Here we go!...again.

[sinellia]

Today is my first "official" day on Atkins. Over the last few days, I had some issues getting going...but I'm not letting myself make anymore excuses, or procrastinate. I've shifted my focus to what I do want, instead of what I can't have. I do want to be healthier, and there are still so many yummy foods out there that I can eat. So instead of thinking UGH, I can't have sugar, carbs, etc...I'm exploring new possibilities. I spent an entire afternoon making my meals ahead of time, because I anticipate that lovely induction "flu"...and I don't want to give myself ANY excuse to fall off of the wagon. I even whipped up my own zero carb version of ranch dressing. Yum!

If you haven't been there already, check out Linda's Low Carb recipe website. I found a bunch of incredible induction phase recipes. Though I'm kinda afraid that I'm going to end up eating the entire container of cheesy crispy "crackers". So yummy

I've never successfully completed the induction phase while on Atkins...the farthest I've ever made it is four days...mostly because I didn't have the right attitude and didn't read the book (I did this time!) Any other pointers for someone starting out? I'm determined to be successful this time!

[atkinsgal08]

Re: Here we go!...again.

Pointers:

Drink all your water.

Plan.

Plan.

Plan.

Eat more fat, drink more water.

[sinellia]

Re: Here we go!...again.

I think I've had close to a gallon of water today. So friggin' thirsty! Is this normal?

[atkinsgal08]

Re: Here we go!...again.

Yes. Many people report they're thirsty. It goes away after a while. It's actually a good sign!

[sinellia]

Re: Here we go!...again.

What does the excessive thirst usually mean?

[london19]

Re: Here we go!...again.

I might have this all wrong, but I think the thirst is because your body's burning fat for energy and releasing these little particles called "ketones" into your blood stream. And it needs extra water to flush them out.

Either that or, you know... something else. Haha. I'm no expert!

[Georgiana]

Re: Here we go!...again.

What does the excessive thirst usually mean?

Don't worry if you're thirsty... more water will do you good.

As for the thirst... Atkins has a diuretic effect and in the first few days you will be shedding some water. This happens on any diet... in addition, on Atkins, you are shedding water that was stored with glycogen.

Furthermore, protein has a diuretic effect... which will also make your thirsty. How much protein are you having, according to FitDay?

And there's nothing wrong with a gallon of water. I regularly drink that.

[veggieloverco]

Re: Here we go!...again.

Congratulations on starting up and sticking with it!!

My best wishes to you on this new WOL.

[sinellia]

Re: Here we go!...again.

Furthermore, protein has a diuretic effect... which will also make your thirsty. How much protein are you having, according to FitDay?

I still have to input my paper food log into the internet. I'm making a habit of writing down everything I put in my mouth instead of relying on the computer, because I'm not always around. I'm sure its an ample amount.

Thanks for the encouragement, folks. I greatly appreciate it. I woke up this morning feeling that lovely induction "flu" just as I anticipated. Boy, am I glad that I did all of that cooking yesterday!

[poobears1972]

Re: Here we go!...again.

The more I tell myself I can't have something, the more I will obsess and want it. This time around I tell myself I can eat it if I want to, I chose not to. That seems to take away the mental cravings. No idea why but it makes things much easier and puts me back in charge of my eating.

[sinellia]

Re: Here we go!...again.

I know I'm supposed to wait until the end of the first week to weigh myself, but I couldn't resist temptation...My pants felt a bit looser, so I hopped on the scale and found out that I have lost 5 pounds in 3 DAYS! WOOO!

[Elizellen]

Re: Here we go!...again.

What a great start!!

[Alaskansonya]

Re: Here we go!...again.

Pointers:

Drink all your water.

Plan.

Plan.

Plan.

Eat more fat, drink more water.

Love this message!!!

[sinellia]

Re: Here we go!...again.

I ALMOST fell off of the wagon today. I was feeling great yesterday, but then BAM! with the fierce carb cravings, irritability, headache, etc. I ate a salad and managed to get rid of the headache. I may have gone a teensy bit over the 3 cups of veggies for today, but I think thats a little better than say, binging on a box of cupcakes.

[booklady]

Re: Here we go!...again.

I love induction flu, it means I am on the right track, lol !! It will pass and it is sure worth it when the weight is coming off !!
You are doing great by precooking, that is the best advice I can give anyone, precook meals and snacks, and then you have no excuse !!
it sounds like you have a great mind set and you will do great !!
Post post post, it really helps and keeps you motivated !!
I also find when I can get close to a gallon of water a day in, I will lose significantly more weight then if I do not drink all that water. It really matters.
Keep up the good work and great job for fighting through those cravings, it will get much easier !!
Stephie