Just started Atkins January 3rd

[totally4given]

Just started Atkins on January 3rd and have been doing some reading here for support. Have quite a bit of weight to lose and am in this for the long haul. Really want to get healthy for myself, my three year old and my family.

The headaches and feeling totally wiped out has been rough, but I believe today has been somewhat better. I am a newbie to this low carb way of life and am finding this site very helpful. Thanks!

[Jacqueline]

Hi, totally4given. Welcome to the low carb lounge! I'm so glad you joined us!

The first two to four days can be rough, including having induction flu. The good news is it only lasts a short time. Your attitude will help you a lot in being successful on your diet. We have a number of Atkins experts here, so please shoot us any questions you have.

[Laura]

Did you cut out caffeine? That was the hardest part for me. It does get better, though, and you should start feeling better than you had before. I cleared up all sorts of aches and pains and even asthma.

Are you using a book and if so, which one?

[totally4given]

Thanks for dropping by. Yes, cut out the caffeine --- that is probably where my headaches are coming from. Never heard it called the induction flu, but that is a very appropriate description.

Using the Atkins book, website, and talking lots to my sister who has done Atkins several years ago. She now does First Place at her church -- also does not really have a lot to lose. --

I am looking forward to weighing in on Thursday morning (my one week mark)-- am going to try to not get on the scale every day.

One question I have had is --- Is sugar free jello okay on induction? My sister said she never did, but I cannot find anything written about it.

[Laura]

Oh yes, the caffeine withdrawal will do it. Fortunately it doesn't last too long.

Glad to see you're using the book. A lot of people get the general idea from someone, but it's not as simple as 'steak and eggs for breakfast'. Many of us here follow the 2002 ed. of Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution. Some of the later books incorporate a lot more 'frankenfoods', in order to sell more products, even though they cause a lot of people problems.

I'm a weigh every day kinda person. Actually, I usually weigh several times a day when I'm losing. It motivates me. Lots of people say only do it every week or so, but I say do what works for you. You should notice your clothes fitting looser, anyway.

There are two thoughts on sugar free jello. One is that you should stay away from all artificial sweeteners during Induction and get used to eating 'normal' food. The other is that sugar free jello is better than a candy bar, so do what allows you keep from cheating.

The first time I did Induction, I cut everything out. If you're used to (or even like) food that's totally legit, it makes it way easier to make good choices when SF alternatives aren't available. If you feel you have to have dessert with every meal, it's going to come back to bite you when you're out and all they have are chocolate cake and ice cream.

So, it's technically not allowed, but I would say you're fine as long as it doesn't cause you problems (some foods trigger cravings).

[totally4given]

Thanks for all of the information and support. Think I'll wait a bit on the SF jello --- don't want to take a chance on stalling any losses. I am feeling that my pants are looser already..... and may go ahead and weigh in the morning. --- I checked and my book is copyright 2002 also. I am surprised though, that I am not finding Atkins shakes and bars in some of our local grocery stores. Did go to Wal-Mart this evening and find some. Not a huge selection there either. Tons of South Beach, but very few Atkins items.

[Laura]

When you weigh, just remember that the body is made up of more than fat (although it doesn't always feel that way!) so fluctuations on the scale don't necessarily mean you've lost or not lost any *fat*. The tape measure (or by extension, your clothes) are a better measure of your progress. People will see inches, not pounds.

And, if you're starting an exercise program, you could be replacing fat with muscle. Muscle weighs more than fat, but takes up less room, so you can still shrink without the scale moving at all.

Many of the South Beach items will work for OWL. Just be sure to read your labels.

[Jacqueline]

Laura gave you some great advice. I do want to mention since you said you are skipping the sf jello to prevent stalls that the low-carb candy bars are much more likely to cause stalls than sf jello is. Given a choice between the two, you are much better off with the jello. You can also put a little dollup of whipped cream on it.

I don't mean to harp on the candy bars, but we've seen so many people have problems with them. That's why I call them evil.