Atkins Diet

Hi everyone, I am new to this board but not new to ivillage. I am starting Atkins today and could sure use some support! Here's a brief history on me: I am usually a small person...size 4 at the most...and I stay that way by eating a high protein/low carb diet most of the week and then allowing myself some splurges on the weekends within moderation. I also workout out by doing yoga, walking, or lifting weights, taking classes, etc. As long as I do those things I am fine but the problem is the last two years were very stressful for me and I stopped working out and paying attention. This past summer I moved to a different state and a different city that I love and my social life blossomed. I left my stress behind in the previous state where I lived so when I moved things changed and I began going out with friends a lot for drinks, lunches, dinners, and cookouts. I did this A LOT! In so doing I also ate and drank anything and everything that was passed my way, including a lot of yummy breads, chips, margaritas, chocolate by the pound and more. I was hiking trails on the weekend but of course that's not enough to counteract all those extra carbs, so......I have gained about 12 pounds and I can't handle it anymore!

Because low carb is what works for me best I think Atkins and exercise is the only way I am going to get this weight off so I had my last carb splurge last night after a concert and today I begin induction. I know I am going to need support because as we all know carbs are addictive and I know I am going to go thru withdrawal big time. I am also concerned about not having anything sweet during induction. I crave creamy things or sweet things at night before bed and what I normally do is have either a little oatmeal with Stevia and cinnammon or a couple of sugar free cookies. I cannot sleep if I am even the slightest bit hungry and I am a bit of a nightowl anyway so that time of day is tough for me. I'm determined, though, so wish me luck and I look forward to making new friends here!

Welcome to the board! I'm glad you let us know that you're here and I'm hopeful that you'll get the support you need :)

I know you expressed some concern about being hungry at night -- don't be! One of the great things about the Atkins way of eating (WOE) is that you never have to be hungry. If you're hungry, then eat! The rule is to eat until you're full, but not stuffed.

As for the sweet tooth, unfortunately, oatmeal and sugar-free cookies are not "legal" during Induction. (Actually, real oatmeal isn't legal during OWL, either, and it's likely that the sugar-free cookies aren't low-carb...make sure you're reading the nutrition info!).

The good news is that there are "legal" sweet treats you can have during Induction. Here are some suggestions for you:

* Homemade whipped cream made with 1/4 cup whipping cream, one packet of Splenda, and dash of vanilla extract, or, omit the vanilla and make a "mousse" by adding a teaspoon of sf jello (the sparkling mandarin orange was the best one so far) (In my opinion, this makes 2 servings for someone on induction)

* Whipped cream cheese mixed with Splenda and cocoa or Walden Farms no-carb chocolate syrup or low-carb maple syrup or any of the 45 (or so) flavors of sf Da Vinci syrup

* Cinnamon/Splenda crisps (Tastes very much like the cinnamon/sugar twists you get at Taco Bell and is made with, yes, pork rinds! Let me know if you need instructions on how to make them...)

* 1/4 or less of a really good sugar-free dark chocolate bar or a couple of small bites of a low-carb bar (just enough to get a nice dessert taste for your mouth)

* An "Italian" soda - many varieties of these...the general premise is you put a splash of cream in a glass, then fill with diet soda. If you use orange soda, you can make a creamcicle! If you use root beer, you can make a "sunken" root beer float! It's *really* good with Waist Watchers black cherry soda, too!

* Sugar-free jello, with or without some fresh whipped cream on top.

Once you're past Induction, if you want a cookie "fix," you could also try my recipe for low-carb macaroons -- YUM!

Hope these ideas help...be sure to post again to let us know how you're doing and what we can do to support you!

Laura

Thank you for reminding me of the cinnamon crisps made with pork rinds. I have made those before and loved them! I have almost forgotten how......melted butter, cinnamon and splenda, right?

The cream cheese with cocoa and some of those other things on your list sound awesome as well. If I start to crave something it seems I have plenty of options!

I do believe I messed up today, though. I had bought some chicken salad at Whole Foods and it appeared to just be chicken, mayo, celery and red onions but after eating it I decided to read the ingredients on the label and honey was about the 4th or 5th thing on the list. From now on I will make my own!

Yup! Just dip the pork rinds all over in melted butter, then toss them in a paper bag that has cinnamon and Splenda in it, shake them up to coat, and you're done!

Sorry to hear about your chicken salad incident -- yeah, it's so important to read the ingredients and nutrition labels on *everything*, because you just never know... But, tomorrow's another day! :)

Laura