Atkins Diet Quick Hits: Zero Carb

In the this video of the “Atkins Diet Quick Hits” series, I comment on a question I got from a well-meaning low carber. His question was on the amount of what he was eating. I took his question and ran with it though to a different topic. Starvation mode dieting is never good, and similar is zero carb dieting. I am pretty convinced that for most people going zero carb is an unnecessary step. Sure there are some very metabolically resistant and / or people suffering with hyperinsulinemia.

For the most part, most people should be getting their veggies in and not fearing adding back a reasonable amount of carbs. Trying to discover what the magic number per day can certainly be trying, but your health will appreciate it. Thinking zero carbs is the answer also misses number of things:
* phytonutrients without getting more chemicals
* fiber-rich vegetables
* carbs present in other non-veggie sources, like nuts, eggs, or cheese

Unless you are really hyper sensitive to carbs, enjoy the variety of nature and food selection.

Duration : 0:3:21

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Technorati Tags: Atkins, Bowulf, Carb, diet, exercise, fitness, Induction, Low, Mode, Starvation, Zero

Atkins Diet: Accountability

aka “Temptation, Visualization, Success… Oh My! (Part 2)”

This video is the second in the Temptation Resistance series. Accountability is probably one of the most helpful suggestions I have for new dieters. Being accountable to oneself and to others absolutely helps fight the temptations. I was so much less likely to go offplan when I knew others were also around me looking for what a low carber really ate.

So rather than being a negative, the cynics, which I readily admit I was at one time, and the naysayers were a HUGE blessing in disguise.

Duration : 0:8:36

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Technorati Tags: Accountability, Atkins, Bowulf, Carb, Carbohydrate, diet, dieting, fitness, Low, Obesity, weight, Weightloss

Atkins Diet Quick Hits: Are all sugars eliminated?

In this Atkins Diet Quick Hits video, I deal with the question similar to the zero carb video, but slightly different. Do we eliminate all sugar from our diet with Atkins? The answer is surprising to some that it is no. What we do eliminate is ADDED sugar, and limit the natural sugars that is found in food. You are still eating natural sources of sugar like sucrose or lactose in things like pumpkin or tomatoes or cream cheese, but you have restricted that amount to a level where your blood glucose is under control.

I welcome these sorts of question, so I can clear up any confusion that might exist. It is then that I know these people will be that much more successful in making wise choices.

In other news, I have set my plans for this fall’s running schedule.
August 31 - Madrid (Iowa) Milers 15 mile run
September 28 - Quad City Marathon (It is back on, and I am gearing for the sub 4)
October 19 - Des Moines Half Marathon (pacing the 2:10 group)
November 22 - Living History Farms Race

Duration : 0:3:41

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Technorati Tags: Atkins, Bowulf, Carb, diet, Eliminated, fitness, healthy, Hits, Low, Obesity, Quick, sugar

Atkins Diet: Induction Flu: Signs of Progress or Problems

It is very common that I read questions or statements from new Atkineers saying, “How come I feel so tired?” “Why do I have such a headache?” “I have no energy what is this diet doing to me!” One of the problems is no one forewarned them about Induction flu. Induction flu is simply the body burning its last remaining glucose and stored glycogen for energy, and suffering withdrawal effects. It is very similar to what happens when runners “hit the wall” and cyclist “bonk.” In addition to the physical withdrawal symptoms there are the mental symptoms as well. Think of drug addict, are they necessarily pleasant to be around or in high spirits even though they are doing something good. Well the carb addict has the same reaction; I personally was irritable for the first 2 or 3 weeks as I had to figure out how to eat, exert control over what entered my mouth, and regain new comfort foods. It is a dramatic change, and some people resist change.

The good news is it is just temporary. It typically only last a few days, but for some the mental effects might last longer. It also shows you are on the right path and making true progress on getting rid of the excess fat. The silver lining is indeed that by the end if you continue the follow the plan you will be burning fat for fuel.

You’ll have to watch the video for my suggestions on how to lessen the effects.

Duration : 0:5:4

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Technorati Tags: Atkins, Bowulf, Carb, Carbohydrate, diet, dieting, Dizziness, fat, fitness, Flu, Induction, Lethargy, Low, Nausea, Obesity, Weightloss

Atkins Diet Questions: Loose Skin

** Graphic Display of loose skin around my stomach near the end — Viewers may want to ensure a bag is available **

Today’s episode I deal with the one of the most common questions people ask me after hearing of my 200 pound weight loss. That is, “do you have much problems with loose skin?” In the end, I have to admit that I do have a bit of loose skin (I affectionately & sometime not so affectionately my “SharPei”) around my torso and legs, but it could be much worse. I could have the sheets of skin some dieters (more often low Calorie big losers) have or even worse be my original weight still living in fear of loose skin. There are times that I actually like my stretchmarks as they server as reminders of what might be if I think I can lax up. It also serves as a talking point like my pathetic driver’s license does for people looking for hope, but most days I am just thankful for shirts.

There are other things that are claimed to help, but I have not tried. Cocoa Butter and Mederma are both used by pregnant women to ease the appearance of stretchmarks. Additionally, I believe the content of this Diet helps in maintaining the elasticity due to protein and fat being featured. The body does not cannibalize its own resources like on other diets, and many report their skin looks as good and clear as it ever had. Good skin health implies good skin elasticity to respond to the weight loss as well.

One final theory about loose skin:
http://www.bodyfatguide.com/LooseSkin.htm
To summarize the above link, there is no problem with loose skin, just a body fat percentage problem. I am at 11-12% body fat, so maybe I need to drop another 2-3 percent yet too. In either case, plastic surgery may be for some people, but it’s not for me.

Duration : 0:3:52

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Technorati Tags: Atkins, Bowulf, Carb, diet, Loose, Low, Obesity, skin, Weightloss

My Atkins Diet Story

aka how one Iowa guy lost over 200 pounds and gained his life back. I can not say enough about how positively the Atkins Diet and low carb in general has been for me. I went from a 429 pound guy who could barely make it up a flight steps to a guy running half marathons and rejoining the National Guard. My health is fantastic, and my blood work (cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, heart) could not be better.

Duration : 0:3:42

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Technorati Tags: Atkins, Bowulf, Carb, diet, fat, Low, Obesity, Weightloss