Guest guest Posted January 15, 2004 Report Share Posted January 15, 2004 --- In tae-bo_on , " Pam In Palmdale " The bottom line with dieting (whether it be Atkins or 'high carb, low fat' diets) is that you have to choose something that works for you and something that, ideally, can be maintained throughout your lifetime. The key to successfully changing ANYTHING in your life is a matter of making a change, and following through by sticking with it permanently. Now, while it is true that if you follow the Atkins plan on a strict basis (lose tons of weight), then become complacent in your weight loss journey and go back to your old eating habits, you will gain back the weight...but the same principle applies to ANY and ALL diets that are used to lose weight. Just like if you lost tons of weight by exercising only and not changing your diet, when you stop working-out for a given amount of time, the weight will return, PERIOD. That's why statistics will show that only 1 in 5 people who lose weight are successful in keeping it off long term. It's also important to keep in mind that everybody's body is TOTALLY different and some people process carbs differently than others; that's why some people are diabetic and some are not, Atkins does work for some people, I follow the Atkins plan...BTW, I had a sandwich last Saturday (OMG, and it was on White Wonder Bread no less...lol, drinking me some coffee right now with French Vanilla creme, which I have EVERY morning)and have yet to experience the 3 to 5 pound water gain that most people (especially those who have not tried this way of eating) will absolutely assure you of gaining. I'm not saying it doesn't happen to some people, but what I am saying is that your choice of diet is as personal as the type of shampoo/conditioner combination that makes YOUR hair look its best, or the type of lotion that makes YOUR skin feel the softest...the same things just might not work for me, because my body chemistry, skin, and hair is TOTALLY different from yours. By the way, there are no " high fat content REQUIREMENTS " on the Atkins plan. It is true that there's not an extreme amount of emphasis placed on fat content (because in the absence of carbs, the body is using fat for fuel), it's not required that you eat a high fat diet. Remember, the body NEEDS fat (especially women) regardless of your diet plan. Like I said earlier, it all boils down to a lifestyle change, find what works for you and stick with it...when you achieve your weight loss goals, still stick with it. I guess I said all that to say that sometimes we have a bad experience with something and because of OUR experience, will bash a system or program. I don't recommend Atkins to people, cause my good experience with it is just that, MY experience...I might tell of my experiences, but I realize that everyone has to go through that trial and error process and find what works for them. I've tried WW in the past, didn't lose an inch or pound, I don't bash it though, cause I know many many people have had success with it...SANDIE, ARE YOU LISTENING?...LOL....and for those people, it does work. *stepping down off of my soapbox now* Toni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 15, 2004 Report Share Posted January 15, 2004 Good Evening Toni, Stepping up to the soap-box... <GRN> Prior to doing Atkins as a way-of-life, in a little over 8 months I had dropped 88 lbs just by counting calories alone with no exercise. I have managed to keep it off for over a year, but was looking for an easier way-of-life then calorie counting. At the encouragement of a co-worker, I started exercising to tighten my saggy baggy skin and started Atkins; joined several Atkins lists, did the diet religiously for 3 months... felt wonderful living my low carb life, lots of energy, no cravings or hunger... My saggy baggy skin disappearing courtesy of Tae Bo, Pilates & Lotte Berk. The Atkins email lists repeatedly recommended that during both Phases 1(Induction) & 2 (On Going Weight Loss) to strive for 60-70% fat 20-25% protein with the remainder carbs. Following these guidelines, I gained 3.5" to both my waist and hips. It was heartbreaking to find my new size 4 & 6 clothes not fitting around my new Atkins girth. Mind you, my weight did not go up just my waist & hips <sigh>. Another co-worker suggested the South Beach diet which after 2 months of lower fat intake, my size 4-6 clothes fit once again. As you stated, we all are different and what works for one individual may not work for another. I must say that I miss eating all the crispy chicken skin, full fat cream cheese, real mayonnaise and frying everything in garlic butter... mmmm, yum... my idea of heaven. Sadly on South Beach, I don't seem to have all the energy that Atkins gave me, but I will stick with my new way-of-life which includes eating low-fat, lower carb and exercising. Pam In Palmdale On My Way To A Toner & Healthier New Me Re: low carb diet...LONG RESPONSE --- In tae-bo_on , "Pam In Palmdale" The bottom line with dieting (whether it be Atkins or 'high carb, low fat' diets) is that you have to choose something that works for you and something that, ideally, can be maintained throughout your lifetime. The key to successfully changing ANYTHING in your life is a matter of making a change, and following through by sticking with it permanently. Now, while it is true that if you follow the Atkins plan on a strict basis (lose tons of weight), then become complacent in your weight loss journey and go back to your old eating habits, you will gain back the weight...but the same principle applies to ANY and ALL diets that are used to lose weight. Just like if you lost tons of weight by exercising only and not changing your diet, when you stop working-out for a given amount of time, the weight will return, PERIOD. That's why statistics will show that only 1 in 5 people who lose weight are successful in keeping it off long term. It's also important to keep in mind that everybody's body is TOTALLY different and some people process carbs differently than others; that's why some people are diabetic and some are not, Atkins does work for some people, I follow the Atkins plan...BTW, I had a sandwich last Saturday (OMG, and it was on White Wonder Bread no less...lol, drinking me some coffee right now with French Vanilla creme, which I have EVERY morning)and have yet to experience the 3 to 5 pound water gain that most people (especially those who have not tried this way of eating) will absolutely assure you of gaining. I'm not saying it doesn't happen to some people, but what I am saying is that your choice of diet is as personal as the type of shampoo/conditioner combination that makes YOUR hair look its best, or the type of lotion that makes YOUR skin feel the softest...the same things just might not work for me, because my body chemistry, skin, and hair is TOTALLY different from yours. By the way, there are no "high fat content REQUIREMENTS" on the Atkins plan. It is true that there's not an extreme amount of emphasis placed on fat content (because in the absence of carbs, the body is using fat for fuel), it's not required that you eat a high fat diet. Remember, the body NEEDS fat (especially women) regardless of your diet plan. Like I said earlier, it all boils down to a lifestyle change, find what works for you and stick with it...when you achieve your weight loss goals, still stick with it. I guess I said all that to say that sometimes we have a bad experience with something and because of OUR experience, will bash a system or program. I don't recommend Atkins to people, cause my good experience with it is just that, MY experience...I might tell of my experiences, but I realize that everyone has to go through that trial and error process and find what works for them. I've tried WW in the past, didn't lose an inch or pound, I don't bash it though, cause I know many many people have had success with it...SANDIE, ARE YOU LISTENING?...LOL....and for those people, it does work.*stepping down off of my soapbox now*ToniAs Deb has said: "Fitness is a journey and it begins with the first step.""This isn't about weight loss, it's about enlightenment" -Visit our new vault site http://taeboon.isportsdot.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2004 Report Share Posted January 16, 2004 Pam, you've accomplished quite a bit in your weight loss journey, and you must be incredibly proud!!! Congratulations on the weight loss and the disappearing skin...I fully understand the sense of accomplishment that comes from losing such a great deal of weight. You seem to be very determined and dedicated to your goals and I have no doubt that you will succeed in the rest of your journey...thanks for sharing, I always enjoy reading other people's success stories. Although I won't get back on the soap box this time (my legs hurt...lol), there is one thing in your message that I need to respond to.. <SNIP>The Atkins email lists repeatedly recommended that during both Phases 1(Induction) & 2 (On Going Weight Loss) to strive for 60-70% fat 20-25% protein with the remainder carbs.<SNIP> ....These appear to be the recommendations and guidelines of your e- mail group, not Dr. Atkins... Those percentages are certainly no where to be found in Atkins writings. I've throroughly read his book several times. And while he does advocate eating " ...liberal amounts of both proteins and fats... " , he does not recommend or require a 60 - 70% fat intake. I might appear to be a bit sensitive about this, but I'm sure if Dr. Atkins were alive, he would like to be quoted correctly. Ok, I'm going to chill out now...lol Toni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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