Newbie here...I'm in Induction Phase..

Thanks for your posts!
It helps a lot to know that I don't have to watch the calories as well as the carbs. This week I think hit that low energy phase, or what I've read is called the "Atkins flu"...I usually do intense exercise routine that includes weights/cardio...but I've been taking it easy these past 2 weeks and I'm glad I did. I was so sore and tired on Thursday, definitely felt like the flu. Started feeling better yesterday.


Edited by: FULLFIGUREDGAL at: 7/31/2010 (09:50)

WElcome to the board!!! So glad you are here!!!

Hi and welcome!
The nice thing on Atkins is that it is pretty brainless. Or if your prefer -- stress-free. Once you learn a few foods that you like and how many carbs are in your typical "dish", you don't have to worry. You should be able to eat up to 2000 calories if you keep a very close eye on your carbs. But I doubt you'd WANT to eat that many calories; fat is VERY filling. You might go through an adjustment period of distressingly low energy (don't worry, it only lasts a few weeks). If you do, just nibble fairly constantly (and it takes ONLY a nibble to do the trick) on your favorite portable low carb food. For me, 2 oz of cheese would get me through the entire day!

Yes, even on Atkins it is possible to overeat. You really don't want to eat HUGE amounts of protein. And you want to avoid carbs like the plague! Eggs and jello are amazingly versatile foods! You want to make Oopsie Rolls as a bread substitute. AND Muffin in a Minute AKA Muffin in a Cup (the low-carb versions).

Thank you so much! That definitely helps me with my meal planning.

It's funny, but I used to use Stevia awhile back and stopped buying it. I will definitely buy some for now.

Much success to you!

Welcome! I am back on Atkins after a nearly 4 year break. In 2006 I lost 40 pounds before stopping meal planning completely when my life became very crazy. Now I have that 40 to lose again, plus an additional 35 I gained on top of it...and more.

As with then, I don't really pay attention to how many calories I eat. I just try to make sure that I get about 12-15 carbs from veggies (usually at 14 or 15), and the 20 total. I averaged 1733 calories a day for the first week of induction so far. I have also noticed in my stats that about 10% of my calories are from carbs, and the other 90% are pretty equally divided between fats and protein.

I use stevia as a sweetener, and did even when I wasn't following Atkins. I like liquid stevia with flavoring, especially in coffee. If you check out Sweetleaf Stevia, they have a variety of liquid flavors. I have found a few in Whole Foods, and even in one of my local Kroger stores. You can also order it online at www.stevia.com The packet stevia has added fiber, and no net carbs. The liquid sweetener is also carb-free. (I also don't react to it the way I do to Splenda!)

Keep up the hard work!

Hi everyone...I've known about Atkins for years and in my early twenties tried it for about 2 weeks, but then I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism and my doctor told me not to do it...now I'm in my thirties with double the weight of my twenties and on top of the thyroid problem I'm now a Celiac and have to follow a gluten free diet...which is almost like Atkins because I have to eliminate a lot of carbs due to the foods used to make it...so I decided to try Atkins again, after not having much success losing weight even though I hit cardio and weights hard...I'm 4 days into Induction and have lost 3.5 lbs so far...my question is...how many calories should I eat? I'm tracking what I eat on the Nutrition Tracker, but don't know how many calories to max at...normally I follow 1500...can someone explain this to me?
The hardest part of this so far has been not having any sugar whatsoever...I usually only use sugar in my morning cup of coffee...and I didn't think I'd miss it that much...MUCH SUCCESS TO ALL!! :D