About to Embark on the 14DIP

[Namek-Binarus]

Greetings,

Well, I read about the 14-Day Induction Phase and I’m going to start tomorrow, but I have some questions. Well, my main goal is to lose weight rapidly and get back into shape, I gained weight pretty quick these past seven months and wanted to lose it a bit quicker, than I gained. I’m thinking about amplifying or adjusting the phase a bit.

First, I wanted to do a 24hour water fast the first day of induction, to cleanse my system out. Sort of a one day of digestion rest.

Second, I wanted do zero carbs instead of 20 daily limit for the 14 days.

Third, include supplements like multi vitamin and Chromium (III) picolinate.

I’m thinking that these little adjustments along with a 30 minute excise program would increase my metabolism. A for sure weight loss of 3LBS weekly if not in the 5-7LBS range.

So, I was wondering if that would be safe, this is the first time I’ve ever tried a restrictive diet and wanted to know what you experienced Atkins Dieteers had to said.

[loo-see]

Hi and welcome!

DO 20g carbs, NOT 0g........follow induction rules exactly...you will see results(and share with us) !

[Elizellen]

A water fast would not be induction, so dont count that day as day one but as a 'pre-induction experiment' if you really want to, but I dont think you will be doing your body any favours by indulging in it and it might make your losses slower!!

As loo-see said - why not try following Atkins induction by the book before trying any of your own adaptations? It would be like setting out for a known destination for which you have been given a route card and map but deciding to travel 100 miles in the wrong direction first in case it gets you there faster

Dr Atkins thought his rules out fairly thoroughly before writing and then rewriting the plan, and even with his first version (DADR) he included some vegetables and never advocated a 'no-carb' regimen.

Eating zero carbs would restrict you to only eating meat as eggs, cheese, cream, splenda and even such a poor nutrition vegetable as lettuce all contain 'some' carbs and even adding vitamins as he suggested in the plan would leave you lacking fibre. Imagine what your digestive system would do to your 'regularity' too!!!

[six footer]

Hey, kiddo. From one who's tried everything imaginable ... that is a really dangerous idea. Three thoughts: who's going to pick you up when you keel over? Second: what are you going to do when you can't do #2? It hurts. And third: don't punish yourself like that, you're TOO NICE A PERSON to treat yourself so harshly. Go with the program, it's a good one. You'll lose inches like crazy.Give yourself a hug and then fill a stick of celery with egg salad and munch away.

[ValidRouge]

Elizellen, you ROCK! Great answer.

Namek, PLEASE do not do this. Atkins is a healthy and sound plan. You can lose weight very rapidly if you follow the plan the way it was intended. Doing your own thing is NOT recommended, and if you choose to do that...please don't call it Atkins.

On that note, if you don't get fiber (carbs) then you could put yourself in a situation where you gain weight on the scale. Totally defeating your purpose. The food you take in stores up in your bowels without fiber to help it pass. The vegetables (carbs) that you take in during the induction phase are there for a REASON. Don't fall into the FALSE theory that if low carb is good, then no carb must be better. Not true.

Do your two weeks of induction, then start the Ongoing Weight Loss phase right away. Many people (particularly the successful ones) follow the plan the way it was written. We see it OVER AND OVER all the people who come here with their own plan and they come back time and again because they are never successful. If you are going to put that much effort into losing the weight, why not just do it right, do it once????

[gettinskinny]

May I ask why you said to move straight to the next phase? I was thinking of prolonging induction...bad idea? I know many that have done this...I'd like to know your thoughts.

[ValidRouge]

Dr. Atkins gives examples of people who might benefit from staying on induction longer:
1. Those who are metabollically resistant to weight loss (meaning, they lost NO inches or pounds during the initial 2 weeks of induction)
2. Those who have a large amount to lose. I, personally, don't consider 60 lbs a LOT to lose in the grand scheme of things. And, of those people, he only recommends doing induction 6 months.
Some of my own reasons:
3. I've seen many people (myself included) who actually started losing more by moving into OWL and adding in more carbs...particuarly vegetables and had better losses than during induction.
4. Because OWL allows more variety of foods which lessens the boredom and keeps people more satisfied with their food choices. This ultimately helps them avoid feeling deprived and cheating.

[daniejim]

The only thing you would achieve with a 0 carb approach would be to deprive your body of essential nutrients (the carbs allowed on induction come mainly from veggies) .. and on the long run (14 days would be long run for such a plan).. end up weakened. You would give a digestion rest for one day on your water fast, but 14 days of no fiber would be terrible for your digestion, your mood and your health.

Think twice.. study the book and you'll find with the Atkins recommended clean induction you feel better than ever, even having your healthy 20 carbs. Less than that and you might end up losing the same amount of weight than regular induction, but feeling worse (weak, lightheaded, and undernourished) and wishing not to continue with the best program you might know.

[six footer]

It is so nice to read such insightful responses to people's questions! I don't doubt that the questions are sincere and well-intended. And even though the answer is always going to be "follow the plan as written," there are many ways to say it. I've learned a lot from your responses. Thank you!!

[Namek-Binarus]

Well, I did do the 24 hour water fast yesterday. I felt weak and sleepy, but I do feel cleansed, better and flexible. It was tough around the 12th hour and sleeping was a little hard. Heh, but not this morning all I wanted to do was sleep. Prior to weighing myself I walked for an hour, which was a little miserable, feeling low on energy. It was a struggle keeping on the treadmill. However, I did get the results I wanted I weighted 4 lbs less! So, today I kicked off the 14DIP with 4 scrabble eggs, and six sausage links. For lunch I had chicken, tuna salad, and eight cheese & meat roll-ups. I crafted all by myself, I’m becoming quite the chef now. I am watching the carbs and how much vs. quantity, so far I’ve only had 6 Carbs. I’m not hungry at all and I’ve been drinking a lot of water and taking my vitamin. I feel pretty happy today too (^_^)