Hi Everyone,

I was wondering if you know how many cherry tomatoes are good for induction? like is there a rule of thumb?

Also since you are all so experienced and helpful I was wondering if you could review my menu.

Bkfast: turkey and cream cheese roll ups

lunch: lettuce wrap with alfalfa, mayo, tomato, turkey and provolone

dinner: 2 filets of salmon with 1/2 a deviled egg, a handful of cherry tomatoes and raw mushrooms and 2 ounces of cheese

that's about it, I only drank 1 diet rite and 1 bottle of dasani today, it made me feel so full. And it's only day 2 and i've actually gained weight...is it from water? I have a killer headache and my body feels exhausted, not to mention extreme moodiness....

Could you please lend your knowledge? I sincerely appreciate it, I guess I just want to be successful so much I'm scared to mess up! I really appreciate all of you help so much

You're welcome to ask questions here. However, the answers to ALL your questions can be found in Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution book--usually referred to here as DANDR. In the beginning, most of us carried this book around like a Bible and referred to it constantly. That's a good idea! Nothing is a "rule of thumb." These are principles and programs which are clearly spelled out.

According to the induction food lists, tomatoes should not exceed one cup per day--provided salad greens are limited to two cups. It looks like you've exceeded your "tomato limit" by having tomatoes at two meals. You should be eating more salad greens: dark green varieties are best, because iceberg lettuce doesn't have much nutritional value. Otherwise your menu looks pretty good.

You must, must, must increase your water intake. Pure water. At least half your current weight in ounces. (150 lbs = 75 oz of water) Diet sodas of any kind are not recommended during induction.

Headaches are a common problem--usually due to caffeine withdrawal. This will go away soon, as will the fatigue. Hang in there.

Don't be scared! Read DANDR for knowledge and comfort. Drink more water. This is a learning experience, and you're just beginning.

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Barb L.
Atkins since Jan 2003
Maintenance as of 4/05


My Fitday Journal

Here is a link to the USDA Nutrient Database where you can enter the type of food and get a listing of its components, including total carbs and fiber. http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/ According to the database 1 cherry tomato has .67 grams of carbs with .2 grams of fiber. My rule of thumb is to count each cherry tomato as 1/2 carb and use that in calculating my carb allowance for a meal.

Barb's right - tomatoes are one of those watch it type foods. And Water is a MUST! But overall your menu looks very good. Don't weigh for at least a week and if you could hold off until your 2 week induction is over, that would be even better.

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I second the excellent advice above. Especially the water.

The only thing I would add is to "watch the cheese." According to DANDR, cheese should be limited to 3-4 oz. You've got cheese at each meal, which is fine. Just watch the serving size.

You're doing fine. Just need a bit of adjustment.

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Thanks so much everyone... I slipped today and had to have one diet coke! Still sticking to the menu though. I thought the cherry tomatoes were too much too! Thanks again for all of your help!

Don't be sorry for asking! We were all new at one time.

You've already received great advice, I just want to reiterate how IMPORTANT the water is!
It's true that you should be abstaining from any diet sodas during induction, but if you absolutely MUST have one, make it a reward for getting in all of your water. In other words, NO other drinks until you have met your minimum water quota for the day.
Trust us, not only is it NECESSARY for your health for you to drink the water, but it will increase your rate of weightloss as well.

I, for one, HATED water and never drank it when I began this woe (way of eating)... now I drink no less than a gallon/day. Start slowly. Today, try to drink 4-5 8oz glasses. In a couple of days, add another glass and keep doing this until you reach your goal of half your weight in ounces. NEVER guzzle a large quantity of water in one sitting just to "get it over with." Sip it throughout the day.
Don't worry, you'll get used to it & after a while, your body will actually start to crave it.
HTH,

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Summer

hey, the questions are fine, you're on the right track, and day 2 is WAY toooooo early to start stressing about losses. really.

it's common the first 3-4 days for people to feel crummy due to sugar withdrawl, which usually goes away around day four and is replaced by a neato keen energy surge. moodiness, flu-like symptoms, tiredness all can be sometimes traced to this sugar detox. also, be aware of TOM for issues like bloat, mood swings, and general body craziness.

just keep on moving in the direction you're going. you're learning what you need to know and you're on your way.

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Feel free to ask questions! The folks here are great with answers and opinions. I, too, was NOT a water drinker. Hated the stuff! Now I have my two liters every day. (weekdays anyway...still working on getting enough on the weekends) You are doing great. Most people feel really yucky the first few days. Hang in there..it does get better!!

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Started Atkins-1/2/04
174 lbs at heaviest



5'0 154/136.5/130

I have been reading the Atkins book, as recommended by some of you on here, and have one question I haven't found the answer to. Can you do a really low carb diet, without doing the initial two week induction period? Just curious, because I have a girlfriend that wants to somewhat do this with me, only she's not interested in the beginning induction part.
I thought, that no matter what, you had to do the two week induction period even if you were only doing low carbs?
Am I wrong? Or is it true that there is no way she can tip toe around the evil part j/k.
Thanks a lot!

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Sarah
Second time (and for good!) on Atkins!
http://www.livejournal.com/users/crazy_sarah21/

I started mine over 2 years ago and my losses have been much slower then some (2 lbs a week max) but I began my woe at 30 carbs per day but I am diabetic so it is not written in stone, just works better for most to start with induction!

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http://www.livejournal.com/users/junee/

Sarah, I don't know about other plans, but if your friend is trying to use the Atkins Nutritional approach, she can "back into" induction, decreasing her carbs a bit each day until she gets down to 20.

The thing with Atkins is that you want to start low, so that you can gradually increase and find your CCLL (Critical Carbohydrate Level for Losing.)

She may want to investigate other plans, as well. I don't think all programs start with an Atkins type induction. The big advantage of an Atkins type induction is ketosis. There is a definite drop off in appetite and carb craving once it is achieved.

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Thanks a lot for all the info!
I'm hoping she'll find that self discipline and control are two things no one can live without, even though she swears up and down that she could never have either one. I'll relay the information shared here and hopefully she'll find what works for her! Thanks again!

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Sarah
Second time (and for good!) on Atkins!
http://www.livejournal.com/users/crazy_sarah21/

Sarah - Protein Power is similar to Atkins only they start at either 30 or 45 grams of net carbs (your choice) and you stay there until maintenance. It may take a day or 2 more to enter ketosis but most do so unless their CCLL is very low. In any case the Book Protein Pwer by the Dr.s Eades (husband and wife) is a very good read. I should know I've read it 5 times.

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So, this WOL only took your results like two days longer to reach ketosis than on Atkins? That's interesting, and definitely my next read. Can I ask, how long have you been following this WOE?

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Sarah
Second time (and for good!) on Atkins!
http://www.livejournal.com/users/crazy_sarah21/