Kind of freaking out... please tell me this ain't so!

[MrsDRock]

I am willing to make a lifestyle change, but I've heard that once you're out of ketosis, then do you immediately gain water weight back?
I don't think I can eat 20g carbs forever, or is it easier than what I think?

I don't want to not go out with friends for a pizza and not be able to eat out, etc.

I am scared, and wondering how everything is doing it?

I also had some other questions:
1. What restaurants (fast food and sit-down) can you eat at with Atkins diet?
2. Will working out increase weight loss- Weight training? Cardio? Both?

[MrsDRock]

What I was told was... when I get out of ketosis, I'd immediately gain water weight back...

[fat4now]

Hi MrsDRock, i think your first question of water weight should be answered by someone else. One of the other questions about restaurants is going to be answered easily by you. When you get through reading the Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution 2002 you will know exactly what foods you can and can not eat. There is a thread started elsewhere about restaurants. The weight training will help firm you up. You may or may not lose weight depending on how hard you work out. You will defintely firm up, resulting in losing inches. Hope you continue on and have much success.

[Rick]

Ok... the water weight myth....

Yes, initially you do lose weight by shedding water. Atkins is a natural diuretic. BUT the water that you've lost will stabilize and return to normal levels for your weight and size. What you're really losing on Atkins is the fat.

And, if you do this right you'll always be in at least a light mode of ketosis while you're losing. It doesn't stop when you finish with induction (20 carbs) and move into OWL. So, as long as you're doing Atkins correctly, the weight and inches should stay off.

As for the restaurants and pizza outings... you can still do them, just chose your items a little more carefully. For instance, if you go out for pizza... just eat the toppings and discard the crust or give it to someone who wants the carby things. Most of the toppings (pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, etc..) are fine for you. Being on Atkins doesn't mean that you have to suffer, and it's far from it.

It's your choice if you want to succeed with this or not. Make wise decisions, commit to it, and it will work for you.

Best of luck.

[DesertRain]

I like to order sliders on lettuce, hold the bun and only mustard as a condiment. At a pizza place I would probably order wings w/o sauce and only if they aren't breaded. The thing is, if you haven't already, read the book. I bought mine off Amazon for $4 including shipping, so many of your questions will be answered in there and you will have such a broadened knowledge about how and why Atkins works. It will also equip you with the knowledge to make sensible choices when you are out with friends. People I see often that have noticed that I've dropped some weight always look at me funny when they see me with a Burger King bag...it's not an everyday thing, but it's a last case resort in a hurry, I order a double cheeseburger with only mustard and toss the bun. Places like In-n-Out let you order your burger "protein style" which means they will wrap it in lettuce for you. In my experiences with diets, Atkins is the one plan that has allowed me to remain social. You can pretty much find something on any restaurants menu that is legal, as long as you learn how to recognize it!

[sadie147]

Please make sure you read the OWL section of DANDR, there is no reason to think you need to live the rest of your life on 20g's of carbs a day, this woe is about far more than just induction.

I'm in maintainance and eat from 80-120 g's a carbs a day with no issue.

[sugarsack]

ditto.. read the book ! its far more than just the first 2 weeks... i have learned that being on this web site.. come here often, read everything, ask questions..... you will find answers, and amazing support and encoragement..

you can do it.. but you do need the knowlege !

[diamonds]

Eating out is actually easy on this diet. Almost any restaurant has grilled chicken, fish or steak or a variety of salads. Even pizza shops have some of the best salads. Fast food places all seem to have grilled chicken and salads now also. You'll find a variety of things to pick from - the only hard thing is not getting the french fries, onion rings, etc... to go with it.

[MrsDRock]

Good point, thanks everyone!