Thread: Question :)

Welcome. The Atkins approach is about learning a healthy way of eating. There is no "diet" on which you can eat 6000 calories a day and expect to lose weight. Research has shown that with a controlled carbohydrate WOE, you can eat more calories and still lose weight. If you follow the Atkins approach, you should not gain weight. If you are close to your optimum weight, it may take a while for the final pounds to come off. Remember, that the goal of the Atkins approach is to give you a seamless transition from weight loss to weight maintenance with a healthy way of eating that you can maintain for a lifetime.

My son-in-law, who does not have to lose weight, followed Atkins with my daughter, who does. He actually lost weight he didn't need to lose while staying low carb, so he eats starches in order to keep his weight high enough for him to be healthy. He normally has a 30" waist, so losing anything is not good. That's the way his metabolism works. He doesn't eat sweets, though. His starch of choice is rice, but that's because he grew up on it. So, you can lose weight following a lc woe, even if you don't need to, depending on your metabolism.

You should think of the Atkins approach as a "controlled" carb approach, not necessarily a low carb approach. Some people will have a higher level of carbs that they can consume without gaining weight than others. The objective of the Atkins approach is to find the right level of carbs for you. It may be 30 grams per day, or it may be 130, or any other number. Each person is different, so you follow the methodology to determine what is right for you..

Natailie-I'm confused about why someone who was underweight to begin with would want to maintain and/or lose more weight. To be honest, your question concerns me.

Please DO NOT use Atkins, low-carb or any other eating approach to attempt to lose weight if you are already below a medically normal weight to begin with! Instead, consult with your doctor and/or a mental health professional to help you plan and follow a healthy, sustainable way of eating. Additionally, if you've ever had any concerns related to eating disorders, please address this directly before trying to undertake ANY eating plan.

Eating, body image and weight issues are very complicated, and can become intertwined with many other areas of our psychological makeup. When that happens, no amount of "dieting" will make everything feel ok. It's vital in that case to address the underlying issues first, so you can make solid and informed decisions about what eating plan best suits you.

I'm not trying to tell you this is the case with you, of course. I have no idea. I don't know you. But I do know that your question set off some alarms for me, so I wanted to address my areas of concern. I mean no offense, but I felt it important to point out some options.

Regardless of what you decide, please do be careful, and get additional assistance if needed. Peace out.

Good Question!!!! I wish I was at a normal weight....,