Ok.... I did a little research after reading a bunch of posts to day and found out I should not have fewer than 1700 calories a day. Then I went to fitday (which I find a little confusing) and found I had over 3000 calories and 31 carbs . (even though Im supposed to be at 25 this week. Is that too many calories? I know its too many caarbs but do calories count too? Im a slow loser as I have been on 3 diets since my 1st attempt at atkins//. Im doing great this time, not perfect, Ive made a few mistakes...but you keep on going! Any advice here...Monday will be my 4th week....

Hi, this is my 1st day on Atkins so I like this question. As far as I have read, on induction, you really don't have to watch calories just carbs, but only eat til satisfied. So I don't know what you do on week 3 and 4, like your self. I keep having to stick my nose back into the book for answers. Keep up the great work!

GG

212/191/150

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.

Amanda, 25 carbs at 4 weeks is not too many. Is this 25 net carbs (did you subtract the fiber?). What are you eating during the day to get so many calories? Why don't you post a typical day's menu.

How much weight have you loss? How much do you want to lose? What were the mistakes you made? Was it one bite of something or a all out binge ? Are you exercising?

As for does calories count, I think they do. Once you are pass induction, I think it is wise to track both calories and carbs. Remember, we are all different.

Good luck!

Susan ( AKA Northwest)
207/177.5/160

Amanda,

Without knowing a little more about you it is hard to make comments about your calories. During induction, you should concentrate on clearing your system of the carbs and dependency on them. Don't worry about the calories during that period. After that, you may need to make adjustments as your weight goes down. In my case, initially I did not worry, but as I got further into the process and experienced a considerable stall I found that I had to be more careful. You will find that tracking on Fitday is actully very helpful. I heartily recommend it. After creating your account on Fitday, go to the goals page and it will give you an RDA. You might keep this in mind as you consider the number of calories to eat each day.

For more prespective on this, read the thread in this section about Minimum calories to avoid starvation".

Judy

180/144/138
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." Winston Churchill

[This message was edited by Judy on 09-20-03 at 08:24 AM.]

Hi,
It's not important at this point to count calories, just carbs. If you are into your 3rd or 4th week, you are past the induction phase which means you should begin to add "good" carbs at 5gm. increments. An example would be: It's the beginning of your third week, add more salad veggies or allowable veggies per day. Weigh yourself at the end of the week. Did you lose weight? Then add more carbs, as you begin your 4th week-let's say a berry fruit or nuts for a week. Weigh yourself at the end of the 4th week. Did you lose or gain or stay the same? If you lost..add more carbs, if you gainedor stayed the same, forgo the nuts and fruits until you lose all the weight you want. Note: this is a simplified example, but i hope it helps a bit.

Lisa
198/158/125
Atkins 5/22/03

http://www.lowcarbeating.com/lcesupporter.gif