starting out thin

[reisender]

Hi, I'm new and finishing day 3 of my 2-week test recommended in the book "In Fitness and In Health" by Dr. Phillip Maffetone. It seems pretty similar to the Atkins.

Reading up on the Atkins and othr low-carb diets, I'm finding that a lot of it is about weight loss, and there tends to be a lot of weight loss at the beginning.
Well, I don't want to lose weight, I actually wouldn't mind a few more pounds, just not in the gut.

I'm 5 foot 7, 130 pounds. Yeah, skinny, right?
As I said, I don't want to lose weight, and am primarily doing this 2-week test, and potential continued diet for good health and to help my body get over a nagging hernia in my lower back from Feb.2005.

I'm a beer lover and love the carb foods in general. I can't really realistically see myself not eating these things or not drinking beer forever. I usually drink about 6-10 beers, about 3 nights a week.
I could see myself cutting down to 2 nights, maybe even 1, but is this still just killing the whole diet? I am obstaining for the two weeks though. Straight alcohol eats my stomach and gives me nasty hangovers.

Wondering if this low-carb diet is right for me or not. I'm supposed to add more carbs once I get to my ideal weight. But, if I start out at my ideal weight (if not lighter), then won't I just be reverting back to the amount of carbs I ate before and make this a big waste of time?

I'd like to know if anyone has the same experience as me and could give me some advice.

Thanks very much for tolerating my new guy questions, though I've read many faqs and the search function on these fora are not very helpful.

Reisender

[Bliss Pirate]

Well, since your not looking to loose weight, I don't think Atkins induction would be something you would want to do. I'm not familiar with the eating plan under the program your following though.

Certainly the maintance type of Atkins diet (though it would be hard to know just what level of carbs you need to be eating without doing some sort of OWL type program) can be a good way of eating that is lower carb then most. Would also provide the protein you need to repair muscle damage if that is the source of you injury...

I will say, it is hard to imagine 30 beers a week (or even 10...) fitting into a low carb eating regime. Rum and diet coke, and other variations provide a low carb alternative when drinking.

[Megs]

If your main focus is your health then cut back on alcohol That means 14 units a week! and do some excercise. that will help your hernia.
The main idea about low carbing is to cut out sugar. We simply don't need it in our diets, it has no nutritional value. Replace sugar with fruit and veg and eat only wholegrains (brown rice, wholemeal pasta whole grain bread) and you are doing Atkins maintainence. It is low carb - not no carb.
Cutting out sugar will be the single most important thing you can do for your health and i promise you you will feel the difference in your energy levels.
Good luck.