[suzanne4]

Originally Posted by youngRNstudent

I haven't done ATKINS because it's actually not that good for you. It's high in fat and protein, while being slim to no carbs.

I've been on the South Beach Diet which is similar to Atkins, but better on the kidneys/heart. It's low-carb, but mainly GOOD carbs (complex) in low amounts, while being low-fat at the same time.

I've lost 11 lbs and have more energy than ever before.

I think Atkin's would be good if you modified it, lower in fat and having "good" carbs.

You need to read the book again on Atkins. It has quite a few vegetables, etc. Unless you have only been reading the induction phase. I don't follow either one strictly but find what works for me, when you follow something to the letter you are going to get bored with it. I eat brown rice for lunch 6 out of 7 days and lots of vegetables every day. Thai fruits also. Just by cutting out white rice, white bread, white pasta and sugar you will see a big difference.

[kdhnursern]

I have been able to find a lot of low-carb alternative foods. You say you like bagels? I buy low carb bagels at the naural food store in town. There is also Sara Lee low carb bread, Atkins cold cereals, low carb ice creams (Braum's Chocolate Chip is the best), and some to-die-for pastas under the brand name "Dreamfield's". You should not eat these things on the induction phase but once you get past that, you can add these low carb foods into your diet. I even went to the local pizza place, Godfather's, and was going to cheat. They have now come out with a thin crust low-carb pizza. I found some low-carb frozen waffles that I love to take to work for my breakfast break. Slimfast has the low carb shakes that are delicious and a lot cheaper than Atkins shakes. Altogether, I don't feel deprived of anything anymore. I even found low-carb Doritos and tortilla chips by Frito-Lay that are fantastic. Most of these foods are more expensive than the regular kinds but I believe my health is worth it. And I am a lot healthier than when I was 65 lbs heavier.
As for being harder on the kidneys, I drink plenty of water every day. Keep well hydrated. And I'm a dialysis nurse so I do know what to keep an eye out for. Just don't stay on the induction phase too long. You can always go back to it for short periods of time to restart your weight loss.

[PCGrad06]

Great Ideas Thanks a bunch

Originally Posted by suzanne4

Yuo can actually make several flourless quiches at once and store in the firg and just nuke in the micorwave. Almost anything will work for the insides.

Examples:
1. grilled onions, several types of mushrooms, spinach, swiss chees
2. shredded chicken, mushrooms, baby corn, swiss cheese
3. zucchini, tomatoes, peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach
4. chicken or turkey sausage, onions, mushrooms, cheese
5. loose hamburger, some type of sausage, pepperoni, and ?

Cook or brown all of the ingredients first. Put in a non-stock pan, I like frying pan size. Depending on how many that you are making, mix eggs with either sour cream or whipping cream and pour over the top. They will require baking for about 30 minutes (depends on pan size).

I always used real Swiss cheese over here, actually from Switzerland, and we do not have much of a choice of dairy products. With the cream, it tastes like a custard.

[suzanne4]

Originally Posted by kdhnursern

I have been able to find a lot of low-carb alternative foods. You say you like bagels? I buy low carb bagels at the naural food store in town. There is also Sara Lee low carb bread, Atkins cold cereals, low carb ice creams (Braum's Chocolate Chip is the best), and some to-die-for pastas under the brand name "Dreamfield's". You should not eat these things on the induction phase but once you get past that, you can add these low carb foods into your diet. I even went to the local pizza place, Godfather's, and was going to cheat. They have now come out with a thin crust low-carb pizza. I found some low-carb frozen waffles that I love to take to work for my breakfast break. Slimfast has the low carb shakes that are delicious and a lot cheaper than Atkins shakes. Altogether, I don't feel deprived of anything anymore. I even found low-carb Doritos and tortilla chips by Frito-Lay that are fantastic. Most of these foods are more expensive than the regular kinds but I believe my health is worth it. And I am a lot healthier than when I was 65 lbs heavier.
As for being harder on the kidneys, I drink plenty of water every day. Keep well hydrated. And I'm a dialysis nurse so I do know what to keep an eye out for. Just don't stay on the induction phase too long. You can always go back to it for short periods of time to restart your weight loss.

We don't even have any of those foods available over here. Even I have to import my Splenda. The best advice is to try and just stay away from those types of foods and change your eating habits. You can actually make a pizza without the crust. Almost any type of sandwich can be made with lettuce leaves, etc. and not eat the bread. Or if you must have bread, use a hardy whole grain. Most of those products, even though they are low-carb, have high levels of sodium and other things that you do not need. Try a week without them , and see what other things are available around you instead of just trying to replace what you were eating before. Remember the whole idea is to develop good eating habits...............try real healthy foods for a change. You may like it.................

[SCmomof3]

Originally Posted by kdhnursern

I even found low-carb Doritos and tortilla chips by Frito-Lay that are fantastic.

How did you know I was sitting here eating Doritos? :blush: They are my weakness - I even hide them from the kids

[SCmomof3]

I am LOVING these ideas for meals, everyone!!!! THANK YOU so much!

Those quiches sound yummy. I would definitely eat them. I really enjoy healthy food. My DH loves fried foods, anything slathered in bleu cheese and mayo (lucky for him they're low carb so he won't have to eliminate them - otherwise he'd never agree to try this with me!), he is addicted to Pepsi, the only veggie he eats is corn, which isn't even considered a veggie by nutritionists... You get the idea. It's difficult to eat healthy with all this junk around me. But I am at my breaking point and I just don't care. I already told him no more Pepsi in the house - if he wants it, he can drink it at work and leave it there. If it's here I will drink it. Otherwise I drink mostly water.

I am totally rambling LOL!! Anyway, I know I CAN do this !!!!!!!!! Thanks!!!

[youngRNstudent]

Originally Posted by suzanne4

You need to read the book again on Atkins. It has quite a few vegetables, etc. Unless you have only been reading the induction phase. I don't follow either one strictly but find what works for me, when you follow something to the letter you are going to get bored with it. I eat brown rice for lunch 6 out of 7 days and lots of vegetables every day. Thai fruits also. Just by cutting out white rice, white bread, white pasta and sugar you will see a big difference.

I haven't read the Atkin's book, only the South Beach Diet book. I just have heard a lot of heresay about Atkin's causing heart problems in people because of the high fat in a lot of the recommended foods. So, I guess I cannot say that its bad for you. I also do not follow South Beach strictly, but mostly. I agree with you, cutting out the white rice, bread, sugar, etc makes a big difference! sorry if i came off wrong!

[suzanne4]

For those of you that still need "junk food" ------
try toasting whole wheat pita halves in the toaster then putting on whatever topping. Much healthier. And still crunchy.
Or try cream cheese on a stick of celery, or with peanut butter.
Strips of red, orange, yellow, or green pepper with different toppings. The list is endless. Just try for a week to stay away from processed foods and see how you feel afterwards.

[SCmomof3]

I am so proud of myself! I went to the grocery store to pick up milk and a couple odds and ends. Doritos are on sale buy one get one free, and I didn't buy any!!!!

[suzanne4]

Originally Posted by SCmomof3

I am so proud of myself! I went to the grocery store to pick up milk and a couple odds and ends. Doritos are on sale buy one get one free, and I didn't buy any!!!!

good job! :hatparty: