I know this isn’t purely a GQ question, but I’m hoping to get as close to factual an answer as I can.
So I’ve been doing this Atkins thing. I started at 215 pounds, and ideally should weigh 180. I’m doing the initial strict thing (I think they call it “induction”), which is supposed to be for 2 weeks. I’ve been doing that for 5 weeks now. Less than 20 carbs per day (no sweets, breads, starches at all). Basically, I’m eating meat and cheese and a few low-carb vegetables. In the first week, I lost 4 pounds, and nothing since.
Now, normally when I go on a diet, I lose 4 pounds in the first day or two. Maybe it’s from water or because there’s less in my digestive system, I don’t know. So my expectation was that pounds would just drip away. And they haven’t.
So now I’m wondering if there’s any reason to continue this. To be honest, I really feel like I’m putting crap in my body all day. If this is in any way good for me, I’m happy to continue, but I’m doubtful.
Other data points:
I’m not exercising a lot (walk up/down stairs at work several times per day and walk maybe a mile once a week), so it’s highly doubtful that I’m putting on muscle and losing fat.
I have lost an inch or two around my waist though.
Many I’ve talked to described being completely nauseous after the first week, several so much so that they couldn’t continue. Many described feeling elated a few days after that. I had none of that. I had some headaches in the first week, but I’m not even sure those were attributed to this.
I drink maybe half as much water as I should.
So, the question to anyone who’s studied up on all this: Is the sole value of Atkins to lose weight? And if it doesn’t cause one to lose weight, is there any reason to continue it? In fact, is there good reason to discontinue it?
Pointers to scientific studies positive or negative will be appreciated.
I’d suggest following the “Atkins Nutritional Approach™” for induction faithfully for two whole weeks. That means:
A) Exercise like it says in the book
B) Drink as much water as it says in the book
C) Stick to the list of foods in the “Induction” part of the book.
D) Cut out the caffeine. Some folks cheat on this.
At the end of those two weeks, see what your results are, and make your decision from there.
By the way, remember… 4 pounds in 2 weeks IS progress. Heck, you’ll be at your ideal weight in 18 weeks at that rate.
As far as benefits aside from losing weight, that’s GD territory. Dr. Atkins would have claimed that his diet was better for your heart than a high-carb diet.
Disclaimer: Not a doctor. YOUR DOCTOR should be consulted about going on Atkins. Your doctor may want to monitor your cholesterol before and after the diet. Dr. Atkins reccomends doing so, if you read the book real carefully.
I recalled a somewhat similar experience, but noted that the excess of my belt getting longer. That encouraged me to continue before I experienced dramatic weight loss.
Guess I should’ve been more specific. Though I do appreciate the replies so far, I specifically didn’t put this in IMHO because I’m not after HOs.
Rather, I’m hoping for scientific studys that address the question “are there any benefits or detriments to the Atkins diet beyond weight reduction?” Anyone?
I’ll answer that. There is a mound of data that would seem to claim that high-fat low-card diets will send you to an early grave. There are a small handful (less than 15 or so) studies that support the exact opposite conclusion, although real, good, solid honest-to-good longitudinal scientifically run studies that SPECIFICALLY address Atkins simply do not exist.
In some previous threads about Atkins, we have had cites to some of these studies.
Disclaimer: Not a doctor. Never will be, either. Please ask yours before doing any diet. Please ask your doctor if your weight concerns you, period, even if you’re not dieting. And good luck!
The major benefit I’ve experienced myself is that I’m eating a whole lot healthier. No junk, many more veggies than my diet before. And I’m satisfied with smaller meals, smaller portions. Once I get into ketosis, my appetite drops and my energy increases. Some people think they can just do that themselves, but I am one who needs a plan to stick to it. It is too easy to justify a Snickers or an ice cream cone, but that is how I became overweight in the first place.
HO stuff:
Make sure you are drinking enough water, 64 oz. a day is a minimal reccomendation. If you really want a HO, post a typical day’s menu (everything that passes your lips - even water, include portion sizes), and see if anything can be picked out that might be a no-no in the induction stage. When I did induction I found fitday to be a big help. ( www.fitday.com ) I have seen many people that start Atkins go out and buy all the low-carb products that are being sold now, and for the first two weeks you shouldn’t be eating any of that stuff. Do you think you are in ketosis? I can usually tell because I get a weird, metallic taste in my mouth. Then the weight comes off easily.
I can’t speak for the scientists, but here’s what I have personally gained from changing my way of eating to low carb, other than weight loss:
Chronic acid reflux gone
Chronic yeast infection gone
Sebaceous cysts gone
Anxiety decreased dramatically
Lower cholesterol
More energy
Better sleeping habits
Never feeling hungry although eating less calories
My friends doing Atkins have also reported:
Insomnia gone
Sleep apnea gone
Type II diabetes medication lowered or dropped
Lower blood pressure (mine was low to begin with)
Stronger hair and fingernails
Better skin
My changes have all come after dropping 80 lbs, true, but I went back to eating “normal” for a week near Christmas and every single one of the things I listed for myself returned during that week.
And to preach…
Be sure that you are eating ENOUGH. You may find that you’re less hungry, but you do need at least 1200 calories a day, and most things i’ve read say you should eat 10x your weight in calories. Others say 10x your goal weight. Others 12x your weight. It’s confusing, but at LEAST get 1200
Also you say you’re eating “a few veggies.” Most of your 20 carbs should come from veggies. Are you even getting 20 carbs, or are you sure you’re under 20? Remember, cheese has about 1 carb per ounce. Eggs have some carbs. Sour cream, heavy cream and some processed meats have carbs.
One other thing is you should be getting enough fiber from veggies. If you are blocked up, eat more veggies and try psyllum (sp?) husks to alleviate the problem.
Read the book. Dr. Atkins discusses many many other benefits of low carb. He has put many heart patients on it. The latest version of Dr. Atkins’ New Diet Revolution has alot of great personal patient stories in it.
I’ve posted this site before and will post it again.
Harvard School of Public Health is the place to check if you are after nutition/diet information based on scientific evidence. You may find it useful to have a look at the carbohydrates section, as well as the fats section.
antechinus, thanks very much for that. A lot of good data there.
Jonathan Woodall, uh I appreciate your telling me a mound of data exists which addresses the question I’m asking. But I already knew such data existed, which is probably why I posted this question asking for it. Could you kindly post links to what you’ve seen?
