What are frankenfoods?

[Andi30]

I keep reading references of "frankenfoods" - what are they?

[ciaobella]

to me frankenfoods are foods that shouldn't exisit in nature...for example low-carb white bread, or low carb snickers or other type of candy. These are mainly the modified foods that are marketed to people watching there carb intake. Atkins corp has a ton of these. They are a problem b/c they stall a lot of people, they can trigger binges, they give you gass and other stomach problems, and they don't really have very much in them that is benifical to your health


all that being said they can come in handy on VERY RARE occasion for some people if they have killer cravings and can have just one. I can not do this as it will send me into a downward spiral of sugar and carb cravings and consuption

[lucca]

Personally, I find the Atkins shakes and advantage bars very helpful.

I work in a teahouse, and I wake up at 5:30am four days of the week. I don't have time to cook eggs in the morning, and waking up before 5:30am is not realistic for me. Infact, sometimes I just don't want eggs! So, I grab a shake, drink it on my way to work, and I'm losing weight like crazy. I think they taste great too!

They are loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein and enough fat to curb my cravings and keep me satisfied until the salad I have for lunch everyday. I work in an environment where I am surrounded by cookies, (which I bake!) muffins, bagels, croissants and caffeine... and I haven't touched any of it since I started Atkins!

Also, it says it right on the label: "Appropriate for Induction Phase 1". I used them during my induction period and I was successful. I dropped almost two sizes.

Like any other food, you can't pig out on them, but I think keeping a chocolate peanutbutter Atkins bar in your purse or backpack is a great idea. If you're hungry and in a pinch, sometimes it can be your best option. Especially if you're a vegetarian like me! Low carb options can be tricky for busy vegetarians on the go!

[Kiasmama]

More often than not they cause stalls for people or send them into a binge. The good doc wants us to eat real food.

[sunflowergrl]

I am sorry Lucca, but I don't agree with you. I have read so many posts where just one 'frankenfood' has led to weeks or months of eating carbage and makes it so hard for most people to get back on this way of eating. If you read Dr. Atkins book, he says these bars and shakes are only for emergency, when there are NO other healthy, fresh food alternatives, not just because we don't feel like cooking. The Atkins Corporation markets there 'foods' at Induction friendly, but if you read the Induction allowed food lists, none of the crap they put in those bars and shakes are on that list. They don't care about our health or our weight loss, they just want to make money. I don't mean this to be rude, but I feel I must speak my mind on this issue. I would never want someone who is just starting out to read your post and think that those 'frankenfoods' are ok. I do not believe that they are are healthy way to eat. I am glad that they don't cause you a problem, but I have read a LOT of other posts where they have been the downfall for so many people. I also don't feel that they are healthy, and I think sometimes health gets forgotten in the desire for weight loss.
I am thinking my post will make you mad, but that is not my intention. I just feel the need to voice my opinion, just as you had the right to do in your post.
If this offends anyone, I am sorry but I do feel that I have a right to post my opinion just as everyone else on this board does. Thank you.

[floatingleaf]

i just started atkins again a month ago and bought some low carb chocolate candies and if i eat one or two in a day, i'll usually gain a lb by the next day. so i'm thinking they're a no-no. i'm tossing them out.

[sunflowergrl]

Good for you, Floating Leaf!! You are much better off for it.

[lucca]

"Convenience Foods

Although it is important that you eat primarily unprocessed foods, some controlled carb food products can come in handy when you are unable to find appropriate food, can't take time for a meal or need a quick snack. More and more companies are creating healthy food products that can be eaten during the Induction phase of Atkins. Just remember two things: Not all convenience food products are the same, so check labels and carbohydrate content. While any of these foods can make doing Atkins easier, don't overdo it. Remember, you must always follow The Rules of Induction."

- Dr. Atkins

[sunflowergrl]

Exactly!! ONCE IN A WHILE, not everyday. They should not be a replacement for real food, and you can always find real food!

[Elizellen]

And remember to check all the ingredients are 'legal' for your Atkins stage too!
As far as I have found none of the bars only contain ingredients on the allowed foods list but most of them would be 'legal' for the relevant rung/level of OWL!