victoriaegypt's Logboek, 05 jan 16

There a number of people in the forum that use Atkins as a base, then others than prefer a Low Carb High Fat diet (better weight loss....better carb control). Have you read up on what to expect in the first couple of weeks when you cut out sugar? 

after the first or second week it is great. never hungry. 

I'm in my 6th week of Atkins now and I love it. As Mahjohn said there are other similar diets, so I would choose one that best fits your food preferences (but really, any combination of low carb, higher fat, moderate protein should suffice). I am not great about getting close to the 20 grams a day and sometimes fall way below, but I feel better already. I'm not as hungry, I don't feel tired in the afternoon, and considering how much food I ate before, my wallet is doing better too. Sugar addiction is basically gone. I plan on sticking with Induction for a while but after this week I may start adding back some nuts and a few fruits but I could do well without them! There are a ton of recipes online. Just look for keto, low carb, or Atkins recipes. 

Mahjohn, am I right in thinking LCHF is permanently low carb (up to 50g/day) while Atkins is gradually increasing carb to the personal max, which could end up higher than 50g? Or what's the difference? Useful to know. Thx. 

LCHF is less than 50gms Net Carbs per day, with an emphasis on Higher Fats. Traditional Atkins is higher Protein. My maintenance is is more based around carb-cycling, due to weight-lifting. However, If I was not lifting, and only doing cardio, it would be LCHF and one afternoon/evening carbs per week, and not my current 3. 

I did the Atkins diet a long time ago and it works but the first 2 weeks are difficult. To make the first two weeks easier make a list of the things you can eat during the first 2 weeks and stock up on them right away. It won't be a long list as there are many things you will be cutting out of your diet during the initial detox phase. Like SGP said, it is great after the first 2 weeks. Good luck 

I am on day 5 of Atkins...not gonna lie....it is rough for the first few days...I'm here for you : ) 

Thanks Mahjohn. I am aiming for 1-1.5g protein per kilo LBM, so I guess that's more like the LCHF rationale. I think Jeff Volek et al suggest that as an ideal (thanks for the link btw) but can be up to 3g/kg LBM. The protein level, even in the New Atkins New You book (2010), seems a lot higher. Possibly the confusion is over imprecise terminology - talking about 'protein' when in reality the weights are referring to the 'protein food's' (such as meat), weight, rather than the amount of Protein as a macro. Not the same thing. I just looked again in my book... Yup. It's pretty confusing in the text to have a recommendation for 4-6 oz (115 - 175g) protein at each meal, and have the supporting chart advising 70 - 115g protein a DAY (for my height). Sloppy writing. The current websites and lectures are more clear than the book, unless one really reads the book very carefully indeed. Sigh. Good to know though. I didn't realise until your recent challenge that I was naturally doing pretty much LCHF - I didn't even know such a thing existed, I just knew how I needed to eat. For me, it's brilliant, perfect, way to go. Appreciate your support and experience :D  

As an FYI, during the first week, headaches..chills...flu-like symptoms, often called "Carb Flu". This is a bit rough, but is a good sign, your blood sugar is dropping rapidly back to a normal range. If you currently on pills or insulin for blood sugar, ensure that you check your glucose much more often, and adjust the amount of meds needed. Meds artificially remove sugar from the blood and you could quickly end up in a situation where you have low blood sugar. i.e., as your blood sugar is dropping naturally from your diet, you'll need less meds. The symptoms above, these are all standard detox symptoms...yup', you're addicted to sugar and the highs that come with it, just takes a bit to ride it out. While you're doing that, start to look at your triggers. Are they emotional, societal (12pm...must be lunch), boredom, depression, etc.. Identifying what it is that makes you go to foods that give your brain the high it wants is critical for long term success. It's not that you crave "Twinkies" for instance, its that your brain has made the association with a specific food and a specific high it gets from that food. When it wants that high again, it prompts you to go find that food. All classic addiction symptoms. Good Luck 

Im on Atkins and have been for a year.. I've lost 89 lbs with diet and exercise and only gained some back over the holidays as a result of eating what I wanted. But when I follow it correctly , I actively lose 1-3 lbs a week, with exercise. Yes, the 1st week is hard but the 1st week on any diet is hard, just take it on one day at time. And invest in the book, The New Atkins for a New You: The Ultimate Diet for Shedding Weight and Feeling Great.. 12.00 on amazon.. I still carry it with me everywhere. Its great diet and it will become a way of life for you if you stick with it.. feel free to read my journal. I wont lie.. Ive had my ups and downs.. but again, thats any diet.. you got this!! 

thank you everyone for all the great info and advice!..... :) 

Can you Tell Victoria we are huge Fans LOl !! I too am following a LCHF Protocol and this is my way of life ,, Kudos to you and welcome aboard,, I believe you will have great success .  

Same here, on Keto/LCHF.. It's all about lowering the carbs.  

check out alot of the FB groups they are so helpful. I belong to 6 and I am in 2 months Keto/LCHF it has helped tremendously between here and those groups I am succeeding in my goals to become healthier. 

FYI....huge resource available at dietdoctor.com. Also, as you can see from comments, logs, etc... while "we" are fans of LCHF, It is not 100% rigid, it is flexible under the construct of lower carbs. Good Luck! 

I am on LCHF, too! You can do it - it takes a little time to adjust but it will work. 

you guys are all awesome, thank you so much for the encouragement and the info!...... i am down 3 pound this week on the Atkins... :) 

nice work.....well done.