I tried the Atkins diet, after reading the book cover to cover, for about 10 days and had to quit. I felt dizzy, shaky, confused, and had no energy to walk up the stairs, much less exercise. It was a very unpleasant experience, and I just couldn't function at work or at home while feeling like this. I was assured it would all pass, but I couldn't afford to feel that bad all of the time and wait for better days.

Here's my question: If I taylor a diet plan that includes some carbs from rice, potatoes, breads, but mainly consists of meats and veggies, what are my chances of losing weight? for instance, I eat an egg and slice of cheese for breakfast, a slice of pizza for lunch with some veggies, then a chicken breast and more veggies for dinner.

Let's just say I will eat about 30-40g of carbs a day, rather than 20g. Will I lose weight, gain weight, see no difference? I would hope that adding just a few "bad" carbs would at least keep me feeling normal....even if it was a glass of juice in place of a starch.

No one diet is good for everyone. You might look at the south beach diet. it lets you have fruit on your 'induction' period. it's still a type of low carb...it just lets you have more carbs up front.

I felt the same way the first time I did Atkins years ago.

This time I made sure I was getting my full 20 carbs all in vegetables and salad. I also researched vitamins and started those this time around. I felt mildly dizzy the first 2 days after waking and after that I felt great. In Induction sometimes it is hard to hit that 20 carb mark all in veggies and salad because your not as hungry. Eat your veggies first then protein.

I don't know about a small amount of "bad" carbs. Someone else might have an answer about that. I just know I can't go back because if I allow myself to indulge once a day, it won't be long and I will be right back to where I was before. This is a way of life for me now. I won't quit even after I lose my weight. I also won't go back if I NEVER lose again. After 8 months my energy level is what it was 15 years ago. I won't give that up.

I hope this helps. Sorry so long winded.

Beckie



257/215.5/150

jw
There will be many to chime in here, I'm sure, but I think if you were to start at say 25 carbs per day instead of the induction 20, that might help you feel better. Also, why go for the "bad" carbs, when you can have "good" ones?
I'm talking lots of leafy green veggies, nuts, berries, and an occasional slice of whole grain bread or ww pasta. You might want to check out several other plans that might suit you better, CALP(carbohydrate addicts life program) and SBD(south beach diet). Both of those are a lower carb WOE(way of eating), but would give you the carbs you may need to stay on plan.
Just my 2 cents
HTH
Shelley

"if it ain't broke, don't fix it"
*LC WOLF*

Jwg,

I have a complicated reply for your question.

Ok, first of all... the mistake MOST people make when beginning this woe (way of eating) is not reading up/educating themselves about it first.
Induction sickness is VERY common but it IS very temporary. It can make you feel horrible because it is a *detox* of sorts... What's REALLY bad is that you made it through 10 DAYS and then quit! You were almost certainly past the worst of it!!
AND there is a REALLY good reason for that *induction sickness* (mine was horrible!) -- it keeps you "clean" while eating this way. It really makes you think twice about cheating! No one wants to go through induction again! LOL!

If you were having shaking and weakness, it is very possible you were not eating enough... often people begin this woe (way of eating) like "another diet" and severely restrict their caloric intake -- when that is really not necessary. I would like to see a couple days of your menus.

Now, that said, YES -- there are MANY low-carb plans to choose from. Some are MUCH higher in carb allowance than others. A good one for you to try might be "Carbohydrate Addicts" or "South Beach Diet."
But I would NOT do what you are suggesting -- eating pizza and other "bad carbs."
The majority of your carbs should be coming from fresh vegetables (and fruits if your plan allows) -- not things like pizza.

If you will read Atkins' book (or even Protein Power by Drs. Michael and Mary Dan Eades -- which does a much better job of explaining) you will see WHY is very bad to mix *bad carbs* with this way of eating... Juice is not a good choice either.

I suggest you check into the various low carb plans available and then educate yourself completely regarding this way of life. Knowing the "hows and whys" of this woe will make it a LOT easier to deal with any minor irritations or setbacks.

I truly hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck!

Summer


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