Noob got some questions for you veterans...

[F0ldorDie]

Starting my first day, tried to get up early for breakfast, but it's a nogo. Would this schedule work?

Lunch
6 oz lean ground beef
2 cups salad mix
1 cup mozzarella shredded, part skim

Dinner
3 Italian sausages
1 cup salad mix
1 cup mozzarella

The rule says to eat every 6 hours. Can I add another meal after dinner around 11PM (I'm a night owl) or do I have to add some snacks in (not a big snack guy)? Also, the goal is to not exceed 20 net carbs a day, so is it against the rules if you don't have the 3 cups of vegetables during the phase?

Thanks ladies & gents

[julirama723]

Just a few things...

As far as veggies go, YES you need to eat your three cups each day--these veggies provide vital nutrients and fiber that you need. You may choose which veggies you would like to eat from the induction foods list. There are 54 veggies on there, so don't feel like you have to eat JUST LETTUCE! You may eat 3 cups of "salad" veggies, or 2 cups of "salad" veggies and one cup of "other" veggies.

The majority of your carbs should be coming from veggies, and your daily carb limits should not exceed 20g. You do not have to eat ALL 20 GRAMS, that is the upper limit. The rest of your daily carb counts come from foods like cheese, eggs, cream, olives, shellfish, etc.

You are allowed 3-4 ounces of cheese per day. I believe 1/4 c. shredded cheese equals one ounce, and already you have 8 ounces of cheese planned for today. That is 8 SERVINGS of cheese, or two days' worth.

If you haven't already, pick up a copy of Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution (2002 ed.) as it will explain the "rules" of each phase as well as the science of how the plan works. Until then, check out the stickies and FAQs on the board.

[F0ldorDie]

Good call on the cheese, I got ounces confused with cups.

So what about the breaking of meals? How much of a 'negative' effect will eating 2 regular meals and one snack later in the evening have versus a 3 meal rotation?

TIA

[julirama723]

Follow the "eat every 6 hours" rule. Also, it's VERY VERY important to eat something in the morning--it doesn't have to be a huge breakfast. Heck, a piece of cheese or some veggies and dip, or a couple of bacon slices will do. You need SOMETHING to get your metabolism going. Eat something small, just eat something. If you don't eat a "real" breakfast, I would suggest eating a small snack in the morning, and another small snack mid-morning before your lunch at some point. The idea is to keep the body burning fuel all day long.

Whenever you are hungry, feel free to eat until satisfied, just make sure you're not stuffing or gorging yourself.

[kisstuck]

IMHO...read and follow the rules of induction carefully. This will give you the best best shot at having a clean induction. After 2 weeks of induction you can start customizing your menu and moving up the rungs of OWL which will add lots more foods and choices. And follow Julie's suggestions, she's a guru and has been super successful with this WOE!