Basal calories? For real?

[deelytful1]

Last time I did Atkins it was MY version of Atkins and I lost 35 pounds. MY version was eating a cheese omelette for breakfast, an atkins bar for lunch and I worked out like a fiend! This time I want to do it right, but this eating as many calories as your basal calories (if not more!) is scaring the HECK out of me. It's my TOM and I'm feeling very fat to begin with and it seems all I've been doing is eating!
I don't remember this when I read the Atkins book the first time (just re-ordered a new one. Should be here any day.)
I'm rarely hungry of course and I seem to be eating because I HAVE to.
Thanks for your advice on the matter!

[julirama723]

Re: Basal calories? For real?

On induction, your appetite will be supressed--that's a natural effect of ketosis. Obviously, this means you will be eating fewer calories. It's important to make sure that your body is getting enough fuel. Make sure you eat at least every 6 hours (even if it's something small, like a piece of cheese or a slice of ham), and make sure you eat when you are hungry. Many people are worried they're eating too many calories, when if fact the real problem is not eating ENOUGH.

So, eat if you are hungry, eat until satisfied, and never go more than 6 waking hours without food. You should be eating at least 1200 calories per day. It's a good idea to eat at/slightly above your BMR, but at this point, just focus on eating at least 1200/day.