Too weak to exercise, should I move?

[carlosowusu]

Hi,

I'm in my second week of induction and the "burst" of strength I had when I started Atkins is completely gone. I feel weaker when i'm about to work out or start my jogging and walking exercises. I'm thinking I should up on the carbs a little or move to OWL. What do you think?

An example of a typical day menu...

Breakfast (4:30am - 5am): 2 fried eggs and two tall glasses of water (I leave to work at 5am so I really don't get hungry in the mornings...)

Lunch (12pm - 1pm): Tomato Soup with pieces of beef meat (Again, im not usually hungry around lunch but I have to get something into my system...)

Supper (9pm): Veggie Salad (Lettuce, tomatoes, tuna bits, onions, cucumbers, olives), home made tuna burger, beef, mayo and a boiled egg.

My exercise routine consists of 30 minutes of weight training, ab exercises and 30 min cardio 4 times a week...

[Sunny_0ne]

carlo, it looks to me like you are not eating nearly enough -- especially not enough fats -- earlier in the day which could contribute to an energy crash later.

For lunch with your soup, could you add celery stalks stuffed with cream cheese? Two fried eggs aren't much to start the day on. Maybe add bacon or sausage to that? And a tablespoon or two or salsa?

Also, read the label on your tomato soup. I know Campbell's has high fructose corn syrup and wheat flour (both off-limits on Atkins) which can cause an insulin response followed by a dramatic blood sugar drop.

Moving onto OWL might be what you need. But don't forget that fats are the most important thing... the ratio of fats to carbohydrates is what makes the diet work.

[DebbieW]

Hi Carol,

There are way more experienced people than me on here but in addition to what Sunny_one said you should be eating at least every six hours you are going 8 hours between meals, if you break it down that is an average working day without eating, that isn't good. You should definately eat more veggies and a few snacks in between your main meals...even if you aren't hungry just eat them


Ciao xx

[carlosowusu]

OH!!! THANX A BUNCH!!! Didn't know I was undereating!!! Lol...that explains a lot of things! I was going to up my carbs but now I know I should be increasing my fats and yes, my breakfast does look a bit dry. I'll add a sausage and some ham. Maybe cheese too!!! Snacks? Hmmm...would cream crackers be OK?

The tomato soup is home made with fresh tomatoes, onions, chicken, pepper and spices...is this cool?

Thank God for the forums!!! Lovely people!

[liv]

Add fats - oils, mayo, salad dressings or butter- avocado or olives.
Your soup is OK it is probably quite carby - as tomatoes and onions would be. You are supposed to eat only 1 cup of veggies from "the other list" and two cups from the salad list.

[Elizellen]

Originally Posted by carlosowusu

OH!!! THANX A BUNCH!!! Didn't know I was undereating!!! Lol...that explains a lot of things! I was going to up my carbs but now I know I should be increasing my fats and yes, my breakfast does look a bit dry. I'll add a sausage and some ham. Maybe cheese too!!! Snacks? Hmmm...would cream crackers be OK?

Not if you are talking about the biscuits usually served with cheese you can have the cheese though

You could even make crackers out of cheese!! Just microwave or bake small chunks or piles of grated cheese till crispy.

The tomato soup is home made with fresh tomatoes, onions, chicken, pepper and spices...is this cool?

Sounds fine to me as long as you are not adding flour or other starches to it. Maybe add some butter/cream to boost the fat content?