[ChristianMom]

Hey I have been on Atkins for the pass five months and I have been thinking of counting calories instead..Has anyone been on Atkins before and made the transition to counting calories? If so, how did it go? I am just scared to regain any weight but looking to have more freedom of foods..Thanks for any input!

Lisa

[kendra]

I haven't done Atkins but maybe you could figure up how many calories that you normally consume when following it? That way you would have some idea what calorie range you need to be in to lose weight and not regain any. I'm not sure if that would work or not, I am not really familiar with the details of Atkins.
Sorry I'm not much help.

[mkroyer]

keep in mind as SOON AS you re-introduce the carbs back to your diet, you are definitely, without s doubt, going to experience some "rebound" weight gain. This is water weight. The glycogen that comes from the carbs will be "filled" back up in your muscles, and skin, and along with the glycogen, your body will store 3 grams of water, per every gram of glycogen. This can be a significant amount (3-8 lbs?). But you must remember it is NOT fat. From low carbing for quite some time, your glycogen stores have bene in a complete state of depletion. Remember that initial "big loss" you prob experienced on atkins the first 2 weeks or so? That was all the water weight/glycogen being depleted from your body. That amount will COME BACK ON, no matter what-- whether yoiu get off the low carb now, or in a year.... Also you might experience gastrointenstinal issues with the re-introduction of carbs...lots and lots of bloating, and diarreah/or constipation while your system relearns how to process it.... probiotics *may* help this
Good luck!

[Aiesline]

I've done both. What Mkroyer said is absolutely true.

I will also tell you that as a calorie counter I've cut a lot of refined carbs out anyway. The calorie "bang for buck" just isn't worth it. Most of my carbs (80-90%) come from fruit, veggies, and whole grains. I'm not crabby all the time like I was on atkins. I've also lost over 40 pounds this way and I could and will eat the rest of my life this way. Good luck! You have found the right group of people to help motivate you on this journey. These ladies and gentlemen all rock and do truly want to see you succeed.

[ChristianMom]

Thanks ladies for your insightful input! I am on the fence and not sure what to do..Atkins has been a wonderful tool that retaught me how to eat and to not overeat or emotional eat for that matter..I think I will keep the basic principles of that way of eating which is fruit and veggies and meat but have a few good grains mixed in too(and some sweet treats maybe!) I think I will see where my calories are at now and go from there..Thanks again!