Low Carb Diet Seems Too Good To Be True

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Wingznut

Elite Member
Dec 28, 1999
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Originally posted by: Skoorb
It seems easy now. Wait until you go to a movie and realize you can't eat anything. Wait until you see a commercial on tv for pizza and just, by God, you have to have a slice!
Every weight loss plan has it's sacrifices...

Btw, popcorn only has ~4 grams of carbs per cup. With the exception of being in the initial stage (20 grams per day), a small popcorn every now and then is not a problem.
 

elGatoXL

Member
Apr 24, 2003
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My doctor wants me to drop 50lbs - I've been diagnosed with sleep apnea. I had actually gained weight on his low fat diet before starting Atkins.

I've lost ~ 40lbs on Atkins since early February.

No carb cravings here. Mostly eat fish/chicken/pork (I've never eaten much red meat, maybe once a week). Lots of eggs and salad greens. I don't abuse the Atkins approach (infinite mayo/red meat). Only water and lots of it, or an unsweetened flavored seltzer for a treat. My diet is much more healthy.

Ankins works because it is based on science. I researched it online thoroughly before buying the book, and read the book thoroughly before starting the diet.

A few things I found along the way:

  • There is no scientific proof that a protein-rich diet will harm healthy kidneys.
  • The AMA pulled their current Food Pyramid out of their arse. The low fat/high carb diet they endorse is based on non-science (ie body fat/cholestrol come from ingestion - only true on a high carb diet)
  • Dietary cholesterol does not automatically become blood cholesterol when you eat it. The majority of the cholesterol in your blood is actually made by your own body. The quantity it makes is determined by your weight and hereditary factors.
  • Marshallj and Moralpanic speak the truth. It's only been that last 35 years that the American diet has become over-processed (and therefore chock-full-of-carbs). Obesity and diabetes began it's current steady increase at the same time. (Although I also think sedentaryism now plays a big role also).

People ask me/tell me: cheat just once; here, have a cookie. But it's working for me, and isn't difficult once you get over the initial carb withdrawl (week 1). I tell those people that nothing tastes as good as feeling healthy.

:)
 

tomstevens26

Senior member
Sep 21, 2001
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Originally posted by: Skoorba small popcorn every now and then is not a problem.

Small popcorn?? What the heck is that?? Give me the super mega-tub w/ extra butter or don't give me any at all! It's like Lay's...I can't eat just one :)

I did Atkins for a little over a month and lost about 13 pounds. Then I took a 4 day vacation, both from work and food. I've been back on it 3 days now and already feel a lot better. I guess it depends on each individual person. Several friends of mine are doing Atkins and it seems like they have all modified the diet to fit their likes. The guy that got me started on it has been doing the induction phase for 3 months and has lost almost 40 pounds. Even in his first 2 weeks, during the time when Atkins says avoid fruit, he ate lots of oranges. Usually one or two after lunch and dinner. The pounds still kept coming off. Now he has started having natural peanut butter and is still losing weight. I wish I had that metabolism :

 

tomstevens26

Senior member
Sep 21, 2001
700
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Originally posted by: elGatoXL
People ask me/tell me: cheat just once; here, have a cookie.

A girl at work has been doing Atkins for almost 6 months I think. She does it 4 days on a then on the 5th day she eats whatever she wants, "within reason." Then she just repeats the cycle; back on 4 days, off 1 days. It seems to work for her. I think she has lost about 25 lbs. My problem is that once I start eating the carb-loaded foods I love I have such a hard time stopping.
 

Wingznut

Elite Member
Dec 28, 1999
16,968
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Originally posted by: tomstevens26
Originally posted by: elGatoXL
People ask me/tell me: cheat just once; here, have a cookie.

A girl at work has been doing Atkins for almost 6 months I think. She does it 4 days on a then on the 5th day she eats whatever she wants, "within reason." Then she just repeats the cycle; back on 4 days, off 1 days. It seems to work for her. I think she has lost about 25 lbs. My problem is that once I start eating the carb-loaded foods I love I have such a hard time stopping.
Carb loaded foods are very addicting.

After about four days on Atkins, I started to lose the craving for high carb foods. I also started losing the energy "ups and downs" througout the day (i.e. being tired after a meal). I now have much more energy consistantly.

After 2+ weeks, it's not very difficult at all to stay away from the high carbs/refined flour and sugar.

 

tontod

Diamond Member
Oct 12, 1999
3,244
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71
I've been on it for about 3.5 months and have lost 25 pounds. I'm almost down to my ideal weight. I do feel less tired/sleepy after a meal after getting on the atkins diet. To add variety, I've recently started having strawberries. Once you've been on Atkins for a while, you can start adding some foods like some fruits, nuts. The misconception that people get is that it is all about eating red meat and bacon all the time which is simply NOT true. In fact, if you read his books, he highly recommends exercise. If you read his menus in the Atkins for Life book, there is actually decent variety in the meals. You should eat till you are satisfied, not stuffed.
 

aethandor13

Member
Oct 15, 2002
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0
61
i have just started to follow the atkins diet and it is great. i found this study, i have more energy since i have started it and i dont feel bad in any way.
 

Wingznut

Elite Member
Dec 28, 1999
16,968
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Fixed link :)

FOR YEARS, the Atkins formula of sparing carbohydrates and loading up on taboo fatty foods has been blasphemy to many in the health establishment, who view it as a formula for cardiovascular ruin.

But now, some of the same researchers who long scoffed at the diet are putting it to the test, and they say the results astonish them. Rather than making cholesterol soar, as they feared, the diet actually appears to improve it, and volunteers take off more weight.

Westman studied 120 overweight volunteers, who were randomly assigned to the Atkins diet or the heart association?s Step 1 diet, a widely used low-fat approach. On the Atkins diet, people limited their carbs to less than 20 grams a day, and 60 percent of their calories came from fat. ?It was high fat, off the scale,? he said.

After six months, the people on the Atkins diet had lost 31 pounds, compared with 20 pounds on the AHA diet, and more people stuck with the Atkins regimen.

Total cholesterol fell slightly in both groups. However, those on the Atkins diet had an 11 percent increase in HDL, the good cholesterol, and a 49 percent drop in triglycerides. On the AHA diet, HDL was unchanged, and triglycerides dropped 22 percent. High triglycerides may raise the risk of heart disease.

 

Daaavo

Platinum Member
May 23, 2000
2,238
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I haven't read the Atkins book, but from the outside looking in, it looks like the biggest benefit from the Atkins diet would be the nearly complete elimination of partially hydrogenated cooking oils/fats in your diet.


This page gives a general description on the problem with transfats. There are also several extremely good links at the bottom.
 

Wingznut

Elite Member
Dec 28, 1999
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Originally posted by: Daaavo
I haven't read the Atkins book, but from the outside looking in, it looks the biggest benefit from the Atkins diet would be the nearly complete elimination of partially hydrogenated cooking oils/fats in your diet.


This page gives a general description on the problem with transfat. There are also several extremely good links at the bottom.
Dr Atkins talks about trans fats throughout the book, and dedicates a couple of pages soley to the evil that they are.


 

Looney

Lifer
Jun 13, 2000
21,938
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Originally posted by: tomstevens26
Originally posted by: elGatoXL
People ask me/tell me: cheat just once; here, have a cookie.

A girl at work has been doing Atkins for almost 6 months I think. She does it 4 days on a then on the 5th day she eats whatever she wants, "within reason." Then she just repeats the cycle; back on 4 days, off 1 days. It seems to work for her. I think she has lost about 25 lbs. My problem is that once I start eating the carb-loaded foods I love I have such a hard time stopping.

That's because you're still hooked on the insulin spikes you get from carb... trust me, when i first started, the first two weeks were hell. I never ate much carbs in the first place, and almost never ate icecream (maybe once a year), but for the first 2 weeks, i craved DQ sooo badly. But after that, i didn't crave it anymore. I have a very similar cycle as your coworker... everyday of the week, i eat low carb, then on Sunday, i can eat whatever i want. This diet is also called Body For Life (named after the book and system), and ketogenic (and quite a few other names too). I absolutely don't limit what i eat... i can eat as much as i want (but because you're low carbing, and you don't have the insulin spikes any longer, you generally eat less anyways), and what i want... it's just the timing of when i want to eat it. I like pasta, so generally on Sunday that's what i eat.

I really suggest people read his books... or at the VERY least, visit his site. People who are against it, are typically just oblivious to what low carbing is. There are good foods, and there are bad foods... yes, you can eat bacon, but limit it unless you're getting nitrate free. Steaks are good, but so are chicken... tuna steaks.
 
Aug 16, 2001
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All the good replies from people here who have tried it made me more interested. I'll give it a try, after some reading.
There are some yummy looking recepies on the site.
 

elGatoXL

Member
Apr 24, 2003
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Low Carb Shopping List

Dig around that Boston Kitty site for more tips and recipes. The site hurts my eyes but there is quite a bit of good info for low carbers. :)

(Edit: Beware of the plenty pop-ups on that site!!! Thanks FortuneCity!!! ;) :D)
 

Wingznut

Elite Member
Dec 28, 1999
16,968
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Originally posted by: Chaotic42
I asked the doctor about the Atkins diet when I went to lose weight. I was 230, and wanted to get to 205-210. She said that it was very bad for your kidneys. You trade out kidney time for weightloss, according to her.
I did some research on the relationship of the Atkins plan with kidney problems...

Obviously, people with pre-existing kidney problems could have a problem with it. But Dr. Atkins claims that there is no proof that his nutritional plan contributes to kidney problems. And I have yet to find any studies that would contradict him.
 

Blackened

Member
Oct 24, 2000
166
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Alot of people doing the atkins diet are ridiculously uninformed. First of all - CALORIES STILL COUNT. You must have
a calorie deficit no matter what kind of diet you are doing. And doing a low carb diet cannot be a permanant change -
If i'm not mistaken the atkins diet has you in ketosis for 2 weeks, then gradually upping your carb intake until
you find a comfortable middle ground. IF you deplete carbohydrates for a long period of time, you will lose
lean body mass (muscle) from the lack of glycogen, and your thyroid gland will slow its output meaning
that your metabolism will slow down.

Folks - i've said it before...The atkins diet WORKS if you do it right (obviously because no insulin = hard to get fat) BUT
there are so many people doing it incorrect by not counting calories, etc so they won't make any change.
In my opinion, therer's really no need to deplete carbs anyway - its all about WHAT TYPE of carbs you eat !
Obviously, if you snack on bagels and white bread or anything else ladden with HFCS or sugar you may gain alot
of fat but i've never seen anyone get fat from fibrous carbs or low GI carbs such as oatmeal (non instant) and
whole grain wheat bread. Combine that with a regular exercise program and anyone can lose weight!

I give credit to atkins for bringing the fallacies of the FDA food pyramid to light, but his approach is WAY too extreme IMO..
Low carb just dehydrates you and the first 10-15 pounds is just water.
 

Blackened

Member
Oct 24, 2000
166
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0
Originally posted by: Aceshigh
Ive been on Atkins low carb diet for over a month now and have lost over 20 pounds. I have had no cravings and my energy level has been terrific. I have been able to start exercising regularly and feel healthier than I have in a long time.

Low carb is the way to go in my opinion.


Lets see, thats probably 15 pounds of water and MAYBE 5 pounds of fat. Perhaps 2.5 pounds of fat and 2.5 pounds of muscle.

Ketosis causes a drastic change in bodily metabolism- you lose a lot of subcutaneous water and glycogen,
which means that a loss of lean body mass is not only possible, but likely. Alot of people are amazed to lose
so much weight in 2 weeks, but I assure you all of it is not fat. If you don't believe me, do a carb up day and weight yourself before bed.

I've seen so many people do this stupid diet and thinking they made progress because they lost 25 pounds - but
the sad thing is that they had a pear shaped gut before the diet, and still had a pear shaped gut
afterwards. Just on a smaller frame...just goes to show people put way too much faith in what the
scale shows, and not enough in what kind of weight they're losing.
 

GermyBoy

Banned
Jun 5, 2001
3,524
0
0
Originally posted by: Blackened
Alot of people doing the atkins diet are ridiculously uninformed. First of all - CALORIES STILL COUNT. You must have a calorie deficit no matter what kind of diet you are doing. And doing a low carb diet cannot be a permanant change - If i'm not mistaken the atkins diet has you in ketosis for 2 weeks, then gradually upping your carb intake until you find a comfortable middle ground. IF you deplete carbohydrates for a long period of time, you will lose lean body mass (muscle) from the lack of glycogen, and your thyroid gland will slow its output meaning that your metabolism will slow down. Folks - i've said it before...The atkins diet WORKS if you do it right (obviously because no insulin = hard to get fat) BUT there are so many people doing it incorrect by not counting calories, etc so they won't make any change. In my opinion, therer's really no need to deplete carbs anyway - its all about WHAT TYPE of carbs you eat ! Obviously, if you snack on bagels and white bread or anything else ladden with HFCS or sugar you may gain alot of fat but i've never seen anyone get fat from fibrous carbs or low GI carbs such as oatmeal (non instant) and whole grain wheat bread. Combine that with a regular exercise program and anyone can lose weight! I give credit to atkins for bringing the fallacies of the FDA food pyramid to light, but his approach is WAY too extreme IMO.. Low carb just dehydrates you and the first 10-15 pounds is just water.

You are completely wrong. First of all, with the atkins diet, you NEED to drink 10-15 glasses of water a day, not just the 8 recommended. This is because it does lose water weight. Secondly, you NEED to not have any carbs at all for this to work. It works because in order to turn protein into glucose, your body burns more calories in the conversion than it gains in the glucose. That's why you can eat until satisfied/full and still lose the weight. It's a truly amazing thing.
 

Wingznut

Elite Member
Dec 28, 1999
16,968
2
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Originally posted by: Blackened
Originally posted by: Aceshigh
Ive been on Atkins low carb diet for over a month now and have lost over 20 pounds. I have had no cravings and my energy level has been terrific. I have been able to start exercising regularly and feel healthier than I have in a long time.

Low carb is the way to go in my opinion.


Lets see, thats probably 15 pounds of water and MAYBE 5 pounds of fat. Perhaps 2.5 pounds of fat and 2.5 pounds of muscle.

Ketosis causes a drastic change in bodily metabolism- you lose a lot of subcutaneous water and glycogen,
which means that a loss of lean body mass is not only possible, but likely. Alot of people are amazed to lose
so much weight in 2 weeks, but I assure you all of it is not fat. If you don't believe me, do a carb up day and weight yourself before bed.

I've seen so many people do this stupid diet and thinking they made progress because they lost 25 pounds - but
the sad thing is that they had a pear shaped gut before the diet, and still had a pear shaped gut
afterwards. Just on a smaller frame...just goes to show people put way too much faith in what the
scale shows, and not enough in what kind of weight they're losing.
I can't seem to find anything to back up your claims... Yes, the initial weight loss is water, but that's not really any different than any other change in diet.

I've been doing this for 2+ weeks now, lost 14lbs, and I definitely look different. I have more energy, and just feel better all around.

I'm not sure how you came to the conclusion that only 15% of Aceshigh's weight loss is fat.

 

Aceshigh

Platinum Member
Aug 22, 2002
2,529
1
0
Originally posted by: Blackened
Originally posted by: Aceshigh
Ive been on Atkins low carb diet for over a month now and have lost over 20 pounds. I have had no cravings and my energy level has been terrific. I have been able to start exercising regularly and feel healthier than I have in a long time.

Low carb is the way to go in my opinion.


Lets see, thats probably 15 pounds of water and MAYBE 5 pounds of fat. Perhaps 2.5 pounds of fat and 2.5 pounds of muscle.

Ketosis causes a drastic change in bodily metabolism- you lose a lot of subcutaneous water and glycogen,
which means that a loss of lean body mass is not only possible, but likely. Alot of people are amazed to lose
so much weight in 2 weeks, but I assure you all of it is not fat. If you don't believe me, do a carb up day and weight yourself before bed.

I've seen so many people do this stupid diet and thinking they made progress because they lost 25 pounds - but
the sad thing is that they had a pear shaped gut before the diet, and still had a pear shaped gut
afterwards. Just on a smaller frame...just goes to show people put way too much faith in what the
scale shows, and not enough in what kind of weight they're losing.

Well, ive been doing weight training 3 times a week and it looks to me like I have gained some muscle. I know some people say its impossible to gain lean muscle mass during ketosis. But my guns and chest look alot bigger.
 

Looney

Lifer
Jun 13, 2000
21,938
5
0
Lets see, thats probably 15 pounds of water and MAYBE 5 pounds of fat. Perhaps 2.5 pounds of fat and 2.5 pounds of muscle.

Do you realize what % of water our bodies are made of?
rolleye.gif


Ketosis causes a drastic change in bodily metabolism- you lose a lot of subcutaneous water and glycogen,
which means that a loss of lean body mass is not only possible, but likely. Alot of people are amazed to lose
so much weight in 2 weeks, but I assure you all of it is not fat. If you don't believe me, do a carb up day and weight yourself before bed.

And that's good how? Water bloatness isn't something to be proud of. You have absolutely no clue what you're talking about. Visit ANY bodybuilding forum these days, and you'll see the BFL and Ketogenic are the most popular diets, even with hardcore bodybuilders.
 

Blackened

Member
Oct 24, 2000
166
0
0
Originally posted by: Moralpanic
Lets see, thats probably 15 pounds of water and MAYBE 5 pounds of fat. Perhaps 2.5 pounds of fat and 2.5 pounds of muscle.

Do you realize what % of water our bodies are made of?
rolleye.gif


The purpose of a diet is to lose fat, not water
rolleye.gif


Ketosis causes a drastic change in bodily metabolism- you lose a lot of subcutaneous water and glycogen,
which means that a loss of lean body mass is not only possible, but likely. Alot of people are amazed to lose
so much weight in 2 weeks, but I assure you all of it is not fat. If you don't believe me, do a carb up day and weight yourself before bed.

And that's good how? Water bloatness isn't something to be proud of. You have absolutely no clue what you're talking about. Visit ANY bodybuilding forum these days, and you'll see the BFL and Ketogenic are the most popular diets, even with hardcore bodybuilders.

I *am* a bodybuilder that has competed in several state contests. I'm well aware that bodybuilders use modified ketogenic diets (and a boatload of clenbuterol, winstrol, tren acetate) , but ONLY for contest prep - because you can't gain mass on a low carb diet. They only use it to achieve a dry, stirated look no achievable otherwise....i'm not aware of ANY bodybuilder that does this in the offseason. Also, NO SANE competing bodybuilder would do atkins - there is always a risk of muscle loss....bodybuilders (the ones I know) use a modified ketogenic diet that has a weekly carbup to prevent muscle loss...I have used this type of diet and like it alot.

 

Blackened

Member
Oct 24, 2000
166
0
0
Originally posted by: Wingznut
Originally posted by: Blackened
Originally posted by: Aceshigh
Ive been on Atkins low carb diet for over a month now and have lost over 20 pounds. I have had no cravings and my energy level has been terrific. I have been able to start exercising regularly and feel healthier than I have in a long time.

Low carb is the way to go in my opinion.


Lets see, thats probably 15 pounds of water and MAYBE 5 pounds of fat. Perhaps 2.5 pounds of fat and 2.5 pounds of muscle.

Ketosis causes a drastic change in bodily metabolism- you lose a lot of subcutaneous water and glycogen,
which means that a loss of lean body mass is not only possible, but likely. Alot of people are amazed to lose
so much weight in 2 weeks, but I assure you all of it is not fat. If you don't believe me, do a carb up day and weight yourself before bed.

I've seen so many people do this stupid diet and thinking they made progress because they lost 25 pounds - but
the sad thing is that they had a pear shaped gut before the diet, and still had a pear shaped gut
afterwards. Just on a smaller frame...just goes to show people put way too much faith in what the
scale shows, and not enough in what kind of weight they're losing.
I can't seem to find anything to back up your claims... Yes, the initial weight loss is water, but that's not really any different than any other change in diet.

I've been doing this for 2+ weeks now, lost 14lbs, and I definitely look different. I have more energy, and just feel better all around.

I'm not sure how you came to the conclusion that only 15% of Aceshigh's weight loss is fat.


i'm off to work right now, so i'll dig up some studies later. As to how I came to the conclusion: It is a scientific fact that ketosis will dehydrate the body of subcutaneous water, which will be the majority of the weight lost in the initial 2 weeks of low carbing. Like I said, try it and see: Do a carbup day and weight yourself before bed. The weight scale will be markedly higher, much moreso than if you had not carb'ed up. As for how metabolism slows following a low carb diet, I believe Dan Duchaine brought this to light...(and i'll find more studies later), as well this has happened to me. I had my Free TSH (thyroid simulating hormone), free T3, and free T3 measured before and after a 16 week modified ketogenic diet, and my thyroid output was much, much lower following the low carb diet - I had never experienced this on other types of diets for contest prep.
 

Blackened

Member
Oct 24, 2000
166
0
0
Originally posted by: GermyBoy
Originally posted by: Blackened
Alot of people doing the atkins diet are ridiculously uninformed. First of all - CALORIES STILL COUNT. You must have a calorie deficit no matter what kind of diet you are doing. And doing a low carb diet cannot be a permanant change - If i'm not mistaken the atkins diet has you in ketosis for 2 weeks, then gradually upping your carb intake until you find a comfortable middle ground. IF you deplete carbohydrates for a long period of time, you will lose lean body mass (muscle) from the lack of glycogen, and your thyroid gland will slow its output meaning that your metabolism will slow down. Folks - i've said it before...The atkins diet WORKS if you do it right (obviously because no insulin = hard to get fat) BUT there are so many people doing it incorrect by not counting calories, etc so they won't make any change. In my opinion, therer's really no need to deplete carbs anyway - its all about WHAT TYPE of carbs you eat ! Obviously, if you snack on bagels and white bread or anything else ladden with HFCS or sugar you may gain alot of fat but i've never seen anyone get fat from fibrous carbs or low GI carbs such as oatmeal (non instant) and whole grain wheat bread. Combine that with a regular exercise program and anyone can lose weight! I give credit to atkins for bringing the fallacies of the FDA food pyramid to light, but his approach is WAY too extreme IMO.. Low carb just dehydrates you and the first 10-15 pounds is just water.

You are completely wrong. First of all, with the atkins diet, you NEED to drink 10-15 glasses of water a day, not just the 8 recommended. This is because it does lose water weight. Secondly, you NEED to not have any carbs at all for this to work. It works because in order to turn protein into glucose, your body burns more calories in the conversion than it gains in the glucose. That's why you can eat until satisfied/full and still lose the weight. It's a truly amazing thing.

The hell are you talking about? The purpose of atkins is to avoid glucose..and insulin secretion to lose more fat. Glucose will kick you out of ketosis , which is the entire point of the atkins diet! Besides, protein is much less efficient at converting to glucose than carbohydrates...the only protein that converts reliably into glucose is concenrated or hydrolized whey protein - other types don't convert nearly as well.

 

UDT89

Diamond Member
Jul 31, 2001
4,529
0
76
every single person i know that went on these diets, GAINED it all back as soon as they stopped it.


You need to exercise to lose weight and keep it off. Its about the body's metabolism, exercising increase it. Then add in a well balanced diet, not just no carbs, and ur on your way.


Im a fan of calorie counting. I took my normal eating day calories, and subtracted 500 from it. Im doing that for a month, then subtracting another 500. Thats where i'll stay for however long.
 

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
50,419
8
81
C-A-L-O-R-I-E-S. This is the only word that matters if you want to lose weight. The reason we associate fat with fat so much is because not only does fat taste good, it also contains a lot of calories. For example, A candybar may be 2oz and 280 calories. You would have to eat 3 1/2 large apples(17.25oz), 4 oranges(21oz), 3.5 medium bananas(11oz), 11oz of corn.. Even 1 1/2 servings of something like a potato, at 5.3oz. So.. Stay away from those candybars, icecream, etc. ;)

The fruit with the highest caloric density are plantains, with ~218 calories in ~6.5oz.

IMO, any drastic diet isn't going to be good for you. The best diet is balanced.

There are good carbs and bad carbs, just like there are good fats and bad fats.

Just by eating foods that are nutritionally dense, instead of nutritionally.. nothing.. you will be doing yourself a huge favor.

I know nothing about the Atkins diet.. It doesen't tell you to not eat fruits, which are a source of carbs.. does it?

:Q