First time on Atkins Board

[atkinsrock]

Hello Friends ,

It's so great to be able to read all of the support and positive feedback. This is my first time on this board and I'm on day 4 of the diet. I'm following induction but have closer to 6 oz. of cheese and only 1 carb worth of plain almonds daily (yesterday I ate extra cheese and almonds but kept my carb level to only 6). Otherwise I stand up and get very light headed. A lot of people criticize this diet but I know it works. I did low carb (not Atkins but low carb) after my babies and lost lots of weight.

I've gained about 20 lbs. in the last 3 years and would love to finally be rid of it. It was due to eating lots of junk and nighttime eating. Most of it emotional eating. I'm so ready to get healthy again. I'm tired of being controlled by sugar cravings.

I know calorie counting isn't necessary on this diet but I feel like I'm eating way too many calories (1800). When does reduced appetite kick in? Will I eat less calories the longer I'm on the diet? PMS cravings have always been a problem for me so hopefully that will no longer be an issue. Also, how important is exercising? Will it make a huge difference? I'm very fatigued on this diet. Does anyone else have similar concerns?

Thanks for any input. I really needed this board and support! I also broke my foot a month ago and am stuck at my computer for at least 2 more weeks. I should have done this a month ago!

[not2late]

Have you read the book, Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution? We follow the 2002 edition here. I only ask because nuts aren't allowed during Induction and 6 ounces of cheese is too much. I'm curious why you are keeping your carb level so low. I'm also concerned that you are feeling light headed.

Please post your menu, including amounts, in the Review My Menu Forum.

[QueenT]

I Am On Day 3..and I Feel Like A Bus Hit Me And I See The Light...all Ive Been Craving Is Water!...i Eat A Li Jus To Get My Nutrients But Not Due To The Hunger So Im Sure Ur Appetite Shrink Will Hit U Soon As Well...i Feel Really Good!..i Jus Did My Workout And It Was A Breeezzzeeee!..yesterday And The Day B4 It Was The Hardest Thing Ever And All Icould Think About Was When Will It Be Over...so Yea Id Say That Itll Get Greater Later Jus Hang In There..good Luck!!!

[atkinsrock]

Megs, Thanks for the info. Today I cut my cheese back to the recommended 4 oz. and will not eat almonds. My carb level is just naturally low because after I eat a steak or other main foods I'm full. The lightheadedness was much better today. Maybe I'm finally over the withdrawals.

[mitzimarie]

Originally Posted by skgagnon@bellsouth.net

I'm following induction but have closer to 6 oz. of cheese and only 1 carb worth of plain almonds daily (yesterday I ate extra cheese and almonds but kept my carb level to only 6). Otherwise I stand up and get very light headed. A lot of people criticize this diet but I know it works. I did low carb (not Atkins but low carb) after my babies and lost lots of weight.

Hi there

Welcome to ADBB!

You said that you've done low carb before (not Atkins)... you DO realize that you're not really doing Atkins now either, right? You are not supposed to keep your carbs so low. The #1 reason that people criticize Atkins as unsafe, is because they are basing their judgment on the testimony of people who do not follow Atkins correctly. They tweak the real Atkins to suit their own needs, and when that person becomes ill or gains their weight back, the Atkins WOE (way of eating) is blamed. That is so unfair to those of us who DO follow Atkins to the letter... which IS a very healthy way to eat.

You stated: "My carb level is just naturally low because after I eat a steak or other main foods I'm full." Why don't you eat the veggies first, then eat the steak or main food after that? That way, you get all of your veggies in before you get full.

Induction is only a 2 week period that is meant to turn your body from carb-burning to fat-burning, and it is not necessary to lower the carbs as much as you have to do that. OWL is the next (and very important!) phase of Atkins where you start adding carbs back. And Dr. Atkins stated that in any given phase of Atkins, most of your net carbs should come from veggies. Honestly, I don't know how in the heck you go "potty" when you aren't eating any fiber?

Please, please read the 2002 version of Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution (DANDR for short). That is the book that this board is based upon. Of course, it is up to you to decide what/how you eat. I just respectfully request that if you do continue to eat the way that you have been, please don't tell people that you are doing Atkins. Perhaps tell them that you are eating low carb... but please don't mention the name Atkins. I ask this, because I have grown weary of people criticizing me for doing Atkins, when they don't have a clue about what doing the "real" Atkins is all about... they just hear stories about various people who have become ill or failed and blame Atkins.

If you are serious about doing Atkins correctly, read the book and stick close to this board. There is a wealth of information, motivation, and inspiration here. Use it! There are lots of people who would be more than happy to travel with you on your journey.

Best wishes to you!