Hi All!

I've got a few questions that hopefully some of you more experienced "Atkinsers" will be able to help me with, but first a quick introduction

I'm a 6 Ft, 27 year old guy from the UK, and have never had a problem with weight until this year. I put it down to quitting smoking 9 months ago and working self employed which involves me sitting at my desk most of my waking hours.

Last year and for the many years before that I weighed around 75kg /165lb which was perfect for my build. This year I've managed to put on 3 Stone (42lb)!! and now weigh 92kg/202lb (Last week, before I started Atkins 95.4/210lb).

6 days ago I decided it was time to sort it out and aim to lose all 3 stone / 42lb by the summer.

I'm very pleased to have lost 8lb in a week! I'm also exercising every day now including lifting weights every other day which I think is also helping a great deal.
Once I got over the initial downer and headaches on day 2 and 3 I now feel fantastic, full of energy and will not be returning to a high carb diet ever again!

So as for the few questions, I would be extremely grateful if anyone could help me with these:

1- Bacon: I've searched high and low (in the UK) for bacon that does not contain nitrates but failed and ended up buying some bacon with nitrates. here is the contents from the label:

Pork (88%), Water, Salt, Preservatives (Sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate). Per rasher:Carbohydrates 0.1g (Of which sugar trace)

Since the carb content is extremely low will this be ok for my diet? Or will the fact that it has nitrates in it effect my weight loss?

2-Beetroot: I see no mention of this in the "List of acceptable foods" however I've been eating salad bags which has grated beetroot in it. Am ok to presume this will be ok as the carb content per portion of salad is only 2g's per serving or should I choose a different salad bag?

3-Keto strips: I haven't managed to pick any of these up yet, could anyone recommend a place in the UK where I could buy them eg. Boots / Superdrug , or will I have to find a more specialist shop? I'd rather go and pick some up tomorrow as opposed to ordering them online and having to wait, if possible.

Thanks for your help guys and girls and I'm glad to be part of the forum,

Ross

Hello
Welcome!!!

don't stress over the nitrates in bacon, theres a thread around here somewhere that talks about nitrates and many are naturally occurring in food. (bacon tends to be a staple for LC so enjoy! guilt free!!)

Not too sure about beetroot ( love it, myself) but you may need to look up the carb counts. I have used fatsecret.com before to log my meals.

Ketosticks, some are for, some are against. If you eat a high fat meal, the sticks can give a false reading. I used them in the begining, but not anymore.

good luck!!!

Welcome!!

Thanks Esam! That's great to know and now I no longer have to feel guilty about eating my nitrate bacon!

are you kidding!
we all have an open love affair with bacon around here!!!!


check out the pic --->

grrrr, trying to upload a pic and apparently the computer is smarter than me!!
haha

Welcome, Ross!

What esam said about the bacon. I buy bacon (and other processed meats) with nitrates in them. According to DANDR 2000, the concern about nitrates has nothing to do with weight; it's about nitrates being a known carcinogen. And even then, the book only says to "try" to avoid them. So don't worry about it if that's all you can find.

Beets aren't on the Acceptable Foods list until phase 3. You might be able to begin adding them in Phase 2, but I wouldn't do it now. Are you able to pick them out of your salad mixes?

Ketosticks: I never used them. Sounded like unnecessary extra work to me. Others swear by them. If you're intent on using them, I hope someone can chime in about sources for you!

Sounds like you're off to a great start; have fun with your new WOE!

Thanks for your advice Jen, I will cut out the beetroot immediately, I can quite easily pick it out this time and will chose a different bag next time I go shopping.

I get ketosticks from my local chemist. if they dont have them they can normally order them in for the next day. You can also get them from Amazon. If i use them after drinking lots of water i get a negative result and also after exercise. I find lunch time is the best time for me. Ive recovered from previous evenings exercise and ive not had that much water by then. I dont read too much into a negative reading though as it can change the next time you "go" and i never get further than the 3rd colour pink. Ive never got them dark! I just use them of i think ive over doen the carbs to see ive got myself back in the zone.

Ketostix - oversimplified explanation why they're not worth the trouble/expense:

When a person's body goes from burning carbs to burning fat and ketones, they'll typically waste a lot of ketones via their urine and sweat. That is why the ketostix turn a deep purple at first.

When the body has adapted to this form of fuel burning, ketones aren't wasted in the urine to such a degree and the ketostix stop showing any indication of ketosis. This means that the body is burning ketones and fat in a more efficient manner. A term used for this state is "keto-adaptation." At this point, people tend to get discouraged and don't think they're "doing it right" even when they're on the right track.

Read about low-carbohydrate adaptation:
http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/...-low-carb-pt-i/

Welcome Ross

Bacon..... love it!
I don't eat it a lot now, however when I was starting I ate it about every-other day

Beetroot..... maybe test it and see how your body reacts with and without it

Ketosticks.... never used one, eat right and you'll lose

Glad to see that you're working out! I too have a desk job, so I know how that goes.
Good luck on your journey Ross!
Hope to see you around here

I still use my ketostix. Look for them in the diabetes testing supplies section of your local pharmacies, or order them from amazon if you want to give them a try.

The ketostix were good positive reinforcement for me. I can't get them here, so I do without.

Welcome Ross. Wow - we have almost the same amount of weight to lose and started almost exactly the same time. Good luck to you

I had the same problems with Nitrates in bacon. Glad to hear others say it's no big deal.

I asked for Ketostix at my local Boots, but they were out so I went to Sainsbury pharmacy and bought em. No problem. Based on my little experience so far I wouldn't get too hung up on their colour. Although it was a nice little reinforcement to see them go kind of medium magenta this week I don't think I'll bother to use them anymore.

Let us know how you're getting on... or down

Thanks everyone

I think from the advice you've all given I won't bother with the Ketostix, the loss of weight every time I stand on the scales will do for my reassurance.

Rocketman: I wish you all the best of luck too! by the looks of things your off to a great start as well!