i THINK I'm doing this right....

[freklz]

So I've been on Atkins since Monday of this week (so about 5.5 days). My weight is down about 5 pounds. I drink diet coke almost daily, although not a large amount usually (and with lemon - woo!). My ketostix that I tried Thursday turned a light color, but they did turn. I drink a lot of water (always have a large bottle with me) and have since high school. AND, I haven't had quite the stamina in cardio just yet. We have an elliptical and 30 mins is my max, vs an hour like I could've pulled off before.

So, am I normal? Right now I sit at the point that I never seem to get past, so I guess I'm anxious to make sure I break through it! Also, I'm not sure how long I'm going to stay on induction....as in how much past 2 weeks.

Thoughts?

Michelle

[boodizzle]

I'm no authority but sounds like you are doing good...of course your not suppose to drink caffinated drinks... . My stix never get to dark purple either. I am proud of you doing exercise that is the hardest part.

[ShannonK]

It sounds like you are tracking completely! As long as you are losing, you are doing great. However, I know the diet cola's are bad, but getting your water in is terrific.

I have to be honest. I have always had a real problem completely giving up the caffeine. I still have a cup of black coffee in the morning and a diet sode with lunch. That is it, though, and that is a huge cut back for me. Even though I went off atkins about six months ago, I have kept the low caffeine habit. Now, I am back and I hope to kick it all together. just maybe not today...

[sallyseachange]

Apart from the Diet Coke, seems like you're doing fine. The stix rarely show a deep colour if you drink lots (and you should), so your colour sounds quite normal. The fact that you're losing is testimony that you're doing something right!!!

As for the stamina... day 5 is "early days"... your body is still getting used to the new routine. Your energy should pick up soon.
If not, it could be that you aren't getting enough carbs. If you're significantly under the 20 carbs/day (like under 13/day), then you could try adding a few extra veggie carbs.

If in a few days you're still lacking in energy, try posting a couple of menus in the Review my Menu forum.

Also... remember that OWL (ongoing weight loss) is just around the corner. Don't be afraid of moving... particularly, don't have worries about the first rung (more veggies), where you can stay for quite a while if you like.

Congrats on your losses so far!

[freklz]

Thank you so much everyone!

Yeah, the energy drain today is BAD, and it's the first time that's really hit me. It's ok though, because I know it means something is working! I literally exhaust FAST today. Pretty pathetic.

I usually have the diet coke once a day, but I'm gonna work on eliminating that.

Also, family is sort of slowly finding out what I'm doing and not lecturing yet....so yay! My mom, sis and I all are women who have a somewhat constant battle, so we're somewhat open. But we're at our lakehouse this weekend, so LOTS of temptation. Luckily, my cravings really aren't bad! Not sure if it's my mental "I am DETERMINED to make this work" attitude, or if I physiologically really don't crave. Either way I'm happy.

At any rate, I really appreciate the feedback. Maybe eliminating the caffeine will even speed up the losses.

REgarding OWL, I really thought I'd stay on induction a while, but since I am seeing a little loss, maybe not by the time 2 weeks is up. I don't mind adding veggies. What I'm dying for is adding nuts. I'm re-reading the chapters on whether you should move on and how, so I'm prepared.

I figure if I make it through a weekend like this one, I'm invincible!

THANKS!

[freklz]

Quick update from here at the lake: amidst the normal lake fare everyone else was having, I was going nuts. I gave in and made the choice to have alittle bit of peanut butter. It was a much better choice for me, and legal LATER. Luckily, I tested this am and found I am still in ketosis.

THANK GOODNESS!

PS - should I start a journal or something if I want to continue to post?

[Elizellen]

We have two journal forums - Stats and Chats

In the 'Stats' forum only you and the mod/host(ess) of that forum can post to your thread, so people can keep a record of their Atkins journey, uninterupted by 'chat posts'.

Many members find that also starting a journal in our 'Journal Chats' forum gives them a 'base' on ADBB where others can 'visit' to advise or encourage if needed.

[ShannonK]

Yes, yes, yes - start a journal here. I have one in Journal Chats. I prefer chats because I love for people to pop in and say hello. BUT it is definitely YOUR space to visit and post to until you are blue in the face. It helps me a lot to have a space of my own to ramble on and on and on...