Messed up my induction!!

[Chupa Cabras]

I thought I was following the rules, but I just realized that I've been drinking a diet drink mix with aspartame! And I've been using Equal in my decafe coffee and tea!!!!!

Does this mean I have to start over?? I'm on day 6, and I've tried to be strict about everything else (except I've used 1 tablespoon of half n half in my coffee, cuz restaurants don't have non dairy creamer) I also had a pickled egg, thinking ooh, great, I can have eggs!! But I realized there was sugar in it AFTER I ate it.

This has been the most miserable week ever. I've had headaches every day, and don't have enough energy to get any exercise at all. I just lay on the sofa feeling like I'm in a fog.

Advise anyone?

[Moochiecat]

Re: Messed up my induction!!

Well, firstly, welcome to Induction Flu!! Your body is withdrawing from sugar/caffiene/all that other yukky stuff, and thats why you are feeling poorly. Symptoms can range from headaches, to body aches, to fatigue...you name it. It goes away though, so just hang in there, take tylenol or ibuprofen and ride it through.

Chalk the half and half, pickled egg and aspartame up as a learning experience and just keep going. You may want to extend your Induction a week or two, but since you are so close to goal, you want to get going up the rungs of OWL so you are prepared to have this way of eating for life once you hit your goal.

If you like, you can post a menu in the Review My Menu forum and we can have a look at it to see how you're doing. If you're down 4 pounds already though, it looks like you are doing quite well!

You said something about the restuarant not having non-dairy creamer...we don't use non-dairy creamer...heavy cream (sometimes called whipping cream) is suggested, and in a pinch, half and half is ok, but no powdered creamers.

[Desertthorn]

Re: Messed up my induction!!

Hi Chuba, welcome to ADBB, glad you found us and joined. You'll find this is a friendly and supportive lot.
I agree with Mooch, just go on with your induction. Its mostly a learning experience time anyway, and if thats all youve done wrong, you have done well. The induction flu should be going away, its probably mostly caffeine withdrawl if you have just switched. Take an asprine.
Again, thanks for joining.
Lynne

[cesara]

Re: Messed up my induction!!

Hi Chupa

As the girls above stated, just continue on...and yes, welcome to the induction flu..lol...not so much fun, huh? Don't worry, it WILL dissipate soon...I had it myself this time around and it wasn't fun at all....but just knowing it WILL go away motivated me to stay on track.

I'm no 'guru' at Atkins, but one thing I wanted to say is that I believe Dr. Atkins promoted Splenda instead of aspartame etc. because it has 'less harmful' chemicals in it. So, not necessarily will it hinder your weight loss, but it's wise to stay away from aspartame whether you're doing this WOE or not!

The only thing that may have side-railed you was the suger in the pickled egg. BUT, considering your weight loss right now, I wouldn't worry too much about it and just continue on! Actually, I did the same thing with pickled asparagus last week..and I ate it for 2 days until I noticed sugar in the ingredients! I think it did hinder my weight loss for a couple of days there, but I'm now back to losing (I think...no scales until saturday, but my clothes are fitting looser now)

There are TONS of helpful people here who know Atkins like the back of their hands, so you've chosen a great place to ask questions and get support

Best of luck to you!

[tabekat]

Re: Messed up my induction!!

Of course you don't have to start over, you are doing great. EVeryone makes a few mistakes when they first attempt induction. No biggie.

If you feel awful, it is a way of knowing what a devastating impact carbage and sugar can have on the body.

These types of substances are very addictive, and there are very real withdrawel symptoms when you remove these damaging substances from your life.

Keep going. You will not regret it. Your body will be so grateful to be free.

And you will finally get to know who your body is when it isn't forced into carbage servitude.

[Chupa Cabras]

Re: Messed up my induction!!

Thanks, everyone, for your input. It's wonderful to have so much support!! That's why I came here, I really need to have others to share with and learn from. You guys are great!!

I just got railroaded into going to a restaurant for lunch. That's probably the worst torture ever!! Breadbasket was set right in front of me, and since I was filling in for someone who pre-ordered, I was stuck with chicken marsala with pasta.

So, no bread, no pasta, no tomato sauce...and no marsala sauce. Not much of a lunch, just chicken breast wiped clean of anything tasty, but I made it.

I think the most interesting thing about Atkins is you learn how much sugar is shoved into everything we eat. I had no idea until I started reading labels.

I thought dairy was out, and non-dairy was okay. I use sugar-free creamer, and I count the carbs. So is half n half okay? Restaurants don't carry real cream. What do you coffee drinkers do?

What about exercise? Does it make a difference in those first two weeks? I certainly don't feel like doing much of anything. Sorry for more questions, but I really want to do this right.

[Becky Sue]

Re: Messed up my induction!!

In my siggie you will find a link where you can order the book, Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution, 2002 edition. If you are having a hard time finding the 2002 edition, here you go!!
It is very important that you read and re-read the book so you understand how all the stages of this way of eating works.

You are doing a fine job, even with your minor mistakes. Once you learn all the facts of this way of life, it will become second nature to you.

Welcome to ADBB!! We are here to help you. If you have questions, ask away!! Be sure and check out the FAQ area too.

Happy Low Carbing!!

[Chupa Cabras]

Re: Messed up my induction!!

Thanks Becky Sue. I bought the book last week, but it's a bit confusing. I keep going back and re-reading it, but I didn't see anything about non-dairy coffee creamer, or the importance of exercise during the induction when you feel so awful. I guess I haven't read it enough

[ladyinred]

Re: Messed up my induction!!

You can have heavy cream in your coffee. I use whipping cream (not whipped though). You are allowed 2 - 3 tablespoons a day. Do you have a problem with dairy? I only ask because why would you want to use non-dairy creamer if you could use real cream?

We're here for you. Ask away. Even with the book it can be a bit confusing, but we'll straighten you out. lol Welcome aboard!

[cesara]

Re: Messed up my induction!!

Yup, heavy cream is a okay during induction...just watch your amounts. I use 18% 'coffee cream' or 'table cream' I think is what it's called.

Heavy Cream
Butter
Cheese (minus cottage cheese)

...are the dairy you CAN use during induction. The dairy rung is rung 2 I believe and that's when you can add cottage cheese and small amounts of milk.

Hope this helps

[Chupa Cabras]

Re: Messed up my induction!!

Oh God...I just started to think about all the snacks I've been eating.

All of them contain aspartame!!!!!!!!!!

Cheese and rice...that means I can't have the sugar-free jello or the sugar-free popsicles or the sugar-free gum or mints.

What treat is there that has Splenda instead of aspartame????

*grrrrr*

[cesara]

Re: Messed up my induction!!

Rice? noooooo rice!

Well, honestly you shouldn't be having ANY of those things....especially during induction. It will just stimulate your sweet tooth and cravings.

The things you mention are called 'frankenfoods' (think frankenstein) and you're best to stay away from them all.

If I am reallllly craving something sweet, I will mix:

1 tbsp cream cheese
1 package splenda
1 tsp cocoa

Mix until smooth and put it in the freezer. It's like a fudgsicle! (I swear!)

And if you're craving salty, try turnip chips

1/2 cup thinnly sliced turnip
olive oil to fill the bottom of a pan

Fry 'em up until they are golden and remove. Sprinkle immediately with a little salt and let them sit for 15 minutes.

Turnip is rather sweet when cooked and these taste really good.

Edited to add: I HAVE resorted to sugar-free jello ....bad me....BUT, it's better than the coffee crisp that was on the counter. :P

Like I said, aspartame is just no good for you, period. Once in a while it's not going to kill you, but you shouldn't be consuming it daily that's for sure. Splenda is a safer alternative.

[Analog6]

Re: Messed up my induction!!

Dear Chupa

Most restaurants do have heavy cream for whipping - just ask for a coffee with cream on the side and they will bring it to you in a little jug. I always do this and have never not been able to get it.
As you prgoress in the diet you will find the taste of food will change. I find chicken very tasty, just cookd on my griddle with nothing on it. Delicious! And celery now tastes sweet to me, as do tomatoes. Just you wait.
Your loss so far is good, don't despair.
Some tips:
1. Keep a journal. For 2006 I purchaseda diary specially for Atkins where I list all my foods, exercise, and anything that ha[ppens in the day that impacts on my diet.
2. Eat fresh, not pre-preapared.
3. Plan ahead so you don't get caught out again.

Good luck

[Chupa Cabras]

Re: Messed up my induction!!

Thanks again. I am halfway there, day 7. I'll be excluding all aspartame. I know I should be weaning myself off of sweets, but I've never been hung up on sweets, I'm just looking for snacks that aren't protien.

But the real issue is my eating habits after 7 pm. This diet is really teaching me better eating habits. I should never be stuffing my face with ANYTHING while I watch tv.

*breaking bad eating habits one day at a time*

[cesara]

Re: Messed up my induction!!

That's the spirit Chupa!

Can I ask why you don't want to have snacks that are protein? There are many things you can have as snacks including eggs (just boil in advance and pull them out of the fridge when you need a little pick me up) and cheese.

Also, I made some great mini meatballs last week (thanks Moochiecat for the idea!) and they make an EXCELLENT snack with a ranch dip...even cold!

For the recipe I used (you don't have to use the exact one...just modify to your liking) here's my post with the recipe.

Hope this helps