Atkins Diet: Role of Supplements

[the7thwreck]

I was a complete sugar addict...I cant believe that only three days into the atkins diet...my sugar cravings were GONE. Even looking at high sugar foods repelled me...Im just struggling with the alcohol + atkins...where does it fit?

[bowulf]

@the7thwreck It fits in the second phase. It's the fourth rung. I do have a video posted here on alcohol and Atkins, but the short answer is it's allowed, but you suspend fat burning while it is still in your system.

[lonnieke]

no one ever talks about protein shakes and induction I'm in induction, Im working out, and I'm donating plasma and losing protein and need to do shakes...can i just count the carbs? 6 grams carbs per 60 grams of protein, its a whey protein isolate

[herairness]

I'm so glad that you did all the footwork!

[shabsy11]

Can i take liquid L Carnatine and Ginseng and Guarana for energy boost? I've been doing the atkins 4 15 days and i play soccer twice a week, i've only lost 6lbs and it goes up and done. I've also been doing weights to tone up but don't think i've been drinking enough water, could this be why?

[kyledub213]

The reason you have no energy is because you aren't doing what's right for your body, simple as that. Don't suffer the same fate as Dr.Aitkens. If you've ever heard the saying "the simplest solution is often the correct one" take that to heart

[bowulf]

I am willing to postulate that a lot of people who are morbidly obese are suffering from a lack of energy. Changing one's intake and restricting anything is likely going to impact one's energy levels. For most, Atkins represents the first time they have the energy to exercise. I would never have run a marathon before Atkins - let alone multiple ones.

As for the same fate of Dr. Atkins, slipping and falling on ice is not a consequence of any diet.

[kyledub213]

You're missing my point. If you are just overweight and you are attempting to diet and said "diet" makes you sick/tired it is your body telling you that it is not getting essential nutrients. That is common sense. The comment about Dr. Atkins was not relevant it was just a poor joke...I apologize for that, but maybe if he had more energy he could have kept his balance.

[bowulf]

No, perhaps it is more than that. Someone used to eating cheap easy fuel over and over all day long, and suddenly stopping might logically lead to some lethargy. Just because I have energy doesn't mean I am eating right. I could drink energy drinks all day long or take thermogenic diet pills, and still not be healthy.

Finally, this is a temporary condition. Still eating the same foods and same nutrients, I have ran marathons. Judging long term health by short term effects is hardly wise.

[aboss115music]

"slipping and falling on ice is not a consequence of any diet. "

If you believe in that rubbish, then go ahead. Dr. Atkins had a clear history of heart attacks. Perhaps he fell on ice when he had the heart attack LOL

[bowulf]

He did not have a diet related heart attack prior to his death. The only heart attack he had in his life was related to an infection in his cardiac tissue. One incident does not imply a clear history, and the only report stating that was a document released by PCRM a PETA-funded group. Again shocker of bias.

For one who does not follow PETA, you certainly follow their thinking pretty closely as it relates to the good doctor.

[bowulf]

Finally insanity is defined by doing the same thing and expecting different results. Eating tons of refined sugars and starches is what is plaguing this country -- not eating healthy fats and protein and good vegetables.

[kyledub213]

Again you are putting words in my mouth...and putting words in my mouth is like putting carbs in yours I don't like it. I never insinuated that anyone just do the same thing...Portion control, healtheir foods, exercise...what ever happened to hard work in this country. Instead it's cutting corners and miracle diets

[bowulf]

That's my question what is healthier foods. Countless studies have shown Atkins Diet and other ketogenic diets to improve one's health - like heart, obesity, and diabetes. Atkins is filled with healthier foods like steak, cheese, broccoli, non-starchy vegetables.

Portion control of junk food is still eating junk.

Cutting corners by eliminating junk and unhealthy foods or exercise like a marathon? Do you even know what the Atkins Diet is? Watch some of my videos first and catch a clue.

[newyork3020]

what was dr. atkins fate? i thought he past away from an accident not from his diet?

[bowulf]

You are correct. PCRM and PETA want to postulate a myth he had a heart attack which led to the slip and fall on the ice. There is no evidence of that.

[lilyflowertulip]

HI! I have one more question. :) I looked at all the multi vitamins at wal-mart and wasn't able to find any without iron. I got the one with the least iron (18 mg) in it. I haven't actually been able to find out why we're not supposed to take iron. So, if you know, is there some really good reason why I shouldn't take my multi vitamin? (like tentacles growing out of my ears....) If not I'm going to use them. Even multi vitamins with iron are better than none, right?

[bowulf]

Excess iron can lead to a toxicity. If you are chronically anemic, you probably won't have problem, but most Atkins followers will eat enough iron in their diet to not require additional iron. I am surprised your local Wal-mart didn't have any without iron -- you may need to NOT look for gender specific vitamins and just generic active vitamins.

[moniqdannrath]

Thanks for the information! Is there a way you could list these mentioned in your video? ?

[bowulf]

If you click on "more info" link on the right side video notes, there are links to the supplements mentioned in the video.  (CoQ10, L-Carnitine, chromium picolinate, etc.).

[amricanka]

How much OF Biotin and CQ-10 A DAY?

[bowulf]

I do 100 mg (2x50) of CoQ10 each day, and the Biotin amount -- there is no correct amount. It's recommended that most people should get 30 micrograms per day, but there are studies that up to 10 milligrams have shown no negative consequences. My multi- has Biotin in it, so I believe I am good.

[ima11that]

hey ken, ive been on the diet for a month now and have lost 25lbs. im 5'9, went from 190 to 165. my goal weight is 150, im just worried about my health. i feel better than ever but after reading all the negative crap online, i got nervous. i read we NEED whole wheat grain in our body, and a balanced diet. what is your input? would pills take care of everything else? thanks a lot ken,

Joseph

[bowulf]

Why would one need grain? There are large number of people in the world that have no access to grain. They may eat rice or vegetables, etc or as the Inuit used to strictly an extremely low carb diet. I would say a balanced diet is one that meets your nutrition intake of vitamins and minerals, and enables you exercise and rebuild your muscles.

There is nothing inherent in whole grains that make it necessary. Energy / Fiber can be gotten elsewhere. The only real need for pills is a multi-.

[ima11that]

so what pills should i get? chromium? magnesium? multi with no iron? omega 3? i havent taken any yet, but i want to stay healthy! thanks, any help is appreciated!

[bowulf]

Really, I treat the pills or supplements more reactively than some. It's more prove that my diet is insufficient first by a medical test or a symptom (like fatigue, hair loss, or whatever), and then I'll address it.

So really, my only recommendation is start taking a good multi-vitamin, and you should be fine. I am a less is more kind of guy.

Another good person on the subject on Youtube is Spikyhairgirl. She goes a bit more proactively with her supplements.

[TheTypicalGirl]

I had energy almost right away on Atkins. She didn't say if she was exercising though.

[te7as6b]

My best decision was vegetarianism. I got rid off 95% of my cravings 4 sweets. I still have cravings but they R not as powerfull as before.

I have been a vegetarian since march 08 and it has worked really good 4 me. I am glad U found U'r answer in Atkins and I found mine in vegetarianism.

1. Do U eat potatoes or bananas occassionally? If U don't, do U not miss them? What about bread?

2. What would U do if U met a girl and found out she was vegetarian? Would U want her 2 eat meat?

[bowulf]

1. I don't eat those items, but I do eat a wide variety of vegetables and berries/fruit too. Bread (usually low carb bread) is 2 or 3 time a year thing usually when I am making holiday sausage dressing. As for missing them, nope. I don't even miss the holiday treats.

2. No, my weight and eating are my own thing. I'm happily married, and my wife could become a vegetarian if she wanted. I might have problems with my kids becoming one as I make their dinners. I am not making two complete meals.

[te7as6b]

What kind of a response is that? Maybe I should feel sympathy for you instead of the animals!

And about the argument if we are omnivores, herbivores or carnivores, the answer is written in the stars. People will argue till eternity and maybe never find the answer.

If you read books about vegetarianism it will say that we are vegetarians. Atkins, Arthur Agatston and the like will say the opposite.

Maybe it is better we "shake hands" and call it a truce? You know what I mean?

[bowulf]

The response was a honest one. We are called to good stewards of all things under our care, but we were certainly allowed to eat those things too.

I am fully willing to let people be vegans and vegetarians and grant them the freedom to make their choices. I just get sensitive to when they start wanting to deprive me of mine. Vegetarian may be the best choice for you to stay healthy, but I would expect the same freedom as well.

[te7as6b]

It's a scam because all that meat you have to eat on atkins. That can not be healthy. What about all the medicine and antibiotics they pump in to these poor animals just to keep them desease free so "we" can eat their flesh? It used to be a living breathing animal and it was only killed so you could have meat on your plate to satisfy your lust for their flesh. Watch the movie "Fast food nation" or read the book, also called "Fast food nation". Then meat is not so appealing. You know what I mean?

[bowulf]

Your quality of meat depends upon where you go. As for fast food nation, it goes to if you want cheap meat you get cheap meat with other stuff thrown. Do you realize what your vegetables are grown in? They are bathed and coated in manure (animal and human in other countries) constantly. How appetizing is that?

As for eating flesh and lust for it, sure you know why. It tastes good. Sympathy arguments do nothing on me. Man was born an omnivore, and I am here to honor that calling.

[bowulf]

If there was some negative to eating meat and saturated fats, surely I would have encountered it after 4 years or my blood work would reflect it. Instead, it reflects phenomenal drop in cholesterol &  chol. ratios, increase in good cholesterol, and drop in triglycerides. I haven't missed a day of work in 2 years for sickness.

As for poor animals, they were raised for food. They satisfied their purpose in life. I call for good stewardship for them not because of some rights but for taste.

[te7as6b]

Hi, I AM A VEGETARIAN. I have lost a lot of weight cutting out meat. ELIMINATING MEAT from my diet was THE BEST decision I have ever made. Is the atkins diet not THE MOST HAZARDOUS DIET ON THE PLANET FOR THE HUMAN BIENG? What is so good about the atkins diet other than losing weight? I think the atkins diet is nothing but a scam made by robert atkins. He only wanted to make a lot of money and he succeeded by fooling a lot of naive people to eat meat and cut out carbs. ATKINS is a BIG BIG SCAM.

[bowulf]

Good to preface your belief system up upfront. For me personally, Atkins was the best decision I could have made. It has made me healthier and more fit than I ever was before -- hardly the most hazardous diet. Watch my most recent misconception videos and understand where you have gone wrong.

How do you classify it as a scam? I am out $1 for a book and have had 4+ years of healthy living by both my blood work and doctors' account. 200 pounds and 2 marathons later I could not be happier.

[VeeVeeVeeV]

reply to: te7as6b

vegetarianism / atkinism / jenny craigism / weight watcherism / junk foodism etc.... is ALL about personal CHOICES....

oh... and then for some ... it's about how it makes us feel.

did you by chance see one of the first videos of bowulf? see the comparison.....

[tanyajano]

Thanks a lot for the reply in such a short notice.

U r a good person and a great inspiration.

[bowulf]

You are very welcome, and thanks for watching and commenting. It is great to know the videos are helping others.

[tanyajano]

thanx alot for ur reply. ur videos r great and has helped me alot. my question is can we take fat burners like hydroxycut with atkins diet? Can i take multivitamins and omega 3-6 9 at the same time? are there any side effects?

[bowulf]

You can take the multi's and the Omega at the same time. There is little chance for overdose if you are taking the recommended amount each day. The only side effects would be related more to what is included with the fish oil (such as Vitamin D or heavy minerals) not so much the oil itself.

As for Hydroxycut, I discourage all diet pill use -- not so much for if they don't work (as most will), BUT for if they do work. Suddenly, your weight loss is not your own, but dependent on the pills.

[OldButtNotDead]

You wonderful man! Thank you so much for making these videos & posting them here. I could watch you all day!

Sue

[bowulf]

You are very welcome.  I am glad you find them useful.

[tanyajano]

Hi,

thanks for ur response and ur videos. I was checking the atkins diet website and it says use a multivitamin which has no iron, why is that? i'm a 28 years old woman n i exercise regularly. I'm on 2nd week of induction but lately i feel drained out of energy, i tried to buy multivitamins but all of them have iron.. can u suggest some supplments and their brands plz? right now the only supplement i am taking is calcium with vitamin D 650mg.

[bowulf]

I buy centrum multi- (for men) and that brand does not iron in it. The reason for no iron is that one should be getting enough iron in your diet already with the red meat and protein intake. Too much iron isn't a good thing. If you feel drained, you might look at increasing your water intake or potentially acclimated to the diet.

You may also want to look at the CoQ-10 (50mg) and L-Carnitine (>100mg) that I discussed in this video. Brand on these is not as important as the amount.

[twister0531b]

Do you have any info on dhea or keto7? Thanks!

[bowulf]

Sorry - nothing more than Google will say about them.

[benbel15]

i was drinking a jones pure cane sugar soda watching this, i will start the diet soon.

[1dsunhope]

aloha ken i have been on the induction for about 10 days lost 7 pounds, sometimes after i eat my meal i fall asleep at 3pm to to 6pm. i get plenty of sleep but i am thinking of trying the q 10 and l- carn but have you ever tried the octacosanol the book recommends for fatigue? which one do i do?

mahalo

[bowulf]

Sorry, I haven't tried that one yet, and I don't know anyone offhand who has. The CoQ-10 really helped when I first started taking it. I am not saying don't take the octacosanol. Let me know if it helps.

[TrueLoveWithin]

I'm glad you posted this. I was wondering if you knew of any good multivitamins for this. Last time I was on the diet, I took the Atkins brand vitamins. Now I can't find them.

[bowulf]

Yep, there wasn't much magical about the Atkins brand vitamins. I recommend just simply a good multi-, CoQ10, L-Carnitine (for exercisers), and progress from there. Their other metabolism one had a bunch of Guarana and caffiene in it. With my running, I never had a problem with energy, but there are certainly enough pick me up with those in it.

[TrueLoveWithin]

So you mean I could just take a Centrum with CoQ10 and L-Carnitine on the side? Last time I was on the diet, I didn't even think of taking vitamins, until I was getting reoccurring nosebleeds. I usually get them when the whether changes, but not every other day. So, I learned my lesson and bought the Atkins vitamins. If I can save money with different multis, I'm all for it.

[bowulf]

Yep, it was probably the Potassium or Calcium that helped with the nosebleeds. I am probably the worst at forgetting the multi-, but I get nosebleeds as well. (always have) They go way or are less prevalent when I remember. I personally just take the Wal-mart Equate brand for Active Adults.

[TrueLoveWithin]

Thanks! :)

[devilsdollbaby1]

I just want to thank you for this and every other video you've posted. You have been so helpful in every respect. I appreciate the time you have invested and look forward to watching and rewatching to absorb the wealth of information you provide. Thank you!

[bowulf]

Thanks for your comments. I am hoping now that my trip to Seattle is over, I should have another one ready soon.

[aydensfolks]

okay are any of these supplements you recommend, or discuss, going to have increase your heart rate? Im prone to tachycardia myself so i have to be careful. Although they did recommend coQ10 for that at my health food store. (?) Love love love your videos, Please keep them coming! ~ thanx ~ Clueless in AR

[bowulf]

The CoQ10 did have an energy stimulation effect on me, but did not affect my heart rate. The mayo clinic link in the video notes section details many heart benefits, but does not point to any change in heart rhythm. That would be the biggest culprit in my mind.  I did a brief search on the others and did not turn up anything else.

[licolamare]

This might sound like a dumb question but could you spell out the main supplements you mention.

I take the COQ10 that has Salmon Oil and VitE added but I haven't heard of the other supplements.

[bowulf]

A few mentioned are:

l-glutamine - helps with cravings

L-Carnitine - helps with the fatty acids.

Biotin - helps with hair loss, etc

[NaturalNutrition]

Looks like you're really into Health & Nutrition. It's great to meet some one else that can really contribute.

[fr3d420]

you people dont know health. lol... dead meat has nothing but poison in it.

[bowulf]

If by poison you mean deliciously-arranged amino acids and energy-providing fat molecules, I agree with you. Most likely though, it might be you that could be confused on nutrition and health.

[buck8uc]

It might, but when your an athlete you need dead animals for portein. We had a vegeterian on our team and he would always break a bone, foot...hand...ankle. I'm sorry but you need dead animals if your putting your body though vigorous workouts

[TrueLoveWithin]

My cousin is a vegetarian and he had to go to Dr. Atkins years ago because he wasn't getting proper nutrition. And you know what? Dr. Atkins helped him find the right supplements, without judging his dietary choices.  You could learn from him.

[Magicman123]

Hey. I'd like to thank you for all the excellent advice you have been giving. I think I'm ready start Atkins now. Thanks again.

[fivefoflow]

That CoQ10 is has shitty effects when taken with Adderal, which is a medication for ADHD. I had this energy drink called Rehab today at around noon, it is now 2:25 in the morning and I am still buzzed. That energy drink had only 3mg of it. I know it was the CoQ10 because it only has 120mg of caffeine, and that much doesn't set me off like this. How much is the dose you take as a supplement?

[bowulf]

Typically, the amount is 30mg or 50mg per day. (I typically buy the 30mg tablets -- they're cheaper.) It can definitely have a buzzing effect due to the energy it's enabling to be produced.

[fivefoflow]

Yeah, that's what I read. Thanks.

[teggggR]

While on the Atkins Diet (induction week), am I allowed to drink whey protein shakes (mixed in water)? Thanks in advance

[bowulf]

No, most of them have stuff that is not allowed on the Induction phase. Even the best whey protein, Isopure Zero Carb IMHO, should be abstained even though it contains zero carbs. I would add the whey protein back in the dairy rung as lactose can be problematic to some Atkineers. Induction should really be as simple and less processed as possible. It's only 14 days, and then you can readd all the convenience foods back.

[White2098]

green tea pills are good also.

[tyciol]

Great, supplements are always an important interest.

[bangstun]

Great thank you for sharing that is awesome!