Atkins and pregnancy?

  • hello everyone,
    I am doing really well on atkins. started 2 months ago and lost more than 10kgs, am finally back in my pre-pregnancy clothes (my dd is 3 ).
    I would like to keep going for a bit longer, possibly forever? I am really afarid that if I stop, the weight will come back.
    I am doing strictly induction - with caffeine allowance, as it doesn't affect my weight loss.
    I am trying to get preggers and I was wondering wwther there are any ill effects in doign atkins while pregnant? any research on this you know of?
    thanks
    Laura
  • If you stop, there is a huge chance that the weight will come back. My dad did Atkins and his weight came back. Everyone I know who has done Atkins has gained the weight when it came back.... that's the downfall of doing most of these fad diets.

    It's great that you're doing well on Atkins, but can you do it for the rest of your life? That's what I don't like about diets that limit certain things you can eat, because I always crave them if I know i can't have them.

    And I would definitely talk to your doctor if you're looking to have another baby... when you're pregnant, you can't be hardcore dieting.
  • Since babies get their nutrition from their mama, I definitely would not diet at all while pregnant.
  • Quote: Everyone I know who has done Atkins has gained the weight when it came back.... that's the downfall of doing most of these fad diets.
    I don't think Atkins is a "fad" diet at all. There are many scientific studies behind a low-carbohydrate diet being not only the easiest for weight loss, but good for you generally by lowering blood lipids and moderating insulin spikes.

    In regards to your Dad, the fact is (as we all know) most people gain their weight back no matter what plan they're on. It's a matter of commitment. I doubt the recidivism rate is any higher for Atkins than for any other plan, but I would be interested to know if you have any non-anecdotal information you can provide.
  • A newborn's ideal diet, on mother's milk, is not low-carb. How can it be good for a fetus?
  • Quote: If you stop, there is a huge chance that the weight will come back. My dad did Atkins and his weight came back. Everyone I know who has done Atkins has gained the weight when it came back.... that's the downfall of doing most of these fad diets.

    It's great that you're doing well on Atkins, but can you do it for the rest of your life? That's what I don't like about diets that limit certain things you can eat, because I always crave them if I know i can't have them.

    And I would definitely talk to your doctor if you're looking to have another baby... when you're pregnant, you can't be hardcore dieting.
    I would like to address this Successful & permanant weight loss requires changing your eating habits for the rest of your life. Losing the weight is only half of the journey, keeping it off is the other half. Going back to old ways & eating things that are not on plan is the reason for the weight gain....and....this is not exclusive to Atkins....this can, does & will happen on ANY plan.
    I have been on Atkins over 5 years now and I can personally vouge, it is not one of "these fad diets". When done correctly, the way Dr. Atkins, not Atkins Nutritionals Inc., wrote it, it is effective & healthy. Unfortunately, most people never take the time to crack the book to do the research of how & why it works or how to do it correctly and they attempt it blindly and fail. They then say "oh yeah, I tried that Atkins diet and that doesn't work".
    Bottom line is, whatever plan you choose, be it Atkins, SB, WW, Calorie Counting etc....long term success requires committment.
    As for the pregnancy question, Dr. Atkins said Lifetime Maintenance was the only phase of his plan pregnant or breast-feeding women should do.
  • thanks for your replies.

    I totally agree with those who said that loosing weight is just half journey and the rest of it is maintaining. this can be - for me- even harder than loosing. when the excitement of the loss fades, how to stay motivated?
    in any case, this is probably the healthiest diet I have ever been on: I had my blood tests done 1 month ago to stop my family from shalkng their heads in disapproval. they were in awe at results. even my BP, borderline since the birth, is now normal.


    anyhow, thanks Jerseyg for the advice on which phase of Atkins is
    appropriate for pregnancy.

    cheers everyone!
  • I have to agree with Jersey girl. There may be some minor modifications that have to be made with the maintenance plan depending on the individual, but for the most part maintenance is the way to go while preggars. Think about how lousy people are eating. Is mcdonalds and tacobell good for the baby???
  • I had a baby in March and have some advice when it comes to a baby don't trust anyone except a Dr! I looked into it when I was pregnant and my dr told me no way even though I was very overweight.
    She told me when pregnant ketosis can be very dangerous to you and the baby.
    On the Atkins website if you search for pregnancy there are some posts here is a copy of one of the posts by the nutritionist.
    Colette Heimowitz
    Weight loss is not appropriate during pregnancy. You will need to follow Atkins Maintenance phase when you get pregnant.The Atkins program is helpful to prevent excessive weight gain during pregnancy and it can decrease the risk of gestational diabetes. Your goal should be to allow for the proper weight gain with the foods that have the most nutrient content and control cravings for the unhealthy carbs that will stress the blood sugar.
    So maybe go to that site and look around.
  • Quote: when it comes to a baby don't trust anyone except a Dr!.

    I could not agree more....which is why I would totally trust what DR. Atkins said....not the words on the Atkins website....the same folks that are advertising Atkins bars being "appropriate for Induction"
  • Quote: I could not agree more....which is why I would totally trust what DR. Atkins said....not the words on the Atkins website....the same folks that are advertising Atkins bars being "appropriate for Induction"
    True, but Dr Atkins is both no longer on this earth and not a prenatal doctor OB/GYN, and not the OP's OB/GYN. When you're pregnant, a different set of rules apply. And remember, doctors can be wrong. They're not infallible.
  • Quote: And remember, doctors can be wrong. They're not infallible.
    I totally agree! That being said, although Dr. Atkins is no longer with us and was not an OB/GYN, he wrote the Atkins Lifestyle. " The only phase of the plan safe for pregnant or breast-feeding women is Maintenance." I agree Dr's are not infallible...but, when it comes to his eating plan, he knows best
  • I would hope your OB doc is going to tell you several servings of fruits,veggies,dairy,lean meats and whole grains a day.Not sure if this is Atkins or not but if it is then it sounds good.
  • Quote: I would hope your OB doc is going to tell you several servings of fruits,veggies,dairy,lean meats and whole grains a day.Not sure if this is Atkins or not but if it is then it sounds good.
    Surprise, Surprise....you just described the Maintenance phase of Atkins