The Atkins diet is one of the simplest diets to follow. Although the principles are clearly laid out in the books, dieters frequently have misconceptions. These blunders can have a significant impact on the amount of weight lose and the overall effectiveness of the diet. If Atkins isn’t working for you, or you’re gaining weight after weeks of dieting, make sure you’re not making any of these common mistakes.
Beginning with the ongoing weight loss phase
To begin, be patient with your weight loss. It is perfectly normal to lose 8 lbs per week during the Induction phase and then slow down once you enter the ongoing weight loss phase. The carbohydrate grams allowed during the Induction phase of the diet are not intended to carry you through the rest of your dieting experience. The purpose of induction is to break you of carbohydrate cravings and detoxify your body from sugar. Beginning with the ongoing weight loss phase, you will gradually increase the amount of carbohydrate grams you consume each week. This may cause weight loss to slow slightly from where it was during Induction, but this is completely normal.
Furthermore, everyone is unique and will react differently to the diet. Some people lose weight in spurts, while others lose weight gradually. A plateau can last a few weeks, and then you’ve dropped five pounds in a matter of days.
Sodas and sugar-free gelatin
Caffeine in all forms, as well as aspartame, a common artificial sweetener, should be avoided. Both of these chemicals can have a negative impact on blood sugar levels. Caffeine can be found in coffee and diet sodas. Aspartame can be found in diet sodas and sugar-free gelatin. After just one serving, these can cause sugar cravings and knock you out of ketosis.
Also, keep an eye on your daily cheese consumption. Although cheese is on the list of acceptable foods, it contains a small amount of carbohydrates. Your best bet is to limit your daily cheese consumption to 4 oz. You can have more on special occasions, but it should not be your primary source of protein. Meats, eggs, and tofu are far superior options that do not contain carbohydrate grams.
Regularly while on the Atkins diet
Remember to emphasize vegetables during and after Induction. The majority of your carbohydrate grams should come from leafy green vegetables and other acceptable vegetable choices. Vegetables satisfy your hunger without raising your blood sugar. They provide important fiber and nutrients that aid in weight loss and overall health. Every day after induction, you should eat 3-4 cups of salad and 1 cup of cooked vegetables. Check that the vegetables you’re using are on the list of acceptable foods. Eliminating vegetables from your diet can cause your metabolism to slow and your weight loss to stagnate.
It is also critical that you eat regularly while on the Atkins diet. Never go more than five waking hours without eating a protein and fat snack. When you skip meals, two things happen. First, you cause a blood sugar drop, which causes you to crave carbohydrates such as bread and sugar. Second, prolonged fasting will slow your metabolism and make losing weight even more difficult.
Finally, ensure that you are getting enough water each day. Water has numerous advantages for all humans, not just those on the Atkins diet. Thirst can be confused with hunger at times, so staying hydrated will keep you from craving foods you shouldn’t be eating. Water also aids in the prevention of constipation, which is a common side effect of the Atkins diet. Drinking 8 8-ounce glasses of water per day will also help you flush out the toxins produced in your system when you burn fat.
These common blunders can leave people dissatisfied with the Atkins diet when they don’t need to be. If you’re new to the diet, make sure you’re mentally prepared for these blunders. If you’ve been on the diet for a while, assess your eating habits and ensure you’re sticking to the plan.