HELP! FLUSHED & FATIGUED +Q's portion size/calorie count

[LunaWillowalker]

I am brand new to your boards - but 2 weeks into Atkins - actually today is day 15 - and I am SO GLAD I found your message boards - You all seem so wonderfully nice - and you REALLY know your stuff. Hopefully - you can assist me.

I started the first couple days following the advise of someone who has had success w/ this diet. After 2 days, I got the book and read it thru. Am I the only one who finds this a difficult read? Don't get me wrong - it's very informative - and give lots of reasoning and background details - BUT - I don't feel it is an "instructional guide" - is there such a thing as Atkins for Dummies? Before you bop me on the head and tell me to re-read - I did read it - have been living it - and still have question that perhaps you amazing people who have had such splendid results can possibly steer me in the right direciton.

Here's some basics on me: I'm a gal who has really slid out of control weight wise for 10 years. I'm 5'5". I started my induction @ 234 -and after 14 days - I am 225.5.

The last time I was close to being happy with my weight and figure was 10 years ago thru the help of good ol' (really bad old) phen-fen. I got down from 240 to 145 - happily wearing a size 8. We all know what happened with phen-fen - and I just couldn't recapture the drive and ability to succeed on a weight loss program since. However, I am fairly physically active and prior to Induction - walked about 2 miles a day.

I am very happy with my starter loss but do have questions. I feel very flushed - very hot in the face - since starting Atkins. Yes - my face is actually red in the cheeks and I don't know why. No fever, good blood pressure -etc. Just very warm in the face - I am puzzled.

I also do not have the energy I did prior to Atkins - I am eating good and drinking tons of water, but my get up and go - has got up and went. I am generally feeling crapped out - doing activities that I previously did without a thought. I climb a hill to do my walking - and I really feel TERRIBLE while climbing this hill - which was no prob at all before. I am very tired at night - but I do sleep very well. I do feel great in the AM - but I have no stamina after my day job - which is a desk job. I really want to do cardio - walking/treadmill/biking - which I could effortlessly prior to Induction -but feel just too wiped out to do it right now. Is this something that will pass -any ideas of something I may be doing wrong?

Now - my other question was something that didn't enter my mind before checking out the boards. I was under the impression that Atkins is NOT a calorie counting - and NOT portion based diet. Of course, I am talking about the FREE foods. I understand that veggies must be monitored because of carb content. Yet - I was under the impression we are to eat until satisfied - but not stuffed. Yet - I have read several posts that were very concerned about calories & portions. So - what is the real deal? Should I be concerned about my portion size? Should I be counting calories? Or just trusting my *gut* instinct to eat foods when hungry? Should my snacking be limited - or should I feel free to have a bit of FREE foods when feeling hungry?

Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance! Luna

[Perry]

Re: HELP! FLUSHED & FATIGUED +Q's portion size/calorie c

Welcome to ADBB, Luna.

The book was an easy read for me but you're probably like a lot of us and need more detail on the diet. Just do what many of us do. Use the book for information (it's packed) and use this site for inspiration and clarification.

Don't know why you're feeling tired but I'd guess it is because you're still in the initial stages and suffering from the Induction flu (or withdrawl symptoms from sugar/starch). It does pass and once you hit ketosis you should get a new surge of energy. I say should because not everyone gets the rush that others do.

As for calories/portions... just eat 3 square meals (or 5 smaller meals) each day and eat until satisfied. Don't count calories or minimize your portions. Do eat more slowly, though. Once ketosis kicks in your appetite will suppress and you'll naturallly reduce portions. Don't fall into the trap of not eating because you're not hungry. You must keep up your calories (minimum 1200) or your body will shut down.

[LunaWillowalker]

Thanks for your input Perry - I really appreciate it. I am hoping crappy feeling is temporary. From what I've read - I thought I would feel bad the first week (which I did) and feel better after the 2nd - which I didn't.
Still planning on staying on Induction - was hoping for a little more bang - will see what happens.

I do notice appetite suppressing - but not to the point were I don't feel the need or desire to eat. I understand that I don't want to go into "starvation" mode - as I will not lose weight.

I got the Ketostix and I am pretty sure I have been in ketosis - haven't been into the purple zone yet - some days faint pink - other cranberry. I also have that ick taste my mouth. Again - from what I've read here - that's normal.

I still don't understand the flushed face deal - got a Dr. appointment & will check it out with her. Have a good nite - Luna

[soliwit]

First of all welcome to ha of course, nice to have you here and I really hope we can help you out.
And may I compliment you on your loss, it's in the perfect normal range of about 5 to 10 % of what you want to lose (I am guessing you want to get back at 145 again)
I dunno exactly about the warm face problem, it could well be it is induction flu, although I do think it takes quite long for you if you still have that after 15 days.
What could come in handy for you is to register for free at www.fitday.com
It is true that in a way we do portioncontrol, like you already stated, don't overeat, but we don't count calories.
If you eat according to that way, eat untill satisfied, you probably don't eat too many calories anyway.
What fitday helps you with is to keep a certain balance in your food: 65% fat, 30% protein and 5% carbs, that's the best formula for losing.

Happy losing Luna !!!! :joy

[LunaWillowalker]

Hello and thank you for your kind comments Soliwit - I appreciate your input and I am glad you advised that I was in a normal weight loss for my desired loss.

Yes, I would love to get back to 145 that is my goal.

I am hoping this *is* just induction flu. And yes, it does seem to be dragging on for me. I am going to maintain my program - and hopefully - this will pass and I'll be back to getting some much needed cardio.

Oh - and much thanks for your advise regarding fitday.com. I have enrolled and think that will be a VERY helpful tool in achieving the results I desire.

I am really looking forward to seeing the wonderful results you have had. Again - thank you for your advise and motivation. Luna

[Morrisey]

Re: HELP! FLUSHED & FATIGUED +Q's portion size/calorie c

I am very happy with my starter loss but do have questions. I feel very flushed - very hot in the face - since starting Atkins. Yes - my face is actually red in the cheeks and I don't know why. No fever, good blood pressure -etc. Just very warm in the face - I am puzzled.

Maybe a coincidence and it is menopause starting?

[Moochiecat]

Here's a link to some info about the ketostix

http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/viewtopic.php?t=68063

Basically, don't get hung up on the depth of colour on them...it has more to do with how hydrated you are..there is no 'deep ketosis' state you need to get to.

Also take the time to read the sticky's in the forums you go to..they are full of valuable information on common concerns. :yes

On the main page as well there's a FAQ forum with a lot of info too.
We are just bursting with info...lol

Re: fatigue...I had really low energy for a long time, even after my initial two weeks, but hang in there, it'll get better. Exercise helps, although it's hard to be motivated when you are feeling tired...but do the best you can.

I'm really pleased that you bought the book and read it rather than only following your friend's advice(even though your friend might be a really educated Atkins dieter, it's good to go to the source.)

Perry gave you good advice there about meals. Just relax...make sure you are eating the proper amounts from the Acceptable Foods list, and that you are following the Rules of Induction....and don't sweat it about calories or how many snacks you feel you need in a day. It may seem a little out of whack for a while, but you'll learn what your body needs.

I find that having a small breakfast at 7, a small lunch at 11:30, and then a few snacks inbetween, then dinner at six, works really well for me. It makes me feel quite spoiled, although if you looked at all the food I ate, it wouldn't be bucketloadfulls.

All the best to you!

[LunaWillowalker]

Re: HELP! FLUSHED & FATIGUED +Q's portion size/calorie c

I am very happy with my starter loss but do have questions. I feel very flushed - very hot in the face - since starting Atkins. Yes - my face is actually red in the cheeks and I don't know why. No fever, good blood pressure -etc. Just very warm in the face - I am puzzled.

Maybe a coincidence and it is menopause starting?

Hi - I don't think it's menopause since it I still regularly get my periods. I know everyone is different - but from what I've read - the "hot flash" phase of menopause is more towards the end of menopause - not when someone is "peri-menopause" - the initial start of menopause. Plus - this started immediately after day 1 of Atkins - it is not a series of temporary "hot flashes" but a constant - red-cheeked warm face. Looks like I've been out in the cold. I'd be interesting in hearing if anyone else felt this way. But thanks for the suggestion.

[sadie147]

Re: HELP! FLUSHED & FATIGUED +Q's portion size/calorie c

I am very happy with my starter loss but do have questions. I feel very flushed - very hot in the face - since starting Atkins. Yes - my face is actually red in the cheeks and I don't know why. No fever, good blood pressure -etc. Just very warm in the face - I am puzzled.

Maybe a coincidence and it is menopause starting?

Hi - I don't think it's menopause since it I still regularly get my periods. I know everyone is different - but from what I've read - the "hot flash" phase of menopause is more towards the end of menopause - not when someone is "peri-menopause" - the initial start of menopause. Plus - this started immediately after day 1 of Atkins - it is not a series of temporary "hot flashes" but a constant - red-cheeked warm face. Looks like I've been out in the cold. I'd be interesting in hearing if anyone else felt this way. But thanks for the suggestion.

It may be a skin condition called Rosecea. I got it about 3 years ago (at age 33). I causes face flushing, and in some ppl (like me) it can cause small pimple like bumps too. You should ask your dr. next time you're there.

Many things can trigger it, different for different ppl. running for me is a big one..I used to have people approache me in the gym and ask me if i was ok..or if i had high blood pressure!

My rosecea was bad at the beginnin of this woe..then pretty much disappeared. I have not had a breakout of it in at least 8 months and have not needed my cream. I think cutting out sugar has been what has helped me.

Rosecea is not cureable but they do have prescriptions that help keep it under control. Here is a really good site with information:

http://www.rosacea.org/

[Isabeau]

Hi! I don't have much to add in terms of the advice you've already been given, but I would like to welcome you aboard. It looks like you're off to a great start.

I think you'll find fitday a great tool. I sure do. In terms of counting calories, you're right, you really don't have to be concerned with them. However, and Dr. Atkins does say this, you can't eat more calories than you expend. So, follow the rules. Eat until you're satisfied. Drink lots of water. Exercise and strive to eat 65% fat, 30% protein and 5% carbs during induction. By eating this way, your appetite will naturally become suppressed. That is why we don't count calories per se! Many of us monitor our caloric intake not because we overeat, but because we undereat, and don't want our bodies in starvation mode!

Here's to your success!

[LunaWillowalker]

Thanks to EVERYONE who has given me such a warm welcome and terrific advise. You are TRULY inspirational - I am really dedicated to sticking with this - I do believe that this period of adjustment will work itself out.

Thanks to Morrissey for the info on rosecea - I will check with my doc the next visit - if this doesn't subside on it's own. Glad to hear your situation cleared up for you. I am hoping that I may be just suffering thru the blues of Induction Flu.

Moochiecat - MUCH - MUCH thanks to you for participating and letting me know that you had a bit of a tough time past the two weeks. Your results are astounding and I hope to follow in your footsteps. Your before/after pics are amazing - you look incredible - truly inspirational.

Isabeau - thanks to you to for clearing up the mysteries of calorie/portion control. Yes - it does make sense - I can see where fitday.com can be very helpful.

Again - I am so GLAD that I found this site - and thanks for all your wonderful input & advise.

Talk again soon - Luna

[G-Mom]

Welcome, Luna! Are you taking the supplements Dr. A suggests? You may be excreting too many minerals and need them replenished quickly. Get yourself a really good vitamin and mineral supplement.

[tickletussler]

Welcome, Luna! Are you taking the supplements Dr. A suggests? You may be excreting too many minerals and need them replenished quickly. Get yourself a really good vitamin and mineral supplement.

Hey Luna!!

For me, G-Mom is right! I was losing a lot of minerals and not replacing them and felt better when I was taking supplements. If I forget for a few days, I start feeling really crap.

[Checkers]

Hi,
I found that I just cannot function on the 20 carb induction level. When I first did induction I never felt energetic like some people. I had a hard time even working. Hubby had to do alot more around the house. When I upped my carbs I felt so much better. I need a minimum of 25 carbs or I'm so fatigued. I don't know the chapter off hand but I do remember reading in dandr that you can up your carbs in induction if 20 carbs is a problem for you. But now that your ready to move on you might be just fine.

[smudgedmascara]

Hi Luna
All the best with your diet.
Hmm... about the flushing on your cheeks, I've got that before and I often find it's when I eat too much dairy. I haven't got a dairy intolerance but that could be the reason for your flushes. However, take your multivitamin and drink lots of water and that ought to help.

My mother recommended me "calamine lotion", it soothes it and certainly reduced the redness.

Good luck.