I'm back from doing ok

[MarcSage]

Hello everyone - If you listen to my podcast you know I am in a completely confused state and I need advice! Boy do i need advice!

I have been dropping weight slowly for the last 6 months but nonetheless dropping weight ( I still want to drop 40 lbs) ....but the problem has been that I have been on induction for months and months so I felt it was time to slowely introduce some carbs.....this has messed me up. I feel horrible from the foods, bloated, winded from the gym and I feel I am definitly going to cheat since my cravings are at 100%! This is from adding a cup of brown rice and reintroducing caffeine (2 coffees) - not the hugest change IMO.

I have have always understood with this WOE that carbs would get reintroduced eventually and that induction should not be followed for more than 6 months....I feel I have to start all over in order to get my head straight. I guess what i am wondering is - what do I do now? Do I start all over again? Go towards induction even lower in carbs? Is it safe to do a longer term induction? If not - what now? Just looking for advice - not a 100% solution - thanks everyone!

[HulaMom]

Re: I'm back from doing ok

Aloha Marc,
It sounds like you should go on a strict induction for a week or two. Get yourself back into ketosis. Focus on the basics.
A better approach this time around is to follow Atkins recommendations on adding carbs back into your life carefully. Follow the rungs and track how each carb impacts you. This is an area where YMMV - your mileage may vary - and you need to find out for yourself whether and at what stage you can safely handle brown rice.
Don't be afraid of another induction. If you have been off for only a little while, it may not take you too long to get back into Ketosis. You may just find it to be a big relief!
Aloha,
Hula

[Adena]

Re: I'm back from doing ok

Marc, did you start with brown rice as your first higher rung (OWL) food? If so, that probably is the problem. Foods need to be added in slowly, in a certain order. The purpose of which is to determine your tolerance for certain foods -- what agrees with you and what doesn't. On a positive note, you already know brown rice doesn't agree. On the carbohydrate ladder (http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...?t=5516&page=1), brown rice would be the last type thing you add (whole grains)... first comes more veggies and more dairy, nuts, berries, starchy veggies, "other" fruits...

I agree about getting yourself back into ketosis (maybe a week back on induction?), and then starting to add new carbs back in the right way, in the right order... Forgive me if that IS what you've done and I've just misunderstood.

[MarcSage]

Re: I'm back from doing ok

Hulamom and Adina - thank you for you wisdom! I am off to check out the kids in the 14 day induction phase forum - start from scratch! I'll be back on Steaks, fish and chicken - sweeet! lol

Of course I chose brown rice first right? geez - Next time I think I am going to introduce more eggplant or tomato....but 2 weeks of an very strict induction is what I think I need...something to make me refocus and reevaluate everything....

[Adena]

Re: I'm back from doing ok

Marc, I was just listening to your current podcast -- interesting stuff. And I'm so glad to hear you are endorsing Dr. A. I assume you have, but if you haven't, I hope you'll read the 2002 version of Dr A's New Diet Revolution. There's lots of great info in there (and it's significantly different from the previous edition).

Here on ADBB, the 14-day induction thread will be helpful, as well as the OWL thread. The link I gave you above is really useful when you are ready to start adding more tomatoes and eggplant... and more! It actually gives more info than the book on this topic. However, all this info is "by the book." This information is based on additional research by a number of knowlegable folks around here, including calling Dr Atkins clinic back when they used to give advice.

I heard you talk on your podcast about making the decision to low-carb for life... and that this is really the only way it works. I completely agree. And that's why people MUST move up the rungs of the carbohydrate ladder (in order ). For the vast majority of people, induction for life would be impossible It's just not meant to be a long term lifestyle. But with more veggies, fruits, nuts, starchy veggies, and grains, low-carbing is very doable long term. Variety is the spice of life, right?

It's always a challenge to communicate to people how healthful Atkins really is... basically, when done correctly, the only foods eliminated are sugar and white flour, rice, etc. People just don't get that. Your podcast is a great way to reinforce Atkins done the right way and debunk many of the common misconceptions. Best of luck to you!

[IrishMom82]

Re: I'm back from doing ok

I think you should re-start induction and then continue onto OWL, in the correct order. Brown rice isn't until the end of OWL going into maintenance. Caffeine can be a big staller and highly suggested against. If you haven't done so read the 2002 edition of Dr. A.'s book. It explains how and why certain foods are introduced at certains times. Good luck.

[Adena]

Re: I'm back from doing ok

A carb ladder graphic I just found that might be helpful:

http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...7&page=1&pp=10

[TheDogAteMyName]

Re: I'm back from doing ok

Adena...awesome post!

Marc - you can check in over at the induction forum, but please post here too. STAC rocks! Filled with great info.

[chinadoll]

Re: I'm back from doing ok

Marc, I lost 70 the first time on Atkins and one of the things I learned from my reintroduction of foods is that there are some foods that act like triggers for me--and they aren't always obvious. For example, I have to be very careful with nuts. They will almost certainly trigger a binge if I eat a handful. I can only have almonds (no other kinds) in small amounts unless I want to go off the deep end. My other big trigger is rice of any kind. It will trigger a binge for sure and make me feel lousy to boot. It could be that rice is just the wrong carb for you and may always be a food that works against you. On the other hand, small amounts of bread and an occasional half a sweet potato didn't cause the same effects and I could eventually add those with no problem. So don't despair on all carbs, maybe the brown rice was the wrong choice for you.