I have been on induction for two days now and although you're not suppose to weigh yourself often I stepped on the scale and saw that I have gained three pounds!! I am at a loss as to what to do. I have followed the plan to the letter...I have had more water in the past two days than I normally do in a week...I don't eat seafood at all and I eat very little meat... is it possible that I'm not able to eat enough? I suppose my body might freak out after living off of cheese, lettuce and what little meat I like. I cannot risk continuing if I am going to gain more weight. Any suggestions?...please help... thanks.
GhstGrl

Ohmygoodness, Ghstgrl! Two days on induction is wa-a-a-ay too soon to start getting anxious about this new way of eating. There's nothing in the plan that promises a "quick fix." Indeed, the whole idea is to change your eating patterns for life so that once you reach your goal, you'll never say "diet" again.

If you are not already doing so, go immediately to a nutrition tracker and post your menus. You can use the one on this site, or the free one at fitday.com This will help you analyze your eating in detail. At this point, you'll probably be eating as many as 2000 calories/day and as much as 70% fat.

However, you do need to hold the cheese to no more than two ounces. If you don't like meat, stick with varieties of fish (tuna, salmon, seafood), eggs, and alternative protein like soy (eg. tofu or soy protein isolate). Your green vegetables should mainly be the dark green variety--broccoli, dark green leafies, zucchini, string beans.

Your body is in the process of converting from a carb-burning machine to a fat-burning machine. This takes at least three days. If you wish, you'll be able to check what's happening with the use of lipolysis testing strips (eg. Bayer Ketostix, available at the pharmacy, usually cheapest at big box stores or online.)

Relax. Make the commitment. Stay the course. We all felt uncertain in the beginning. The only solution is to take the long view.

Best wishes!

Barb L.
Started Atkins January 2003
162/137/130



[This message was edited by Barb L. on 01-24-04 at 05:58 AM.]

Not the first time I have been called anxious.
I guess I am just going on a prior experience. A few months ago I started induction and lost five pounds immediately..lose clothes the whole deal..not even four days after beginning. I guess miracles rarely repeat themselves. LOL.

I will remain patient - or try. I also started measuring today so I'll be able to monitor that way as well.

Thanks for your input and putting me back in place.

Barb gave you excellent advice. Don't forget that your cycle will impact the scales. Don't throw the towel in just yet, your body has to have ample time to adjust to the changes.

Take care~
Susan

LCE Member since 01/02

Barb L.'s advice was right on the money.

Taking your measurements, in my view, is most important, 'cause you can not lose, and even gain, on this woe and still be smaller. There are a lot of factors at work here; increased protein in your diet, exercise, etc. Read Sharron's thread, "The scale is a cheat and a liar!" at the top of the newbie forum. Good info there.

Be patient. Barb's so right, this is a life change, and great things will happen.

Trina

Cooking is at once child's play and adult joy.
And cooking done with care is an act of love.
- Craig Claiborne

Hi, GhstGrl.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> I don't eat seafood at all and I eat very little meat. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

So exactly what are you eating for protein? It is important to get enough protein with this way of eating.

Maggie
5'1" ~~ Atkins since '98 (160+)
Maintaining nicely (110 +/-)
~~ Redhead until further notice!

And what about chicken? ....


Peace, Joanna

Thanks everyone for the encouragement and advice.
I do eat chicken and will occasionally have some ground sirloin or a small piece of red meat. That's all the protein I am getting though. I am keeping my cheese to a small amount..just a sprinkling on my salad so I don't think I am going over the recommended 2 oz. I am staying around 20 carbs - is this correct?
I am determined to stick with it...especially after taking measurements this morning...wow! was that an eye-opener!

Post your menues and let us have a look. Are you eating any of those LC candy bars?

Barb - 30 lbs gone FOREVER!
www.iwsgroupinc.com - website design and development


Atkins-3/14/03
174/144/135 5'2"
"A little knowledge is a dangerous thing."
Knowledge is POWER

Wed:
Breakfast: Bacon (3 pieces), 1 egg
Lunch: chef salad, ranch dressing
Dinner: chicken breast, green beans
Thurs:
B: same as wed
L: greek salad with chicken
D: hamburger w/o bun
Fri:
B: omelet with sausage
L: chicken caesar salad
D: pot roast, mixed veggies

That's what I've had for the past three days. Today, so far I have had bacon, eggs and I'm getting ready to have lunch. I actually had a handful of mixed nuts to tide me over to lunch other than that I haven't had any snacks on any days... No bars, shakes, etc either

Am I suppose to be eating 20 grms of carbs per day? I believe that's what the Atkins book said..unfortunately it's at the office right now and I can't take a looksee.

Hopefully you guys can point out where I may be going wrong. Thanks again for the support.
Ghstgrl

Your menu looks great. Are you drinking water? Are you drinking any diet soda or other diet drinks containing aspertame? Are you exercising? Are you using full fat dressing? Are you near your TOM?

We'll figure this out one way or another.

Barb - 30 lbs gone FOREVER!
www.iwsgroupinc.com - website design and development


Atkins-3/14/03
174/144/135 5'2"
"A little knowledge is a dangerous thing."
Knowledge is POWER

You mentioned having a "handful" of mixed nuts. If you're on induction you shouldn't be having any nuts yet. (I think.) Or at least they could make you retain water. And what kind of nuts? How much is a handful?

I am drinking water at every meal and inbetween meals. I have had about one cup of diet soda and that was yesterday. I use full fat dressing. I am a week from my TOM. I exercise 45 minutes every other day. As far as the nuts go...I had four..I'm guess two cashews and an almond..but I'm not for sure. I am sure it was only four though.

I feel as if my face is looking a bit thinner -where I usually lose first..but my pants and such feel tighter than ever! Perhaps I'm just bloated/retaining water because my TOM is near? If that's it then I'm ok with that. I just want to make sure I'm not doing something wrong diet-wise. I guess I'm the Nagging Newbie for the day...lol..my apologies.
Thanks again to you all.
Ghstgrl

Okay, you are doing everything right. Since you are a week from TOM, I have concluded that THAT'S what the deal is. I am in the same boat right now. It's frustrating, I know. But you just have to ride it out. Don't weigh yourself again until after TOM is over. Keep at it, you are doing good!!!! Just give it time. I didn't lose but 6 lbs during induction (3 weeks) so, you may be metabolically slow, but so am I. But notice how much I've lost. Looking back, it didn't really take all that much time. But I am happy to say, I am minus 30 lbs of excess baggage now. Hang in there, it will happen for you too!!!!

Oh and since your face is looking thinner, you ARE losing weight. That gol-darn TOM is throwing things off. And it makes sense that your pants would be a little tighter now. No worries....

Barb - 30 lbs gone FOREVER!
www.iwsgroupinc.com - website design and development


Atkins-3/14/03
174/144/135 5'2"
"A little knowledge is a dangerous thing."
Knowledge is POWER

Many thanks Barb. It's good to know that I'm on the right track. I'll check back in with my weight after my TOM my finished. I feel great...that also should be my guide.
Thanks again!
Ghstgrl