Thread: hello all newbie here...

hello...my name is Denise and this is my first time doing atkins...so far i'm sticking to it ..and i feel soo much better... the first few days of induction were hard, but i think i've gotten the hang of it...i was wondering though..do i have to move up to owl or can i stay on induction longer?... if anyone has any info on that please let me know...thanks....and good luck to all!!!












started 3/12/2006.

Hi, Denise. Welcome to a great conversation. And congrats on getting off to a good start with Atkins.

The main purpose of induction is to kick your body into a state of "lipolysis" or fat-burning, for energy. This happens when carbohydrates are strictly limited. Once your body adjusts to this new path of metabolism, your goal is to begin introducing nutritious carbohydrates just a little at a time. This is the so-called "carb ladder" you'll read about in your Atkins book.

For most people, two weeks of induction is enough. There's no physical danger in staying on induction longer. However, there's no particular advantage in it either. The purpose of moving carefully into OWL is to introduce variety into your menu, and begin to learn a livable new way of eating. Weight loss will continue slowly and gradually, and by the time you reach "goal" you will have learned how to eat for life, not just for weight loss.

Stick around here, and best wishes.

welcome denise. glad to hear you're getting in the groove.

there's a sticky at the top of this forum that has my recommendations about when to move on to owl.

Welcome again,
I am going to stick with Induction for atleast the first month or so. And then I'll have some strawberries (can't wait til they are in season here=) with splenda. And some l/c pasta, etc.
Do you have the Aktins book? There is a chapter in which the late great tells the reader that your very question depends on the person and he gives an example of two different people with different needs and outlooks & I would read the book & read the sticky that Goddess pointed out.
The atkins book is like my life line for FAQ's, and although I've read the book upteenmillion times it seems that I catch a new somethin' somethin' that I didn't catch or gather the last time that I read it.
Best of Luck!

Yes, you'll find that different parts of DANDR pop out at you as you enter new phases of the plan, or a new state of mind.

When you get ready to move onto OWL, be sure to consult the "carb ladder" information--that's the order in which carb foods should be added for best results.

Personally, I'd hold the LC pasta--or any other low-carb manufactured food--for way later. It would actually be better, when you get there, to add a whole wheat "real food" product. YMMV. The bottom line: everybody has to adapt the plan to their own body and their own tastes, in order to make it livable forever. Best wishes.