Beginning the Atkins diet or low carb trend can feel daunting. But, in turn, it’s a fantastic way to jumpstart a healthier lifestyle and melt off some extra pounds you may be carrying around. Before you dive in though, allow yourself to do some program, and peek at some of our quick tips and advice to get started on the right foot.
5 Tips for Starting the Program
Begin With Some Goals
You are more successful when there are goals you are working towards. Do you want to lose 15 pounds? Do you want to drop a pants size? Do you want to lower your cholesterol? Whatever it may be, write it down and keep it in the back of your mind throughout the journey.
Get Familiar With the Food
This plan may seem a little tricky at first. Yes, fruits are carbs and you may have to cut them out too at first. Make sure you’ve done your homework and created meal plans to get started without any stress of what you can/will be eating.
Drink a Lot of Water
We’ve all heard this before but it’s so important and so true. No matter what diet you’re on or if you’re even dieting at all. Stay hydrating is important to all parts of your body including your skin and feeling full between mealtimes.
Don’t Be Afraid to Snack
You don’t want to have full on cheat sessions between meals or fill yourself with sweets waiting for dinner. Instead, snack frequently but smartly. Almonds, veggies and hummus, there are a lot of ways to be satisfied and healthy – while staying on the plan.
Practice Positivity
Whether that’s adding positive affirmations to your mirror in the bathroom or making sure you only surround yourself with supportive friends, it’s important to not drown yourself in negativity.
Snacks, Sweets, & Meal Suggestions
Snacks
- Veggies + Hummus
- String Cheese
- Half an avocado
- Deviled Eggs
- Peanut Butter
- Ham and Cheese Rollups
- Celery Sticks with Guac
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon
- Homemade Popcorn
- Carrot Sticks with Aioli
Breakfasts
- Bacon and Eggs
- Egg Cups
- Fruit Salad and Yogurt
- Veggie Omelet
- Sausage Breakfast Sandwich
- Frittatas
- Spinach, Eggs, and Feta
- Smoothies
- Bacon, Eggs, and Cheese Rollups
- Hard Boiled Eggs & Avocado
Lunches
- Chicken Salad Stuffed Avocado
- Classic Cobb Salad
- Asian Chopped Salad
- Lettuce-Wrapped Burgers
- Tuna Salad Stuffed Tomatoes
- Caprese Salad
- Turkey BLT Rollups
- Cauliflower Soup
- Bacon Lettuce Cups
- Philly Cheesesteak Zucchini Boats
Dinners
- Spaghetti Squash Pasta
- Classic Chili
- Cauliflower Pizza Crust Pizza
- Lemon Pepper Chicken with Veggies
- Stuffed Peppers
- Jambalaya
- Sesame Beef and Asparagus
- Herbed Pork Chops with Corn on the Cob
- Grilled Shrimp with Greek Salad
- Beef Skewers and Grilled Onions
Sweets
- Raspberries filled with Dark Chocolate Chips
- Dark-Chocolate Dipped Pecans
- Peanut Butter & Jelly Cups
- Fresh Berries with Whipped Cream
- Frozen Yogurt Popsicles
- Dark Chocolate-Dipped Peanut Butter Banana Bites
- Low Carb Peanut Butter Pie
- Zucchini or Black Bean Brownies
- Sour Cream Donuts
- Dark-Chocolate Dipped Bacon
5 Things Learned From A Veteran Dieter
You Should Never Be Hungry
If you find yourself always hungry then you are probably doing the program wrong by eating too many processed ingredients or most of your 20 grams of carbs is coming from something other than veggies, cream cheese, and meat.
Less is More
Unfortunately, you MIGHT have to give up some of the stuff you love, to succeed. The newer low carb plans allow for fruits and yogurt and some other stuff that was always off limits on the original plans and that may be what is stalling you out or making you lose, slowly.
Don’t Fry Everything
Just because you can, doesn’t mean that you should. Try baking or grilling those burgers and steaks and microwave the bacon and pour off the grease. Trust me, you’ll find another use for it.
Not Everyone is Going to Lose 100lbs in 6 Months
We are all different animals with different metabolisms. Weight loss comes differently to all of us. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t get the same results someone else has. It’ll come to you.
Don’t Obsess Over the Scale
Aim for a once a week, every two weeks or every month weigh in if you have more than 50 pounds to lose. It keeps you focused on the program instead of always on your weight.
Bonus: Stay as Natural as Possible
Don’t always search out low carb pre-made products. Try making your own sugar free and grain free desserts for that craving you are bound to have and keep them on hand so a ‘bad’ day won’t really be a ‘bad’ day. This will help you save money, too!