I'm new too... this site is great...

[KLGionti]

Hello all,
I've been reading your posts for awhile, and finally decided to take the plunge. I've been doing Atkins for 5 weeks today (yay!). I did it back in 2000 and lost quite a bit of weight, but with a move to NYC and a new career after grad school the weight eventuallty came back. In any case, I like to think I'm on the right track now. I'm not even tempted with all the candy out for Easter right now! I've also been going to the gym about 4 times a week.

I do have a couple of questions though: I've found in the past few weeks that I go through periods where I'm consitpated and then others where it's the opposite. Is this normal? Has anyone else experienced this? I love veggies, so I know I eat enough of them.

Also, I've noticed lately that I have a pretty low appetite lately. Is this normal?

Congrats to you all for your efforts and support!
Kelly
P.S. - I refuse to weight myself on a scale, but I do know that I want to get back down to my size 6-8 pants! (I'm in a 12 now)[img][/img]

[Desertthorn]

Constipation can be a problem on atkins and lots of us suffer from it. We generally add flax meal or phy.,,., Heck I can't spell it. husks to our diet . Also as you move up the ladder, adding nuts will help.
I just read in another diet book $^&*&$^&, that constipation can come from eating to much protein. Check your fitday.com account and make sure your keeping your protein numbers at about 30 %
Glad you found us and joined. We love new people

[loonatika]

Welcome Kelly

Don't you love how you can go to a place like this and discuss your bowel habits and no one blinks In fact we get all happy when your bowels start acting normal lol.

Your low appetite is a result of ketosis and normal. Just make sure you are eating enough.

[cleochatra]

Hi Kelly! Congratulations to you on taking part in this way of eating again and for youre success in the past! I think problems with digestion tend to be cyclical, or sometimes due to not getting enough fiber. If you are drinking all your water, eating your veg and still are having trouble, I believe Dr A mentions the use of phsyllium husks in his book for fiber.

Regardless, welcome to ADBB! I look forward to seeing you get shrinkier! :joy

[Peterlock]

Hi Kelly! :wave

Welcome aboard - make sure you're getting at least 64 ounces of pure clean water a day, remember decaf tea, coffee or anything else doesn't count towards your water intake.

If the problem of constipation persists read your copy of DANDR especially pages 76,94 147-147and 308

Peter ha

[Moochiecat]

Ah yes, constipation!
Don't be shy about it CONSTIPATION CONSTIPATION!!!

lol

I agree with the others in their recommendations, but sometimes, when you find that you are VERY ready for a bowel movement, but your body isn't co-operating, you need something more immediate to help you.
Glycerin suppositories have helped me a lot when in that situation. They are inexpensive and work within 5 minutes to a half hour. They seem to stimulate contractions and make things move along much easier.

I don't use them very often anymore, since adding more veggies in on the first rung of OWL (actually, I find if I eat sauteed peppers they always help me in that..er..area) but there are times when they are super handy.

[Buddrfly]

I know the feeling

I know the feeling! I recently purchased some FLAXSEED POWDER (GROUNG FLAXSEEDS) from walmart. They were about $7.50. Since that purchase, i haven't had the problem. It works great, because u can sprinke it on all kinds of foods and there is no taste. It's also rich in omega-3's and fatty acids!

:wave