Re-committing 100% to Atkins
I started on Atkins a little over two months ago, and it's been quite a ride. I've learned a lot. After a month or so, I felt myself in ketosis, the way other people described it. It was a double-edged sword for me. I'd lost 11 or so pounds and felt really good. More energy, fewer aches and pains. However, my appetite was gone. It was a scary feeling, not being hungry. I realized I hadn't done number two for as many weeks. I had no bowel sounds. It was really scary. I did my research after the fact (should have read up on it before starting, but hindsight's 20-20) and started taking a magnesium citrate supplement, drinking more water, Lo-salting my food, forcing myself up and out for a 15-20 minute walk most days. It helped a lot. I also decided this diet was too extreme, hazardous to my health and I was going to abandon it. I decided to try something more along the lines of paleo/primal, adding back in my yogurt and bananas each day.
Well, after two weeks of Greek yogurt in the morning I was convinced that I needed to stay away from dairy altogether. As for the banana, a former staple food of mine, I was surprised to discover it tasted very sweet, almost too sweet. I'd rather have a few strawberries. My palate had changed. My thinking had changed. A small but surprising success. I had another, important revelation tonight on reading blogs touting the benefits of cooked-and-cooled potatoes and rice and pasta to feed gut flora. Dangerous territory for me. I tend to fall into a trap over and over thinking I can eat anything I like in whatever quantity I like and lose weight. It's time to stop the madness! :idea: So, after a little straying and some nutritional tweaks (there will no doubt be more as I go along), Atkins works for me. I'm glad I got most of my doubts and fears and curiosities out of my system. Onward and upward (or downward, as it were). |
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Have you tried homemade kefir? I seem to be somewhat dairy sensitive and its helped me in many ways. A great craving/hunger killer. Lots of threads on it here. Another trick I am using is 1/2 grapefruit sometimes 30 min before meals it's 9 carbs, but it does stuff. |
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I lost a lot of bloat/water weight quickly at the outset, probably about 8 pounds. I knew it was mostly water, but it was such a relief and an incentive to keep going. By the scale as well as measuring tape, I've lost about another 5 pounds/several inches so far. I've plateaued here for a while, but no complaints - more will come off in good time. Thanks for letting me know about the kefir. I think I'm going to stay completely away from all dairy and try fermented vegetables instead like sauerkraut, pickles and olives. I've heard about kombucha and am curious about that, too. I love grapefruit; glad you mentioned it. I'm going to add that to my A list of addable fruits. I definitely feel like lower carb, high-water-content fruits help move things along, besides being hydrating and delicious. According to books I've read in the past, I usually eat it in the morning or before/in between meals, by itself, for better digestion. So your recommendation to eat it a half hour before meals sounds spot on for me! I will try it. Thanks again. |
As you re-commit to Atkins, here are some other ideas how to avoid constipation from DietDoctor https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb...ts#constipation and Dr. Westman
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All the best as you continue refine the best diet for you. |
Other constipation tips:
PEG3350 is a great laxative and it is not absorbed .. not sure if they add carbs to it. Wouldn't think so. Coffee is a good laxative for many people. I know it's not allowed on the Atkins plan. But if you are going to give up Atkins because of the constipation ... it might be worth a decaf try. :) The milk of magnesia suggestion is a good thing to try. Sometimes combining a few things in low doses can help. Another bowel med is lactulose. Very sweet. It must have carbs in it .... although this link says no. http://www.myfitnesspal.com/food/ca...595954?v2=false but this says yes to calories, http://www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/...FoodID=58672316 And this says calories but no carbs. http://uk-forum.atkins.com/communit...or-constipation Quote:
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Coffee is okay on some of the later Atkins diet books.
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Wow, thank you all for the great info and suggestions! I've been much more vigilant about drinking plenty of water, eating plenty of juicy fibrous vegetables (and have added in Atkins-friendly fruit and berries as well), and moving around more. I've also started taking a magnesium citrate supplement. I'm feeling and doing much better, bringing things into balance. I still want to try a combination of different things (a lot of what you suggested) to find the best routine for me, but I'm feeling much more encouraged now. :thup:
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deleted - moving post to new thread ...
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