Getting Started

[bikini body-n-tha makin]

I started the Atkins plan 13 days ago. I started at 187 and in 5 days I weighed in at 182. I fet my body go into ketosis. I was extremely thirsty and I could not sleep. I was so sleep deprived that I indulged in a cup of coffee with Equal in it. That was 4 days ago and I haven't lost any more weight. Once in ketosis does the constant thirst and sleep disturbance go away? Or, is it possible that I could have shifted out of ketosis that easily? If so, what do I do?

[imagood1]

Hi and welcome to Atkins.

Equal is made from aspartame - which is known to slow or stop weight loss...according to the 2002 DANDR book Splenda is what you should be using. As far as 1 cup of coffee taking you out of keotsis I seriously doubt that is what happened.

Why don't you post a few days meals (exact amounts of everything you ate) and see if someone can figure out what the problem might be.

Most of us sleep better than we did before so I don't know what your sleep deprivation may be from.

Have you read the 2002 Dr Atkins New Diet Revolution (DANDR) and are you following it the way it is written? Drinking a minimum of 64 ounces pure water daily? Taking a multivitamin and exercising?

Post your menus and lets figure out what is going on.

[liv]

Originally Posted by bikini body-n-tha makin

I started the Atkins plan 13 days ago. I started at 187 and in 5 days I weighed in at 182. I fet my body go into ketosis. I was extremely thirsty and I could not sleep. I was so sleep deprived that I indulged in a cup of coffee with Equal in it. That was 4 days ago and I haven't lost any more weight. Once in ketosis does the constant thirst and sleep disturbance go away? Or, is it possible that I could have shifted out of ketosis that easily? If so, what do I do?

Keep drinking.
Are you eating a lot salty foods - like pepperoni and pork rinds or something?
The sleep thing may happen to some people. But I don't think coffee will help.
There is a stuff called 5HTP you way want to try if you cannot find away to sleep.
Equal is one of the sweeteners you should avoid.

[bikini body-n-tha makin]

I have cut out the Equal. I only ate it for 3 days. I have been eating pork rinds for a snack, but I have also been drinking about 64+ oz of water per day. I don't think that I have been eating salty foods other than the pork rinds. I cook everything from scratch to avoid getting any hidden sugar or flour in my diet. The only processed food that I may eat is a burger pattie from McDonald's if I'm in a rush and haven't eaten. Here's my typical day's worth of food:

Breakfast: lemon/ginger tea w/2 splenda; 2 eggs; bacon or sausage; slice of tomatoe w/basil

Snack: pork rinds or pimento cheese (organic cheddar, pimento peppers soaked in olive oil; mayo) w/ 1/4 sliced red pepper, or sliced fennel.

Lunch: some form of unprocessed meat (Chicken, pork chop, or steak) w/a salad and ranch or italian dressing.

Snack: same as above

Dinner: usually just meat

Snack: usually a sweet treat- I mix cream cheese, lemon juice, splenda, and a drop (literally 1 drop) of vanilla extract together and freeze it.

Do you guys see anything wrong with the foods? I don't understand why I haven't had the whoosh of weight loss yet.

[liv]

I think what you are experiencing is very common. There is often a pause after the first loss before things starting to move again. Just hang in there

About your menu: I am kind of nit picking here. I think overall it is quite good
I see a lot of salt and potential sugar/sweetener over the limit things.
Pork rinds are very salty - try to limit them. A little meat or tuna dipped in some mayo may be good snacks. Devilled eggs are great. Chicken wings perhaps
Bacon and sausage may be both salty and sugary.
What are in your dressings?

You should work in your three cups of veggies (with only one cup from the other list) I don't know how big your salad is but I don't really see three cups. Have some carbs with your supper. It is a good time as when you are eating fat and protein the carbs will not impact your system at all.

I think it is good to snack if you need it. But I find three snacks to be a lot. Are you not eating enough at your meals? Any hidden sugars that are stimulating your appetite in there.

Cut down on sweeteners and see how you do