Atkins :-)

Question
Hi Laura!  I actually have a question about diets in general... particular the Atkins diet.  You see, I'm a 15 year old female (5'2", 110 lbs), and I'm looking to shed a few pounds before bikini season.  I used to be considerably heavier than I am now (130+ pounds, which is a lot for someone only 5'2").  I haven't grown in height for almost 4 years now (everyone in my family is tiny as well), but I've expanded sideways once again.  LOL  It's becoming a real issue because to find pants that fit me in the hips, I'd have to buy around a size 6 or 8, yet size 0's and 2's fit me everywhere else.  I went on the Atkins to originally lose the weight and I was about 100 pounds.  I looked better than I ever have, but because that diet is so restricting I ended up binging out on all the high-carb food I could find and slowly gained the weight back.  Since then, for about 3 months, I've been on it for a week, off for 2 days, on for another week, off again, etc., etc.  It's a viscious cycle!  Anyway, where I was hoping that you could help me is in giving me some tips on how to stick with a diet without going crazy and eating every sugary food in sight after sticking with it for a week.  Last time, I did it because I had motivation (being overweight).  Now that I'm just doing it for vanity reasons and only want to lose a few pounds, I tell myself "It's okay, I'm not that big... I'll start tomorrow," and have the cake... or fruit... or pasta that I'm craving at that second.

Thanks so much!

Answer
Brittany,
Atkins might be too restricting for a growing teen, you can check their website for more info. At 15 years old, you are still maturing and are actually setting up the bone density for your adult years. High protein diets can lower calcium levels in the body, so really try make sure you are getting enough calcium in your diet. You will need at least 1500 mg per day. Check labels and add your totals for the day.
For your overeating, try to add some high fiber carbohydrates like whole grains and vegetables throughout the day so you won't binge on the sweet carbohydrates later. Laura Kraemer, slimkids.com

1. Prev:The Dreaded Atkins Diet!!!
2. Next:Nuts and nutrients