Help! Can you guys convince me to start Atkins?

[Desiree]

I've been contimplating doing this. But I'm worried about my picky eating. I've been trying to just cut back on foods and although initially I've seen a small change but I ended up stopping it all together and got back to starting bad habits.

About a week or so ago I joined the YMCA. So I've started going there. Today was my first session with a trainer and I'm motivated. What do I need to do to start researching Atkins? I feel like I need an Atkins for dummies book. I'm also worried that this isn't for me.

Help!

 

[wovenwonder]

Check out the links that I have on my low carb journey page [linked below]. The best thing is to buy the book. It is under $10 for the paperback version. Read the book and research some websites. The first two weeks are the hardest. Some people go thru some pretty bad withdrawal symptoms. After a week or so your cravings go away and that is wonderful!

Basically for the first two weeks you will eat under 20grams of carbs per day in the form of low carb veggies such as cauliflower, salad, broccoli, asparagus, green beans, cucumbers, etc. You will also eat unlimited beef, pork, chicken, seafood, eggs, butter, oil, real mayo, real salad dressing, limited cheese,etc.

 

[WebmasterAlex]

We can't
You have to decide it is the right diet for you.....

 

[MelanieC]

I agree with Alex! If you are needing convincing, and aren't sure you can do it for a lifetime...........it may not be the right plan for you.

Pick a plan you can live with for a lifetime. Dieting doesn't work, but choosing a plan you can live with for a lifetime will keep the weight off.

I did WW's last year and lost 37 pounds, only to gain it back in a year. My lesson was that I must do this for a lifetime. Do it for my health. You eat more while maintaining, but it's the same concept.

Melanie

 

[nativetxn]

I hate to admit it, but I agree with Alex, too.

Des, you have to find the plan that works best for <i>you</i>. When you find that plan you will succeed in reaching your goal.

I can email you the Atkins rules for induction if you want to see what foods are allowed. That would help you decide if you think you could follow the plan, at least for the first two weeks.

Send me an email if you want me to email the rules for induction to you, okay?

Katholyn

 

[pixiechick]

Hi Desiree!!! Long time, no chat!

I'm going to disagree with the others slightly! While I agree that ultimately, only you can decide if it is right for you in the long haul, I do believe that if you must give it a fair and honest chance before making the decision. You must be willing to commit for at least 2 weeks, preferably a month or longer. Once you get to that point, it's so much easier!
If you have been eating a "traditional" American diet, Atkins seems unnatural at first. I was so used to eating refined flour and sugar, that I couldn't imagine which foods I would eat on a daily basis. Now, I can't imagine eating some foods on a regular basis, they're just not worth it to me.
As Jody said, READ the book. Many people think they understand what Atkins is all about, and don't. What you don't understand, we'll help explain. There are bunches of great people with loads of info and advice here on the WISH board. Once I understood the science behind the program, I felt sure it was right for me.
I haven't lost weight quickly (13lbs. in about 5 months) but it's been realitively easy and I can imagine living this way forever.
Give it a try, the worst that will happen is that you'll decide it's not for you, AND you'll lose some water weight!

 

[Beastlover]

Take a look at the atkins website...www.atkins.com there is lots of info there, without buying the book. I wasn't sure if I could handle no bread, no pasta, etc. but when I got over the withdrawal, I realized those foods must not be good for me, if it made me sick to not eat them. It sounded crazy to me, why would I eat something, that when eliminated from my diet, made me sick? My energy is even all day, I don't have "highs" and "lows" because of glucose levels fluctuating.
The others are right, although, if you feel you can't give up certain foods, maybe they are the root of the problem? That is how it works for me.
As with any plan you commit to, you have to give it your ALL, or else you will fail. Be educated and committed, and you will succeed!!

Good Luck!!