Some time ago there was a thread about Atkins diet and exercise. I am wondering if anyone has some good advice about using this diet when you are an athlete. I work out every day, whether it's 4,000 yards in the pool, or 3-4 miles on the treadmill, or dryland training (weights). I went on Atkins a week ago to lose 10 pounds, so far I've lost 4 and feel terrific. Last Saturday I had a 5000-yard workout that was the best in ages. So much energy!
I'm just wondering if it's because I've added much-needed protein to my diet (I'm a carb junkie). A fellow athlete poo-poo's the Atkins plan and says it's a bunch of hogwash, that athletes HAVE to have some carbs and they won't kill you.
Anyone?
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Former Member
Let me also give a thumbs down to Atkins. If you have the motivation and discipline to follow the Atkins diet (athlete or not), then you might as well just apply the same skill and energy to eating a sensible, nutritionally balanced, calorie controlled diet. It will achieve your weight loss objective without the risks associated with taking low-carb extremes. Also, athletes must have carbs in order to perform to their potential. Without carbs, your body will not burn fats cleanly (search under the word "ketosis"). Think of it in automobile terms as an engine that throws off a lot of putrid smoke: it not a finely tuned machine.
Let me also give a thumbs down to Atkins. If you have the motivation and discipline to follow the Atkins diet (athlete or not), then you might as well just apply the same skill and energy to eating a sensible, nutritionally balanced, calorie controlled diet. It will achieve your weight loss objective without the risks associated with taking low-carb extremes. Also, athletes must have carbs in order to perform to their potential. Without carbs, your body will not burn fats cleanly (search under the word "ketosis"). Think of it in automobile terms as an engine that throws off a lot of putrid smoke: it not a finely tuned machine.
