Finding your CCLL

[TheDogAteMyName]

I posted this within another thread, hoping to get a response from the seasoned Atkineers

I'm up to 45 carbs daily and I'm still losing. I am wondering how I'm going to fit in 50 carbs daily. I'm not at all hungry. In order to know my CCLL I need to keep eating (and adding carbs) to see how my body reacts. Does anyone have any advice on how to find my CCLL and eat more carbs when I'm finding it hard to eat 45 now? This Sunday I start 50 carbs and I love to switch up my menus so I don't get bored. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[Splandrea]

LUCKY DUCK!
I am jealous =D
I guess I would just choose veggies with more carbs in them. Higher carb count veggies that are allowed on whatever rung you are on... I am envious that you even have to ask the question. Sheeesh! =) Congratulations! You'll be at goal in no time flat!

[Kansas Deb]

Sounds to me like you might think about adding legumes. That is the rung after berries of actual food. Atkins actually has wine and low carb liquors next then legumes. Peas and beans. I certainly would take that rung very slowly. I am looking forward to it. I am at the berries rung and am down to about 1 pound every 6 weeks. I have 20 or so pounds to go to my goal weight.

Congratulations on you weight loss so far.

[mitzimarie]

Yep, Deb is right - legumes add on the carbs really fast. Just make sure that you don't increase your number of carbs and try a new food at the same time. I would test the legumes at the level that you already know that you can handle. Once you find that you can tolerate the food, you can eat it everyday at at higher number of carbs to see if you can tolerate the number.

Good luck!

[sallyseachange]

I'd go with legumes too, if you are up to that rung. They pack a carb punch and are delicious. Doesn't take much quantity-wise to up your levels.

What rung are you on, btw? If you're not up to legumes yet, try higher carb veggies than you've been eating. Eggplant is fairly high, along with a few others.

[Elizellen]

I second Sally's question about what rung of OWL you are up to being important to know, as we are not sure which foods you are allowed.

You can easily up your induction veg carb counts if you choose those that cook down significantly. One cup of sweet red/yellow peppers (about 7 net carbs) also known as Bell Peppers (I think) cooks down to a few tablespoonsful if you sautee them in butter or oil and make a good 'garnish' without it seeming to fill the plate. Onions likewise have a fairly high carb count (1 cup raw chopped onions = about 11 net carbs) and again, they cook down into a smaller amount.

[TheDogAteMyName]

Thank you so much! I am starting Rung 6 this Sunday as well as 50 net carbs. I'm really happy to have lima beans again. It doesn't take many of those to pack a carb punch (I think 1/4 cup). I'll have to control myself because I love limas. I would still love to have most of my net carbs from veggies so I'll continue with salads, sauteed veggies (thanks Elizellen!) and other favorites.

If legumes aren't a problem...do you suggest that I move to Rung 7 next week and add an additional 5 carbs? I feel as though I'm moving up the ladder really quickly. I'm not having any ill effects so, in your opinion - should I keep climbing or stay here for awhile?

[Kansas Deb]

Please let us know where you are on the carb ladder and what you decide to do as far as adding more carbs. I should certainly have asked where you are on the carb ladder.

[not2late]

keep on moving up that ladder and adding carbs. The higher you go on the ladder the smaller the volume of food it takes to make 5 net carbs. For example about a tablespoon or two of legumes is roughly 5 net carbs. That amount makes a nice garnish for salads, stews, etc.