Doctor recommends stopping...

[Niki_Trinity]

Since starting Atkins 3 months ago, I have lost around 30lbs. I have 20 more to go...I have recently started having tingling/numbness in face and wrist that occurs on and off and our doctor thinks the diet is the cause and that I should go off this diet. I'm bummed about it because I only have 20 lbs to go until goal. I'm wondering if anyone had success having cheat days? Maybe eating "regular" food on weekends and then doing Atkins during the week? I DO NOT want to stop this diet, and I'm looking for a way to continue but still stay on the doc's terms.

[dreamof220]

Get a second opinion. Very rarely does diet affect your nerves

[sadie147]

If you are 20lbs from your goal, more than halfway there, you should be into OWL now. Have you started to add back the OWL food groups?

I'm assuming that you are in induction and have stayed there..hence your Dr's advice to add 'real' foods LOL. What 'real' foods is he talking about?

Going back to high carb, sugar and starch laden foods on the weekends is not a healthy move? Moving onto OWL, adding more veggies, berries, nuts, fruits etc etc is what you should be doing at this point. There is far more to this woe than just induction.

[Georgiana]

I remember replying to you before (stalling and weight gain in 4th week of induction), around mid-February. Then you were on week 4, so I assume you have been on Atkins for 2 months, rather than 3. Did you move to OWL or did you stay in induction all this time?

Back in February, you were eating very little calories! Did you increase them? If you don't eat enough, you may be affecting not only your weight loss, but your health, too.

You were not eating enough vegetables in February. Are you eating more now?

Could you post one or two typical menus, including quantities? Are you taking any supplements or medication?

I assume there is a diagnostic given by your doctor, right? Or at least an explanation as to why Atkins would be the culprit?

Cheat days... You either do Atkins or you don't. Two days of "regular foods" and five of Induction is not Atkins. You lost 60% of what you were aiming to lose. By this time, with only 20 lbs left, you should be in the higher rungs of OWL, so you wouldn't "cheat" by eating diary, nuts, legumes, fruits, etc.. If you are not in OWL already, then you should probably consider moving up the rungs.

[Niki_Trinity]

sorry, about the confusion with months...I'm trying not to count, it's easier for me that way... No, I never moved up from induction. I have been losing so fast on it. I admit Atkins has become somewhat of an addiction for me. I'm very scared to gain the weight back.

I eat whatever is around that day... It's not really a menu anymore. Lunch meat rolls, roast, green beans, salad, tuna. Anything I can find that fits the bill and sounds good. I am taking one source advanced Multi vitamins because those are the only ones that I could find without a high amount of iron.

The reason that it was suggested that I go off this diet is the fact that up until this diet I had never had these symptoms, and while my doctor is a Atkins supporter. No other reason could be found.

[Georgiana]

Well, what did you eat yesterday for e.g.?

[Zarabelle]

It sounds like your doctor is jumping to conclusions! I can't see how it could be the cause. I would definitely get a second opinion x

[chinadoll]

I remember your earlier posts too. To see a menu with quantities would be helpful. Often we think we are eating well and yet an outsider gives us a much more balanced view. If you are within 20 pounds of goal you need to be moving up through OWL anyway or you will never learn to eat at a maintenance level. This WOE at Induction is not meant to be your lifetime habit. Start up the rungs week by week. You won't have to give up Atkins and maybe it will correct your problem too. Your doc may be an Atkins supporter but I bet he probably would support your moving up the rungs rather than sticking with Induction. You probably would be better served with nutrients from real food as opposed to vitamin pills anyway.

[rajenki]

I would suggest a blood test to look at your potassium levels. If you are not eating enough veggies, you could be low...and in me, that causes things to tingle.

I have potassium issues on this plan because I also have to take a water pill due to paralysis in my legs affecting pooling. Since starting I've had to supplement my potassium dosage due to the tingling affect it was having. When it gets worse, muslces start hurting for no apparent reason. This is actually something you don't want to mess with. It's a simple blood test...worth checking.