Is it possible to use Atkins as a jumpstart to another diet?

[Diver Down]

Twice in the past couple years I've started Atkins, only to stop within a month or so (despite great initial results). My first attempt on Atkins I lost 30 pounds in six weeks, but fell off the wagon after a carb blowout. I regained all the weight and then some. My second attempt lasted much less time, but I did lose about 20 pounds in 20 days. I'm about to give it another shot, but I'm doubting whether I'll stick with it long-term. Therefore, I'm wondering if a theory of mine is valid or just pure fantasy...

Will I be able to begin Atkins, lose the usual chunk of water weight, then transition to another form of diet and keep that weight off? Will that "lost" water weight simply rush back or is it gone for good because of one good "purging" from the body? I'm just curious about this because both times I quit Atkins I didn't continue on another diet. I just binged on carbs (which I had been starving for). I went way overboard, eating the worst kind of junk food, but this time around I want to get my caloric intake under control and lose weight for good. I know keeping calories and portions under control will always work, but I'm wondering if Atkins can be used to jumpstart that kind of program.

Thanks in advance for any insight.

[chinadoll]

I suppose it would be possible to start with Atkins and then switch to another low carb diet successfully because the body chemistry principles are the same, but I doubt it would work for a low cal, low fat diet. You would probably bounce right back up. But if you can make it through the two week Induction, that is the worst part, why not stick to Atkins?

When you did Atkins before, did you stay in Induction rather than go up the rungs? If so, perhaps lack of variety was part of the problem that caused you to binge. Also were you doing the '72 version or the 2002 Dr Atkins New Diet Revolution version? The new version is healthier and easier to stick to over the long term.

By adding the carbs in slowly and in the proper order (glycemic index wise) you learn what your successful limits are to maintain as well as learning which foods trigger the binge behaviors in you. That's something you won't do switching from Atkins to another diet--you will still be clueless as to how to maintain in the long run.

Good luck whatever you decide.

[Diver Down]

Thanks for the feedback. The first time I tried Atkins, the six week period, I did manage to stay on induction levels the entire time. I actually didn't feel too restricted, as I love to eat meat and even managed to get by using carb bars for the sweet cravings. In my personal case, I gave it up not because I was unhappy with it, but gave in to family pressure to attend an important dinner at an Italian restaurant (wherein I ate tons of carbs in a blowout and simply never looked back). Once I did that, I devoured carbs over the next week or so and that was all she wrote. I binged like crazy, knowing I was going to have to start over anyway, but completely lost the willpower to get started again. It was a demoralizing experience. The second time around, I only lasted about three weeks on induction and it felt like a struggle every day. I really want to get back to that initial feeling, where the lifestyle seemed to agree with me, but having quit twice already I naturally have a good measure of lingering self-doubt.

[msanjelpie]

It sounds like it's not the diet that is the problem but you. Coming to grips with what is making you go off the diet will help you tremendously the next time you try.

Also, the carb bars may not halt your weight loss, but succumbing to your 'sweet cravings' will only make you want sweet stuff more. Atkins is all about getting off of sweet stuff for good...

I would try a clean induction with no bars and then see where you are. Not weight wise but mind wise...

[chinadoll]

I would say stick beyond the two weeks but start up the rungs--don't wait. Many people stay on Induction until they suddenly lose control and blow it. Or they stop losing UNTIL they move to Ongoing Weight Loss rungs. Then they start to lose again.

Look it is hard under pressure to stick to your guns but this is your health and your life we are talking about. You can always find a way to stick to Atkins if you are serious about wanting to lose.

That includes kicking that sweet tooth once and for all. That means really giving it up until it gives you up and then you really DONT miss it. Finding substitutes just means that you will always feel wanting, always feel you are missing out. So, what are you missing out on? Cravings, feeling fat, being unhealthy. If you really want to be thinner and healthier the changes you make have to be permanent no matter which diet you choose.

As far as Italian restaurants go, they are one of my favorites. I do love pasta but not any more. You can always do insalata caprese, carpaccio, grilled veggies, osso bucco, any cutlet without breading, eggplant rollatini--lots of choices that are legal, and on the rungs you can have prosciutto and melon too.

[tfek70]

I would have to say that it's not the diet that you can't do, it's poor execution. I have tried and failed many times, but this time I am doing it in a very sustainable way. I had never ventured into the low carb cooking sites in the past. Linda's site allows you to eat almost anything you would normally eat. I don't feel like I'm missing anything at all. I am also trying to stay active on these boards. The positive energy here has helped me through some tough times.