohydrates? Do you have a website or book that you use as a primary source of information?

Is low carb diet a fading trend?

When you were in the induction and OWL phase of the diet, how many hours per week did you spend per week on average preparing meals? I'm spending a ridiculous amount of time preparing meals to last for the whole week.

Keep up the good work,

Donny

[bowulf]

Low Carb may have been more popular once, but that does not mean it's any less effective or valid today than in 2003.

I check nutrition facts for my carb counts. Fitday or thedailyplate also work pretty well.

As for food prep times, I don't spend any more time than I do for my kids already,. For me, cooking chicken breasts or browning ground beef is just as easy for one meal as 2 or 4 meals.

[puadusk]

I am sorry for your loss man.

[Thickumz2002]

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.

[2ThousandAnd9]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

You and your family remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Great points on this subject.

Although it's difficult to answer this because this diet is so different for everyone.

Great video.

Take care!

[azm1987]

i'm sorry to hear about your brother, thoughts and prayers are with you.

[purplehawk2411]

Sorry for your loss . I watch your videos , and have been for about a yr . I just started adkins two days ago . I am doing great so far , just craving coffee with cream and sugar pretty bad. I have 150 lbs to lose . Keep them coming . You are one of the reasons I am now determined to lose the weight.

[bowulf]

I can imagine the cravings - when I first started I was Diet Dew addict and dropping that was tough. I couldn't pass the soda aisle for awhile in the grocery store. It gets better. Thanks for your kind words.

[spritz0]

Can you imagine bowulf we cannot even get Diet Dew here in CANADA, even though I've begged local grocery store managers!! I STILL loose weight on diet drinks, so for me I only have diet cola!

[mark91345]

I, too, am sorry for your loss.

[NickEMT]

Great video bro! I'm so sorry to hear about your brother passing. If ya need anything let me know.

Since I started living Atkins emotionally I've felt great. I suffer from mild anxiety/depression and have actually been able to get off my SSRI a lot. As far as lack of mental acuity on a low-carb diet . . . I'm in a limited entry RN program in Las Vegas where I'm maintaining a high GPA. BTW, how was the MMA tournie you were standby Medic at?

[bowulf]

I think Atkins or Low Carb actually attracts the higher IQ people or at least those that don't want to keep repeating the same mistake with the same old thinking over and over again.

The MMA tournament was good - nothing horrendous happened to the fighter. A few knockouts, multiple shots to the stones, and a few fighters we had to check for broken noses or ribs. I'd love to do it again though..

[SlimQuest]

not to mention my Dad and his brother both passed away from the many complications of Diabetes. I want to thank you for your inspiration and incouragement you give to me and countless others... Please continue to get the message out... it is very important... it's a matter of life or death in my opinon... SLIMQUEST :)

[SlimQuest]

I am now back on Atkins to lose the remaining 150 lbs... I have lost 8.5 lbs and feel great... lots of energy and very happy... When I was eating Sugar and carbs I have low blood sugar issues, pre Diabeates, anxiety, blood preasure issues and other medical problems...

[SlimQuest]

Kent,

I am sorry to hear about your Bother... he sounds like an incredible brother and a great inspiration to you and everyone that you now inspire because of his love for you. I will say a few prayers for you and yours...

As far as the non-believers go... I lost my first 100 lbs through Atkins and managed a very successful pubically traded company while I was doing it... working 12 to 16 hours a day... had lots of energy, acuity and then some... I felt better than I had in years.

[bowulf]

Yeah, I think the critics greatest weapon is certainly not the truth or even their criticism. No, it is likely the self-doubt they attempt to engender in new followers. They devise insidious lies or myths that are difficult to prove or coach temporary effects (like bad breath, constipation, etc.) as dooming effects. Perhaps the real question should be is why we let ourselves in our former WOE eat such addicting food that stopping causes those withdrawal effects.

[Happycripple]

Man I wish more people could see your videos. I am sorry about your brother too. I actually had a former good best friend diagnosed with diabetes(non insulin dependent), and his

grandma who always made fun of my kb diet need her hand amputated.

She was insulin dependent. And guess what? A low carb lifestyle could have easily prevented my former friend from getting it. And watching carbs from having the old bitchy hag needing her hand removed.

[bowulf]

Even the American Diabetes Association is now coming around to ketogenic diets, so there is hope that such tragedies won't keep happening.

[MissJanieHere]

I am so sorry for your loss.

[kim36tv]

Kent.. I am so very sorry to hear about your brother.

[Mushy2000]

I'm sorry about your brother, I agree with what Texas506 said...

I have a question though, what do I say to someone that says I heard atkins works but your going to permanently damage your heart, I've already lost 50lbs and still have a lot to lose I was at your starting weight, And also what do I say to people that say that I should be on a low calorie low fat diet, because my brother was on atkins and was taken off by one of his friends who said it was unhealthy..

[bowulf]

I would ask them by what mechanism are you going to damage your heart. The heart is a muscle (w/ a slight difference on the electrical makeup), and Atkins and ketogenic diet are the most protective on muscle tissue as opposed to low fat or low Cal diets which can cannibalize muscle tissue for energy.

If it's cholesterol related, check out my cholesterol myths video. Fact is cholesterol typically drop and heart indicators improve greatly on Atkins.

As for generic unhealthy, send 'em my way.

[bowulf]

I have 5 years of healthy annual physicals and have friends with 10-20 years of life on low carb that demonstrate otherwise. Or actually ask them to prove what they say with studies, and then you can use the information found in my misconception videos, Jimmy Moore's site, and countless other LC studies to educate them.

In the end, does it matter what they say? You are the only one accoutable for your health, and your energy and long life is all the counts.

[bowulf]

I really appreciate that.

[cherilynmonroe]

So sorry for your brother dear.

Atkins critic = uniformed

Thanks again,

Cherilyn Monroe

Portland, Oregon

Atkins since 1974

[bowulf]

Thank you for your sympathy... I keep trying to put the truth out there for those that will listen to it or who don't have the example to follow I did.