Just started Atkins but having problem with constipation

[new2atkinsuk]

I just started Atkins 9 days ago. For the first 5 -6 days everything was perfect. My ketosis strips said I was in ketosis. I was very loyal to the Atkins induction regime.

For example, a meal would consist of chicken, beef or fish and I would eat salad or vegetables like courgette (zuchinni), peppers, broccoli, spinach etc.

I would drink lots of water and exercise as well.

I was losing around a pound a day. And the good thing was that I was getting use to it and thought I could do induction for a whole month.

But for the past 4 days Ive been constipated and my weight has pretty much been stagnant. When I started I weighed 230 pounds and 4 days ago I weighed 224 and have been at that weight since.

Once I move my bowels should my weight come back to normal (ie I was losing weight at 1 pound a day, do you think I will lose 2-3 pounds once I make a movement????

Also, I really want to stay on induction and stay on Atkins but don't want to go through constipation. Do you have any tips that will not put me over my 20 grams a day of carbs?

I eat salad and vegetables, drink lots of water and exercise

Thanks

[Elizellen]

Hi Welcome to our international ADBB famiy

Wow! 6 pounds lost in 5 days is amazing so you are off to a good start.

Dr Atkins suggested we could take a fibre supplement to sort out constipation, so that is an option. A tablespon of psyllium husks or ground linseed mixed into mayo to disguise the texture/flavour might do the trick (I could never manage to get psyllium mixed in water down withoiut gagging) along with more water.

Otherwise if you are feeling you need to 'go' but are blocked up or impacted maybe you can try a glycerine suppository?

From your food choices I can't tell if you are eating much in the way of fat. Some people feel that helps 'movement' too.

Here's hoping that when you do manage to 'go' that your losing speeds up too (not that I am suggesting you might be full of sh** of course )

But do be aware that weightloss is not a constant occurance and your body might take a rest from dropping pounds while it works out what is happening.

Depending on your metabolic resistance to weightloss (which you can estimate by looking at how your 14 day induction losses look compared to the chart in DANDR) you might find it more advisable to move to the second phase of Atkins - which in my opinion is the main weightloss phase of Atkins - rather than hanging around on induction for long.

[new2atkinsuk]

Thanks Elizabeth for your kind reply and welcoming me

I tried psyllium husks in water once and just looking at it made want to gag, but somehow was able to swallow it. I know how you feel.

Actually, I know this is a gross subject, but I passed movement this morning and my weight is 223 now, so its back to normal.

You gave great advice. Thanks.

Im going to eat more salad and vegetables but still finish the second week of induction and hopefully things will work out. I need to drink more water

I didn't know fat helps. Actually, I haven't been eating food high in fat. I mean chicken and beef obviously have fat but I usually get lean cuts and eat chicken breast and take skin off and I use olive oil instead of butter or vegetable oil.

Anyway, I will take your advice to heart. Looking at your photos- you know what you are talking about -LOL

BTW- You look fabulous. You are an inspiration.

[judyintn]

I have found that canned asparagus helps me in this area, and is good with just about any kind of meat for the evening meal!!!

[Zarabelle]

I used to take 2 x physillium husk tablets 30 mins before breakfast and dinner with lots of water.

Now that I take 2000mg vit c a day, I don't need it! Not only do I get all benefits of that vitamin but it also keeps me regular!! I wish I'd known about it before!

[liv]

Magnesium supplements does the trick for me.

[BDawg]

How long does it take before psyllium takes effect? Are we talking a couple hours or more like a day?

[Hippocampus]

Hey,


I use virgin coconut oil (Vitamine shoppe) - and that oil is very helpful with constipation.


Congrats to your success so far, you are doing awesome!

[gingerschnapp]

Congratulations on your weight loss so far! As for constipation, I use a magnesium supplement that I mix with water and take right before bed. It keeps constipation at bay and also counteracts what I call 'the protein buzz' that keeps me from falling to sleep.

Fat is important, too. From what I've read, during the induction phase your fat intake should be at about 65% of your calories with protein at 30% and carbs 5% (without going over 20%). I use FitDay to help me keep track of where I am throughout the day and I make adjustments so I can stay pretty much at those levels.

[Sookie]

Psyllium fiber does come in capsules, thank goodness because I would never be able to drink it, Ew. I take about six capsules a day, all at once. If I feel I need it, I'll take it twice a day while making sure I drink A LOT of water. Nice and easy.