[BDDkDvgZ]

Dear LC forum:

I searched before posting, but wasn't able to find the answer to my question. I lost about 40-50 lbs almost 7 years ago when I started a serious exercise regimen and stopped eating processed foods. I'm already in very good shape with tons of running, exercise, etc. I eat well (even though it's a higher carb diet relative to Atkins) and am a long distance runner with the ectomorphic slim frame.

I'm considering atkins for various reasons, including curiosity (I'm wondering how a low-carb diet work/feels for endurance sports,) and as an easier way to eat a protein-heavy diet for gaining mass while keeping a low bodyfat %.

I've bought and read most of the Atkins New Diet Revolution book, and it seems like I should enter induction and then because I don't have to lose weight, skip the OWL and go straight to (pre-)maintenance. Does this make sense, and has anyone approached the Atkins diet from a similar position?

Thanks

[LSg44PDu]

Hi and welcome.

First off, this is a great eating plan to do when endurance training. I trained for a marathon 5 years ago whilst on this diet, although I was in OWL, so eating more (healthy) carbs and a lot of food in general to keep energy levels up. At peak fitness training, I was eating every 2 hours. I found that downing egg whites (raw) were a fast and easy way to get protein when I was on the run -- literally.

As far as building mass, you will find that serious body builders eat a low carb/very high protein diet anyway. A good buddy of mine was training for the World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships and he swore by grilled chicken or turkey breast and egg whites, usually raw but not always. Lived on this for weeks and was ripped all over. He believes a lower fat, high protein, low carb diet is the best food plan for building lean muscle mass and I tend to agree.

Finally, as you are at a healthy weight and physically active, I think you are fine to start at pre-maintenance. I wouldn't shoot for ketosis at all. Just eat a lower carb diet full of fresh and locally sourced foods.

Congrats on the weight loss and good luck!

[JeremyBalll]

If you look on the Atkins website (www.atkins.com) there is a little 'should I start with OWL' set of questions and a 'should I start with Induction' questions. That might be the best answer. http://www.atkins.com/Program/FourPh...StartHere.aspx

My guess is that you'll start with OWL.

[GlarlraTpople]

You might also consider the South Beach Diet. The late stage OWL and Pre-M/Maintenance phases of Atkins are nearly identical to SB's Maintenance. Check it out if you haven't. Compare the two and see if one would fit better than the other for you.

Tril