new at Atkins

[Hiker]

Hi,

Just started Atkins 3 days ago and am liking it already. Though I was/am really worried about eating so much fat. And so much meat..I am not a big meat eater. But I realize I dont need that much just because I can..
And am doing better. Though have to pee allll the time...and thats a nuisance when I am hiking my dogs ..

I just read about the Atkins 4 days ago and thus am really new to it and figuring out meal plans.

Also I dont know my weight (a little above 200 pounds and I am 5:10)
Do I need to know ? in order to see when I can go to the next phase ?
Means I need to buy a scale, and I threw the last one away, swearing I will never weigh myself again...

Thanks !!

[Desertthorn]

No you don't need a scale. Actually the best way to tell your losing is by a pair of tight jeans, They tell the tale much better than the scales.
The phases and when to go up and all a personal thing, and not by weight. Induction has to be 2 weeks, a full two weeks and eat nothing except what is on the list. After that you can go up the ladder, adding carbs and food groups or just continue with extended induction.
Most folks move up when they get bored with the food selections.
Welcome, glad you found us and joined.

[Desertthorn]

The book recommends ketosis sticks to tell if your in ketosis or burning fat. If you don't get a new scale, they might be a helpful tool. You pee on them and if they turn color, your burning fat or eating to much fat. They never worked for me, and I peed on a bottles worth, but lots love them and swear they help

[blueberrylady]

Hi Hiker and welcome to the board!

Another way to track your weight loss is to take your measurements because lots of times you will lose inches even though the scale isn't moving. Measure once every two weeks and check out the Recipe and Food forum for meal ideas.

Good luck to you!

[imagood1]

hi and welcome Hiker -- there is plenty of information on this site as well as in the 2002 DANDR book....I wouldn't worry about buying a scale, if you really want to know what you weigh stop into your doctors office and have them weigh you or go to a friends home, your gym whatever but use that scale as your beginning and continue to weigh on it. Not having a scale in the house will keep you from being like so many here who are addicted to getting on every day or several times a day - it's counter productive to your progress!

The keotsis sticks are a good tool but don't give a true measure of being in keotsis so if you don't want to I wouldn't spend money on them.

Good luck on your journey. Here are links that will help get you started. Make sure you are eating induction recipes only until you are ready to move onto OWL.

Rules of Induction:
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...ead.php?t=6782
Induction Acceptable Foods List:
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...ead.php?t=6781

Recipe Sites
http://www.genaw.com/lowcarb/menus.html
(Never ending induction recipes)http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-diet-14-day-induction/58513-never-ending-induction-recipes.html
(Induction Recipe Basics--More recipes added)http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-diet-14-day-induction/6807-induction-recipe-basics-more-recipes-added.html
http://www.sugarfreesheila.com/RecipesPage.html

Exercise is not an option – it is mandatory ….. don’t say you can’t find a way and start today!

Atkins bars and shakes are NOT acceptable during induction – they are made with non-induction ingredients and cause stalling in many people. Just remember - if it’s not on the acceptable food list – it doesn’t go in your mouth!

This is from the "Read before you start" thread in the 14 day Induction area:
Drink a minimum of 64 ounces of water each day, including:
Filtered water
Mineral water
Spring water
Tap water

Additionally (after your 64 ounces daily), you can have the following:
Clear broth/bouillon (not all brands; read the label)
Club soda
Cream, heavy or light (limit to two to three Tablespoons a day; note carb content)
Decaffeinated coffee or tea*
Diet soda made with sucralose (Splenda); be sure to count the carbs (may cause a stall in weight loss)
Essence-flavored seltzer (must say "no calories" and should not contain aspartame)
Herb tea (without barley or any fruit sugar added)
Lemon juice or lime juice (note that each contains 2.8 grams carbohydrate per ounce); limit to two to three Tablespoons

*Excessive caffeine may cause unstable blood sugar and should be avoided by those who suspect they are caffeine dependent. Everyone should try to avoid caffeine.
Grain beverages (coffee substitutes) are not allowed. Alcoholic beverages are also not permitted during Induction; those low in carbohydrates are an option, in moderation, in later phases.