# Please Help Me Do Atkins **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [December 5, 2003, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-do-atkins/217168 "2003-12-05T16:23:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![cher3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/da6949/32.png) [@cher3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cher3)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2003, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-do-atkins/217168/21 "2003-12-05T20:42:35Z")
I think Atkins and South Beach eventually converge–SB just allows you to add carbs back in faster and doesn’t ever require any counting. There were a lot of Atkins drop-outs on the South Beach message board I was reading for a while and the habit they found hardest to give up was carb counting. I’ll accept that the jury may be out on saturated fat. (Mainly because I think lowfat cheese is lousy, for the most part.) And there is that French paradox thing, too. ---
**Author:** ![skeptic\_ev](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@skeptic\_ev](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/skeptic_ev)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2003, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-do-atkins/217168/22 "2003-12-05T20:43:39Z")
I second that water thing, **Boscibo**. During a slump, I did a little research and realized that my lack of water was stalling my weight loss. Oh, another good snack for low-carbers is macadamia nuts. They’re very low in carbs, mostly fat, and quite satisfying. ---
**Author:** ![velvetjones](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/5f9b8f/32.png) [@velvetjones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velvetjones)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2003, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-do-atkins/217168/23 "2003-12-05T20:44:16Z")
Sometimes that induction feeling you get us from your body losing too much potassium and magnesium in your urine (assuming your consuming all the water he recommends) I’ve heard this called the “induction hangover” and it will pass but you need supplements. I don’t think glucose tabs are the answer. If you want more definitive information on low carb diets in general and a really warm and friendly message board regarding such, check out [www.thinner.com](http://www.thinner.com). The wealth of knowledge on that message board will be a great help and there are several success full maintainers (people who’ve reached their goal and are in maintenance) who are more than happy to share their wisdom. Hang in there. This too shall pass. ---
**Author:** ![velvetjones](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/5f9b8f/32.png) [@velvetjones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velvetjones)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2003, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-do-atkins/217168/24 "2003-12-05T20:50:05Z")
Also, that message board allows an individual to edit posts so when you don’t preview and you make a a silly error like success full instead of successful you can fix it. Oh, well. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![VunderBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/839c29/32.png) [@VunderBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VunderBob)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2003, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-do-atkins/217168/25 "2003-12-05T21:34:32Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by velvetjones \* > \*\*Sometimes that induction feeling you get us from your body losing too much potassium and magnesium in your urine (assuming your consuming all the water he recommends) I’ve heard this called the “induction hangover” and it will pass but you need supplements. > > I don’t think glucose tabs are the answer. If you want more definitive information on low carb diets in general and a really warm and friendly message board regarding such, check out [www.thinner.com](http://www.thinner.com). The wealth of knowledge on that message board will be a great help and there are several success full maintainers (people who’ve reached their goal and are in maintenance) who are more than happy to share their wisdom. > > Hang in there. This too shall pass. \*\* The reason I mentioned the tabs it that the OP described the symptoms of low blood sugar, almost to the danger point. The tabs get the crasher out of the situation, but are not meant as a dietary fix. I agree with everyone who said eat more veggies; that is the proper long term remedy. The first time I tried Atkins, I had a similar problem. That’s when I figured out Atkins and insulin don’t mix. Since I’m not dependent, it was simple **under a doctor’s guidance** to drop the insulin, and try again. Why is this the 4th time I’ve started Atkins? Because I get bored in induction, and never last 2 weeks. VunderBob, Type II diabetic ---
**Author:** ![BiblioCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ed8c4c/32.png) [@BiblioCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BiblioCat)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2003, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-do-atkins/217168/26 "2003-12-05T23:43:26Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by ptr2void \* > \*\*Snack: > 1 [EAS bar](http://www.drugstore.com/qxp78384_333181_sespider/eas/advantedge_carb_control_nutrition_bar_chocolate_chip_brownie.htm) (Chocolate Chip Brownie, Cookies & Cream, Chocolate Cream Pie). > 2 sticks of string cheese (sometimes) > > **LOTS** of water!!! > Dentyne Ice Sugarless Gum > \*\* I had those EAS pre-packaged shakes nearly every over the summer. They were kinda pricey, but they were pretty tasty. They were _much_ cheaper than the Atkins shakes. I was at the pool every day with my kids, and it was a better alternative to the breaded and fried and high-carb choices at the snack bar. And yes, LOTS AND LOTS of water. I’ve been slacking off on my water intake and I think that may have something to do with my recent stall. ---
**Author:** ![BiblioCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ed8c4c/32.png) [@BiblioCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BiblioCat)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2003, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-do-atkins/217168/27 "2003-12-05T23:50:24Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Boscibo \* > \*\*The “Drink lots of water” thing is absolutely essential. I drink almost 200 ounces a day (not all at once, of course, spread it out) but get that water in! I crave water now. \*\* Absolutely. So many times in these diet threads, people say, “But I hate water!” Buy bottled if you have to, or get a filter thing for your tap, or a Brita filter. I have pretty good tap water where I live, but I buy bottled so I can carry it with me easily when I go out. I refill the same bottle all day, and toss it at the end of the day. Then I open a new bottle in the morning. I crave it now, too. I didn’t give up coffee for Induction like the book says to do. I just couldn’t deal with the caffiene loss, because of my migraines. All I drink now is water and coffee or tea. I’ve joined the “Soda is Evil” camp. 😉 For a treat, I sometimes buy Propel lemon flavored water. Six carbs in the big bottle. One thing - be sure to read the “carbs per serving/servings per container” part correctly. ---
**Author:** ![skeptic\_ev](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@skeptic\_ev](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/skeptic_ev)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2003, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-do-atkins/217168/28 "2003-12-06T00:32:24Z")
Another great thing to do, too, is to toss a thin slice of lemon or lime in your water. I notice I drink more without thinking when I do that. ---
**Author:** ![merrily](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ac91a4/32.png) [@merrily](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/merrily)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2003, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-do-atkins/217168/29 "2003-12-06T01:15:02Z")
Another Atkins believer here: 49 pounds since Feb. Here is the website I go to for information and support: [http://www.lowcarbfriends.com/](http://www.lowcarbfriends.com/) The bulletin boards are where I found out all that stuff you don’t find in the books, and is the place to ask your questions, even off-the-wall ones. ---
**Author:** ![JavaMaven1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/cab0a1/32.png) [@JavaMaven1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JavaMaven1)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2003, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-do-atkins/217168/30 "2003-12-06T02:35:15Z")
I’m another one that has done very well on Atkins, too–but, I’ll be the first one to say that it’s not for everyone. Are you under a doctor’s supervision at all? Have you had any other blood sugar issues? My first few days of Induction were hell, also. I got shaky, and the weirdest part of it was my legs felt like lead. I had a hard time just _moving_ sometimes. Until, that is, around the 4th day, when I snapped into ketosis and my body straightened itself out. I’ll chime in with everyone else: **Water is key.** 64 ounces a day, plus another 8 oz for every 25 pounds you need to lose. Your body needs water for metobolic functions. You’re allowed 20 grams of carbs a day during Induction, and the best thing to do is to make sure you eat them throughout the day, rather than hoarding them until the end of the day for dinner, which helps keep you at an even keel. I often had a slice or two of tomato with breakfast (or on the weekends, some sauteed mushrooms in an omelette), some veggies at lunch, and then my salad for dinner. If you don’t eat too many eggs or dairy, you may have room for more veggies (I keep track of what I eat on [www.fitday.com](http://www.fitday.com)) Once you get past Induction, it gets so much easier, since you can add so much more to your daily diet. I nibble on nuts, berries, and I get such delicious meals like pork chops with pan-fried butternut squash and steamed broccoli for dinner–and I’m eating at 30 grams a day now. A few of my favorite treats: Sparkling mineral water with a shot of Torani Sugar-Free Syrup, which is sweetened with Splenda. I have the vanilla syrup, and I’ll also mix in a dollop of heavy cream. In a mixer, I’ll beat some cream cheese, heavy cream, cocoa powder, and just enough Splenda to sweeten. It’s rich and chocolatey–and it works when I’m having a massive ice cream craving. Personally, I try to stay away from all products during Induction–Induction, IMHO, is your time to break away from bad eating habits, and especially from sweets. It’s best to stick with whole food for the first two weeks, then add the convenience foods after you’re finished with Induction. ---
**Author:** ![ptr2void](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ptr2void/32/3406_2.png) [@ptr2void](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ptr2void)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2003, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-do-atkins/217168/31 "2003-12-06T18:42:33Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by JavaMaven1 \* > **In a mixer, I’ll beat some cream cheese, heavy cream, cocoa powder, and just enough Splenda to sweeten. It’s rich and chocolatey–and it works when I’m having a massive ice cream craving.** FYI: [Klondike Fudge Bars](http://www.breyers.com/products/ind_product.asp?upc=75856-06101&brand=Klondike) are now available (and competitively priced). I got some last night but haven’t tried them yet…wait, I’ll go have one now! Walks upstairs to the refrigerator… Mmmm…not quite as chocolatey as I’d like, but still nice and creamy! They also have [ice cream bars](http://www.breyers.com/products/ind_product.asp?upc=75856-06105&brand=Klondike) (chocolate-covered vanilla ice cream), but I try to keep the net carb of any pre-packaged product I buy at or under 3g, and they are 5g per bar. ---
**Author:** ![JavaMaven1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/cab0a1/32.png) [@JavaMaven1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JavaMaven1)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2003, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-do-atkins/217168/32 "2003-12-06T20:57:36Z")
Thanks for the heads-up, **ptr2void**. I checked the website and the nutritional information notes that there’s sugar alcohols involved–since I can’t look up the ingredients there, I’m somewhat wary. I have had my moments with sugar alcohols (with extremely painful results), so I always double-check those kinds of things. But, until they make things sweetened entirely with Splenda, I’m going to be super-cautious. ---
**Author:** ![Hanna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b3f665/32.png) [@Hanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hanna)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2003, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-do-atkins/217168/33 "2003-12-06T21:49:15Z")
I also have issues with sugar alcohols. Lacitol is the worst, I can handle malitol and some of the others, but I am very leery about eating things with them. I wish they would list the ingredients of those bars on the website; I bought some CarbSmart vanilla ice cream and the third ingredient listed was high fructose corn syrup - I was shocked! Always check those labels, even stuff sold as low-carb may have hidden sugars and corn syrups. Sugars, even a small amount, will set off cravings for me. ---
**Author:** ![ptr2void](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ptr2void/32/3406_2.png) [@ptr2void](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ptr2void)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2003, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-do-atkins/217168/34 "2003-12-06T22:28:27Z")
Yep. The Hershey’s sugar-free candies, sweetened primarily with lactitol, did not make me very happy that’s for sure. But it doesn’t seem to have a real negative effect when it’s not the primary sugar alcohol; this is the case, for example, in some of the EAS bars that I really enjoy. The Klondike fudge bars’ first few ingredients are nonfat milk, milkfat, sorbitol, cocoa, and lactitol. SO far, no negative effects 😃 ---
**Author:** ![JackaRoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b5e925/32.png) [@JackaRoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JackaRoe)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2003, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-do-atkins/217168/35 "2003-12-06T22:59:20Z")
My 4 year old son was haiving 6 to 12 sezures a day that lasted from 10 to 20 minutes each. We tried all the medications and none worked so a last resort was a ketogenic diet. This diet is very simlar to the Atkins diet, just that its not only low carbs but low proteins too. He has been on the diet for 6 months now and has not a siezure since the induction phase. He was very lathargic and grumpy for the first 4 months. What does this have to do with you? The study that is being done on ketogenic diets and how it affects the mind indicates that that a brain using fat as fuel behaves very differntly than one using the carbs and proteins. Your body may not be able to adapt or may take as long as my son did. What I am saying is the foods you eat will impact how you feel and think. The best way to lose weight is to increase your exercise and try to eat a balanced diet that includes carbs, fats and proteins. You will probaly feel better in long run. ---
**Author:** ![BiblioCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ed8c4c/32.png) [@BiblioCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BiblioCat)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2003, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-do-atkins/217168/36 "2003-12-07T03:30:31Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by JackaRoe \* > \*\*My 4 year old son was haiving 6 to 12 sezures a day that lasted from 10 to 20 minutes each. We tried all the medications and none worked so a last resort was a ketogenic diet. This diet is very simlar to the Atkins diet, just that its not only low carbs but low proteins too. > > He has been on the diet for 6 months now and has not a siezure since the induction phase. He was very lathargic and grumpy for the first 4 months.\*\* I find this fascinating… I was having severe migraines, 3 or 4 a month. Horrible, awful migraines. Not “bad headaches,” these were terrible, pounding headaches that had me in bed for 24 to 36 hours, shivering, shaking, sweating, vomiting, blind in one eye headaches. Other days, I would have a minor, constant low-grade headache. I could function, but it was always there. I’d had them since I was a child, but it was just getting worse and worse and more severe. I started seeing a neurologist, and he put he on an anti-seizure medication (Topamax) and about six months later had me start Atkins, not so much for the weight loss (which I needed to do anyway) but to cut sugar out of my diet. I’m now convinced that I just can’t have refined sugar and complex carbs. The Topamax works on the electrical signals in the brain, and reroutes (I think?) the signals to work correctly - or something like that. (I don’t have epilepsy, and I’ve never had a seizure, JFTR) It was a new therapy for migraines and we had a hell of a time getting the insurance to cover it, since it’s terribly expensive. It works wonders for me. I haven’t had one of those horrible migraines in about a year. Between the drug and the diet, something is working. ---
**Author:** ![cadolphin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c37758/32.png) [@cadolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cadolphin)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2003, 4:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-do-atkins/217168/37 "2003-12-07T04:45:41Z")
I just bought the Atkins book tonight. I’ve finally gotten fat enough I’m miserable all the time and have trouble getting around. Since I’m sure starting a diet 3 weeks before Christmas would be a set up to fail, I’ll start after the holidays are over. Thank you very much for starting this thread. I’ll be bookmarking it. I especially appreciated your thread **JavaMaven1**. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-do-atkins/217168.md?page=1)