Anyone tried the Atkins Diet ?
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Anyone tried the Atkins Diet ?
I am interested to know if anyone one, who is current aircrew, has approached an SMO or other doctor with regard to going on the Atkins Diet. A couple of questions arise from this...
1. What is the official policy/guidance, if any?
2. If RAF/RN/Army doctors approve of people going on the Atkins Diet, is there a case to change the in-flight rations that ME crews in particular, enjoy? Perhaps this forum is a good place to measure any support for the Atkins Diet, without "outing" yourselves to a doctor.
On a closing note, has anyone had success or failure/problems while on the Atkins Diet?
1. What is the official policy/guidance, if any?
2. If RAF/RN/Army doctors approve of people going on the Atkins Diet, is there a case to change the in-flight rations that ME crews in particular, enjoy? Perhaps this forum is a good place to measure any support for the Atkins Diet, without "outing" yourselves to a doctor.
On a closing note, has anyone had success or failure/problems while on the Atkins Diet?
Champagne anyone...?
Lol 
Don't know about the military aspects and I'm usually hugely sceptical about fad diets but my mother-in-law is on this and has lost a huge amount of weight. She's a serial dieter who's weight hasn't budged in the 14 years or so that I've known her and suddenly she's waif-like.
So I guess there must be something in it.
As for the inflight rations, I think the secret wiltshire airbase already does turn out Atkins diet type stuff.
Top tips from someone who lost 3 stone (non-atkins
) though:
Go to the gym
Don't eat the doughnuts.
Exercise a little self control.
Don't eat the doughnuts.
It's not rocket science
Don't know about the military aspects and I'm usually hugely sceptical about fad diets but my mother-in-law is on this and has lost a huge amount of weight. She's a serial dieter who's weight hasn't budged in the 14 years or so that I've known her and suddenly she's waif-like.
So I guess there must be something in it.
As for the inflight rations, I think the secret wiltshire airbase already does turn out Atkins diet type stuff.
Top tips from someone who lost 3 stone (non-atkins
) though:Go to the gym
Don't eat the doughnuts.
Exercise a little self control.
Don't eat the doughnuts.
It's not rocket science
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I believe a “gym” is a place some people go to simulate manual labour.
The Akins Diet is works well for people who are very overweight. I can give good results after a few weeks, which helps the motivation. If you want to shift the few extra pounds that those mince pies have put on, this isn’t the diet for you. If you are badly overweight this diet will work but you have to keep to the rules. You can’t keep to a low carb diet all week and then reward yourself with pizza and larger at the weekend. During the induction phase of the diet you may feel unwell, nauseous and light headed. Tiredness and concentration may also be a problem. Probably not a good idea if you intend to commit aviation.
If that’s not enough to put you off, eating out can be a real nightmare and your breath stinks.
The Akins Diet is works well for people who are very overweight. I can give good results after a few weeks, which helps the motivation. If you want to shift the few extra pounds that those mince pies have put on, this isn’t the diet for you. If you are badly overweight this diet will work but you have to keep to the rules. You can’t keep to a low carb diet all week and then reward yourself with pizza and larger at the weekend. During the induction phase of the diet you may feel unwell, nauseous and light headed. Tiredness and concentration may also be a problem. Probably not a good idea if you intend to commit aviation.
If that’s not enough to put you off, eating out can be a real nightmare and your breath stinks.
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Beags old chap,
A gym is a place of toture oft used by the modern equivalent of the Spanish Inquisition.
Of course we members of jockstrappers annonymous love people to go to the gym - thats when we go to the bar and drink on their mess bill until they stop.
A gym is a place of toture oft used by the modern equivalent of the Spanish Inquisition.
Of course we members of jockstrappers annonymous love people to go to the gym - thats when we go to the bar and drink on their mess bill until they stop.
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Hi Guernseys Own,
I know of quite a number of aircrew have tried/are trying the Atkin's Diet, myself included. When you mention it to the SMO at the annual MOT there is generally little reaction and certainly no expression of official policy on the matter. Your cholesterol & lipid levels generally reduce with this diet so the improved blood test results seem to keep the quacks happy.
Most that have tried it do lose weight quite easily but, like most diets, it's the sticking to it that is the problem. No more massive curry and lager binges, ever!
Remember a puppy is not just for Xmas. As they say in Indonesia, with careful use of vegetables you should make it last into the New Year.
I know of quite a number of aircrew have tried/are trying the Atkin's Diet, myself included. When you mention it to the SMO at the annual MOT there is generally little reaction and certainly no expression of official policy on the matter. Your cholesterol & lipid levels generally reduce with this diet so the improved blood test results seem to keep the quacks happy.
Most that have tried it do lose weight quite easily but, like most diets, it's the sticking to it that is the problem. No more massive curry and lager binges, ever!
Remember a puppy is not just for Xmas. As they say in Indonesia, with careful use of vegetables you should make it last into the New Year.
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GO
The v.chubby chap who left your place last year to join me in the sun used it to make his Med cat. But then he also started going to the gym a first in about the 10 yrs I knew him, so maybe a combination of the two. I wouldn't ask too much about diets on the kipper fleet, not compatable with Honkers and DCS or drinking the truckie fleet under the table.
Just keep going to the prince of darkness in Forres eventually you will pick up a bug that may cause you to lose weight but stay close to the toilet
Charlie sends
The v.chubby chap who left your place last year to join me in the sun used it to make his Med cat. But then he also started going to the gym a first in about the 10 yrs I knew him, so maybe a combination of the two. I wouldn't ask too much about diets on the kipper fleet, not compatable with Honkers and DCS or drinking the truckie fleet under the table.
Just keep going to the prince of darkness in Forres eventually you will pick up a bug that may cause you to lose weight but stay close to the toilet
Charlie sends
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I wouldn't put much hope in trying to get kinloss in-flight to prepare special meals. I am supposed to only eat low fat plain food because of a hietus hernia but it took week to get in-flight to sort out the meals and then they just kept sending the veggie option instead.
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Thanks for all the replies so far, and mostly words of encouragement. I am also glad to hear that the medics are not concerned about people going on the diet, I suppose it is the bottom line, or waist line in this case, that counts.
It may be worth asking at the few remaining multi-crew flying stations if in flight can provide something more suitable, after all thery are happy enough to provide veggie options. There may even be in-flight caterers reading pprune
It may be worth asking at the few remaining multi-crew flying stations if in flight can provide something more suitable, after all thery are happy enough to provide veggie options. There may even be in-flight caterers reading pprune
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Atkins type diets seem to work well (for me) on the basis of 5days on 2 off with a loss of 1/2 lb pw.
For a quick loss try the sashimi diet - as much as you want but there is a limit to how much raw fish you can force down.
No carbs
Not many calories
Suggest only for a few days at a time and revert to atkins type to recover
For a quick loss try the sashimi diet - as much as you want but there is a limit to how much raw fish you can force down.
No carbs
Not many calories
Suggest only for a few days at a time and revert to atkins type to recover
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I used the Atkins and lost shed loads
When you read the book, it tells you that its a 'diet for life', I suggest do it for 5 or 6 weeks. This way you get rid of 10 kgs or so. Then just go back to a normal 'healthy' diet.
As for the Doc, he said that it isn't a healthy diet, but its better in the long run not to be overweight.
Hope it works.
When you read the book, it tells you that its a 'diet for life', I suggest do it for 5 or 6 weeks. This way you get rid of 10 kgs or so. Then just go back to a normal 'healthy' diet.
As for the Doc, he said that it isn't a healthy diet, but its better in the long run not to be overweight.
Hope it works.
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I tried it quite a few years ago, lost 18lbs in 6 weeks and had no problems until the final (6th week) when I started to get really painful cramp in my legs. I didn't associate this with the diet and saw the MO who asked me a lot of questions. He finally got around to the subject of diet when my assocation with Dr Atkins emerged. The quack was horrified, said that the cramps were caused by avitaminosis and told me to abandon Dr Atkins there and then and never re-visit it. The cramp quickly disappeared
but much of the weight loss was soon forfeited !
but much of the weight loss was soon forfeited !
A very overweight mate of mine tried it and lost a huge amount of lard in quite a short period of time. However, he also lost some of the fat protection that surrounds the heart and this sent his heart into disrythmia (or something that sounds like it). Result - grounded for 18 months!
My pa in law (a doctor) says it's safe and medically sound as we are all evolved from carnivores anyway. However, some caution is probably wise.
And your breath smells like a Bull Terrier that'd just eaten six Corgies!
My pa in law (a doctor) says it's safe and medically sound as we are all evolved from carnivores anyway. However, some caution is probably wise.
And your breath smells like a Bull Terrier that'd just eaten six Corgies!
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Atkins - pah - Try the South Beach Diet
After all the hype about the Atkins Diet and the apparent dangers of not eating carbs I looked elsewhere - at the South Beach Diet. I can recommend it! And I passed my last Aircrew Medical whilst on it! I dropped my weight from 104 kg to 96 kg in 3 months and it's holding.
It works on the idea that carbs cause weight gain, which is similar to the Atkins diet, however the South Beach diet does not eliminate carbs completely. It divides them into 'good' carbs (e.g. high fibre cereals, wheat breads) and 'bad' carbs (e.g. biscuits, pasta). 'Bad' carbs make you feel full temporarily, but cause your blood sugar levels to rise sharply. When they fall again they leave you feeling lethargic and hungry. The South Beach diet also differentiates between 'good' fats (monounsaturated) and 'bad' fats (saturated). You eat 3 healthy balanced meals a day and snacks are allowed, however, by eating the right kinds of foods you will feel fuller for longer. You can also drink wine after Phase 1! And if you cheat just return to Phase 1 for a short period!
The South Beach diet works in 3 phases.
Phase One - 2 weeks of strict dieting. This is the initial weight loss period. You still eat normal portion sizes but nearly all carbs are avoided. In studies people lost between 8 -13 lbs. during this phase.
Phase Two - lasts until you reach your desired weight. 'Good' carbs are slowly introduced while weight loss continues.
Phase Three - returning to normal. This is all about maintaining your desired weight with a healthy balanced diet. If at any point the dieter starts to gain weight again simply return to phase one
Take a look at this review:
http://www.dieting-review.com/southbeach.htm
Or visit the South Beach Web Site for a more in depth look:
http://www.southbeachdiet.com
Good luck!
It works on the idea that carbs cause weight gain, which is similar to the Atkins diet, however the South Beach diet does not eliminate carbs completely. It divides them into 'good' carbs (e.g. high fibre cereals, wheat breads) and 'bad' carbs (e.g. biscuits, pasta). 'Bad' carbs make you feel full temporarily, but cause your blood sugar levels to rise sharply. When they fall again they leave you feeling lethargic and hungry. The South Beach diet also differentiates between 'good' fats (monounsaturated) and 'bad' fats (saturated). You eat 3 healthy balanced meals a day and snacks are allowed, however, by eating the right kinds of foods you will feel fuller for longer. You can also drink wine after Phase 1!
And if you cheat just return to Phase 1 for a short period!The South Beach diet works in 3 phases.
Phase One - 2 weeks of strict dieting. This is the initial weight loss period. You still eat normal portion sizes but nearly all carbs are avoided. In studies people lost between 8 -13 lbs. during this phase.
Phase Two - lasts until you reach your desired weight. 'Good' carbs are slowly introduced while weight loss continues.
Phase Three - returning to normal. This is all about maintaining your desired weight with a healthy balanced diet. If at any point the dieter starts to gain weight again simply return to phase one
Take a look at this review:
http://www.dieting-review.com/southbeach.htm
Or visit the South Beach Web Site for a more in depth look:
http://www.southbeachdiet.com
Good luck!
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Ferret,
The Atkins diet works on exactly the same principles as you mention above for the South Beach Diet, it's a complete misnomer that Atkins banishes all carbs. Yes, it's very strict for the first two weeks on the induction phase, but after that "good" carb quantities can be increased until you reach a level that allows you to maintain your ideal weight without putting it all back on. So, it sounds as if the South Beach Diet is very similar if not identical to the Atkins approach.
Sorry if I'm sounding like a bloody know-it-all, but I've been slogging through the book recently - the slimmer X-Quork starts on Monday the 5th. Looking forward to the fry-ups already.
The Atkins diet works on exactly the same principles as you mention above for the South Beach Diet, it's a complete misnomer that Atkins banishes all carbs. Yes, it's very strict for the first two weeks on the induction phase, but after that "good" carb quantities can be increased until you reach a level that allows you to maintain your ideal weight without putting it all back on. So, it sounds as if the South Beach Diet is very similar if not identical to the Atkins approach.
Sorry if I'm sounding like a bloody know-it-all, but I've been slogging through the book recently - the slimmer X-Quork starts on Monday the 5th. Looking forward to the fry-ups already.