1st week of Atkins
 

Hi,

I've now completed my first week on the Atkins diet. I'm really pleased with myself. I've suffered from really bad cravings for chocolate but after the encouragement I got here I managed not to cheat. I have lost 5lbs this week and im really happy about that however since its my first time on any sort of diet I was wondering if this is a good result? Also what sort of loss should I now expect?

Kate
xx

People doing atkins tend to drop a nice amount in the first week (it sometimes gets less the more times they do atkins), but it's pretty much just water weight anyway.

You have not got an awful amount of weight to lose, so I think you could expect 1 - 3lbs loss a week (they recommend 1-2lbs a healthy amount to lose a week). But, it's hard to say because everyone is different! Some weeks you wont see any loss, some weeks you will see gain... it's all normal.

The lighter you get/closer to goal you will notice weight loss slowing down, don't worry... it's normal.

Thanks for that. As I said i'm pretty new to this so i didnt want to start expecting unrealistic things and then get disapointed. Fingers crossed I stick at it!

Kate
xx

5 pounds is great result, Kate, keep it up!

I have 2 chocolate suggestions for you :
1) High end chocolate stores and the Lindt brand are selling 99% (or 100%) chocolate. It's dark, there is no sugar, and you'll only eat a TINY bit before getting the chocolate monster satisfied. It's not 'on induction' but if a small square once or twice a week keeps you on track, it's better than giving in to something else..

2) My chocolate treat of choice is the following : 1 tablespoon marscapone cheese (used for tiramisu - it's basically 100% butterfat), 1-2 teaspoon creme fraiche (can use sour cream or liquid cream), and about 1/2 a teaspoon of unsweetened dutch process cocoa mixed together. Can add more chocolate if you like it darker, can add cinnamon for a bit of punch. I am not a sweetener person, but if you needed to I think you could add Splenda or such. Just a few small bites of this is all I need - creamy, chocolately, and a dessert just for me when everyone else is eating whatever... (I also make it in vanilla & strawberry, but chocolate is the best)

I really like your tips! I think i'm going to try your recipe tonight!

Thanks!
xx