Hi everyone! I am new here, but not new to LC eating. The only problem is that I never get past a few days... I found this forum and I'm hoping that with a little support I can do it. I get really shaky and weak a few days into the diet. It's happened to me every single time I do it. I read a previous thread about that and I'm going to try to start off with 30-40 carbs a day for a week and then as my body adjusts I'll go to 20 if that's necessary. Hopefully that'll help.

I'm on day 2 and feeling good so far!

:square:

Crystal - Welcome. Most people experience an unpleasant few days usually starting at the third or fourth day. Hang in there and you'll likely experience an increase in energy and feel fantastic!

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Welcome Crystal!! I concur with Rob on the fatigue for a few days then a sudden burst of energy/lack of appetite.

Can't wait to get to know you....post often as there's a wealth of support, encouragement and knowledge here

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LC Since January 04
Highest Weight: 340
Rededicated 1/1/07: 295/ /240

“Self-delusion is pulling in your stomach when you step on the scales”

Welcome, Crystal! Rob is so right! You may feel a little shaky for a day or two. It's just your body adjusting from "bad eating" to "good eating." Your body is going through sugar withdrawal, white flour withdrawal, caffeine withdrawal . . . gosh, no wonder we all get a little shaky. But's it's GOOD. I remember one feeling I had was that my legs felt very heavy. I had to think to go up the stairs! But the feeling does pass and then you'll be in ketosis and start burning up that fat. Glorious!

I also worked my way into Induction. Started about 1-2 weeks earlier just cutting down the carbs a little. But you DO need the induction period . . . it is necessary.

Good luck and please visit often!

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Alida
5'1" ~ 59 years old
Highest weight: 165
Atkins 7/10/2004
160/126/125
RE-DO, January 2008:
167/162/135

Welcome, Crystal.

I've often recommended that people "back into" induction if the usual approach seems to be causing them too much stress.

I hope you'll make yourself at home!

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By day 5 or 6 you should feel like a million bucks! IT really doesn't take very long...but it is hard to get through especially if you don't expect it to happen!

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Lori

232/190/130
My other journal http://www.lowcarbeating.com/bb/showthread.php?t=1130

Ditto all the good advice already give. Just try to hang with it until you get past those unpleasant feelings. Welcome aboard and make yourself at home with us.

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crystal- i had the same problem the first time i started low carb- i felt awful for the first 4 days. the second time i did it, though, i took about a week to gradually decrese my sugar and carbs, and i was able to start induction feeling good that time. that's my personal experience, anywho.

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Thanks so much you guys! This seems like such a great forum. I know I'll be able to succeed with all of your help.

I also have another motivator.. my husband. He's gained about 35 lbs in the past 2 years and has been feeling pretty bad lately, so we started together. I know that if I throw in the towel, so will he. I need to be strong.

Thanks again everyone!!!!

Crystal, welcome aboard!!!! Stick with this board, we'll help you through 'cuz we've been there done that. I too felt sick and drawnout in the beginning, but I stuck with it determined to ride out that initial ickiness. And as you learn more tips from us, it will get easier. Are you craving sweets??? Some say to drop even artificial sweeteners at first to get over that, but I never did and still lost weight. I had treats in the beginning that got me through, like Diet A&W rootbeer with heavy cream. It's a nice "rootbeer float" substitute and helps get you through that craving period. But watch out, it's easy to overdo even on that. I found that when I felt like munching, I turned to ham roll ups spread with cream cheese mixed with a TBS of green onion and olives. OR I would munch on about 10 small olives or 5 large ones and savor each one. I also had raw veggies cut up at the ready and sour cream dip I made myself with a bit of dried minced garlic, dried onion and a dash of sea salt ready to dip my veggies in. It is munchy, crunchy and satisfying. Try jicama for this along with cut up bell peppers, cauliflower, cukes and even raw zucchini. YUMMY!!!! I'm a grazer/muncher, and have had to find subs for my previous dorito/pringle addiction. I have found Soycrisp chips to be a savior too for me. I make a cream cheese/sour cream spread, flavored with various spices and flavoring, depending on my whims, to dip the chips in. The key here is to dole out the appropriate portion size and put the bag away, so you don't mindlessly munch the whole darn bag gone. And when it's gone, it's gone........done, move on and get physically busy..........cleaning house, exercising, walking, laundry..........whatever.

And remember, if you can muster the strength, get your body moving, so you can add more healthy carbs. The more you move, the more you can eat!!!!!! That is a highly motivating factor for me.

Stick around, we'll give you lots of tips.

Oh and by the way............add some green tea to your beverage lineup. It revs up the metabolism!!!!! I flavor mine with sugar/free syrups, Carb Options fruit punch mix, whatever. Or I add another flavor of tea to it, just to cover up the boiled grass taste of it. It's fun to experiment with.

See you soon on the boards!!!!!

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and take heart: if you keep it up, it WILL benefit your family, too. i believe that; especially as your husband sees your progress, it will encourage him. everybody in my family has lost significant amounts of weight because of the way i changed my eating. (as in 70 pounds, dd, 30 pounds dd2, and 50 pounds dh). that's been one of the most benefiting perks. sometimes, i am not always great about taking care of myself, but you through my family in there, and what choice do you have? it's a good driver, in my opinion!

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Yummy.. Barb. My mouth is watering as I read your post! I have been weaning myself off sweets slowly for the past few months and I am proud to say that I am not craving them right now (KNOCK ON WOOD!!!). My biggest craving is my glass of wine that accompanies dinner.

Thanks for the encouragement as well, Goddess.. Much needed.

Almost through day 3 now and feeling pretty good!!!!! Yeah!!!

Crystal, ONE glass of wine is certainly allowed!!!! In fact, studies are showing that one glass of red wine has many healthy benefits. They are beginning to think that is one of the reasons the French are able to stay so slim even tho they eat lots and lots of rich creamy, buttery foods. (But the French also don't eat a TON of bread, contrary to popular belief) So enjoy a glass of fairly dry wine. Just be careful with the sweet wines. They add sugar.

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