I've been doing the Original Atkins Plan (OAP) since 1/5/08. The first time I did low carb, this was the only plan available, and I had great success. So I'm back to it.

You count carbs, not net carbs. You start out with essentially zero carbs, and work your way up each week with 5 per day. The carbs the first week are from 2 cups of salad vegetables, loosely packed. You are also allowed olives, or sub a pickle for the salad. And you limit your hard cheese to 4 oz a day. It's a very simple plan. It worked great for me. I just didn't stick with it.

So, if anyone wants to join me, you are more than welcome to do so.

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Nita

Hey Nita,
I know exactly what you are talking about because I have the original Atkins book (somewhere around here) that I purchased at a used book store...

My concern with the original plan (the reason why Dr. Atkins changed it) is that it does not allow for enough vegetables. I don't have any actual articles to reference, but I'm pretty sure that some studies were done that indicated that consuming too few carbs actually inhibited long-term weight loss. I could be wrong about that, but having been on this board for the past 7 years, I do know that this is the personal experience of many of our long-term LC'ers...

I'm sure you have considered all of this and I'm certain you will choose wisely (being a long-time LC'er yourself).
But I have to stick by my old mantra:
NOBODY ever got fat eating too many vegetables!
Whatever you choose, I'm rooting for you & will be interested to see your progress...
Good luck,

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Summer

Nita, I hope a little change up will help jump start your loss again. Keep us posted.

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BC
LC Since 1998
Highest Weight 172
Current 104-108

Summer, there's no lack in veggies on the OAP; it's just that you add them in much slower than DANDR. You start a 0 carbs, and work you carbs up 5 day each week. So, you don't miss out on broccoli or brussels sprouts, or more salad, if that's what you want. It's basically the same as DANDR in the long run, you just start out at a much lower carb level, and you don't subtract fiber, you count all carbs. It's much simpler, too, which is why I like it. (I'm mathematically challenged.)

Thanks for the encouragement from both you, Summer, and you, Brenda.

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Nita

So, how's this going for you, Nita? Are you getting adjusted and feel more on track now?

I was personally never attracted to Atkins '72 for the reason Summer mentioned--I've never looked at a menu review request and went, "Wait-you've got too many high fiber veggies in there, Cowboy."

But I definitely understand the desire to simplify and return to what you know has worked for you in the past. And I know it's short-term restrictions, not the infamous "no-carb" version of LC'ing that so many of us started out with, based on media misinformation and the ever popular "friend-who-lost-weight-advice" before knew what we were doing.

Not that I would ever do that.... Yeah. Right. And I never hopped on a scale 4 times in a single day, either....Ha!

Anyway, hope all is well and you're feeling good....

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Fat Baggage- Is Yours Packed?

Ummm.... yeah.
Me, neither.
Nope. Never did that!
ROFL

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Summer

I've added some veggies, and the occasional OMM for my carbs. Little by little, but still no big losses, which is pretty much what I've learned to expect.

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Nita

Nita, have you thought about writing down everything you eat just to make sure? For me the "BLTs" (bites, licks & tastes) can add up quickly. Also, I have a flawed theory, if I don't have it sitting down, on a plate...it doesn't count. Just a thought!

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Ozzie's Place

Yep, Susie, I've done the Fitday thing, tried a food journal, didn't help. I'm just an extremely slow loser now that I'm past the big 50, and menopause. When that hit, everything went into slow motion. But even with the slow losses, I'm still feeling so much better than I did a few years ago. It's truly amazing.

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Nita

I also have the original book. My problem is I have to substitute cream and cheese as I break out in hives. Otherwise the plan works great. I do alot of soy dairy to replace it, and it seems to works out fine. I think you will have great success. Judy

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If at first you don't succeed, change your approach and try again

well cream cheese wouldn't be nearly as appealing if it gave me hives! eek.

good luck with your journey, judy, and let us know how things go for you.

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Fat Baggage- Is Yours Packed?

Judy, have you ever used almond milk? I get Almond Breeze from Netrition, but some stores are supposed to carry it. It has 2 gms per cup, tastes pretty good. I like to use it from time to time in my protein shakes. They have plain and flavored, I'll use it in my coffee if I'm out of cream. Not quite as good as cream, but it sure beats black coffee.

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Nita

Yes the hives makes you rethink touching a drop of dairy. Yes I have used almond breeze it is actually pretty good. I use half tofu and half unsweetened soy milk for a cream substitute. Of course soy cream cheese, and soy cheese are pretty good. Also they have a form of parmesan cheese made out of rice milk that is low in carbs too. It just makes you get a little more inventive. Judy

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If at first you don't succeed, change your approach and try again

Hi QueenMama (and everyone!),
I too am trying to do the original diet. I did it years and years ago and it worked sooo well. I tried the updated version and really struggled. I am currently looking for the book (unfortunately I had lent it out to someone and never got it back!) but in the meantime, I was wondering if you could give me the rules. Also, the acceptable food list, if possible. I remember it well (it was so basic) but would like to be sure that I don't make any mistakes....

Just a note....I found I felt GREAT on the original diet, never felt deprived and lost weight MUCH faster......
Thanks!

It will probably be tomorrow evening before I have a chance to get to it for you, Jennybear. If it's not soon, send me a pm to remind me!

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Nita