Help me please

[Honey16]

Hi, I decided to start the atkins next Monday coming up and I just wanted to ask some questions:

Is it safe for teens? Im 17.
What supplements must I take?

I weigh 142 and I want to lose 22 pounds, or less depending how small I get.. Im 5 4 in hieght and I don't look fat but I have lovehandles, and I have kinda big arms I want to tone that down and lose some weight. Thanks

Any suggestions?

[BikerGoddess]

Hi Honey

Atkins is safe for teens, as long as you don't abuse it. If you haven't already, get the book (I recommend the 2002 edition) and read it all the way through. Not only will it tell you how to do it, it will tell you why it works.

Now, I understand that sounds like a lot of work with all your school stuff, but if you know the science behind the diet, you can make better choices when faced with only less than ideal choices. It really will help. You'll start off doing it right (and not wasting time figuring it out).

The supplements you need are listed in there too, but I'd see if you couldn't visit your doctor before then to find out if you have any special needs or existing conditions that might need to be monitored more closely.

And now for the boring lecture part - you're not grossly overweight (or even moderately, depending on your build) and you shouldn't use this plan to try to get all Kate Moss. Atkins is a healthy way of eating, not a quick weight loss fad that you toss when you're done. There are 4 phases, not just the meat and cheese hype in the media, and excersise is a very large part of the deal.

Some features can't be dieted to perfection and you might get better results from toning up instead of just losing weight. And some things you might just have to live with...

But, not to be a downer, this is a great way to eat and we're here for ya if you need us.

Laura

[Honey16]

Thank you.
I have the book, but I haven't read it all. I know Im not over weight and I don't want to lose a lot of weight I want to keep my curves. But I want to lose the lovehandles, and my arms. Also I have 20% body fat last time I checked which is a lot. I plan to do a lot of weight lifting and excercise. But I want to do the diet as well to get faster results quicker. I want to meet the goal by oct 1st, I want to be 125 pounds or less, and toned. And lose at least 7 inches off my waist. I think its more possibe with the atkins.

[BikerGoddess]

That's pretty ambitious. And if you're starting a weight lifting program, you'll probably not lose much or even gain, since muscle is denser than fat. But it sounds like you'll probably be pleased with your results.

Good luck

Laura

[Isabeau]

Also, I'd suggest doing some sort of cardio exercising to boot. Running, cycling, aerobics etc. Even walking!

[2big4mysize]

20% is the upper end of the health range for females.

Remember the amount folk lose doing Atkins induction is proportional to the amount of weight they need to lose so expect a 5-10% of the amound you need to lose.

You are still growing so please discuss you weight loss plans with your doctor. Atkins is very healthy way to eat for all ages but rapid weight loss isn't healthy for teens.

Happy low carbing.

EDIT

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