It's been awhile...

[urbangoddess]

Hi everyone. I used to be a regular member of this forum and I lost 57 lbs. a few (ok, more than a few) years ago. Big depression hit and serious life changes and I slipped back into my old ways, regaining 35 lbs. It's been particularly difficult to get started this time around because my partner is a total pasta addict! I'm hoping she will see the light when she sees my results, but really, I am doing this for me and no one else.
I'm on day two and I went shopping yesterday and feel good about today. The thing I am most concerned about is the severe leg cramping that I ALWAYS seem to get whenever I do Atkins. More than anything else, this is what drove me away from the plan. I don't know how much of what minerals I need to prevent this, but I've tried electolyte mixes, calcium, kelp, and lite salt. Any other advice on that front is welcome.
I'm glad to be back!

F 36 5'5"

[WhBlssm]

Hi, welcome back. I'm new here myself - first timer.

We all go through changes and at least you're back and ready to do this for YOU!! Sometimes that can be the hardest part, with anything you decide to do.

Your previous weight loss was amazing! How long did it take you previously to loose that much weight? Any tips, tricks or advice about Atkins and what you've learned that you're willing to share?

[Tuliedave]

Urban.., Potassium tablets help to stop muscle cramps in my limbs. They didn't start with Atkins, just part of being older and not getting enough of what my body needed. Might add one tablet a day to your supplements and see what happens. Welcome back and good luck!

[urbangoddess]

Originally Posted by WhBlssm

Your previous weight loss was amazing! How long did it take you previously to loose that much weight? Any tips, tricks or advice about Atkins and what you've learned that you're willing to share?

Thanks for that! Yes, I did learn quite a lot. Probably the most important thing was just sticking with it. After induction, I moved to OWL and my weight stalled for about 5 weeks. I stuck it out, and the weight loss picked up and I found that this was a regular cycle for me. I'd usually have a big "whoosh" every month. It took me about 9 months to lose the weight.

Using this group, as well as writing, blogging, whatever you have to do to keep yourself in the right frame of mind is what really guaranteed my success. Along the way, I learned that I could add certain foods pretty quickly and continue to lose (almonds, peanut butter) and that I really needed to avoid others (sugar alcohols).

Good luck to you on your journey and thanks for your support!

[missnikki217]

Welcome back!!

The book says loss of potassium, calcium, and/or magnesium through sweat and drinking water are usually the biggest culprits. So you can supplement these extra. What I find is the more I stick to 64-70 ounces in the first couple of days, the better off I am. This time I've had no leg cramps

But like you, those darn charlie horses scared me off the first time. And the second time when they were even worse when I got off plan. But jumping out of bed when I feel one come on helps, to stretch it out so it doesnt come back, and then I also get a bit of exercise too LoL