Low Carb Bars / Low Carb Chocolate

[carb123]

I'm new to Atkins. I started on my own before reading the updated 'New Diet Revolution' which I am still reading (on page137). Started on my own limiting carbs about Sept 10. During the first 4 weeks I lost 12 pounds (from 215 to 203) and more importantly felt better. After reading the Induction phase in the book I started following the diet and in 4 days I'm at 197 (I have strictly followed the diet with no carb bars during these 4 days).

One thing I confused about is about eating low carb bars such as the Atkinson one and sugarless chocolate (sweetner is malitol) with 1 gram of carb during the 1st phase. Dr. Atkins states to only eat the items on the list in the book, however on page 129 in the Induction phase chapter it mentions convience foods? Will eating the bars or chocolate affect the ketosis process? Also, I've had gas when eating the Carbwise low carb bars (2-4 effective carbs) and Hershy's sugarfree chocolates and even some bloating during the last 4 days on the strict diet. Any ideas from some of you who are now experts at this?

I was diagnosed with hypoglycemia 15 years ago at 26 yrs old and this new eating approach has really helped. I plan on continuing this new way of eating for life. (even though I love bread and potatoes)

Thank you Dr. Atkins. (I wish he was still alive)

[Tiawyn]

Yep, the chocolates will do that to you (the gas and bloating, and if you're really lucky, diarrhea too)

It's better not to have the bars/chocolates on induction - they have the potential to stall your weight loss, and during induction, you're trying to break sweets addictions - feeding the addiction is not really what you're aiming for.

[Jbbrennan]

carb!

the wonders of malitol are described all over the board, mainly in horrifying accounts of interrupted mall shopping doubled over in pain grasping one's belly and lurching for the nearest washroom. oh, yes, you've had a little gas? ha! you are one of the lucky ones! you can read my journal or perhaps, lilygirl's journal for first hand stories of lc peanut butter cup nightmares, not to mention the infamous jelly belly-belly!
But, on a serious note, they DO tend to cause stalls in some if eaten too frequently.
good luck!
Jasmine

[delilah]

Oh my gosh!!! I ended in calling in sick after eating a few of those sugar-free Jelly Bellies!! I thought maybe it was something else, but I stole all the pear-flavored ones away and gave the rest to my co-workers. Ate the pears verrry slowly...

Oddly enough, I'm find with splenda/maltitol unless I start having it on a regular basis. Then - watch out world!!

[BlondeGirl]

i'm noticing that i'm pretty much addicted to the low carb chocolate (thanks, russell stover) and that i am not losing weight (i was low carbing before joining this board a couple days ago so i'm not jumping the gun in making this statement). after coming home today and munching down a package of the chocolate covered peanuts and then a package of the mint patties, i decided enough was enough. sure this didn't go over my carb limit for the day but i'm sure it's not helping my weight loss, seeing as i am eating these each day and in excess. anyhow, i made my roommate hide my (very large) bag of low carb treats today (i'm way too lazy to search for them) so i'm going to guess that my weight loss will probably speed up a tad now that i'm not doing a legal cheating thing.

[potatofree]

BlondGirl-- you bet it will! They have to be just an occasional treat for me, although they ARE self-limiting for me. If I eat more than a couple of pieces, the painful cramping, gas, and other pleasant effects are enough to discourage overeating! I can't IMAGINE what would happen if I ate a whole bag! I'd explode...and everyone around me would have "schrapnel" issues! :lol:

[Tweetheart]

So funny to find this thread. Just yesterday an office-mate of mine but a Carbolite chocolate bar on my desk. I was skeptical...expecting it to taste "dietetic" is some way or another...it was delicious!! Thick, creamy, sweet, satisfying.....24 hours later I'm still suffering. Bloating, nausea, gas .... and what I call "poopers emergencies" one after the other!! Boy I sure am glad I didn't have to work today..I would have had to call in sick!!

[Jbbrennan]

I agree with potato; too many of those things and I am bam! splattered all over the inside of stall number three.
jas.

[DrmCorpMom]

*note to self...stay AWAY from stall #3*

:Puke:

Jaimie
:)

[carb123]

I appreciate the comments. This forum thing is neat.
I've not had anything besides Atkins phase 1 foods. I'm loosing like crazy. Down 2 pounds in 2 days. 1st week down 8 lbs 203-195. Its hard to believe. My goal is 190 because it been 10 years since I was at that wieght. I'm thinking going to 185 before phase 2, which will be my college days weight. If I can do this, anyone can. I never dreamed I could live without bread, potatoes and sweets for 6 weeks.

The gas is better. I've been taking acidophollis which has helped (I think?). In the evening, since its getting dark so early, and can't do my outside activities, I've started doing the Gazelle for 20+ minutes. Exercise + Atkins phase 1, what a program.

Been temped to eat the maltitol stuff but haven't. I will wait until Halloween to a have small amount of treats. Sounds like moderation is the key, based on all your comments. Go overboard and we pay the "gas price". Everyone keep it up and hang in there!