Went out of ketosis - question...

[140hereicome]

Hello,

I went out of ketosis around day 9 of induction, because I didn't realize I couldn't drink milk.

From there, I've been out of ketosis pretty much the entire time. I've been under 20 grams of carbs every day, but not in ketosis (had milk, nuts, etc.).

Today marks day 14 of induction, but since I wasn't in ketosis, I'm thinking maybe I should stay another week. Would this rationale make sense?

I lost 7 pounds in those 2 weeks, and wanted to lose another 16 by June 19, which I realize is now not super-realistic (have been dieting for 2 months, but Atkins is the first to show results).

Thanks so much!

[amazonqueen]

i am not nearly as knowledgeable as most on here but i would stay on induction atleast another 7 days. maybe check out the extended induction board and see what you can find looking through there. good luck.

[amazonqueen]

sorry and i wanted to add.... i have a printed list of the acceptable foods that i keep...1 in my purse, 1 in my desk at work, 1 on the kitchen fridge, and 1 in my bedside table drawer. that way if i am thinking of eating something i check to make sure it is on the list and if not i just forget about it right away instead of craving it.

[IrishMom82]

I would stay on Induction so that you get back into Ketosis and then spend another week on it. Since you didn't have clean induction I would continue it until it was clean, imo.

[TheDogAteMyName]

That sounds about right. Going out of ketosis on Day 9 and still not back in on Day 14. I would fire my engine back up by going through another week of clean induction. Make sure you're in ketosis before moving to OWL. What does your daily menu look like?

[140hereicome]

Thank you guys for the responses. I did in fact read them, it just took me a while to respond because my laptop was being slow.

As far as my daily menu, I do something like:

Breakfast: eggs with bacon and tomatoes and feta cheese

Lunch: chicken breast

Dinner: cheeseburger with cucumbers

Sometimes I'll have salmon, salad, or bacon, too.

Ugh and I had some nuts yesterday and this morning... guess that means I have to start all over again. I really don't know what's wrong with me. I can keep the carb allotment no problem, but I just really need the whole munch factor.

I guess I'll start ketosis - AGAIN - and do it for the 2 weeks. I just hope my body doesn't get damaged for eating such super low carb for such a long time!

[Porcelain]

To help you be more prepared, I think you should actually read the book. If you at least read the chapters about the science of the diet and the one on induction, I think it would help you greatly. The only way this diet can "damage" you is if you do it incorrectly. Then again, that wouldn't be doing the diet, would it? lol. There is a scientific metabolic basis to the way the diet and rungs are laid out not to mention the psychological factor of eating, which most of us that are really overweight have an issue with. I know this because I tried to do the diet my way last March, and it didn't work...I mean, it worked a little bit, but I failed the diet, the diet didn't fail me. I am doing my best now to do it by the book and it has made a major difference in me and my weight loss. Sure, I overeat on hot wings every now and then and I want to chew sugar free gum more than I should but for the most part, my eating is doing alright. Oh, and I agree with amazonqueen, it is good to have several lists of the approved induction foods with you. You never know when you will need it!

and yes, I would extend induction like you said, just so you can get your cravings under control. If you need a crunch, get some jicama and put it in the fridge. When I was in induction, I chose pork rinds and eventually just weaned myself off of them. Now if I need a snack, I just have boiled or devilled eggs. (these are good on induction too!)

[Elsie150]

I would say yes to starting over. And buy the book. They are really cheap on ebay. And they are not too expensive to buy new either considering that this is going to be your new way of eating for life. Technically you are not following Atkins by the book but are doing your own modified version of it right now. At the top of each forums are some stickies which hold a wealth of information and give you the basics of each step. Read them until you get the book. There you will learn that it isn't just about keeping to 20 carbs for two weeks but that you are to get the majority of them by eating 2 cups of salad and 1 cup other veggies per day...non-negotiable. You are not getting enough veggies from the looks of it. Also..since I do not know the amounts...you may not be eating enough calories. I know it is hard to believe but you need the calories to stop your body from going into starvation mode. You should be eating around your BMR (more info in stickies) There also is a list of what you can and can't eat. You are eating further up the rungs.

Because you do like the nuts and milk that is extra incentive to follow the rungs. One more week CLEAN induction then on to rung one which is 5 more grams of carbs.

Do read the stickies...buy the book...do it clean...you are worth the investment!! You can do it!!

[140hereicome]

Thanks guys, you're completely right and I appreciate your time.

Can I ask one last thing?

Since I'm starting all over again tomorrow, does it make sense to cheat today so my body has more to burn off?

Thank you!!!

[Elizellen]

No sense at all unless you want to gain some extra 'water weight' to lose in the next 2 weeks and maybe add to any cravings you might have.