Hi - Third Time On Atkins

[Garyrajsich]

Hi. I'm new to the Site but a two-time Atkins Diet practicer. My first time was 1999, second was in 2002. I found the first time I was on the diet that the weight seemed to come off faster, but that could be because I was 31, and it seems once I started approaching 35, gaining weight became easier. Now that I've passed the big 4-0, all I have to do is look at food to gain weight.

I've always been pretty active, going to the gym for cardio 3-5 times a week. I get my Heart Rate up to about 160-165 and maintain it for about 50 minutes, while still able to converse in a steady voice, so my heart appears OK - it's just the pot-belly and jowls that are the problem.

I love meat, especially Steak and Pork, and just received a brand new BBQ Grill, so preparing food is quick and easy. I bought some blocks of Cheddar Cheese to snack on throughout the day.

Here are some questions/concerns I had the first two times before there was a board to ask them to:

1) There is a product called "Liquid Smoke" which can be used a marinate or seasoning for meat. The Nutritional Info says zero carbs, but one of the ingredients is molasses. Does that sound safe to use?

2) I make my own Red Wine Vinegar which is simply 1+ Year-Old Chianti Red Wine. I never got a clear understanding from the Diet Revolution Book what the deal was on Wine, or alcohol in general. I know Red Wine is very low in carbs, while liqours like Vodka and Scotch have virtually no carbs. Yet I've been told that you should avoid alcohol when on Atkins. Does anybody have a comprehensive explanation as to the effect of low or no-card alcohol on Atkins?

3) I've heard differing views on the impact of Anti-Depressants and Anti-Anxiety medications. I know that many of them cause weight-gain due to a combination of increased hunger, increased cravings leading to binge eating, and a slowing down of metabolism. It seems to me that if you follow the Diet to the "T", the first two side effects wouldn't be an issue. As far as the Metabolism, if you're exercising and directly burning fat, wouldn't the fat have no choice to come off, regardless of metabolism speed?

4) I bought a Rottissirie Chicken from the Supermarket the other night. The label said zero carbs, but the skin sure tasted sweet. Anyone know much about what goes into those chickens and if they are ok while in Induction?

5) When I was on Atkins the previous times, it seemed I never got the Ketosis Strips to turn a very dark shade of purple, even when I first started losing weight at a rapid pace. Is this a common occurence? I'm on Day Five, and the worst of the headaches are gone, though I do tend to get mild headaches toward the end of the day. I'm starting to feel better in terms of mood and energy, but not ready to "conquer the world" like I did in the 2nd & 3rd weeks of my previous Atkins Diets. Are there any other factors besides the Ketosis Strips to indicate if I am in Ketosis?

Given my difficulties and obsession with losing weight, I will likely be a frequent visitor to this site. I appreciate any guidance you can provide.

Thanks.

[Slapshot]

Originally Posted by Garyrajsich

Hi. I'm new to the Site but a two-time Atkins Diet practicer. My first time was 1999, second was in 2002. I found the first time I was on the diet that the weight seemed to come off faster, but that could be because I was 31, and it seems once I started approaching 35, gaining weight became easier. Now that I've passed the big 4-0, all I have to do is look at food to gain weight.

I've always been pretty active, going to the gym for cardio 3-5 times a week. I get my Heart Rate up to about 160-165 and maintain it for about 50 minutes, while still able to converse in a steady voice, so my heart appears OK - it's just the pot-belly and jowls that are the problem.

I love meat, especially Steak and Pork, and just received a brand new BBQ Grill, so preparing food is quick and easy. I bought some blocks of Cheddar Cheese to snack on throughout the day.

Here are some questions/concerns I had the first two times before there was a board to ask them to:

1) There is a product called "Liquid Smoke" which can be used a marinate or seasoning for meat. The Nutritional Info says zero carbs, but one of the ingredients is molasses. Does that sound safe to use?

Nope. No molasses (aka sugar) allowed.

2) I make my own Red Wine Vinegar which is simply 1+ Year-Old Chianti Red Wine. I never got a clear understanding from the Diet Revolution Book what the deal was on Wine, or alcohol in general. I know Red Wine is very low in carbs, while liqours like Vodka and Scotch have virtually no carbs. Yet I've been told that you should avoid alcohol when on Atkins. Does anybody have a comprehensive explanation as to the effect of low or no-card alcohol on Atkins?

There are plenty of wine threads on the main forum. Do a search on wine and you'll get all sorts of opinions. Wine is allowed, in moderation, on Rung 5 of Atkins, not on induction.

3) I've heard differing views on the impact of Anti-Depressants and Anti-Anxiety medications. I know that many of them cause weight-gain due to a combination of increased hunger, increased cravings leading to binge eating, and a slowing down of metabolism. It seems to me that if you follow the Diet to the "T", the first two side effects wouldn't be an issue. As far as the Metabolism, if you're exercising and directly burning fat, wouldn't the fat have no choice to come off, regardless of metabolism speed?

Can't help you with this one - maybe someone else can?

4) I bought a Rottissirie Chicken from the Supermarket the other night. The label said zero carbs, but the skin sure tasted sweet. Anyone know much about what goes into those chickens and if they are ok while in Induction?

Normally chickens you get in a store are plumped with a saline/water solution to increase their weight and size (and rip you off). The label should have had ingredients on it. It's possible the seasoning contained sugar but was listed as zero carbs because the amount was negligible.

5) When I was on Atkins the previous times, it seemed I never got the Ketosis Strips to turn a very dark shade of purple, even when I first started losing weight at a rapid pace. Is this a common occurence? I'm on Day Five, and the worst of the headaches are gone, though I do tend to get mild headaches toward the end of the day. I'm starting to feel better in terms of mood and energy, but not ready to "conquer the world" like I did in the 2nd & 3rd weeks of my previous Atkins Diets. Are there any other factors besides the Ketosis Strips to indicate if I am in Ketosis?

You can be in ketosis and not register on the strips. Increased thirst and decreased appetite are signals you're in ketosis. Also, some people notice funky/bad breath.

Given my difficulties and obsession with losing weight, I will likely be a frequent visitor to this site. I appreciate any guidance you can provide.

Thanks.

Welcome! See above...

[liv]

The zero carb is never as important and the list of ingredients. You should pay attention to it I use a liquid smoke called Woodlands Natural Hickory Liquid Smoke. It has no illegal ingredients. Maybe you can find one like that. I love making those "smoked" salmon creamcheese spreads with it.

Red wine vinegar is allowed. But with the real stuff you would have wait till you are a bit more into the programme. We follow the 2002 version here so that is our stand.

I think many people lose fine with anti depressants. I would say just jump right in.

The rotissery chickens are very often sugar rubbed or something (again you can see that by looking at the list of ingredients) It is a shame really.

I hope you had a great low-carb day.

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