Can you do the Atkins when trying to conceive?

**Molly24** · January 30th, 2012, 01:27 PM

Hello everyone! Just want to say you are all truly inspiring!

It's been a long time since I've done this diet. I gave up smoking a month ago. We start our first fertility treatment next week. However, I really want to shed some weight incase the treatment actually works and we actually get pregnant!

I'm currently 146lbs and my goal is 130lbs. Ive got great willpower and so I'll definitely stick to it.

My biggest problem is what to have for breakfast! I can cover every other meal apart from that

So if anyone can answer my two questions about TTC and what to have for breakfast, I would be totally grateful. Thank you very much!

**Elizellen** · January 30th, 2012, 02:03 PM

Hi Molly! Welcome to our international ADBB family

As far as I know there is no reason you could not do Atkins induction safely while trying to conceive. Make sure you get most of your up to 20 net carbs from your up to 3 cups of vegetables though to make the most of the nutrients in them. This means not just lettuce!!

And once you do get a positive result you ned to switch to the final phase of Atkins, eating a higher number of carbs as Dr Atkins suggested.

As for what to eat for breakfast - what kind of foods do you intend to eat for your other meals? Eat similar foods for breakfast and you cannot go far wrong.

Lots of us make extra portions at other meals to be able to eat leftovers in the morning if we are not into cooking that early, or make crustless quiches at the weekend or in the evenings (made from eggs, cream, cheese, cooked veg and meat) in order to have something you can grab'n'go if pushed for time.

**Molly24** · January 30th, 2012, 02:20 PM

What a warm welcome! Thank you so much!! Ok I never even thought of crustless quiche and I love quiche! I'm so glad I found this board!!

So I go from induction straight onto final stage - only if I get pregnant though is that right?

**Elizellen** · January 30th, 2012, 02:49 PM

Yes, as Dr Atkins said pregnant and nursing mothers should only do the maintenance phase of Atkins.

But depending on how long it takes you could maybe progress up the OWL carb ladder a fair way before that or even get to premaintenance by the time you conceive.

I would suggest only doing the basic 2 weeks on induction then starting on OWL after that.

**Molly24** · January 30th, 2012, 03:08 PM

Originally Posted by Elizellen

Yes, as Dr Atkins said pregnant and nursing mothers should only do the maintenance phase of Atkins.

But depending on how long it takes you could maybe progress up the OWL carb ladder a fair way before that or even get to premaintenance by the time you conceive.

I would suggest only doing the basic 2 weeks on induction then starting on OWL after that.

That's exactly what I will do, thank you so much, really appreciate it!!

**thecheshirekatt** · January 30th, 2012, 03:09 PM

Yes, you shouldn't have any problems for now, however, as soon as you conceive you should move to maintenace as Elizellen says. Not because low carbing is bad for babies, but because no-one should be trying to lose weight while pregnant due to the possibility of harm to the baby coming from such restrictions in nutrition (from ANY die). Just wanted to make that clear

Fingers crossed for you!

**Molly24** · January 30th, 2012, 03:12 PM

Originally Posted by thecheshirekatt

Yes, you shouldn't have any problems for now, however, as soon as you conceive you should move to maintenace as Elizellen says. Not because low carbing is bad for babies, but because no-one should be trying to lose weight while pregnant due to the possibility of harm to the baby coming from such restrictions in nutrition (from ANY die). Just wanted to make that clear

Fingers crossed for you!

Thanks for that! Yes it's been two years too long so it's time for help. TTC helps you gain unnecessary weight with the exercise ban during the two week wait and then the comfort eating when you know it's not your month. Its time to snap out of my funk!

**Darling1** · January 30th, 2012, 03:53 PM

Molly. I just wanted to say I am 43 and a mom of twin boys from IVF. I had several attempts prior to my angels. Best of luck to you. It is a stressful thing to go thru so I hope eating well will help with your anxiety. Don't worry about the injections and weight gain...it is really not that bad

This board is really helpful. Today is exactly one month for me and I feel great!

**Molly24** · January 30th, 2012, 04:05 PM

Many congrats to you!!! twin boys! That is so precious! I could cry for you! It's stories like yours that keep me going!

I think this diet and exercise will help me focus on something other than what we will be going through.

Congratulations also on your one month today!!!! This site is great. I've read so many stories tonight!