Started yesterday...

[amazon1]

Hi. I'm probably a bit unusual for an Atkins newby. For about 25 years I've been on what I thought was a low carb diet. I feel that I am "allergic" or something to grains, dairy and sugar. I stopped eating them and felt 100% better and everytime I stray, I feel awful.

I was always slim with no effort and then I hit the big "M" and started hormone replacement. I gained 10 pounds 2 years ago, and then another 10 pounds. I started cutting things out but the scale didn't budge. I tried weight watchers for 1 week (last week) and I was hungry and again didn't lose an ounce. So now I'm trying Atkins.

I'm wondering if because I already don't eat many things like bread, pasta, potatoes, candy, etc. if my induction could go a little smoother. Although last night I had leg cramps and today I'm nauseaus with heartburn.

I'm 55, female, 5'6" and about 142 lbs. I'd like to lose the 20 pounds I gained and then go back to a "normal" healthy diet of good carbs - fruits and vegetables, a little honey and maple syrup and nuts. Is this possible?

I worry about having a heart attack and going into a coma a la Terry Schiavo (can this happen with no warning?), kidney damage, etc.

I appreciate any advice.

Thank you.

Susan

[imagood1]

Welcome to the Atkins Board.

I would advise you to read the 2002 Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution (DANDR), it’s the book we follow on this bulletin board. If you haven’t until you can get a copy you’ll find a condensed version at the top of the induction - (Atkins Diet Induction FAQs)(Atkins Diet Induction FAQs)http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-diet-14-day-induction/77558-atkins-diet-induction-faqs.html. Because you don't have much to loose it will probably take a little longer than you would like - no grains, fruits or anything not on the acceptable food list until you move to OWL (ongoing weight loss) and start adding foods back to your daily meals.

Make sure you drink a minimum of 64 ounces of pure water (nothing added), exercise starting today and taking a multi-vitamin. Check all around the board for everything there is to, there is a challenge section with both exercise and non exercise challenges, Rate My Menu for help with your food, journaling – there is something for everyone.

Make a copy of this list (What foods can be eaten on Induction?)(What foods can be eaten on Induction?)http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-low-carb-dieting-faqs/6781-what-foods-can-eaten-induction.html and take it with you when you go to the store. If a food isn’t listed on the acceptable food list you shouldn’t be eating it. Learn to read the label on all foods you buy - don’t just look at the “carb” number look at the ingredients list of everything and check the ingredients against your list. Just because it says "low carb" doesn't mean you can eat it. Also check for hidden sugars (learn the names used in place of the word “sugar”).

The recipe sites are helpful for meal planning – just make sure you use Induction Recipes to begin with.
http://www.genaw.com/lowcarb/menus.html (Linda’s)
(Never ending induction recipes)(Never ending induction recipes)(Never ending induction recipes)(Never ending induction recipes)http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-diet-14-day-induction/58513-never-ending-induction-recipes.html (Induction recipes)
(Induction Recipe Basics--More recipes added)(Induction Recipe Basics--More recipes added)(Induction Recipe Basics--More recipes added)(Induction Recipe Basics--More recipes added)http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-diet-14-day-induction/6807-induction-recipe-basics-more-recipes-added.html (Induction Recipe Basics)

If you need anything we’re here to help you!! Good luck to you!

[chinadoll]

Best thing to do is read the book. Yes, you may be able to add some or possibly even all of these things back, but the book outlines how and when to do it. You get some veggies the first week and build on those. Nuts comes into the picture pretty quickly. As I said the best thing is to read the book (2002 DANDR) I would say that adding honey and maple syrup back in in any considerable quantity is probably unlikely though. The plus is that if you get used to life without them then a very little goes a long way with your taste buds. Even though you have been eating fairly low carb you probably are experiencing a slight case of Induction Flu. This will pass in a couple of days. The big M is a killer for weight loss. I opted to go without hormone replacement and I struggle much more to lose, so we are in the same leaky boat. Drinking a lot of water helps your losses as does exercise. It is a non negotiable at our ages. Best of luck to you on your journey.