New Guy - suppliment question

[Grocker]

Hello Everyone,

So I'm new to all this, this will be the first time I am really going to diet and Atkins seem to be the best method. I've recently lost my job and I am using this time to loose the weight - seems to be going pretty well so far.

I recently bought the book, DANDR and read everything up to and including induction - seems to make good sense, although not enough was discussed aboutt he Atkins Flu - which really thru me for a loop for a few days, I'm either past it or the Alieve is working very well.

I've really knocked out most of my carbs over the past 2 weeks or so, but after reading the book, I would say I am on a clean induction for about the past 5 days (except coffee, only 2 cups in the AM) and am starting to notice the results - going to buy a scale today to start formally tracking my progress. Clothes are already feeling a bit looser and I have this 1 button down shirt that I have been using as a marker - I can now button the shirt!


What I wanted to ask is about daily suppliment - I am currently taking the GNC Megamen's multi, also taking Metamucil caplets 3 times a day and I have just started to also take 1200mgs of Omega - 3 fish oil. I think I might move away from the Metamucil once I finish the bottle and go with Psyllium Husks.

Any suggestions on other suppliments I should be taking?

[atkinsgal08]

Be careful with Metamucil or psyllium ... sometimes they can have the opposite effect of what you're hoping for. (speaking from experience).

I prefer a flax muffin over any caplet!

Does the GNC multi have iron?

Does it have sugar, starch, etc. in the list of ingredients?

Unless you're devoted to GNC, I suspect you can get a generic multi ... for less cost.

As to what other supplements you "should" be taking ... that's a personal decision.

Me ... I do vitamin c, a B complex, a calcium-magnesium-zinc, milk thistle, triple omega ... at least most days!

Another good book to read is Dr. Atkins Vita Nutrient Solution.

Congratulations on the progress so far ... and sorry about the job loss. Hope that turns around as quickly as you could button your shirt!

[mattmanning]

Not sure what's in the multivitamin you're taking, but if possible you should really avoid iron in your supplements since you will be getting lots of it from your diet. You could actually run the risk of iron toxicity.

[imagood1]

On page 301 of DANDR (the 2002 Dr Atkins New Diet Revolution) book you will find a chapter titled "Nutritional Supplements" Don't Even Think of Getting Along Without Them!" That should answer your questions about supplements.

I've never felt a need to take phyllium husk or any other bowel help....as long as I get my vegetables in I've never had a problem. I do eat a flax cookie about once a week because I like them, more that because I need it.

Make sure you are drinking a MINIMUM of 64 ounces of water each day - especially if you are taking metamucil or anything else - if not you could end up worse than not taking anything at all. Dr. Atkins said 64 ounces of PURE water.....nothing added - so nothing else counts toward that amount.

The recipe sites will help keep you from eating the same thing over and over -- check them out!

Recipe Sites

http://www.genaw.com/lowcarb/menus.html (Linda’s)
(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)
(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# (additional induction recipes)

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

[Sherri]

First, WELCOME!!
Congratulations to you for making Atkins your lifestyle.
Centrum Silver also makes a great multi without iron for men.
Yes, fiber is important. I get it through the form of veggies. I also enjoy my flaxmeal. 2 tbls. are allowed for induction. You can eat more once you get to the nut rung 3.
I like to take a Pro-biotic, Olive leaf extract, salmon oil, multi vitamin, Calcium w/D. It's a personal choice. Just make sure to get your multi in every day though.
Sorry to hear of your job loss. It seems to be going on for alot of people. That's great you have chosen this time to work on you.
Yes, the induction flu is a doozy. It's a detox time of all the toxins you were eating pre-Atkins. Mostly detoxing from sugar. The head ache is the worst, isn't it.
I'm glad you got through it. It last anywhere's from 24-72 hours.
Make sure to measure your body. It's fun to keep track of inches lost as well as pounds gone.
Also, I suggest you keep a food diary. This will help as you move up the rungs and keep track of new foods that you introduce in each rung. Some new foods will sometimes cause you to stall, gain or crave. It's good to keep track of them. Plus, it has been proven that those who keep a food diary, not only lose the weight, but maintane it as well.
I've kept one for over five years now.
Wishing you much success in your Atkins Journey.
Sincerely, Sherri

[Grocker]

Thanks everyone for the responses.

Feeling really good today, and starting to notice that I've trimmed down a bit too - particularly the gut but now in the face too.

I picked up a pack of the keytone test strips - not something I plan to buy all the time, but initially just to know that I am on the right track. Looks like I am with some moderate readings. How purple have you folks who have tried the strips gone? Should I eventually be expecting strong levels of keytones as I progress thru stage one? Not that it matters, I can already feel the difference. I just don't like having to poop on these little sticks......

Also - I checked out my mulitvitimin - GNC MegaMen - looks pretty complete and I'm almost surprised to see no iron. I've been also taking 1000mgs of fish oil (Omega 3) but I'm thinking of doubling up on that and be taking atleast as much as I give my dog everyday (same pills!)

I really felt I had to start the metamucil to help "firm things up" a bit - 1st week (prior to reading DANDR where I was just winging it) I was having a bit of a reoccuring 'looseness". I just don't like having to take them 3 times a day and was thinking the psylium husks would be a one shot deal.

Still working on getting my water intake up. I'm thinking that I should pick up one of those britta filters so I can make it a goal to drink one of those containers a day. Are those crystal lite things any good?

[liv]

don't like having to poop on these little sticks.....

I hope you mean pee. Ketones are expelled by the kidney and into the urine if we have an excess of them.

Those crystal light things are the WORST. I don't get why so many people wants to put chemicals in their water. And especially sweet things. Yuck. You should not drinks sweet stuff. I like the brita filter idea. I have on of those in my fridge always and it gets filled up several times a day.

[chinadoll]

Crystal Light is not water. It contains aspartame which is a known staller.

If the Brittas you have are like mine, you will need a minimum of two of those a day and maybe more for your weight. (should be 1/2 your weight in ounces)

The color of the ketone strip is immaterial as long as some color registers. More color is not necessarily a good thing. Probably means you need more water.

[Mick2360]

Grocker, Welcome! It is clear that you have 'taken the bull by the horns' and are doing your best to achieve your goals. Some of the best and brightest on ADBB have responded. I will only add a 'good luck' and welcome!

[imagood1]

When you are talking about the 64 ounces of water recommended by Dr. Atkins daily only PURE water counts...nothing else.

Look at the ingredients in your Crystal Light -- it's all chemicals. Rule of Thumb: if you need a chemists degree to figure out what you're eating or drinking -- DON'T eat or drink it. Atkins is about whole natural foods - not chemically enhanced things.