Atkins Diet: Watch carbohydrates but be realistic

by Missy Porter
(Colorado)

I had heard about the Atkins diet but was afraid to try it, because I liked my pasta and breads. On the other hand I also liked being relatively thin or at least being able to fit in a normal size pants.

After having my second child, I realized that I would never have the same body that I did before children.

I was desperate. I did not want to end up like the other women in my family who after having children were borderline obese.

After I finished nursing my daughter I decided to give the Atkins Diet an honest go. I started out by only eating 20 grams of carbs per day for about three days.

I exercised regularly, and I noticed that the weight was starting to come off. I was so excited that I stayed at the 20 grams of carbs so I could lose weight faster.

My energy levels really started to suffer and my husband complained that I was grouchy and irritable all the time.

I started adding carbs but I started overdoing it again and started to gain my weight back rapidly.

I have discovered that I do need to watch my carbohydrates, but I also have to be realistic about what my body is needing and what I am depriving it of.