Well, Sept 1st was the "end" of my Induction period. Today is the 5th and I am finally (after much trying to convince myself) that is time to move on. This does sadden me a little bit since I only lost 3lbs during induction, and was hoping for so much more. But, after reading through this forum I have decided that staying on Induction would not be healthy and that I should move on. *gulp* This scares me quite a bit. I know everyone is different, but I don't understand how adding more carbs is going to help me still lose weight. I'm NOT complaining about the 3lbs! I LOVE the fact I lost 3lbs. But...if I start adding....see where I am going with this? I think I am going to break down and buy some ketone strips. Would it be safe (since I am so worried about this) to only go up to 25g of carbs? I would so appreciate any words of wisdom anyone could pass my way! Thank you for reading my plea! lol

222/219/150
Started Atkins 8/19/2003

First, would you mind posting a sample day's menu? While three pounds is good, I can understand your concerns...and it's entirely possible that while your carbs are low, there are other problems that can easily be eliminated as you add carbs.

Also indicate how much water you drink, your exercise regimen (if any, and it's okay if you're not), and (if you're female) where you are in your menstrual cycle.

And ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS start adding carbs by adding more vegetables. No one got fat eating a stalk of broccoli!

Emelia

"We can only learn to love by loving." - Iris Murdoch, Irish writer
294/208/174 since 25-Nov-01

Hi Help, yes you need to add 5 g a day for a week and see how you are doing. According to Dr. Adkins, the extra carbs need to come from the approved veggie list. Have you been to the web site? I think it is www.adkinsdiet.com. I have it saved to my favorites so I am not sure.

Accrding to his "power of five" suggestions, these are:
1 c. cooked spinach
2/3 c. red bell peppers
1 medium tomato
1 c. cooked broccoli
12 med. asparagus
1 c. cauliflower
1/2 c. chopped onion
1/2 California avocado
2/3 c. summer squash
Next week you add 5 g dairy, etc. etc.

It is scary to increase carbs. We always think less is better, but not so .

HTH

Susan ( AKA Northwest)
207/178.5/160

Do get the Ketostix.

The original version of OWL went something like this:

1) Increase your carbs a little
2) Test yourself with the ketostix.
3) If you are still in ketosis, go back to step 1.
4) If you're not in ketosis, back off on the carbs. You've discovered your Critical Carbohydrate Level. Stay at this level.

There's nothing unhealthy about staying on induction. I think Dr. Atkins would throw a cow about anybody saying that. It's just unnecessary.

You won't necessarily lose more weight at 20 carbs a day than at 25 or 30. The point is to be under your Critical Carbohydrate Level (CCL). Anything below that number and you're in ketosis and the diet is working. Anything above that and you're just not doing the diet.

Your actual weight loss isn't PROPORTIONAL in any way to your carb intake. Carbs aren't like calories.

Thank you for the feedback

A typical days worth of food....

B: 2 eggs + 1 egg white scrambled with sausage, 1 or 2 tbsp. g. peppers, 1 or 2 tbsp. onions and 2 slices tomato diced. (this was pretty much every day

S: Morning start (apple crisp) or a meat stick (slim jim, kinda)

L: 2 hard boiled eggs, 1 oz sharp cheddar cheese OR 1/4 lb hot dog with melted cheese
( i work at a 7-11 at this was really convient. I was really bad at wanting to cook during induction, but I have gotten over this problem...made some yummy meatloaf last night LOL)

D: hamburger w/ sauteed g. peppers, onions, melted cheese, 1 slice tomato OR Tuna salad.

Depending on what I would have for lunch depended on what i would have for dinner. Ate tuna when I needed more protein.

I exercise about 3 times a week, but unfortunatly it is not spread out. I usually am motivated 3 or 4 days in a row then loose it. This usually happens when I have a day off work. I do 1 hr. with a bellydance for fitness video. I really enjoy laughing at myself during this! I take my dog out to walk 2 times a day. Once at probably 10 min. the other at 15.

I drink close to a gallon of water a day, but on Mondays, I can't because I work the graveyard shift and don't have anyone to watch the store while I keep running to the bathroom. So I only drink approx. 80 oz. (this is still good yes?)

Thank you again!

222/219/150
Started Atkins 8/19/2003

opps..sorry, I didn't answer the Dr. question!

No, I have not got the ketostix yet. But I believe since I am having such slow weight loss that I will be getting them soon.

And even though I have only lost 3 lbs. I lost 3 inches in my hips and 2.5 in my chest. (I just hope I am measuring the same place everytime. I am going to be adding more measurments next time around...thighs, neck, and naval.)

222/219/150
Started Atkins 8/19/2003

Hey guys! Just wanted to say that I lost 4lbs.


I'm down to 215 wahoo! I know I wasn't going to weigh myself until the 15th but I decided to do my measurments and add a few. So, I figured while I was in the I would jump on the scale and I lost 4lbs.

Just wanted to share with you guys. Thanks for your support!

222/215/150
Started Atkins 8/19/2003

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by HelpWhenICan:

S: Morning start (apple crisp) or a meat stick (slim jim, kinda)
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

What is this 'morning start (apple crisp)'? What's the carb content? Might be fine, but it sounds suspiciously like a NutriGrain bar or something.

I'm leery of the meat stick, too - plain beef jerky wouldn't be so bad, but my opinion is that Slim Jims are not real food.

Your menu sounds not so bad otherwise, but I think you need more fresh veggies and less processed stuff. You're doing great with the water; keep it up.

Laurelyn

Ah, just saw another thread on the Morning Start bars. Yes, the label may say "only 2 grams carb" or whatever - but a LOT of people find that these bars stall them. Your mileage may vary, and it certainly sounds as though your loss has really kicked in over the last few days. Congratulations! Just be aware that the bars, shakes, etc. do cause problems for some folks.

Laurelyn

Laurelyn,

I have laid off the Morning Start Bars (from Atkins) lol. Don't know if this was stalling me or not, but decided that it wasn't ok to eat one every couple of days. I kinda like the fact that I got so much protien out of it.

My slim jim actually are meat sticks. But the closest thing i could find on fit day was a slim jim. We (work at convience store) get these along with our jerky from an outside company. lol, i don't think I have eaten a slim jim in years!

I am working on the fresh veggies thing. I am going to start buying a bunch and then just chopping them up...so i have them all week.

I will be very wary with the shakes and processed foods. (i am getting better day by day) Yes, I am happier now with my results and I hope I can keep this up.

The only time I have a really big problem drinking water is when it is not cold. I keep a water purifier in my fridge. But I also keep a couple gallon jugs handy to make sure i have cold water on hand.

I thank you for you advice and kind words...



Have no fear, we are here, to support 1lb at a time...

222/215/150
Started Atkins 8/19/2003