Day 23 and I still don't have any energy...

[Kettlebell]

Hi,

Can someone please offer some insight or suggestions to me. I lost about 11 pounds in the first 2 weeks. The third week, I seem to go up a pound and then go down a pound, and I am not even thinking poundage as I know this is water and hormones at work...

Saying all this, I am so tired. I mean, I have no energy and just walking up a flight of steps is exhausting...

Is this normal or does anyone have any suggestions as to what I may do to get my strength and energy back?

Thanks so much in advance...

[Elizellen]

Are you still on induction?

Dr Atkins talks of what he calls 'ascent weakness' that some people experience during the first week of induction

there are a few people who experience fatigue or light-headedness during their first week doing Atkins. Most often this means that the process is going too fast for their particular metabolism-they're losing weight too fast, losing water and certain minerals too fast, and their bodies can't keep pace with these quick changes. One sign is ascent weakness: You feel weak walking up stairs. These reactions can be aggravated by hot weather, when you are already losing minerals through sweat, or by taking a diuretic. Obviously, drinking lots of water is essential.
Usually, I advise patients who have these problems to slow down the weight loss. They should add another helping of vegetables to their evening meal or one or two ounces of nuts or seeds. Although their bodies would almost certainly adjust during the second week, there isn't any good reason for feeling washed out and sickly for even one day. After the symptoms abate, go back to the lower level of carb intake.

As you are not on your first week of induction, I wonder if you have been eating enough?
I think you might need to move to the main weightloss phase of Atkins and get more food into you starting with 5 more net carbs of your induction vegetables!!

[slimndown]

Could TOM be an issue?

Also, I find if I increase my intake of fat - like eating some bacon - the energy comes back and stays a while.

[Justwannaloseafewlbs]

Hi Kettle: I have this same problem. My energy has been returning, but very slowly. I gave up running in lieu of yoga. This seems to help. I also went up the first rung of the ladder. This also helped. Finally, when I remember to take my supplements, I seem to feel more energetic. You might try doing the same things I did and see if you energy improves. I hope it does!

[sallyseachange]

I'm wondering if you are eating enough too. You could be needing a few more veggie carbs. Why not try moving to OWL rung 1 (you can stay there for quite a while if you like) and seeing if the extra veggies help matters.

[Kettlebell]

Hmmmm...thank you all. I will rung up on some greens and see if I get some energy going. I can't even think of working out as I kid you not, just moving around in my day is making me very tired and listless.

I think I am eating enough and I do admit, food is so not important to me now...my appetite is not what it was when I was eating a heavy carb intake and I have to remember to eat now. I also find that it takes a whole lot less for me to feel like I have eaten enough at a meal.

I'm not having any problems with induction but I will move to the first rung and get some more green and good vegatables in me. I miss vegatables and look forward to the berry rung. Love berries and I do miss fruit.