Question about Moving On...

[WetBanana]

...so today is day 11 for me. I was seriously considering doing extended induction, but the only reason I have for it is because of a massive amount of weight to lose. I've been able to lose weight very easily during this period, and while I'd love to continue losing on such a restricted diet, I do feel I need to add that extra 5 grams of veggie carbs to my diet to make sure I'm getting enough vitamins and minerals from the food I eat, and to help aid in digestion.

So my question is - how do you add an extra 5 grams if you're full enough as it is eating what you're required to during induction? Seriously, I haven't felt hungry ONCE since I started. No cravings, no longings, things smell great that I can't eat, but I refuse to cave in and indulge right now. Partly because I know if I do, I'll be back at square one, but also because if I do, I won't be able to get in all the veggies I'm supposed to. I've even gotten to the point sometimes when I won't finish all of my pre-measured food because I get to the point that Dr. Atkins talks about, being full. Not stuffed, just pleasantly full.

Do I just magically start getting hungrier after the 14 days? I've been keeping track of my daily calorie count in fitday (along with carbs obviously) and I'm eating anywhere from 1100 to 1400 calories a day.

Anyway - I know 5 grams isn't that much, but it's distressing me slightly about how to make sure I do it properly. I don't want to screw this up - if I can make it through induction, there's no reason I can't do the OWL levels.

[Elizellen]

I often sautéé chopped or sliced onions and/or peppers in butter till soft then make them into a sauce to serve over meat by adding cream. 1/2 cup of raw chopped onion (about 5 net carbs) cooks down into a fairly small portion.

[Georgiana]

Originally Posted by WetBanana

...so today is day 11 for me. I was seriously considering doing extended induction, but the only reason I have for it is because of a massive amount of weight to lose. I've been able to lose weight very easily during this period, and while I'd love to continue losing on such a restricted diet, I do feel I need to add that extra 5 grams of veggie carbs to my diet to make sure I'm getting enough vitamins and minerals from the food I eat, and to help aid in digestion.

Good for you for reading the book and for having the courage to move on to OWL!

So my question is - how do you add an extra 5 grams if you're full enough as it is eating what you're required to during induction? Seriously, I haven't felt hungry ONCE since I started. No cravings, no longings, things smell great that I can't eat, but I refuse to cave in and indulge right now. Partly because I know if I do, I'll be back at square one, but also because if I do, I won't be able to get in all the veggies I'm supposed to.

You will not be adding more food during OWL. All you are doing is adding more carbs or a new food (more carbs does not mean more food). As you progress through OWL, your carb percentage will increase, while the fat percentage will go down; protein stays at 30%. Five extra veggie carbs will not make a big difference. Cook your veggies and choose more nutritious and higher carb ones, so that you don't have to eat mountains of them. There are great tips in this thread: http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...ables-owl.html (Eating More Vegetables on OWL)

I've even gotten to the point sometimes when I won't finish all of my pre-measured food because I get to the point that Dr. Atkins talks about, being full. Not stuffed, just pleasantly full.

Awesome! You are listening to your hunger and that's exactly what you should be doing!

Anyway - I know 5 grams isn't that much, but it's distressing me slightly about how to make sure I do it properly. I don't want to screw this up - if I can make it through induction, there's no reason I can't do the OWL levels.

You'll do fine. Re-read the OWL Chapter in DANDR if you haven't read it recently and read the stickies in the OWL forum. If you have questions, just ask.

[JulieB]

I just wanted to say the my induction experience was similar, I lost quite a bit & it felt like it came off easily, and I also have a lot to lose. I am on Rung 3 and still losing over 3lbs/week. Don't be afraid to climb the carb ladder, it does not necessarily mean that you will lose slowly. IMO it also improves your chances of keeping the weight off for the long rung, because you spend more time re-training your brain to eat properly. Best wishes,

[IrishIrish]

Are you spreading your carbs out through the day by eating some veggies at breakfast? I often added mushrooms or tomatoes to my breakfast with my eggs.

I also fixed a veggie and protein snack before I worked out ... like celery with cream cheese or broccoli or cauliflower with ranch dressing.

[msanjelpie]

There is nothing wrong with staying on induction until you feel like you want more food... Just eat normally, you'll notice your carbs start to creep up when the time comes... then you'll know you want to move to OWL...

I moved to OWL because I wanted yogurt... your body will tell you, just keep listening...