Atkins Diet

New CCU RN · Nov 27, 2002

My fiancee did it once....lost 80 lbs....over the course of two years he gained 30 lbs back. He has kept 50 of it off since resuming a regular diet. He recently tried to start back up on it and couldnt...he was getting tachycardic, sweaty, and couldnt sleep, was thirsty all the time, it was awful. I made him eat a bagel that night and it stopped...I know strange. Anyhow, from what I have heard from others, you can do it the first time around but it is a one time deal. Good luck. BTW he started running everyday and lifting and eating just slightly better and he has lost all but ten of those lbs.

sjoe · Nov 28, 2002

Agnus--Since I already posted the details some time ago on an Atkins thread, I did not choose to do so again. Let's just say that by the end of day #2 I was so mentally confused and disoriented, as well as sleeping 20+ hours a day, that I realized it was time to stop. Previous experiences in the '60s and '70s with fasting experiments did not produce these same side effects, so it seems to have had something to do with throwing off my electrolyte balance, at the least. Who knows what else. (And yes, I read the book first.)

You are right, the delayed effects seem to still be working (though I went to back to eating carbs, etc. after the 2 days). I still have a much diminished appetite and many foods I ate before I can't stand to even think about eating now. That's what I meant by "go figure." For some reason also, I have been eating a LOT more candy than I did before, as well. The diet, though just for two days, seems to have unexpectedly shifted some dietary gears in my brain.

And, for clarification, I'm not complaining, since I never have been very interested in food in the first place and now weigh what I did at age 21. The weight wasn't a big problem, I just wanted to see what the "Atkins effects" would be. And, for me, I found out. Mentally, it was QUITE unpleasant. Apparently other people do not experience the same kind of thing, or no one would still be trying it.

Like most things, it seems to be helpful for some people and not for others.

baseline · Nov 28, 2002

Be sure to read the book. The strict carbohydrate restriction is only for the first 2 weeks. Drink drink drink water. Follow his instructions in the book. It will work. I have found that if I restrict the high carb and increase my protein intake, I will lose weight. I struggle with my wt. and I do best if I follow this plan....no WHITE stuff...eg: white flour, sugar, potatoes, rice, limiit milk products .... eat lots of veggies and fruit and eat alot of protein.

Teshiee · Nov 28, 2002

Personally a diet that deprives you of certain foods is not a good thing but you must do what works for you. I am currently on weight watchers and lost 16lbs in 5 weeks eating what I want with knowledge of curtailing my portions and exercise. It teaches you a lifestyle change without leaving out your favorites. I love steak so once a month I have a steak and I am learning to bake and poach my meats. I honestly don't miss eating lots of fat foods and I really feel much better. I would explore all my options before trying fad diets. But whatever you choose if it works and it doesn't leave you unhealthy go for it. :-)

bagladyrn, RN · Nov 28, 2002

I've been following the Atkins plan since May, am down 30 lbs. so far, all labs WNL, no bad effects and have dropped from an 18/20 to a loose size 14. I do eat a lot of salads, small amounts of fruit, some other vegetables. This is all within the Atkins plan after the initial 2 weeks of induction. I'd suggest reading the bok before deciding whether you want to try this, as there is a lot of misinformation in the hearsay out there.

Rudegal2020 · Nov 28, 2002

Didn't Dr. Atkins have a heart attack a few months ago?

Two co-workers of mine are on the Atkins diet and they both have lost 50 lbs each so far. I have tried the diet back in '99 but after a few days I felt forget this I want some BREAD!

What I found worked for me is The Firm and cutting down on the portions I ate. It is step aerobics with weights. The pounds just stated melting off. I lost about 30 Lbs in about 2 months. Plus I like the part that I wasn't flabby. That is one thing I hate to see is when people lose weight but they still look flabby.

Just my three cents;)

James Huffman · Nov 28, 2002

An earlier post asks:

>>Didn't Dr. Atkins have a heart attack a few months ago?

No, he did not. On April 18, he had an arrest related to an infection, but he did not have an infarction. For details, read:

http://www.lowcarb.ca/articlesb/article341.html

Jim Huffman, RN

http://www.NetworkforNurses.com

renerian, BSN, RN · Nov 28, 2002

I agree with you. It is unhealthy and most people gain back what they lost. Hard on your kidneys. Try eating a well balanced diet, cut back your calories and exercise. This should work and does for most people.

renerian

renerian, BSN, RN · Nov 28, 2002

I don't think everyone in the family should suffer because one person is on a diet. If the person that cooks is not on the diet, the cook should not have to suffer. Let the person on the diet cook their own food.

JMHO,

renerian

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · Nov 28, 2002

I'm honestly baffled by this diet. I know it is FULL of saturated animal fats and proteins and I would positively DIE without my carbs (esp.. CHOCOLATE!!!). Can anyone explain to me WHY the people on this POWDERKEG FAT DIET had lower cholesterols and lower triglycerides than their compadres on the American Heart Association diet??? THis enquiring mind would like to know!!!!

Sign me....BAFFLED

sbic56, BSN, RN · Nov 28, 2002

People are always looking for the miracle diet. I don't believe it is out here. Jack Lalane knew the answer way back in the '50's. Eat a balanced diet and exercise. (Remember him? He's still in awesome condition well into his 80's) And Mom was right. Eat your vegetables.

baseline · Nov 28, 2002

The experts have had to back up a tad towards the atkins diet....and if you read his book, the stringent carb restriction is only for the 1st 2 weeks. It does work....but you can't eat that ice cream folks.....and the atkins diet strongly encourages physician follow-up...and EXCERCISE!!!