Low Carb & Atkins Diet

Tiggs · Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2010 2:59 pm Post subject: Tiggs hopes for third time lucky

Hi everyone

I did Atkins years ago with some success ... then over 2009 I lost 2 stone of the 4 stone I needed to lose and then stalled. I decided to go low carb again this year and did 2 weeks of induction in February but although it went really well I struggled with the lack of fruit and stopped.

Guess what? Despite eating reasonably sensibly and doing lots of exercise (45 mins of hard cardio three times each week) I regained what I lost and here I am back again. Low fat diets leave me sooooooo hungry - I actually wake up at night starving. So I am trying again. I want to lose about 20 - 30 lb. I just saw the most awful picture of me from the weekend with my spare tyre on prominent display - yuk!

I think I about to start my first relationship in years with a lovely man which is so exciting. I am amazed that he seems to find me attractive, even with the spare tyre, so there is no pressure there which is great but I know I will feel so much happier about everything when I have got back to a size 12 (uk).

I am now off to the shops to stock up on protein once I have ditched all the carbs from my kitchen.

I am a bit nervous as I am dreading Atkins flu and the lack of fruit so will be logging in regularly to follow everyone else's stories for inspiration and support.

Thanks for listening!

Tril · Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2010 4:40 pm Post subject:

Hi Tiggs... welcome back!!!

Wish you much success this time... stick with it, keep coming here and ask any questions you might have. Remember, anything you're feeling, someone here probably has felt the same way.

Tril

bluehex · Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2010 4:53 pm Post subject:

Hi, Tiggs, welcome back!

I remember your February struggle. Hope it goes better this time!

In the good news department, if you ate "reasonsbly sensibly", as you called it, you shouldn't worry much about Atkins flu. It hits hard if you were eating very high carb before starting Induction, sweet sodas, chocolate, pastries and such. If you were indeed reasonable, withdrawal symptoms should be minimal.

Congrats on a supportive BF - I understand those are pretty rare.

Keep us informed!

PS Remember to drink your water!!! It really is the key to everything.

Tiggs · Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2010 5:29 pm Post subject:

oooo - nice supportive messages already - thanks both of you!

Tril · Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2010 9:33 pm Post subject:

That's what we do best! LOL

Tiggs · Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2010 6:42 pm Post subject:

So I weighed in this morning at 12 stone 12 - it could be worse I guess. Aiming for 10 stone 10 but as a short term goal I want to see 12 stone 4 which is where I got to in February - I did that in 2 weeks induction so hoping for the same.

A good day to start though - already noticing my appetite reduces when I eat proper nourishing food rather than low fat nonsense. Tea with no milk was ok to my surprise. Had yummy asparagus with lots of butter....

AND I made the gym - 40 mins of cardio. Probably not drunk quite enough water but did ok. No ill effects yet.

Onto Day 2... feeling positive.

bluehex · Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2010 6:54 pm Post subject:

Congratulations on a good day - - now the trick is to repeat it as many times as you can.

Drink your water!!!

Tril · Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2010 8:33 pm Post subject:

SO glad to hear you had a good day one!!!

Now. Drink your water.

LOL

kage · Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2010 8:10 pm Post subject:

Great Start Tiggs!!

You can do it! You can have some heavy cream in your tea if you want I use it in my coffee - 2 tablespoons a day.

Also, you can have some kinds of fruit eventually - berries and some melons. Something to aim for. I have found in the past that after the first couple of weeks I don't even crave sweet stuff at all so maybe that will happen.

Anyway, good luck, I am on day 6 of induction and I have 44 pounds left to lose (how many stones is that?)

WE CAN DO IT!!

Tiggs · Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2010 8:41 pm Post subject:

So today I ate a LOT but all allowed. Carbs were mushroom and tomato for breakfast, huge salad for lunch and broccoli for supper.

I'm not getting bad cravings for carbs but seemed to need lots of food all day. Drank all my water like a good girl. Definitely ate more than I needed but am hoping that it is just the first few days and my appetite will settle down.

I have also had to cancel my whisky club on Friday night. And have warned the friend I am seeing tomorrow that I am not drinking - she has had weight issues so is being really supportive.

Kage - thanks for advice re fruit - I will look forward to that!

Onto Day 3 with cautious optimism...

kage · Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2010 8:42 pm Post subject:

Right there with you Tiggs, I am on the wagon until the weight is all gone too! That is the hardest part for me because I loveeeeeee my red wine. Keep it up, I am really hungry today too. Kage

Tiggs · Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 8:17 pm Post subject:

So all is still on track I think. Eating all the right things but fear I am having too much fat/protein - I'm not sure I am really eating because I am hungry ...maybe it is a sort of emotional response? Am hoping will be able to cut down in the next few days.

Drinking all my water. Stayed off the wine yesterday with no problem. Kage - I just posted on your thread about alcohol - our minds are definitely in sync!

Food has been steak, salad, leeks, tuna, lots of salad, some cheese (too much?) eggs and bacon for breakfast. I am lucky as I don't seem to need puddings.

I am out and about over the weekend and will need to be organised so plan to take some low carb sausages to snack on (for the Brits, I have found The Black Farmer's sausages in Tesco which are pretty good).

It FEELS as if there is a bit less of me already but we will see what the scales say at weigh in tomorrow morning!

kirstyb1 · Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 8:48 pm Post subject:

im sure there is deffo less of you hunni when you weigh in

good luck for the scales Very Happy

xx

kage · Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 10:46 pm Post subject:

Tiggs,
Fingers crossed for a good weigh in!! Whatever happens it is how you feel though not how much that crummy scale says!!

Kage (who often has long arguments with her scale)(hey I sound like LL)

Tiggs · Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 5:24 am Post subject:

Hurrah - on Day 5 and have got to 12 stone 9 so lost 3 lb - am very happy with that.

Feeling pretty fabulous too - lighter in mind and body and energy levels feeling good. Plus I am sleeping better as not waking up starving at 4 am!!

It is a long weekend here and I am helping out with election stuff so will be walking the streets delivering leaflets ALL three days - this has to use up some energy especially as I will be wearing my MBT trainers! Before anyone thinks I am some super keen politician type, I should add that it actually means I get to spend all weekend with the lovely man who I think is about to make a move! My ulterior motive! Ha ha!

Onto Day 5 then ... mini goal of 12, 7 (half stone thing for Brits!) and then 12, 4 to get me to where I was in Feb.

Oliveoil · Senior Member Joined: 15 Apr 2009 Posts: 346

Your doing great Tiggs! Drink your water and make a backup plan for what you are going to do if you are in a situation where there is nothing you think you can eat....and have a plan in place when temptation strikes at the most unexpected time.....it will happen. Sounds like you might be a stress eater at times? All the more reason to have some sort of plan in place....

Good luck with the lovely man this weekend!

Have a great day - keep up the good work!

OO

kage · Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 2:06 pm Post subject:

Congratulations! Have a fun weekend. What OO said too! See you soon. Kage

Tiggs · Posted: Sun May 02, 2010 6:59 am Post subject:

Thanks for the support girls! Did really well yesterday - took salad stuff and pepperoni and cheese so not a problem. Feel much thinner today but determined only to weigh every few days as I know the scales are unreliable.

Was walking pretty much ALL day so exhausted but it must be good for me. A little tricky to drink water when you are not sure when you will next find a loo but did ok and will do better today.

Feeling no flu or tough side effects at all - must be what Bluehex said about having not gone too mad on carbs in my time off. My legs ache after all the walking but thanks to Tril am not worrying about that.

The support means a lot - hope I can give it back.

T

kirstyb1 · Posted: Sun May 02, 2010 6:52 pm Post subject:

Well done you on taking your salad, i do this a lot as well

how much do u have to lose?

i am trying to lose 28lbs, i am pleased my jeans are nice 14 hehe

so hoping that the 12's will be back soon
x

Tiggs · Posted: Sun May 02, 2010 10:07 pm Post subject:

We sound a bit the same Kirsty. I am hoping to lose 2 stone and then see how it all looks and feels. I am a 14-16 at the moment - the 16 is too big but 14 a bit snug so that is the first goal. I always throw out the fat clothes...seems like a good statement of intent!!

I have some new jeans too - from Wallis so not as trendy as River Island! But they are much more fitted than I usually wear - I've been in boot cut for years but actually think a bit slimmer fitting is better on me.

Anyway today went well. My appetite is definitely dropping - in fact I think I need to focus on eating enough now! Lots more walking, similar food to yesterday. I have prepared sausages and a green bean and mushroom salad which is marinating in mustard and olive oil overnight so I will have other options tomorrow. M&S do really low carb sausages.

So a good day ... and a wee bit more progress with the man so life looks very good!

Tiggs · Posted: Tue May 04, 2010 8:31 am Post subject:

Hurrah! Exactly one week into induction and I have lost 5 lb so am down to the magic 12 and a half stone mark.

Still feelign pretty good about it all - so much easier than last time although I'm not sure what I am doing differetnly - manybe just a different mind set.

Refused delicious smelling brownies yesterday - a friend kept teasing me to tempt me still I'm afraid I snapped. Why do people do that rather than be supportive... ? Sigh...

Tril · Posted: Tue May 04, 2010 10:30 am Post subject:

Wow! Great job on your first week! Smile

Oliveoil · Senior Member Joined: 15 Apr 2009 Posts: 346

Congrats Tiggs! Keep it up!

spirit · Posted: Tue May 04, 2010 12:18 pm Post subject:

Great start Tiggs. Very Happy

kage · Posted: Tue May 04, 2010 1:34 pm Post subject:

Yay for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Is your friend heavy? People are afraid of change. Also, people equate food with love. Maybe your friend is afraid. Who knows and well done resisting. Good for you!!

kirstyb1 · Posted: Tue May 04, 2010 8:17 pm Post subject:

Wow excellent loss that's fab well done u xx

Tiggs · Posted: Sat May 08, 2010 11:54 am Post subject:

Nothing much to report - I gave in to temptation and got on the scales - up by 1lb! So ignored it and will now definitely only weigh once a week.

Eating all going well and think there continues to be less of me. However I am trying to think of this as a long term commitment so just the focus is on making it a lifestyle thing rather than looking for too many short term highs.... I've been there too many times before!!

I'm eating a lot of butter - hope that is ok...

Oliveoil · Senior Member Joined: 15 Apr 2009 Posts: 346

Hang in there Tiggs!

As for the butter, all I can say is that you have to remember that even if you eat low carbs you can be taking in way more calories than your body can burn, which means you will gain. Everything in life is in moderation. That pound increase could be from the slip, it could be water retention, or it could be a too high caloric intake. Something to keep in mind. Remember too that fluctuation is normal. Unfortunately we all see the scale go up as well as down....it's just the ups we don't receive real well - trust me I know!

Tril · Posted: Sat May 08, 2010 12:11 pm Post subject:

"I'm eating a lot of butter - hope that is ok..."

It's ok for Induction, but as you work your way up the carb ladder, adding in more carbs, you should decrease your fat intake. Keep a balance. In the meantime, if you find you're not losing... consider cutting back on the butter to one TBS per meal. You need added fats... but not copious amounts. lol Also, double check the serving size of your meats. You can eat until full/satisfied, but often overweight people have trouble know what that is... so just be aware. One serving is about the size of your palm (minus the fingers). One or two servings to satisfy hunger. As merlot likes to say (pretty sure it was her)... just because you CAN eat a whole cow, doesn't mean you SHOULD. Wink

kage · Posted: Sat May 08, 2010 1:57 pm Post subject:

What Tril and OO said! This can be a magic bullett in that you can eat yummy food and fat but it all comes down to less going in so more comes off. The goal is to eat normal amounts. That being said you are doing a great job so keep up the good work!!

Tiggs · Posted: Sun May 09, 2010 10:21 am Post subject:

Thanks for the advice folks - I fear I do eat too much for the sake of it. BUT while my weight is the same (the dandom lb has gone) I am much slimmer so hurrah! Just had clothes trying session and a couple of favourtie dresses "fit" although they are too snug. I have a wedding in a month so hope to be able to wear one then - good to have a goal!

Will try to cut down on butter and processed meats - I eat lots of salami, ham etc so think the sodium may be a problem.

Thanks again for the support - it really helps!
T
x

kage · Posted: Tue May 11, 2010 6:43 pm Post subject:

Good job Tiggs, it is hard to cut out everything at once. Maybe week by week? Processed meats first then something else? Good luck and keep up the good work.

Kage

tracyred · Posted: Wed May 12, 2010 1:49 am Post subject:

yep sodium is a killer - but you're doing great! i'm sure one of those dresses will be fab for the wedding!

well done you!

tracy

Tiggs · Posted: Fri May 14, 2010 7:52 pm Post subject:

Ok so this is very strange. I am "thinner" than I have been in ages - there are bones coming through that I forgot I had! BUT the scales have not shifted in 2 weeks!!

I'm not too bothered as thin is what matters but it is weird...I drink all my water and eat lots of veg. Bathroom "movements" have been fairly regular ...

Any ideas anyone?

sandrellasmith · Posted: Fri May 14, 2010 8:05 pm Post subject:

I was reading something on one of the forums I think blue hex or could have been tril...they said that inches and weight sometimes don't line up. I would take looking thin...(I can't remember the last time I saw my bones jutting out..lol)...over a lower number on the scale. I bet next week those numbers will drop! Smile

Hang in there!

kage · Posted: Fri May 14, 2010 10:50 pm Post subject:

Right on the Atkins website they talk about how weight loss is not linear and inches matter a lot. Keep up the great attitude and you will likely see a drop soon. Good luck.

kage

Tiggs · Posted: Sun May 16, 2010 11:15 am Post subject:

Thanks - am not too bothered really but good to get some more info!

Am very pleased with myself as yesterday I refused champagne and wine on a hen day - had salmon salad for lunch then lovely low carb restaurant meal.... everyone else had pudding and was getting drunk and I was a really good girl!! It will be worth it when I can wear an old favourite dress for the wedding in a few weeks time..... But refusing free champagne - ouch!!

Tiggs · Posted: Thu May 20, 2010 9:32 pm Post subject:

OK so this is ridiculous. I am thinner every day and feel great - no need to be hungry ever but I am getting bored. I must be mad - I mean, if I keep this up I could have a great summer wearing shorts and pretty dresses - hey I might even be pleased to see warm weather for once....!! But I keep having thoughts about bowls of cereal...

I CAN live without cereal for a few more weeks until I am eating a small bowl wearing a size 12 dress.

I don't struggle with cake, sweets etc so it could be worse I guess. Not sure if it is physical cravings or an emotional response.

I WILL stick with this!!!!!

tracyred · Posted: Thu May 20, 2010 10:27 pm Post subject:

come on tiggs! you have to eat anyway - why is it we don't get bored eating cereal everyday - oh wait WE DO!!!! and fat too!

so buck up and get on with it! mix up your food choices - i just had 2 sausages and fried cauli with garlic (thanks tril) with olive oil for brekkie - and i am happy! but if i'd had cereal and toast - i would still be starving!

you can do this - and think of how good you'll feel this summer, knowing you didn't give in. this is your body wanting to stay chubs - don't listen to it! take control!

Smile

tracy

OllieEddie · Posted: Thu May 20, 2010 11:54 pm Post subject:

I agree with Tracy! You know you can stick to it! We know you can stick to it! So do it! We're rooting for you!

Have you tried any new recipies or flavor combinations lately? I am a huge fan of sauteed shrimp with red pepper cream sauce. Or try that fried cauliflower with garlic that Tracy mentioned (I keep having to wipe the drool off of my chin). If you're trying enough new stuff you shouldn't get bored.

Are you trying to stay on induction still or are you letting yourself have seeds and nuts? A handful of almonds when I'm cranky always seem to cheer me up. It could be the grinding of the teeth... Lol

Best of luck! Those dresses are going to look hot on you!

Tiggs · Posted: Fri May 21, 2010 12:14 pm Post subject:

Thanks so much both of you! Just what I needed - a bit of a talking to but encouragement and ideas too.

I am hopeless at variety - even when I am not trying to lose weight I never take trouble to cook nice things for myself - only when I have guests. So I am having the same old same old (and too much processed stuff).

So this weekend I will sit down and think out some alternatives. Garlic cauliflower sounds divine for starters. Part of the trouble is lack of time - I get in late so need a quick fix which is usually more salad.

Am still on induction - nuts and seeds are not a bit thing for me but I should start to add some of the fruits...

sandrellasmith · Posted: Fri May 21, 2010 1:16 pm Post subject:

I have a friend who has an Atkins cookbook...I'm going to go through it with her this weekend and we are going on a cooking spree!! I too get bored with the same old same old, but guess what?...I'm bout to change it up! Hope you do the same! Good luck! Smile

JohnDoe · Senior Member Joined: 08 Jan 2009 Posts: 395

Mark Sisson has a new low carb cookbook that you can order from him now (won't be in book stores until July)

http://www.primalnutrition.com/primal-blueprint-cookbook-i-36.html

I've ordered one for myself, there looks to be some really tasty stuff in there, especially if you're getting bored with what you've been eating.

For those of you not familiar with Mark, his advocated "Primal" way of living is definitely low carb, grain free but not necessarily as low carb as Atkins during induction or ongoing weight loss phases - however I've found them very compatible personally, and I appreciate Mark's perspective on exercise as well as diet.

Tiggs · Posted: Wed May 26, 2010 8:28 pm Post subject:

Excellent - will check out cookbooks so thanks.

All is going well - still very little movement on the scales but there is SO much less of me!! My hips and spare tyre are fast disappearing.

I was good and got some lamb chops and green beans for a change - yummy! Planning ahead is the key. Am still having diet soda and probably more cheese than I should but those are my only sins! Otherwise I eat only "real" foods - I am lucky that I can survive without sugar free puddings or low carb bars.

I have noticed my appetite is more under control - in the early days I couldn't stop thinking about food but I seem to be back to "normal" portions now. Not been at the gym in 10 days as got busy at work but hope to go tomorrow.

Think I will be able to wear my super sexy slinky purple dress to the ball in 2 weeks - yay!!

tracyred · Posted: Thu May 27, 2010 12:00 am Post subject:

awesome! post a picture if you can!!!!!!

tracy

Tiggs · Posted: Sun May 30, 2010 9:14 pm Post subject:

A tale of two shopping trips:

Friday - Hobbs in my lunch hour - purchased gorgeous frock for wedding which fits like a dream... plus two natty little shift dresses with matching jackets for work. I have been SO badly dressed for the office for years and am NOT going to be anymore. Returned to the office on such a high as I knew I looked great.

Today - Debenhams and EVERYTHING was hideous. I have lost a lot but actually still have a fair bit to go. Need to keep a sense of perspective!

But still on track - no cheating. Not been to the gym in 2 weeks as really busy but will make the time this week.

tracyred · Posted: Sun May 30, 2010 9:53 pm Post subject:

hey tiggs - love the stories! i know just what you mean about looking great, but still have a way to go, i'm with you for sure!

t

Tiggs · Posted: Mon May 31, 2010 7:38 pm Post subject:

Thanks Tracey - today was good again as a dress I bought a year ago in a sale but never worn ..now fits ! Yay!! I also have a bag of things for the charity shop.

I was getting a lot of jokes today with friends who laugh at me for going on walks with a package of sausages and whole red peppers! I eat the pepper like an apple - so yummy and refreshing - like taking an apple in your pocket.

I would so love a glass of wine... but will resist. I have a ball in 2 weeks for which I will have a night off. I won't go mad but I am so looking forward to a few drinks....

tracyred · Posted: Mon May 31, 2010 10:04 pm Post subject:

yep - that is a bit of a laugh, but we atkineers are a funny bunch!

t

ps - pics of the dress please when the time comes!!!!!!!

Tiggs · Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2010 9:26 pm Post subject:

Oh dear - I sense a difficult week coming up. Have a ball on Friday then I am going to Ladies Day at Royal Ascot next Thursday (I think I will see the Queen!) and then I have a wedding.

I am really looking forward to all these events, especially because I can wear nice outfits now I have lost weight...... but I need to be sure I don't fall badly off the wagon. I plan to allow myself some wine but can feel myself thinking "a week off won't hurt.... I am a bit bored..... I'd love a bowl of cereal" etc etc etc.

Need to remind myself that I have about 20lb to lose still and this is the ONLY way that works for me. If I start on carbs again, even for a short time, I will be back into cravings, overeating etc etc and will have to get back before I get fat again......

I haven't yet taken advantage of the additional foods on OWL - so will get some berries and cream as a treat. Who needs cereal??!!