[Adventuregurl]

Anyone switch from Ideal Protein to Atkins? If so, how did it go? Any experiences you'd like to share? Did you continue losing weight?

Thanks!

[Adventuregurl]

I guess no one else has, I was hoping for some advice and to see how it went.

[kurisitaru]

I've never done IP, and Atkins was the worst mistake of my life because the way my body works. May ask why you want to switch? Ever think of calorie counting or other diets?

[Adventuregurl]

My main reason for switching is that I'm allergic to almost all the IP food - all that contains gluten and sucralose, which leaves almost none. I have been getting by on my own stuff.

Generally my body loves protein and fat and does poorly on carbs.

That is my main reason.

[kurisitaru]

Well, being allergic is a good reason to make a change.

I'm bias when it comes to Atkins / low carb diets, simply because of it caused some pretty bad problems for me. Headaches, backed up symptoms, other issues. My doctor found out what my diet was and gave me a pretty big lecture. Granted, that was me, I always tell people they really should consult a doctor before deciding on a WOE. Atkins is more desirable because the short term effects are a lot faster than simple carb counting, but research shows that the long term effects, are about the same. Basically someone on Atkins will lose 20lbs or so in the first month or two, while a calorie counter may lose 10. But over a course of a year, both will lose about 50. The difference is the Atkins is more risk for health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney failure, and the side effects that I certainly experienced.

That being said, everyone is different. Some people know that they can use Atkins and stick with it. Others, like myself, know that Atkins will not work because of the side effects and I just love carbs. I limit my carb intake though, I go for the healthy amount (not the original food pyramid) and stick to mostly fishy proteins as well as a good amount of veggies.

It's slow, but It's something I can do for the rest of my life, my doctor is happy with, and long term? I know I'll get there.

If you do the research, check around the forums here, and speak to your doctor, you may decide that Atkins is the route you want to go. If you decide not, I do highly recommend calorie counting. Just eating healthy, sticking to a good amount of proteins. I track everything and make sure my carbs are at the normal level. I've never felt better and all my systems are running. I also don't feel near as depressed as I use, some of that is chalked up to exercise of course.

What ever you decide, good luck.

[wannaskipandlaugh]

Adventuregurl.... Gosh.. I have not done IP (Atkins only).. but I know that there was another post on this topic.. Check back a page or 2 and you might find it and those other people who did switch (alot of them because of the money)... I know a bunch did do well!

I wish you a wonderful journey using whatever plan works for you! Low Carb is my magic!

[JerseyGyrl]

Originally Posted by kurisitaru

Atkins is more risk for health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney failure

With all due respect, a statement like this tells me you have not done your research.

I have been doing Atkins since April 2004. I lost 100 lbs. in a little over a year and have maintained ever since. I am 53 years old. When I began Atkins, one of the main reasons I chose it was because my Dad is an insulin dependent diabetic (2 injections of insulin a day), and I did not want to end up in that same situation. I do not know what you have heard or read about Atkins but, I do know there is a great deal of misinformation about low carb, Atkins in particular. That being said, the average person attempting to "do Atkins" never cracks the book. Instead, they listen to the ignorance of others or they turn to a website. They proceed and they do it incorrectly. When it doesn't work or they fall ill, they immediately blame Atkins. For anyone who wants to do Atkins and wants to do it correctly, reading the book is critical.

As a 10+ year Atkins veteran, I will sing it's praises and continue to do so. More & more doctors are recognizing low carb. Bottom line, sugar & refined carbohydrates are what cause disease. Dr. Atkins knew this when he wrote his first book in 1972....42 years later, the rest of the world is finally catching on!!

[jessiegreene]

I tried to do Atkins the "online and hearsay way" also and it failed me, however when I sat down and red the 2002 book cover to cover, became diligent and UNDERSTOOD why and what was happening to my body based on my food choices it made a world of difference. I am slowly and consistently losing on this way of eating and feel amazing, I have the full support of my doctor and my sugars and cholesterols have come down to "good" numbers that are out of the risk categories. All other labs and organ functions are great. Now every once in a while I regress on a item and pay for it for a 3 days to a week and man do I mean pay. My head hurts my joints ache and I feel like doo doo... it is not a diet and it must be a lifestyle change you believe, understand and plan to stick with... I myself am allergic to carbs, they make me swell lol. Best of luck to you whatever you do.

[kurisitaru]

Originally Posted by JerseyGyrl

With all due respect, a statement like this tells me you have not done your research.

I have been doing Atkins since April 2004. I lost 100 lbs. in a little over a year and have maintained ever since. I am 53 years old. When I began Atkins, one of the main reasons I chose it was because my Dad is an insulin dependent diabetic (2 injections of insulin a day), and I did not want to end up in that same situation. I do not know what you have heard or read about Atkins but, I do know there is a great deal of misinformation about low carb, Atkins in particular. That being said, the average person attempting to "do Atkins" never cracks the book. Instead, they listen to the ignorance of others or they turn to a website. They proceed and they do it incorrectly. When it doesn't work or they fall ill, they immediately blame Atkins. For anyone who wants to do Atkins and wants to do it correctly, reading the book is critical.

As a 10+ year Atkins veteran, I will sing it's praises and continue to do so. More & more doctors are recognizing low carb. Bottom line, sugar & refined carbohydrates are what cause disease. Dr. Atkins knew this when he wrote his first book in 1972....42 years later, the rest of the world is finally catching on!!

With all due respect, my DOCTOR told me what was wrong and that it was Atkins. I did my research, this isn't misinformation, it's Fact. I know that's hard to deal with that people's BODIES are different. I'm glad it worked for you, but it sure didn't work for me and my DOCTOR (you know, with YEARS of experience and education) wouldn't misinform someone based off of "shody research". In addition, you're wrong about me and you don't "know" that I didn't do my research, because I definitely did my research, I just didn't cherry pick it. If I had, I would have just believed what the minority of doctors and experts think, which is that Atkins is fine and dandy for everyone, which is just not true.


I no longer have access to J-store (as I am no longer a University student) so I can't link you to the many resources I once used when choosing a diet plan, but I can link you to the American Heart Association page which refers to the risk of this diet. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Gettin...89_Article.jsp

Quote from this site in reference to Atkins and other high protein diets: "eating too much protein can increase health risks. High-protein animal foods are usually also high in saturated fat. Eating large amounts of high-fat foods for a sustained period raises the risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke and several types of cancer. People who can't use excess protein effectively may be at higher risk of kidney and liver disorders, and osteoporosis." Note it says "people" who co can't use the excess protein. Like I said previously, EVERYONE is different. I'm the person that can't use excess protein. This is why it's so important to actually research from non-bias sources and then TALK TO YOUR PERSONAL DOCTOR. Some people, sure, others, No. I'm a no, you're clearly a sure.

I did say for the OP to look into and speak to THEIR doctor. That some people have good responses, and others don't. I wasn't' dissing Atkins, merely stating REAL issues that REAL people have certainly faced. I kind of believe people should make informed decisions rather than jumping on a bandwagon. Hence the "speak with your doctor" and "Good luck if you decide Atkins is right for you." Sometimes, short term Atkins is fine and dandy, but the research I did from medical journals in J-store, news articles, and nutritional information about basic nutrients, all after speaking to my Doctor because I honestly wanted to stick to losing weight, made me realize that this diet was too risky for me, especially because I was all ready seeing the side effects. I personally think people should be informed before jumping on something, the good and the bad. I wouldn't just tell someone to do something because "well it worked for me." I would tell them something like "do the research" and "Speak with your doctor."

Not to mention, using the books about Atkins as proof about Atkins sort of isn't the best way to argue your point. I prefer real research that is non-bias. If my doctor thought I would benefit from Atkins, they would have had me stick to it.

If someone wants to do Atkins, that's there thing. But if they ask for advice, I'm not going to tell them to look at the Atkins site only, I'm going to tell them what an actual medical professional told me as well as what I learned while researching it.

If you still want to do it, then by all means, go ahead. I just urge people to talk to their doctor, and decide what is best for YOU. IF you go with Atkins, than I honestly wish you the best of luck and hope everything works great for you. I'm glad you personally have had good success, but I wouldn't assume that I don't know what I'm talking about all because I don't agree with your ideas.

[JerseyGyrl]

Originally Posted by kurisitaru

I can link you to the American Heart Association page which refers to the risk of this diet. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Gettin...89_Article.jsp

As I said in my previous post "there is a great deal of misinformation about low carb, Atkins in particular"....and the link you provided to the American Heart Association only proves that point.

Atkins consists of 4 phases. Induction, On Going Weight Loss, Pre-Maintenance and Maintenance. Atkins is a moderate protein plan, not high protein as the AHA article suggests. From day 1 on Atkins, eggs, chicken, fish, pork and beef along with cheese, leafy greens and non-starchy vegetables, good fats like olive oil, butter and avocado are encouraged. Items such as bread and sugar-sweetened processed cereals are omitted. As you progress to each phase, fruit, starchier vegetables and eventually whole grains are re-introduced.

Unfortunately, we have been conditioned to believe for years that fat is the enemy and even worse, that fat is the cause of heart disease, diabetes etc. Sugar & refined carbohydrates are the enemy. They create inflammation in the body, which in turn, causes disease.
http://www.lowcarbmonthly.com/genera...lammation.html
http://highsteaks.com/cholesterol/#mortalitychart
http://carbwars.blogspot.com/2013/08...ial-offer.html

All that said, I am sorry your experience with Atkins wasn't a good one. I sincerely hope you have found or will find something that works for you

All the best to you!!

[Adventuregurl]

I am extremely sensitive to carbs and have been pre-diabetic since my teens due to PCOS and my doc has recommended very low carb, not Atkins per se but it will work.

Jersey Girl

Can you give me an idea of what you ate in one day on induction? Is there a thread somewhere to check for meal ideas?

I think the last time I did Atkins (after reading the book) I ate too few carbs and my biggest complaint was constipation, other than that I feel good on meat and veggies (but how I love sweets ).

[kurisitaru]

I'm not really sure why you are against people talking to their doctor before starting Atkins. There are risks with almost every WOE, even calorie counters can go about it wrong or find that they have issues. All I was saying, was for the OP to do the research, and check with their doctor before deciding on Atkins.

High protein diet on the American Heart Association was in reference to the many diets listed, and Atkins, on many of it's pages in it's own site, calls itself a "high protein diet" or refers to its own methods as "high protein." Only on one of its pages does it suddenly claim to not be high protein.

http://www.atkins.com/Science/Nutrit...e/Protein.aspx

Many articles label Atkins as a "high protein diet" because that is the group it's generally located in "moderate = high" in comparison to most other diets. I also am pretty sure the American Heart association would do their research and wouldn't be misinforming people, because if Atkins was perfect, they would probably be the biggest supporter if it helped with obesity. They have nothing to gain by telling people the real risks regarding any diet other than that's what they are there for.

Atkins still has been linked by MANY doctors for heart problems. I really wish I had my j-store account for many articles that speak about Atkins risks directly. Instead I'll use other sources for the many complications that Atkins does in fact have. If you want to just dismiss anyone's opinion and instantly label it "misinformation" due to what you perceive as a technicality because you just want Atkins to be perfect, then I find that disheartening considering we are here to help each other and support each other. I'm glad Atkins works for you, and I'm all for telling people your success, but you should really consider allowing people to talk to their doctors and not assuming anyone who's had a bad experience is just "misinformed." There are real risks associated with Atkins, and denying them and attempting to convince others that they don't exist, well that's dangerous. There are risks such as the following:

" High acid diets, such as the Atkins diet, increase the risk of uric acid stones. 42" Source: American Family Pharmacist: http://www.aafp.org/afp/2011/1201/p1234.html
This is in reference to kidney stones, now... to be fair, recent studies (including a 2 year study on around 340 ish patients) tested Atkins and low fat diets directly and no direct link with kidney failure and low carb effected the patients. That is the patients with good kidneys. However, more research is needed to learn more about people with bad kidneys or that are at risk for kidney failure. So far, anyone at risk that follows a low-carb diet has been shown to have kidney stones and other problems. Why is that important? Because only about 26 million Americans have it: http://www.kidney.org/kidneydisease/aboutckd.
In other words, as I said previously, talk to your doctor, before starting ANY WOE, and you should probably check your kidneys before doing any low carb diet. If your kidneys are fine, then according to recent studies, Atkins probably won't be causing any kidney issues.

A systematic review of primarily short-term observational studies found that low-carbohydrate diets were no more effective for weight loss than higher-carbohydrate diets, and that weight loss was directly related to the degree of caloric restriction and duration of the diet. http://www.aafp.org/afp/2006/0601/p1942.html
In other words, if you find that you have kidney issues, that you can't do low carb, or that your doctor strongly recommends you don't try it, that's fine. There is a VERY good chance you'll be just as successful in the long term with a calorie restrictive diet instead. If your doctor is cool with Atkins and you would prefer Atkins to simple calorie restrictions, then hey, by all means do Atkins. Just know that alternatives are out there if you are struggling or experiencing side effects. That's all I was saying.

The relatively low fiber intake of patients on low-carbohydrate diets raises concerns about constipation and long-term risks of cancer and diverticular disease. Theoretic concerns exist about osteoporosis resulting from increased calciuria and lower intake of magnesium, potassium, and vitamin C.9 Low-carbohydrate diets also raise uric acid levels and may exacerbate gout. Constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, halitosis, headaches, insomnia, kidney stones, and nausea have been reported in persons on low-carbohydrate diets.9,32 http://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0401/p571.html

This goes back to my side effects while on Atkins. And I noticed in this very forum that headaches were addressed, so it is a very real side effect, and for me, very not worth it. In addition, I experienced constipation and a lot of nausea. These are real side effects. In addition, not everyone will experience them, so I repeat myself........ talk to your doctor especially if you find yourself with these side effects.

In addition, the "low carb monthly" link you posted only talks about enzymes and sugars. I don't think anyone would disagree that a large amount of sugar consumption is a good way to hurt your overall health, not just your heart. The problem with low carb, is you lack in nutrients, a lot of people can't sustain it or quit, most turn to high fats which absolutely have been linked to heart disease.

And the "high stakes" link, I can't believe I just suffered reading something that sources wikipedia and makes pretty far fetched claims like that we "Can't measure our cholesteral" because that's odd... I just had mine measured at my annual check up. Also, American Heart association mentions you should check yours as well: "http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/AboutCholesterol/What-Your-Cholesterol-Levels-Mean_UCM_305562_Article.jsp.
While that source does touch up on the levels and claims that your measurements are "misleading", and then the author literally sources something that literally reads "Bipity Boppity Boo" I mean... I don't feel I can trust anything on this site. It's like the sites that claim vaccines will give you autism, sound convincing if you have no idea what vaccines really do, but are just horrid misinformation. For one thing: " Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dl) of blood serum. Based on the results of the Framingham Heart Study and other research, the ideal level appears to be below 150 mg/dl. At that point, coronary artery disease is very unlikely.
Unfortunately, nearly 107 million Americans have cholesterol levels over 200,1 with the average level for coronary artery disease victims being 225.3" http://www.pcrm.org/health/health-to...-heart-disease. So, there you go, it can be measured and that's how, I think this debunks over half this link. The only thing I can attest to on this site is that cholesterol can help with heart disease, it's recommended you get a certain amount, but too much, especially of LDLs... is bad.

I'm not going to touch the last link, no sources are listed, it's clearly a biased site, and it's a blog spot. It also goes on about cholesterol, which I feel I've been pretty over done on.

I just want people to not be misinformed about their diets. I was merely trying to help the OP, and like I said, if you decide Atkins is right for you, then I will cheer you on for EVERY pound you lose. Some people are extremely successful with it, and that is awesome. Some people will NOT have a single side effect, will find themselves in the shape of their lives and will never regret doing Atkins or other low carb diets. Seriously awesome. Other people will find themselves in the hospital, or talking to their doctor about how they can't poop and have a seriously horrid headache and nausea all the time and find out it's their diet. I really hope those people don't just pretend their doctor is misinformed, and instead find a different WOE so they can also lose weight and not suffer the side effects.

[kurisitaru]

Originally Posted by Adventuregurl

I am extremely sensitive to carbs and have been pre-diabetic since my teens due to PCOS and my doc has recommended very low carb, not Atkins per se but it will work.

Jersey Girl

Can you give me an idea of what you ate in one day on induction? Is there a thread somewhere to check for meal ideas?

I think the last time I did Atkins (after reading the book) I ate too few carbs and my biggest complaint was constipation, other than that I feel good on meat and veggies (but how I love sweets ).

I'm glad you talked to your doctor. I hope Atkins works for you and look forward to seeing you around the forums.

I use to do heavy whipping cream with some splenda, use to hit the spot. Jersey Girl may be able to tell you more if if my old trick is even still allowed in induction (haven't done Atkins in a while, I can't remember all the rules off the top of my head).

[JerseyGyrl]

Originally Posted by Adventuregurl

I am extremely sensitive to carbs and have been pre-diabetic since my teens due to PCOS and my doc has recommended very low carb, not Atkins per se but it will work.

Jersey Girl

Can you give me an idea of what you ate in one day on induction? Is there a thread somewhere to check for meal ideas?

I think the last time I did Atkins (after reading the book) I ate too few carbs and my biggest complaint was constipation, other than that I feel good on meat and veggies (but how I love sweets ).

Hi Adventuregurl

First let me say, sounds like you have a very well informed Doctor! Since you are pre-diabetic and have PCOS low carb is an excellent choice.

As for what I ate during Induction, this is what a typical day looked like:

Breakfast: Eggs (usually scrambled in butter) topped with salsa and bacon.
Lunch: Large salad made with romaine lettuce & baby spinach, cucumber, raw broccoli, raw sliced zucchini. a little shredded cheddar, with homemade tuna salad or grilled chicken, ranch dressing or vinegar & oil.
Dinner: Grilled chicken, fish, pork or beef, a green veggie (usually broccoli, green beans, brussel sprouts or zucchini) with buuter , a small salad with ranch or vinegar & oil.

Although cheese is permitted during Induction (up to 4 oz. a day), I didn't eat it everyday and would limit it to 1 or 2 ozs. I also limited Splenda to maybe once or twice a week. Invest in a good grass fed butter.

For great Atkins friendly recipes, check out:
http://www.genaw.com/lowcarb/recipes.html
Anything marked with an * is Induction friendly. There are also some sample menu's on that site.

As far as constipation, plenty of veggies, salads and lots of water is critical. If you still have issues, Dr. Atkins recommends psyillium husk. Very important to keep in mind, Induction is 20 net carbs per day with 12-15 of those 20 carbs coming from veggies & salad on the acceptable foods list. In a nutshell, the majority of your carbs are coming from veggies.

If you do Atkins correctly, your desire for sweets will greatly diminish. Using artificial sweeteners only continues to feed the beast. Odd as it may sound, eating some fat, such as a hard-boiled egg with mayo or a deviled egg is usually quite satisfying.

I wish you all the best with Atkins. If you need any further help with it or have any other questions, I'd be happy to share my experiences with you

All the best to you!!

[Adventuregurl]

Since I'm not a big lover of eggs (especially for everyday) would it be ok to have a protein powder in water with coconut oil some days?

I don't believe there are any carbs but I will check.