Restarting

[reneewl]

Hi, everyone! I started Atkins back in July and was derailed on Day 2 because of the headaches. I'm giving it another try. I am restarting today. If the headaches get bad again, what can I do? I've done Atkins before a couple of years ago and think I had them then, too, but can't remember if I was able to take anything for them.

Also, anyone have any ideas for induction-friendly treats? Something to sort of satisfy the sweet cravings without cheating?

Renee

[sallyseachange]

Hi! Welcome and... good for you, giving it another go! The headaches are most likely induction flu, which is your body detoxing itself of carbs, so though unpleasant, is a good sign. It usually only lasts three or four days and then you suddenly wake up one morning choc a bloc full of energy. Hang in there... it's so worth it.

If you're desperate for a sweet treat on induction, try mixing cream cheese with some unsweetened cocoa powder and add a little splenda. Mix thoroughly, then freeze in teaspoonful sized dollops. When a craving hits, just take one and melt it slowly in your mouth. The high fat helps fight the cravings. Remember to count the sweetner towards your induction allowance though.

Look forward to following your losses.
Sal

[boonie stomper]

Welcome, reneewl. You've gotten good info so far; here's a little more...Sipping warm salty broths through a straw can make it easier on you the first few days of induction than chugging only plain water. That way you won't become dehydrated due to lost electrolytes. During the transition period between when your body is operating on carbs (including reserve glycogen in the liver last of all), you system can become out of balance with all the changes going on. This can occur by the end of the 2nd - 3rd day depending on your metabolism and what you've eaten. That's when many people give in to cravings, and feel weak and flu-like, and get headaches (which you can take OTC pain relief w/o caffeine for).

The good news is, you can get through this phase in less than a day (if you don't cheat!) and suddenly your body unleashes fat for energy, and begins to establish systemic equilibrium again. Your energy level will probably soar, and appetite diminsh. Hang in there! I wish you success!!

[msnicksmom]

Drink lots and lots and lots of water. Have some activities to distract you and do them even if you don't feel like it.

Do recipe searchs on the recipes forum or this site: http://users3.ev1.net/~fontlady/index.html for sweet induction acceptable recipes.

Hugs
Denise

[13_jane]

Hi and welcome back

I too am a restart - I've just finished week 1 and have been cheat free. I had all the bad induction flu problems, but I just resisted the urge to cheat, and as Sally advised above, the cream cheese chocolate is a really big help to overcome the cravings!! I just eat it straight from the fridge, cant wait to try the frozen receipe!!

Good luck, and if you do get the "flu" just think that its only for a couple of days, and how much weight you will have lost at the end of the two weeks

Keep thinking thin
Jane x