I'm Starting The Atkins Diet...

And this is why...

I would like to say I am starting this diet due to over-indulging over the festive period, but I would be lying as that was a mere 2 pounds! The real cause of my huge weight gain is being in a happy relationship for the first time in a long time! The sad fact is that feeling loved and comfortable in your own skin unfortunately causes you to completely forget any rules you had for keeping yourself in shape prior to said relationship. A takeaway was a weekly treat before when I would squeeze into my size 8 jeans, I'm embarrassed to say that some weeks I have eaten out up to 5 times! That combined with my alcohol consumption [which is possibly slightly less than before but still way over a heathy amount] and spending a lot more time indoors relaxing with my other half is ruining my figure and it must stop! Just 13 months into things and I have gained a massive 24 pounds... dangerously close to two stone!

SO, now you know my reasons for jumping into a diet as extreme as this one, I'll briefly explain the main rules of it. 

This diet is HIGH FAT, HIGH PROTEIN and LOW CARB - low carb means very low, starting at just 20g of carbs per day.... it's not much at all when you consider one slice of bread has 14g of carbs! It is incredibly strict, alcohol isn't allowed [although it is worth considering if you must drink, dry white wine is your best option] some sweeteners are not allowed meaning sugar free drinks are out the window, as is chewing gum which isn't good when you find out that this diet causes bad breath! However if you want a diet which allows you to snack on most forms of meat, fish and full fat dairy products then this is perfect for you. A full list of items which are allowed for each stage of the diet can be found on the Atkins website, and if your not fussy then there is actually a wide variety of things to choose from. However if you are a little fussy like me then you'll probably find yourself eating the same things most days..... 

- Bacon

- Sausages 

- Cheeses [halloumi even!]

- Chicken, turkey, ham, lamb, beef, duck

- Mushrooms, Lettuce

- Full fat mayonnaise 

It sounds exciting at first but after a week you'll probably be gagging for a slice of bread, or even fruit which is surprisingly full of carbs! However with some people reporting a 10lb weight loss in the first week then if you can stick with it, it is rewarding. 

Yesterday was my first day on the diet, but as I did had a few glasses of prosecco I won't be including that!

WISH ME LUCK!