So much of what I write about is focused on weight loss. But for those of you who reach your weight loss goals (congratulations, by the way!), the focus turns to weight maintenance, another crucial part of living a low-carb lifestyle. Your goal, once you have achieved your weight loss goal, is to transition to a permanent way of eating that allows you to maintain your new weight. How many carbs you can eventually eat while maintaining your weight is determined by your own personal carb tolerance, which is a result of your metabolism and activity level.
Younger people and men tend to have higher metabolisms than older people and women. If you have a high carb tolerance and exercise regularly, you may be able to eat starchy vegetables, beans and other legumes, whole grains and fruits in moderation. But if you have a low carb tolerance and aren’t very active, you may have to limit some of these foods. But in both cases, you should still focus on eating whole foods and avoid sugar, white flour, hydrogenated fats and many processed foods.
The key here to maintaining your weight is learning what your personal carb tolerance is, which is the highest level of carbs you can eat that won’t allow you to regain weight or cause hunger and cravings. Gradually introduce foods one by one so you can gauge your body’s response and learn what you can eat and what you should limit. Every person’s is different, and it requires a bit of trial and error to find out what works for you, but you can use our free tools, which include a carb counting app, to track your carb intake and net carbs in the foods you eat to help you stay on track.
The bottom line? Don’t freak out of if you gain a few pounds; just adjust your carb intake until you’re back to your maintenance weight. Atkins can be a permanent way of eating for you that can make you feel great emotionally and physically.
