I need opinions please.....

[Tiggerlover91]

....from anyone who has done or knows someone who has done the Adkins diet. I started yesterday and I have to get through the 14 day Induction Phase. That means no bread, sugar, fruits, pastas, rice, juices for two weeks!! I ate 6 times yesterday!!! SIX!!! I couldn't figure out why I was so hungry and DH and DM told me it was because my body was looking for the man-made carbs. I was like oh! DH and I were in Walmart for nearly an hour shopping. When you can't have sugar you have to read labels closely. I had to empty out my pantry also because there's so much in there I won't be able to have for awhile. My weakness is sugar and breads so if I can make it through the first few days, I think I'm going to be fine. I've read in Adkins book of people who have lost anywhere from 10-20 pounds the first two weeks. After you get through induction you have to slowly introduce certain carbs back into your system. Evenutally when your weight loss slows or becomes nil, that's when you know how many carbs to be eating daily. Right now I'm at 20 and eventually I will increase 5 a week until my weight loss just stops. Whatever the point is, that is the amount of carbs I'm allowed daily.

So anyone have any words of encouragement for me, or some success stories to tell? I had a bad headache last night also. I'm hoping it's only because my body is looking for those "nasty" carbs. Would love to hear from any of you whether it's to leave me pixie dusts or tell me of your success or someone else's.

Thanks!!

~~~Denise

 

[Adrianna]

I never have tried that, I usually work out at the gym 4-6 days a week and eat a little better than I have been. I suggest you definitely exercise.

I've heard people who've tried this diet go right back to where they were, once the diet is done. I'd much rather recommend something like Body for Life, a book on weight loss/eating right/exercise, or that book that Oprah's trainer (Mark Greene?) wrote about this.

Good luck

 

[Tiggerlover91]

Thanks Adrianna, I do work out, I own quite a few Tae-Bo tapes and enjoy them thoroughly. I have heard about those who return to the old way of eating once they lose the weight they want, but I don't want to be one of those people.

 

[Beauty]

I tried to do the Atkins Diet but after a week I felt so bad and no body could live with me. I was down out mean to everybody and I just felt awful!!

I have heard such wonderful things but that person just wasn't me....so I'm trying it the old fashioned way.

 

[FOJMO]

my opinion is that any food program that prohibits ANY of the food groups, cannot be good for you. I know there are plenty of people on Atkins, and they are very successful, but what are you going to do when you start eating carbs again?

I believe in a balanced food program, including ALL food groups. I am on Jenny Craig, which I call the "convenient Weight Watcher" program -- same principles, but you buy the food for the convenience.

Everyone should do what they feel is best for them, but IMHO, if you're having such violent reaction during this "induction" period, it can't be very healthy.

 

[wdwnutze]

Tiggerlover91- If you are looking for more info on the Atkins diet I suggest that you check out the WISH board. There are many success stories there. I have been doing Atkins for 7 weeks and have lost 28 1/2lbs! The 1st week was tough BUT not unbearable. I had a slight headache and leg cramps but after the 1st few days(and the start of a multi vit) it subsided. I have no cravings and am sometimes surprised that I have no appetite. Some days I can't even finish a whole burger(no roll) and salad. I think you do have to do what feels right for you. For me, this way of eating makes sense and works. I have done WW very successfully a couple of times but I have found Atkins to fit into my life easier. I have chosen to continue on with the induction phase(or having 20 grams of carbs or less). I will do this for a few more weeks then I will introduce some more carbs into my diet. I do not feel deprived OR hungry. I lost 15lbs in the 1st 2 weeks but it is very different for everyone. Some people have lost only a couple of pounds during those weeks but have lost inches. Make sure that you measure yourself because if you don't lose lbs 1 week you will probably lose inches. Feel free to pm me or ask any questions you want. Good luck. If you can get through the 1st week, it gets much easier.

 

[TIdoublegaER]

When I first tried Atkins in '98, I didn't think I could ever give up bread, potatoes, sweets, etc. The first 2 weeks were difficult, but even after I stopped doing Atkins, I didn't crave those things like I did before (well, except for the sweets ). I lost 10 lbs the first 2 weeks and 21 more over the next 4 weeks. I kept that 30 lbs off for about 1 1/2 years. Unfortunately, I am close to where I started before. My problem was I lost steam when I started to plateau and end up going off the diet. I have also done Body for Life and Sugarbusters, which I think are good diets as well. Your headaches could be from a lack of caffeine. My mom had this problem when she tried Atkins, she quit her coffee cold turkey and suffered for it. If it is because you cut caffeine entirely out of your diet, I would recommend weaning yourself off. I am actually thinking about trying Atkins again. I need to do something and I honestly never felt better than when I wasn't eating a ton of carbs. I had more energy, I felt better and I sure looked better. I know I can lose the weight, it is just a matter of getting motivated.

 

[LuvTigger]

Ditto what wdwnutze said...there are LOTS of people on the WISH Board who can offer great suggestions and support. And you can join the WISH Challenge to help keep you motivated! Please visit us there, it's really a great board with a very positive group of people offering support and encouragement!

 

[Tiggerlover91]

Thank you all for your suggestions and opinions! I'm feeling much better today! My body is still looking for those walmart biscuits I eat daily and that snickers bar that I eat every so often. Well, it's not gonna find it right now. I appreciate you guys, thanks again!

 

[minniecarousel]

Hey Denise - I think we'll be seeing you on the WISH Board! I'm doing Atkins and had a rough day 2 & 3 - but after that - no cravings & no headaches! I just got back from a vacation at WDW & Cruise. (gained 6 lbs!) But I feel good about being back on Atkins and have every confidence that those lbs will come off quickly!
And it's true - Atkins is not for everybody. But I was on Weight Watchers so many times and was always hungry! I am rarely hungry on Atkins (get the "munchies" once in a while!) I believe that I have a problem with carbohydrates. The carbs that I have added after the first 2 weeks are fruit! I don't miss pasta, bread or potatoes.
Good luck!