Encourage needed...please help

[morji1988]

I'm on day 3 of Induction and things are getting rough... I have been hving this sweet cravings at night so strongly and I have been eating way too much cheese... I think for today i ate around 5-6 ounces of cheese.
I was under the mistaken idea that as long as I keep my carbs under 20g and eat things in the list, I could eat as much as I wanted so I think I went overboard and ate too much... now instead of losing weight I think i've gained some weight. I don't feel ketosis has started either... at least I don't feel I have that famous breath...
I feel like a loser... Anyone got any advice for me? If I messed up during induction, does it take a long time for me to step back into ketosis?

[julirama723]

Re: Encourage needed...please help

Take a deep breath, calm down.

Congrats on day 3! The first few days are the toughest and it will continue to get easier as the days go by.

Have you read Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution (2002 edition)? That will explain the science of the plan, acceptable foods, different phases, etc. If you don't have a copy, get one ASAP, and until then, check out the FAQ section for Induction here on the board.

As for food allowances, proteins and fats are to be eaten liberally, and you may have 3-4 oz. aged cheese and 3 cups veggies each day. The veggies are MANDATORY. Eat 3 cups of "salad" veggies (look on the acceptable foods list, this does not mean just lettuce!) or 2 cups salad veggies and one cup of "other" veggies. You are also allowed "special category" foods like olives, cream, avocado, but these foods can be stallers for some and should be eaten with caution.

Remember to drink water, 8 glasses a day, and then some!

As for ketosis breath...I've never gotten it! There are other signs to look for: diminshed appetite, loss of cravings, looser clothing. It usually takes 2-3 days to get into ketosis, but that all depends on how many carbs you were eating before induction, etc.

[Mothercooter]

Re: Encourage needed...please help

Definately many other signs of ketosis. The first 3 days were kind of rough for me but by day 4 the clouds were parting and by day 5 I didnt have a horrible headache from carb withdrawal. Actually, the one thing I have noticed since being on this WOE for the past 2 weeks is...no migranes! Whoa, I just realized that. I had a pretty bad headache at least once a week.

Wow, Im feeling better everyday, I feel more alive and not like it would take all of my strength just to get off of the couch to answer the phone anymore (yes it was that bad, lol)

Hang, in there, it gets better and is soooo worth it!

[Desihue]

Re: Encourage needed...please help

I'm so sorry to hear you are having a rough spell right now. You are right at the hump of it so hang in there. I always feel funky right around day 3 but by day 4 and most def by day 5 I'm good to go. I drink extra water when I'm having a sweet craving and that helps me sometimes. I also drink Lipton on the Go Teas and they seem to instantly crush a sweet craving if water doesn't tame the beast within. You're well on your way so don't fret too much about the extra cheese. Just keep going and make sure to scale back on the cheese for an extra few days. That's what I'd do.

[Alexa]

Re: Encourage needed...please help

These guys are right - don't panic, stick with it, read all you can and you'll be fine.

Too mcuh cheese is not a big error for starting a whole new way of eating! The first 3-4 days are tough but then, as people said, it gets much easier!

[makinbiscuits]

Re: Encourage needed...please help

the cravings are gonna happen but they'll eventually subside... Also if the worst you do is eat a few extra ounces of cheese then you're doing great.

much better off having a few extra slices of cheese then devouring half a pound of ice cream.

you're doing fine.

[dreamof145]

Re: Encourage needed...please help

You've been given great advice...don't beat yourself up. Go forward, make a plan for what you will eat and when the cravings for sweets hit you...have a list of things you can do instead. Drinking water really helps to fill you up and gives you time to think of why you are losing weight and how you'll look at goal. Get visuals in photos or motivational sayings that will keep you focused. It gets easier as you go and form new habits to replace the unhealthy ones. Come here often and hang out with those who understand your frustration and can give you cyber hugs and advice.