Should I stay in induction?

[tmjulia]

Hi,

I'm day 12 of the induction and I wonder if it makes sense to keep it for another 1-2 weeks.

I was never a carb eater, I ate almost no bread and no sugar at all. My typical meal was 1/2 cup of brown rice, a small slice of meat or fish and a lot of vegetables - 2-3 kinds. I gained 20 pound over 1 year, mostly by overeating fruit and nuts. My weight used to be 138-140 lbls and became close to 160 (I'm not sure because I started to use scales only on day 3 or 4).

First I measured my weight on day 3 or 4 it was 158. Currently I'm 155. I probably lost 4 pounds and it looks kind of slow. Although, I lost 1.5 inches from my waistline during the first week (now it stoped even though it has more to go) and it seems that my body became more flexible when I do yoga. My keton test is dark purple every time I measure. All my foods are from the lists, all natural and fresh. I drink water (a lot) and herbal tea. I also get plenty of excercise. I worry that if I go to the next stage, I will stop losing weight. At least, currently I'm losing it. Before Atkins, getting more excersice/eting less didn't help, especially in my waistline.

I'm mostly comfortable on induction, had lots of energy for the first 2-3 days but currently feel tired in the mornings. No other side effects. But I'm starting to hate proteins... I eat about 1200 calories per day (up to 1400 if I eat pork), 65% of which are fat. It's the minimum if to count 8-10 calories per each pound. To make those calories I have to eat a double portion of meat or fish to what I used to have. I can merely fit it into myself and feel stuffed. Not to mention I cannot increase the calories.

Does it make sense for me to stay in induction or should I move to the next stage? How can I fight "protein sickness"? I don't miss carbs but I'm dreaming of a big juicy salad.

[JulieB]

Are you eating 3 cups of veggies/day? How much do you want to lose?

[tmjulia]

Originally Posted by JulieB

Are you eating 3 cups of veggies/day? How much do you want to lose?

Having been a veggie eater, I first measure those 3 cups and then add more veggies to make it total 20g carbs (or a bit below) per day. Since I avoid other carbs, veggies are almost all my carbs. But I used to eat more vegetables, fresh and cooked. At the same time, 1 chicken breast is too much meat for me.

I want to lose at least 20 lb and be back to my old pants size (6) for this fall, so I don't have to buy new ones. My supergoal is to lose 35 lb and completely get rid of belly fat.

[liv]

Sounds like you skipped induction and started on rung one so you are already there.
We do not restrict calories like that on Atkins - sometimes that works the opposite way and do not help us lose if we keep foods too low. We try to eat more intuitively to learn good food habits for life. It sounds to me like you have made everything into numbers.

Speaking of numbers I am guessing you are quite a bit taller than me (I am 5 2 ) so I am thinking your weightloss is not that bad at all

Maybe look into some yummy recipes. I like Linda's low carb page a lot. You need to dress up your food a bit I think
Linda's Low Carb Menus & Recipes - Home

[tmjulia]

Originally Posted by liv

Sounds like you skipped induction and started on rung one so you are already there.
We do not restrict calories like that on Atkins - sometimes that works the opposite way and do not help us lose if we keep foods too low.

Thank you for the link!

Well, if I eat 20g or less (typically 16) carbs per day, would it be induction? I don't eat more then 20g (total, include all foods) per day. I just eat close to 0 carbs in foods other then veggies. Does it count? I mean, if the point is to introduce a healthier life style, 3 cups of veg is a lot for carb eaters.

I don't restrict calories... I cannot eat more proteins to add more calories. It's not the foods are not tasty but I'm stuffed. Also, a question: if I'm still full from breakfast, should I postpone lunch?

My height is 5' 6'' and I suppose I have quite heavy bones. I used to be 120 lb and I was a stick.

[liv]

Well it is a bit nit pickyish but on induction following DANDR (Dr Atkins New Diet Revolution from 2002) which we do here, you are restricted to 3 cups of vegetables so if you eat more than that iy is not induction but owl. The number of carbs are less relevant. Certainly once on OWL you can add more vegetables if you want.

Good to hear that you are not restricting calories. Fat is what you should add not really proteins. But at 5 6 and eating 1200 calories you are not eating too much of anything. You should try and eat something at least every 6 hour according ot DANDR.

So what do you feel like doing next. Sounds to me like you are ready to eat more veggies. I cannot see how that could be a problem right now. Add another five carb and see what that does.

[tmjulia]

Thank you for the explanation. I worried more that I was on a plateau then I didn't lose enough weight.

[liv]

I think you're losing fine and it is very normal to pause a bit on the second week. So I think you are right on schedule.