Diet Coke, coffee?

[krstinam]

I am the proud mommy of 2 young children (4 1/2 and 18months) neither of which let me sleep more than 4 1/2 hrs each night. I work full time and love my coffee. I have switched to 1/2 caffeine 1/2 decaff and drink 4 cups a day. I occasionally have 1 glass of diet coke as well. I still drink at least 8 glasses of water each day too. Am I okay doing this or am I self sabotaging? I don't have sugar cravings like I've read can occur. I have a loft goal which will require me losing 3 pounds/week through th emiddle of feb and don't want to do anything that will sabotage that.

Thanks in advance for opinions on this
K

[Lyssie]

Hmm.. Well, some people are perfectly fine with caffeine, some people completely stall, some people just lose slower than they would without it. You can never actually tell unless you give it up. That said, I drink coffee, no soda anymore, since I found that makes me want more snacks.

While I know you said that you drink 8 glasses of water a day, a lot of people recommend drinking the 64oz plus another 8oz for every 25lbs you want to lose. I go with the theory of tacking on another 8oz for every cup of coffee/can of soda on top of that.

I'm not sure what your stats are, or why you set a time limit for yourself... this is a life long change... and something to remember is that you may lose nothing for a couple weeks, and lose 5 lbs the week after... weight loss is not linear. If you go from a size 20-6 by Feb, but only average losing 2lbs/week, would you feel like you haven't accomplished your goal?

[Zarabelle]

Well, I drink about 2-3 cups coffee a day and the very occassional diet pepsi. It doesn't cause me any problems. By the book, you should drink decaf though I believe.

[krstinam]

Thanks for the responses...Lyssie to answer your question: Although I know its a lifelong change my 35th birthday is Feb 2009 which is why I would like to reach my goal then. My goal is written in pounds but ultimtely if my body image goal is met or almost met by then but my weight goal is not then I will still feel satisfied. I typically drink much more than the 64oz of water - I try to drink a full glass (which my glasses are 10oz) every time I go into the kitchen or bathroom. I've given up caffeine while pregnant so giving caffeine up entirely isn't an impossible task, just one I'd like to not do as it helps me on the days I'm dragging

Thanks again - I am finding that this site is not only helpful but motivating!
Kristina

[Lyssie]

ahhh... If you have a body image goal, I also *strongly* recommend doing weight training along with your cardio. It gives you such incredible results so quickly.

Also, I'm sure you are aware that the studies say people who sleep less have a harder time losing weight, and you should get at least the 6-8 hours a night... I *know* it's hard with kids and a full time job..

[krstinam]

I will definitely add the weight training in. Sleep on the other hand is something that somehow eludes me. some nights are better than others and I actually get 6 hours!!! Thanks!

[Elizellen]

Often people on Atkins somehow reshape their body without the scales registering large losses, so aim for a body shape goal rather than a time/pounds lost one.

On our 6 week exercise challenge a while back one contestant lost 'only' 4 pounds but also lost 18.5" and won the first place ribbon!!

[six footer]

Thanks for the clarification on the caffeine and diet Pepsi. I have my two black cups in the morning and am good to go for the day. But nobody would want to be around me without those two morning cups! Good to know that if the weight loss slows, they can be given up but are otherwise moderately not pure evil. I read in one of the Atkins books that they MAY make your blood sugar levels lower so you're hungrier, but I can say that my hunger is WAY MORE under control without huge gobs of carbs for 3 days now. WHOOPEE!

[ontheway2Stephanie]

Ahhh, your sleep is exactly why I haven't had #2 yet! I have a 22 month old who is only just recently started sleeping through the night.
I think it is different for every person. Definitely make sure you get enough water. Weight loss produces wastes that must be eliminated through the kidneys. Drinking enough water is important to keep the kidneys functioning to remove these wastes. Atkins produces more waste products from digestion, let alone from breaking down stored fat. Kidney function is even more important when on a high-protein diet.
I find that as long as I drink enough water, and add a glass for every coffee/soda I drink, I'm ok. Just watch yourself and your cravings and see how it goes. If you are losing slowly, cut out the soda and caffeine and see if it helps.

[schellie]

Coffee does have carbs in it too remember. I quit drinking coffee because of the carbs.....but I think I drank too much. Just a thought!