Atkins Diet FAQ - The answers to some of the question you may have

Why are other people losing faster then me?

Everybody is different and the speed at which people lose weight depends on many factors. Including (but not limited to), how easily you go into ketosis, what medications you are taking, the amount you exercise, and the amount of weight you need to lose

Don't compare your weight loss to others, just concentrate on the inches you are losing as well as the weight.

How fast can I lose weight?

This varies widely from person to person. For optimum results, be sure you are drinking at least a 64oz of water a day, plus 8 additional ounces for every 25 pounds you have to lose.

In the end, it doesn't really matter how quickly or slowly you lose weight, because this way of eating is a way of life forever.

Can I do this diet while pregnant or breastfeeding?

You cannot be in ketosis while pregnant or breastfeeding because of the release of ketones and their potential effect on the fetus or the baby. However, you can eat a diet lower in carbs and higher in protein that the average American diet (with plenty of veggies and some lower-carb fruits). Also, you should be sure to eat higher fiber carbs, such as whole grain breads (in moderation) rather than white bread. You should work with your physician and/or a holistic nutritionist to determine the food plan that is best for you and your baby while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Can I drink alcohol? what kinds?

Alcohol is a "your mileage may vary" (YMMV) kind of thing. After induction, you can see if it affects your loss to drink a limited amount of alcohol - but drink it sparingly, only on special occasions, etc. Essentially all hard liquors are fine, as long as you mix them with low-carb mixers like diet Coke or club soda. A limited amount of dry red wine is okay for most people, and when it comes to beer, Miller Lite (3 grams/carbs) is a good choice.

Will I never have bread or pototoes or pasta again?

This WOE does not allow for bread or potatoes on a regular basis. However, the longer you go without eating these things, the more you will find that you don't miss them. You can make "legal" substitutions - there are recipes for low-carb "breads" and there are low-carb tortillas on the market. You can substitute cauliflower cooked different ways for potatoes. Spaghetti squash is a low-carb option that is great with a some butter and parmesan cheese as an alternative to pasta. Once they are on maintenance, some people may try to eat very small portions of lower-carb, non-refined versions of some of these foods (e.g. - whole-grain bread or whole-wheat pasta). Some people do fine with that, but others find that eating the foods in even limited amounts sets of carb cravings that can lead to binges.

I cheated, do I have to start again?

If you cheat, you should go back to induction-level carbs until you are back in ketosis (check with keto strips). Once you realize how much even one "small" cheat can affect your weight loss, you probably won't do it too often. Many people who have been on this WOE actually suffer from nausea, headaches and flu-like symptoms (not to mention guilt!) when they veer off course.

I'm craving sweets! what can I have?

There are many legal sweets you can have if you are craving them. One popular low-carb treat is sugar-free Jello, which is great topped with real whipped cream (sweetened with Splenda or another artificial sweetener). Sugar-free Jello also tastes great frozen for a couple of hours - almost like Italian ice. You can also have diet hot chocolate (make sure it says DIET, not low sugar or low fat or sugar free) for about 4-5 g/carbs a packet. Splenda, a sugar substitute made in Canada and approved by the U.S. FDA in 1998, tastes almost exactly like sugar and has only 1 g of carbs a packet. You can order it at www.splenda.com. There are lots of recipes you can make with Splenda, including cheesecake, peanut butter cookies, etc.

How often can I have legal treats?

You should not make a habit of having legal treats. If you indulge in them on a regular basis, they can cause a stall. In addition, you don't want to make a habit of using up your precious carbs on legal treats - you should be spending as many of your carbs as possible on fiber-filled veggies. But sugar-free Jello on a regular basis is fine, as is a little Splenda in your coffee, etc. Just make sure to count the carbs. Experiment to see how many legal treats you can have and still lose - again, everyone is different. And one thing is certainly true - if you are having a craving, a legal carb is definitely a better choice than a carb-filled "non-legal" sweet.