no carbs, how long is OK?
Been on the Atkins diet for over 9 months, lost
35lbs after first 5 months(very good), then stopped losing, even though I had another 10lbs yet to go(not so good). Gradually, over last 4 months, I have put on another 10lbs again, so decided to go back on the induction phase to lose. Started induction again about 4 weeks ago, but this time, I could not get back into ketosis, using same methods that were successful when I first began the diet. My body seems to have adjusted to the minimum carbs.
So, about a week ago, after re-reading book, I dropped all carbs, and just eating meat, fish,eggs, cheese and fowl. Took about 4 days for my body to respond (formally took only 2 days), but managed to go back into ketosis again. Been doing this 0 carb for about a week now, drinking plenty of water, taking vitamins twice a day. Have not really lost anything significant yet, still feeling good, but major concern is what am I doing to my body by eliminating all carbs (especially veggies).
First, I have been somewhat constipated, as can be understood. I have previously tried psillium husks, and found them impossible to swallow without gagging (too slimy). I need something easier to swallow, capsules are possible, but don't want to take so many, but shouldn't contain carbs either.
Is my body going to suffer from lack of veggies on this in long term? How long can I do this 0 carbs for without causing long term health problems? Now that I finally have gotten back into ketosis, should I start to add salads back in again? I think I am very sensitive to carbs, and will go out of ketosis as soon as do re-introduce salads.
I have to say, that I really like the diet as a whole, but it is most unforgiving. Just folowing the recommendations, I have learned that my body is very much resistant to losing weight, and seems to be getting more difficult as I spend more time on the diet. And it is amazing how fast the weight comes back if I cheat just a little bit once in a while. It really is a little depressing to realize that since going on this diet over 9 months ago, my body has gotten less forgiving, and I have to be even more stringent. I don't know that I can realistically maintain this kind of disapline for the rest of my life, even though I want to. Too many temptations from my old life come back to haunt me,when I am not in ketosis... but I remain good and true to the diet. Even got a good medical checkup recently, and in spite of my former old evil ways, I was not a candidate for any medications. That did feel good.
So, am I destined to be a 0 carb diet for the rest of my life, because I know that if I stray, my weight increases like a shot. And am I harming myself?
|