Detox question

[icugirl]

Hello, my name is Tamara and I'm a carb and sugar addict. (I have always heard, the first step is admitting your addiction) I'll be serious now...just needed a laugh...I was just wondering how long does it takes to get over the yucky feeling of getting rid of the carbs and sugar. I didn't make it thru the day without both, but I will just have to get back on the bandwagon again in the am--I'm not going to beat myself up over this---but I am just going to have to tough out the withdrawl. I didn't realize how addicted to it I was. I am truthfully not sure if I can completely give up the diet coke. I know I can cut down to 1-2 daily, but I am even more addicted to caffeine. Will this make a big difference? Just let me know how long it will last to get over it.

Thanks guys!!
Tamara

[Mary-chan]

Re: Detox question

The more you cheat, the longer the detox stage will last! If you do a complete withdrawal it should only last a few days to a week. Take lots of vitamins and drink LOTS of water!! If you get rid of the diet coke now, in three weeks you won't be able to stand the taste of it, and wondered how you ever drank the stuff. I promise!!

Goodluck I'm sure you will do great, welcome to the CC

[Hinen]

Re: Detox question

It is tough at first, giving up all the things you think you can't survive without, but thats what induction is, breaking with the foods your are addicted too. The yucky bit is short compared with continuing to eat and drink the stuff that does nasty things to your body. Having got this far take the final steps and do a clean induction, your body and results will be better for it.

[cleochatra]

Re: Detox question

{{{icugirl}}}

If I've learned only one thing following Atkins for the last 22 years, it's that sticking with this WOE is for life. It has to be. I've wasted too much of my life sitting on my sofa and scarfing candybars while the world outside my window was alight with laughter and merriment!

You're worth it, too!

Please come to the Second Time Around Forum and hang out with us there, too! We know what you're going through.

[bizzlekitty]

Re: Detox question

I am truthfully not sure if I can completely give up the diet coke. I know I can cut down to 1-2 daily, but I am even more addicted to caffeine. Will this make a big difference? Just let me know how long it will last to get over it

I'd highly recommend cutting it out completely. As a former 10-15 diet coke cans a day addict, I was exactly where you are at, but I realized that that stuff was just as bad for me as bad carbs and sugars.

Cut down slowly if you really can't deal with the caffeine withdrawal, but see if you can get past the 3-4 days of induction nausea and headaches, as you're going to have those anyway with induction, might as well break all the bad habits.

I just drink water and unsweet tea nowadays. I might have a diet coke once in a rare while, but it no longer quenches my thirst nor tastes like it used to.

I really noticed the difference when I go out to eat at a restaurant. I used to drink 4-5 glasses of diet coke at every meal. Now, I struggle just to finish my single glass of water I get. Something odd about soft drinks that don't quite quench your thirst but make you want to drink them more. They also prevent you from drinking sufficient water that you need to on Atkins.

As for induction symptoms, it will typically take 2-3 days. What helped me the most was to prepare for the hunger pains etc. with Atkins safe snacks, such as celery and pepperoni slices and deli meat. It also helped to hide and get rid of any temptations.

Make it a self goal to see how long you can go "cheat free", the longer you go, the easier this WOE will be.

Good luck!

[dreamof145]

Re: Detox question

This is probably one of the most important questions anyone can ask. I can only speak from my own observation...but the two week detox that we do does help to eliminate most of the food cravings that we've gotten used to reaching for out of habit to relieve boredom, hunger, stress, celebrate happiness and even habit. I feel that along with the detox stage, you will stand a much better chance for success if you start looking for ways to fill that void that the trigger foods used to fill. For me, it was chips, popcorn, pretzels and bread/butter.

At the same time I started my weight-loss program...I also started looking for ways to improve my attitude. (I was as low as I could go as far as self-confidence). I found other interests besides food. Instead of stressing over the foods that were not on the acceptable list...I focused on the ones that were on the list. I collected recipes, read and listened to motivational self-help tapes or books, got involved in an activities and community groups, anything that would fill the emotional void. I've learned the past year that my attitude is what matters most for me. I still get cravings and look longingly at some foods, but today I can get a grip on my feelings and quickly get busy doing something instead of acting on that impulse.

[2big4mysize]

Re: Detox question

I was a 24 can a day addict when i started you can give it up and you will feel so much better. the headache will be bad but it will go awy in a few days.