Diet and Health FAQ

Tagged As: Atkins New Diet

Question:
Hi. I'm about to go on the Atkins Diet soon. I have alot of questions on it that I'd like to know before I start. (By the way, I'm the 14/M that posted here a couple weeks ago that asked about the Atkins Diet/other diets, weight loss, plateaus, etc.) -What kind of Vitamins am I to take? And in what quanity? -How long is one to stay on the Induction phase? -Do you *have* to add carbs later on? And if you don't, do you lose weight faster? -How much water am I to drink every day? -What is the *average* weight loss on the diet? (I know that in the beginning you lose alot, but it's water-weight.) Thanks in advance!

Answer:
I can't answer all your questions, but can give you some information from my experiences (and those of my friends!) Look for my comments below. My family takes Theragran-M, though generally any good multi-vitamin (1-a-day) should work. The vitamins are essential, because you may not get all you need on the diet. Actually, though, you probably weren't getting enough in the first place! Most of us don't. The book says 2 weeks, then increase carbs after that. The lack of carbohydrates puts your body into a state of Ketosis, at which time your body goes to the fat stores within you for the energy needed. Ketosis is generally not a healthy sustained state to remain in, and Dr. Atkins acknowledges that in his book. But it is useful in weight loss, and likely won't cause harm for a couple of weeks. Your body does need carbohydrates to regulate fats in the liver and assist in processing proteins, but not the hoards that we've been consuming as a society. Your body need about 3 quarts per day, depending on many things such as lifestyle (active or sedentary), body size, etc. You gotta remember, though, that the food we eat contains a great deal of water, as much as 1 1/2 quarts. I don't know how to measure it, so you maybe you could just substitute water for the other thinks you used to drink, like soda's and coffee. Also, ensure you drink enough to cause urination several times during the day. Don't make yourself sick, though! have known people that have sustained 3-4 pounds per week, others that could only manage 1/2 - 2. It depends on you! But even if you only lost 2 lbs a week, you cold lose 26 lbs by Labor day. I'll bet people will notice the difference, and you'll be looking great in your new clothes!