Thinking aloud....inviting comments

[Evermind]

So I just checked my fitday stats for the last two weeks, and I'm averaging about 12 net carbs per day, which is typical for me in induction. I'm also staying around 1600 calories, which is less than my bmi and that worries me slightly.

So I was planning to start OWL in 2 more weeks, but it's occurring to me that one way to add some calories is to increase veggies, so maybe I will start the veggie rung on Sunday. I've been thinking that I should move pretty quickly into OWL because I've always only done extended induction, never one rung, and maybe that has influenced my staying power. I do love my cottage cheese and my yogurt....and my berries. I have those to look forward to after awhile.

But even if I add another 5 net carbs, I won't be at 20, and I thought you should aim above 20 grams for OWL. Am I wrong?

Also, I really don't like meat and fish. I will eat ground beef a couple of times a week in various recipes, and maybe chicken once a month, but unless the fish is smoked, no deal, and honestly I might eat meat 3 times a week 1 week out of 52. So what should I do about adding protein to my daily regime? A home-made protein powder shake?

[*Emma*]

Re: Thinking aloud....inviting comments

Nope your right, you're at 12 net carbs on induction (which is quite normal) so up that to 17 net carbs for the first rung...

how about you check out the vegetarian forums to see how they get their protein? could be a help!

I certainly think youre doing the right thing moving onto OWL, it seems to me that the most of the people that fail at this WOE are the ones that have stayed on induction.

[julirama723]

Re: Thinking aloud....inviting comments

I think moving to OWL is a great idea!

A great non-meat way to add protein is to eat tofu. Extra-firm/firm varieties are good for stir-fries and as a meat substitute. Silken tofu is awesome in shakes and drinks, and also for sauces. Once you get to the dairy rung (rung 2) you'll be able to add things like yogurt and cottage cheese, which have a higher protein content.

Stay away from protein powder, as they are NOT legal until the dairy rung (if it's whey protein) or the legumes rung (if it's soy protein). Tofu is a natural source of protein, and is legal for all phases of Atkins. Tofu DOES contain carbs, so make sure to count them in your daily totals.

[Outback Jess]

Re: Thinking aloud....inviting comments

Go for the rungs! Go and practice and eat and learn and develop all the skills you can so you create a lifestyle that is pleasurable...Follow Juli around, she knows! I recently have begun to use a protein shake, and it has not had an adverse effect on me at all.
Other than drinking one and then exercising in the heat, NOW that was bad, brought on nausea and diaherrah....lovely experience at the park! Go for the veggies rung one!

[Evermind]

Re: Thinking aloud....inviting comments

I did not know that Tofu is legal in all phases of Atkins! WOO HOO! Problem solved...........I can use that to make smoothies and stuff, so no problem.

Ok, I'm going with my gut and also your advice, and I will start OWL tomorrow. Of course, I haven't lost a pound in the last week, so it won't be easy to tell if it's affecting my loss, but we'll deal with that if I haven't lost in another 2 weeks, or if my measurements on the 23d are static.

[mitzimarie]

Re: Thinking aloud....inviting comments

Ok, I'm going with my gut and also your advice, and I will start OWL tomorrow. Of course, I haven't lost a pound in the last week, so it won't be easy to tell if it's affecting my loss, but we'll deal with that if I haven't lost in another 2 weeks, or if my measurements on the 23d are static.

Evermind, my guess is that you will lose after moving to rung 1.

[BabyGotBack]

Re: Thinking aloud....inviting comments

I'm planning to move onto OWL too. I'll probably go for it after next week (it will be the start of week 4 for me). I agree with Emma that that is probably why I ultimately did not stay with the program--I never really figured out how to incorporate everything into my everyday life.

Sorry I don't have any suggestions for alternative protein. Just curious what you are eating now to get your protein in each day?

[Evermind]

Re: Thinking aloud....inviting comments

Right now, my protein requirements are met by yellow squash, flax, cheese, and eggs. About 4-6 eggs a day. Not a lot of cheese. Maybe 2 oz.

I will also have slices of smoked turkey periodically.

So far, so good! None of those has ever stalled me.

[MojosRising]

Re: Thinking aloud....inviting comments

I'm thinking the exact same way. Staying on extended induction may have been what bit me in the a$$ in the past...

I thought flax wasnt allowed until the nut rung??

[mitzimarie]

Re: Thinking aloud....inviting comments

I thought flax wasnt allowed until the nut rung??

It's not - here is a copy of a post made by one of our experts, Megs:

"Flax is safe for Induction, but as I wrote the book gives specific amounts and conditions for its use during Induction.

If you look at my responses in the flax threads, I always note the uses of flax during Induction and the amounts it's to be used because people mistakenly believe flax is a "free food". It's not during Induction.

For daily fiber supplementation
Chapter 8: "I recommend that you take one tablespoon of psyllium husks daily. Be sure to select a sugar-free product. You can also take one tablespoon of coarse wheat bran or flaxseed meal."

For relief of constipation
Chapter 11: "If you are constipated, mix a tablespoon or more of psyllium husks in a cup or more of water and drink daily. Or mix ground flaxseed into a shake or sprinkle wheat bran on a salad or vegetables."

So there is a limit set forth in the book. Again, if you use the flax as a food, then the On-Going Weight Loss phase is the appropriate phase to do that. During Induction it's only used as a fiber supplement or as a constipation reliever in the amounts specified in the book."

~ So that means you need to wait until Rung 3 of OWL to use flax as a food. A lot of people are unclear about this. I guess if someone didn't know that is was not legal as a food during Induction and has been eating it without stalling, they would continue to do so. But for the record, it is not legal as a food during Induction and isn't legal until Rung 3.

[Evermind]

Re: Thinking aloud....inviting comments

When I did Atkins the first time, it was recommended that I have 2 tablespoons of flax a day. So that's what I do. I make cereal, or a cracker.

It's got a fair amount of protein, as a side effect.