The New Atkins Made Easy by Colette Heimowitz Read Free Book Online Page A

hard-boiled eggs in the dairy department of the supermarket.
    We’ll explore these options in greater detail, along with lots more ideas, in Chapter 9 .
THE BEST TIME TO START ATKINS
    No matter how eager you are to start paring pounds, starting today or tomorrow might not be the best idea. Why wait? If you work outside the home, you might be better off waiting for the weekend, when you have more control of your time and when and what you eat. Or spend the weekend getting ready and turn a new page on Monday morning. You also don’t want any added stressors occurring simultaneously. So if it’s exam week, crunch time at the office, or the first week of a new job, or if your kid is sick with the flu, hold off. Likewise, if you’re leaving on vacation or celebrating the holidays, when temptation is everywhere, you may want to wait until you can focus on your new way of eating.
    That said, don’t fall into the trap of always finding an excuse to put off starting until tomorrow or next week. There will always be social and work situations to navigate and temptation wherever you turn. Pick a date and stick to it. You’ll be proud of your resolve. Get used to that feeling!
DISCUSS MEDICATIONS WITH YOUR DOCTOR
    If you’re taking certain prescription drugs, check with your physician before starting Atkins. Insulin, some antidepressants, steroids, and beta-blockers can interfere with weight loss. He or she may be able to change the dosage or substitute another drug. If you’re taking diuretic medications for high blood pressure, losing water weight and then fat may necessitate a reduced dosage. Check your blood pressure regularly and report any change immediately. Finally, your blood sugar level will begin to self-regulate on Atkins, so if you’re taking insulin, you’ll have to reduce your dosage to avoid your blood sugar dropping too low. Test your blood sugar level regularly and work closely with your physician.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
    Q. How do I incorporate Atkins products into my eating plan?
    A. Atkins products can make all the difference in being able to stay with the program regardless of where you are at mealtime or snack time. But convenience foods shouldn’t replace foundation vegetables and other whole foods. Make sure to consume at least 12 and preferably 15 of your allotted 20 daily Net Carb grams in the form of foundation vegetables, some of which can be in the frozen meals.
    Q. Do I have to take vitamin supplements on Atkins?
    A. You’ll be eating foods full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, but it’s still difficult to ensure you’re getting all the nutrients you need on a daily basis, so it is just a good insurance policy to take a few supplements. In addition to a daily multivitamin-mineral supplement (without iron unless you’re anemic), I advise taking additional vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids (unless you’re having two or more servings of fatty fish a week). Significant weight loss reduces your stores of omega-3s. Your body makes vitamin D after exposure to sunlight, but levels can diminish in winter or during overcast periods.
    Q. What is weight averaging?
    A. Your weight naturally fluctuates from day to day, which is why I recommend weighing in once a week. If you must weigh yourself daily, add that number to those from the two previous days, then divide by three to get your average weight. You can even do this on your cell phone. A running three-day average gives you a better sense of your progress than your weight on any single day.
    Q. Which sugar substitutes are suitable for beverages and which for cooking?
    A. Packets and liquid dispensers are handy for sweetening beverages. The granular forms of sucralose and xylitol sold in a bag or box can be used for cooking.
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    Now let’s move on to Part II, “It’s Easy to Become the New You,” where we’ll examine each of the four phases