Low Carb - Not really Atkins

[janette]

I decided to see what effect just watching carbs had for me. I really haven't been strict enough to call it Atkins because I've kept my Diet Coke and a few other things. For the most part I've done pretty well but learned that I couldn't live without some chocolate but the Russell Stover & Atkins candy work fine for that. I have lost about 10lbs in the last 2 weeks, this of course is the easiest to lose I know it will get harder if I want to lose more.

Has this worked for anyone? Do I have to strictly stay with the Atkins plan or can I just adjust it for me? I'm staying within 20-30 grams of carbs daily. Sometimes less sometimes more.

 

[Robinrs]

Janette, my son and sister are doing the same thing.

I didn't put my son on a strict regimen because of his age and my sister just starting cutting down on carbs because we were. Both have lost weight and feel better than ever! I'm the only one on the diet strictly. We're all doing it our own way but are still reeping the rewards!

 

[scrappinMickey]

I am doing the same thing, watching my carbs and not strictly Atkins. I can't eat straight protein for more than a week I have lost 9 lbs.in three weeks and who knows how many inches! Wish I had measured.

For my cola cravings I have been drinking Diet Rite, tastes good and is made with Splenda. No carbs no sugar.

And since I love chocolate I make sugarfree pudding with half&half or heavy cream. And put some cool whip and nuts on top! Cheating, but not too bad!!

 

[LisaTx]

Hi, Janette.

I think you'll do just fine that way. You may not lose as fast as you would doing a strict Atkins, but I'm sure you will lose and the point is to get healthy, not win a race.

I don't do Atkins by the book any more. I did start that way and stayed with it for several months, although I never gave up caffeine. Lots of people don't. Trey did, but I just couldn't handle trying to kick 2 addictions at once.

About 3 months ago I stopped counting carbs or calories. I learned what was acceptable in the first few months and continue eating that way for the most part. I'm trying to find a happy medium that I can live with forever.

If I want fruit now, I eat it. I probably have fruit 2-3 times a week. I eat all the veggies I want. Occasionally I will have something with more carbs, but it has to be really good and I keep the portions very low. The one thing I'm very strict about is no sugar.

Good luck and let us know how it's going.

 

[nancyj_pa]

It sounds to me like you're doing fine! Atkins isn't the only low carb diet around. I'm doing Protein Power and a lot of WISH'ers are on South Beach. If you need something a little more structured, read up on these two.

I could never give up my morning coffee, and I eat some blueberries every morning. Most low carb diets are pretty flexible only I shouldn't really call them diets...they are a life change. I plan to eat this way the rest of my life.

 

[Chim Chiminy]

Janette,
I am so glad you asked this question. I was wondering the same thing too.
My DH and I just started watching our carbs a week ago. I am basically pulling things from many sources. Atkins, South Beach, and several low carb recipe websites.
I don't really want to be too strict with this, as strict usually fails with me when it comes to changing eating habits.
So far this week I have lost 8 pounds, so I guess we are doing something right.
I am just wondering right now how people live without potatoes!!!

 

[wiskband]

I too am doing low carb.........never atkins but I have bought some of the products such as the bread, snacks and ice cream.
I have doignt his since sept and took the month of december off......so all together about 4 months, I have lost 37 pounds.
goodluck.
renee

 

[JRoglitz]

I have been doing this since August and have lost 35 lbs this way. I had lost about 15 prior to that doing low fat but it was getting really old. I drink Diet Pepsi and keep my carbs to between 20 and 30 per day. I try not to overthink it. This is the ONLY diet that has worked for me. Keep up the good work!