theewhoshops's Journal, 29 Jul 11

I have some advice and hope it doesn't come across as harsh. I looked through your diet and I think you are trying exremely hard. Much better than most and especially since you seem to have some sort of back condition. Something I know a lot about since I went through back surgery after being mis-diagnosed for 4 years. I know it's very painful and impossible to sleep/exercise at times which makes loosing even harder. I tried Atkins a few times before and didn't understand why it didn't work for me. Then I took at hard look at what I was eating after some serious studying on nutrition. Calories come from either (or a combination of): 1. Fat 2. Carbs 3. Protein These numbers can also be skewed through food that is processed. Here are the rules I folled and still follow as I am loosing the last few pounds after loosing roughly 40: 1. Stay away from high fat foods like Mayo, any kind of sausage (turkey or not.. fry up some lean turkey in it's place. Find lean, zero carb turkey meat), get your fats from fish or flax oil. Supplements work fine. 2. Stay clear of anything with sugar alcohol. Even the atkin's brand "protien bars". They are nothing more than candy with manipulated #'s. Not only do they really have more net carbs than they say, they make "most" people crave more, just like sugar. 3. If you go through the induction phase it's ok to shy away from fruits, veggies and nuts (even though they are healthy). It's two weeks and there are good supplements like nature's way Alive with real fruit and veggie extract. 4. Keep your carbs more stable through the process. Shoot for 15 (20 max) for two full weeks. Add in lettuce and ranch spritzer for veggies after that slowly raising your carbs by 5 but only as you are still loosing. Then add in nuts and eventually some fruit. 5. Don't eat after 7pm (unless you are on a grave yard shift... so adjust accordingly). 6. Try to keep a little more steady on your daily intakes (Calories, fat and carbs). They seem to be pretty irratic. Probably my biggest point is to watch the fat as well as the carbs. I responded really well when I kept my fat and carbs very low with high protein. Protein digests slowly and helps blood sugar as well as lean body mass which fuels your metabolism. Until you get rolling I would shy away from things like deviled eggs. Your bread and butter foods might be lean turkey, chicken breast, FISH!,FISH!,FISH!, and limited red meat (it spikes the blood sugar dispite low carbs). My mother has Dr. Atkins original book. Atkins (Which I have read) has been transformed into a low carb only diet but the whole point was limit processed and fatty foods and many things we eat now that aren't even real food! Again you can take or leave this advice. It did work wonders for me very quickly!  

Two things I do endorse, although a little processed are: 1. Jenny-O Extra Lean Turkey Breast (sold at walmart) 2. EAS Advantage Edge Carb Control Protein Drinks (Chocolate 2 true net carbs, Vanilla 1 true net carb and no sugar alcohol). These helped me a lot! I also do use egg beaters which is highly processed but it works. I am relacing this with an egg or two mixed with egg whites. 

I guess I can't spell! :P  

Thank you for all of your work and advice. I know my diet is irratic, i guess I eat dependent on my hunger at the moment. This past week has been especially bad because of the intense pain, though I have been trying to stay on track. For some reason I'm sick of my veges, need to try some different ones I guess. Thanks again!