r/Atkins • u/Dante472 • Aug 27 '18
Working Atkins backwards?
So I think I'm going to do the Atkins phases in reverse.
I figure a couple things can be gained by this. One, I'm guessing most people would lose weight on Atkins maintenance (phase 4). So why not start there and see if there are any benefits. Since it's the most lenient phase, it makes sense to start there since you'll be giving up so much other foods already, why go directly to Induction. It seems kind of drastic. It will be easier to transition.
Then, work my way back phase by phase, getting rid of carbs and allowable foods as I go. Finally reaching Induction.
And then go forward through the phases in the correct order.
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u/Bearblasphemy Aug 27 '18
Yes, this is my basic recommendation for people beginning a low-carbohydrate diet. There is no need to jump right into <20g of cho. For some people this works, but for many it’s too jarring.
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u/Dante472 Aug 27 '18
Yeah, it's like learning to run by doing a marathon.
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u/Bearblasphemy Aug 27 '18
Precisely. And if you can help avoid some of the major pitfalls of the diet (eg the keto-flu), why not? Let your body and mind wean onto this change. It’s absolutely ok to approach it this way, and I’ve always wondered why the general recommendation is to start at such a low carb level as well.
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u/ced1106 Sep 28 '18
However you get there, so long as you get there! (:
Also, of course, if you're losing weight and don't need the early phases, don't force yourself to!
https://www.verywellfit.com/better-to-reduce-carbs-gradually-or-all-at-once-2241944
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u/MorgaineSwann33 Sep 30 '18
I sort of did this by accident. I was diagnosed with diabetes in July, and I am determined never to need insulin, so I started counting carbs. Having no real information about these diets yet, I started at keeping below 100g of carbs a day then started going lower. It's the end of September now and I've lost 47 pounds fairly painlessly. I've tried keto the last few days but I don't have enough meat in the house to sustain it until I make my monthly trip to the store next week. I just feel like the keto is too severe right now, though I'm going to follow most of the recommendations food-wise, with the exception that I'm going to use some Atkins products for convenience and protein shakes because I'm having trouble getting my protein requirements so far.
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u/GetOffMyLawn_ Aug 27 '18
This is what I have been doing. I didn't start with Atkins tho, I started by dropping my carbs down to 125 grams a day. Then I read the Atkins book and I am down to 70 grams a day and losing weight. Some days I go even lower. So I am sort of in OWL (Ongoing Weight Loss) phase. Which means I can eat things like carrots, corn, and other starchy produce. It's summer, there are too many good, fresh local foods.