Hello. Everyone. I am new to this board and to Atkins. I started on Monday and so far I have lost only 1 pound But my big question is about nitrates. I don't really understand why we are not supposed to have this? Does it hinder weight loss? If so that might be part of my problem. I have had bacon 2 times now and just noticed today that it has nitrates. I was hoping for a yummy Nathan's hot dog for lunch but those have nitrates too

Thanks Everyone! Wonderful board!!

Nitrates - too much of - are no good for you - cancer causing - but to get to that you have to eat lots and lots of high concentration.

As for bacon, I eat bacon almost daily - 2 strips at most - I have not found it to be a problem BUT the salt can be - - makes me retain water so I try not to eat more than that limit.

It is hard to find Nitrate-free bacon - - I live in a larger town and I have been to almost every store that carries bacon - no one has it. So if you eat the nitrate bacon, just limit yourself.

ALSO for some, nitrates can cause a stall.

Thanks Yvonne. This is all new to me! Wish me luck!

Nitrates are a known carcinogen. I have read that if you cook bacon in the microwave, you lose a lot of the nitrates. A lot of health conscious/gourmet markets (such as Wild Oats) sells bacon without the nitrates. It tastes yummy; you just have to eat it within 2-3 days of opening. Like anything else, it will cost a little more.