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2004/07/23, 01:52 PM
Hello all.
I'm new, so I'll introduce myself. I'm Alexia (or Alex) and I recently turned 18 years old. I'm no longer happy with my body, so I want to do something to change that. I weigh 140-145 and am 5'4. This may not seem overweight at all (I'm not sure?) but I look overweight, that much is obvious to everybody.
I recently started the Atkins diet, have had no energy loss as I've read most people do on here, and have been working out to my full capability. Although I'm not sure what that is since I haven't worked out in years. The thing is, I have some questions. I only plan on staying on Atkins until I lose some weight, and get fit and toned up, however I'm hearing from this site that it is impossible to get toned up/build muscle/get fit while you are on Atkins, because it burns all of your muscle, and barely any fat. Is this true?
I do cardio (a one-mile run/jog) in the mornings (after eating eggs), then wait until later on in the evening while I warm up by jump roping for approximately five minutes, and proceed to do my weight lifting/toning exercises and such. Is this an okay routine? Some days I also add in tae-bo a few hours after running.
Any comments/suggestions/opinions would definitely be helpful. I've tried other diets and get never get the calorie counting, or portion sizing down, and it never seems to work for me, so far Atkins has been great, I think it's been about 4-5 days. My muscles seem to be getting harder, so I don't know. But I also do not want to be muscular, I just want to be defined, toned, and fit!
Thanks!
*Alexia - here to ask questions, and hopefully get answers.
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2004/07/23, 02:24 PM
Also, just wanted to add that you should read the post on bulking vs toning in the female forum. By lifting weights, you will not get big and bulky like men. Lifting is what will give you that toned lean look, so make sure you are doing enough!!
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2004/07/26, 10:41 AM
Greetings Alex..
Having adopted the Atkins way of life for close on two years I believe that I can offer you some guidance.
1) You shouldn't view it as a quick fix returning to your old eating habits. It does in fact eat away at your stored fats by a process known as ketosis, more detail in the book and well explained..That's why during the induction phase you really need to monitor your carbohydrate intake.
2) Once you've lost the desired pounds you cannot simply switch off the diet and move on. You do need to pay careful attention to the carbohydrates that you consume. This you are advised to do by adding back select carbs gradually and over a long period of time. this I believe also serves as a dsicplining phase to keep away from the nasties such as those tempting donuts and other empty carb snacks!
3) Once you are in the ketosis phase and starving yourself of carbs, you will not have the same energy and capacity for training than when you are consuming more carbs..This is the motivation to workout ensuring that you protect your muscles from being "eaten away". Not as dramatic as it sounds.
Lastly keep yourself well hydrated to protect your kidneys and also stick with the plan, deviation means starting over...and yes once you reintroduce good carbs back into your diet you will notice the difference in your workout capacity.
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2004/07/26, 06:28 PM
Hi Alexia,
Have your read the Atkin's book. It will answer some of your questions that reference studies of people on exclusive high fat diets. I was on the induction diet for 8 months. Exercising will prevent muscle lose as long as you get enought calories from protein and fats. You have to work hard though, 8 - 12 reps that make you sweat. The weight lifting should tax your system and you should alternate days of weights with aerobics. Congrats on your energy, but your body may have other plans...don't try to do to much.
You should get a blood analysis for...
Cholesterol
LDL
HDL
Triglicerides
so you know what condition your body is in now.
Not watching how much protein, carbs and fats is an attactive part of Atkins isn't it...just eat eggs, beacon, steaks with sour cream, etc., but at some point you will probably want to know what macro nutrients you are taking in. After a while of measuring food you will be able estimate without measuring.
You may want to check out the board at eatprotein.com to get more answers. You may be surprised at what you learn there.
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