Atkin’s check-in
September 3rd, 2003
Well, I have yet to lose any weight. I was down a pound yesterday, but put it back on as soon as I had breakfast. But my appetite is definitely way down. Three eggs, three pieces of bacon for breakfast, two chicken thighs and some salad for lunch, and I’m still stuffed. So that’s progress, I suppose.
Right now I’m really tired. Isn’t ketosis supposed to give you some giddy energy?
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Matt, from what I’ve read by other bloggers about Atkin’s, the weight loss is very slow. But then again, so is regular weight loss with W.W. A pound or half a pound a week is quite normal. Also, most Atkins folks I know quit after a few weeks and sat back and enjoyed a nice cold beer and went AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH.
Stick with it if you want, but don’t expect miracles.
And best of luck!
I’ve only heard that ketosis gives you bad breath and body odor. I’ll let you know next time we sit down to play trivia and drink beer.
Hmmm, I was under the impression that the weight comes off really fast at first. The book says you shouldn’t lose more than one pound a day, which is a lot.
Oh, and this quote for Andy:
Improved mood and increased energy have not been felt.
What, your mood hasn’t been improved by your lack of beer intake? Damn, that’s odd.
Sure, but that shouldn’t hurt my energy level. I’ve been sleeping better than usual now that I’m not drunk occasionally. Regardless, I can’t wait for two weeks to be up, then I’m gonna drink some mad whiskey.
Yeah, from what I’ve heard the weight loss is quite drastic at first… but I guess it all depends on whether you’re retaining a lot of water, or various other factors. Chris over at http://www.superosity.com lost 30 lbs in the first little bit on Atkins - but to be fair, he started at 530 lbs.
Matt,
The first few days are actually nasty. Your brain has to figure out how to convert fat energy into fuel it can use since you are depriving yourself of carbohydrates. You might be sluggish for a week to 10 days before the happy feeling of being in ketosis kicks in.
Second, it is possible to put on weight when you’re in ketosis. A lot of folks I’ve come across go to town on foods high in fat like eggs, mayo, bacon, cheese, etc. The goal is to not only control your carbohydrate intake but also your calorie intake. You can consume 3000 calories a day from unhealthy food, be in ketosis, and put on weight.
Another factor to be aware of is your blood pressure. You have to consume enough sodium each day to keep your BP from dropping to unhealthy levels. A good way to do this is to consume a cup or two of boullion soup a day.
Foods I suggest that worked for me:
Grilled Chicken or Beef or Pork (3 oz servings. No sauces other than soy or Worch to marinade with) or Tuna with a little oil and vinegar
Sugar Free Jello (as much as you want)
1 slice of cheese per day
1 celery stick per day
Crystal Light (as much as you want)
Boullion (as stated above)
Egg Substitute Omelletes (1/2 a cup per omellete. Let’s you feel like you’re eating a real breakfast)
Try to set up a menu for yourself and control your total calories per day to around 1500 and your total carbs per day to about 75 grams or less. Beware of your meat and cheese intake as they can lead to constipation. Drink your water!!! 64 oz are the bare minimum. Try to double that up. Your body will release the ketones through the 10 trips a day you make to the bathroom.
Hope this helps.
Oh yeah…
Add cottage cheese to the foods you can consume. Very healthy natural protein.
Luckily, I’m not worried about calories, my appetite is totally gone. I’m also staying away from the cheese, Atkins recommends only four ounces a day during induction, which is about a slice or two.
Thanks for the tips.
Huh…I have been eating a health balance of carbs and protiens following the Body for Life method and I have lost 5 pounds in 4 days and I have much more energy. Hmmmmm……
Oh, and Robert, Atkins says cottage cheese is a no-no. Only dairy allowed is hard cheese and cream.
My husband and I have both been on Atkins for a couple of weeks and lost some weight, but he has developed a terrible body odor! I believe it is related to not drinking enough water. He hates the stuff. Any comments on this?