Can atkins contribute to this?

[sweetpea1980]

I posted this on the depression board but I thought maybe anyone here could also have some input.

So I have had low points in my life, but I find myself to be a generally happy person. I am currently on my third week of induction, or rather I am now in extended induction. Anyways, the first two weeks went okay, I had major carb addiction withdrawals, but symptoms let up I went into ketosis and felt pretty good. Since monday, which was day 14, I have been so lethargic basically. I am sleeping a lot, I am grouchy and on edge, and emotional. I am still in ketosis and still eating very strickly with absolutely no cheats or frankenfoods. I am following the food plan to a T. I thought I would be able to drag myself to the gym by now, but the past few days have been ****. I am so miserable. I don't get it. I don't understand, I am losing weight and eating appropriatley and nothing in my life has changed recently so I can't explain it. It just doesn't make sense to my why I am so depressed and just blah and wanting to just lay on the couch all day long.

I tried weight watchers a little over a year ago and while the diet was hard at first, I always felt great and had a lot of energy. I felt really healthy. Now I just feel like crap, although I felt great for the first two weeks.

Has this happened to anyone? It is bumming me out even more that I am bummed out! I mean I have lost some good weight and have suprised myself with my dedication to this WOE so I can't figure it out.

Oh and I am eating roughly between 12-16 carbs a day.

[iyamamaschke]

This lack of energy will pass I too had the same thing. Just think this is an amazing thing your body is doing only 2 weeks ago you were using carbs for energy and now you are using fat. Your body needs to adapt and that can take some time. I am now so energetic it's not even funny. Give yourself some time and make sure you are drinking lots of water and eating your veggies. Sometimes people get very lethargic when they lose weight too fast. This could happen if you have a low resistance to weight loss. What you need to do if that is the case is move up the ladder adn add some more veggies until you start to feel well again. It's important to feel well. I sure this will pass and seems to be a side effect around the 3rd week I am finding. So stick it out and you'll feel great like everyone elese here does.

Sarah

[kellygirl2]

Hi, sweetpea. Are you eating enough calories? Have you tried entering your foods on www.fitday.com to see if you are getting appropriate amounts of fats, protiens, vitamins, nutrients? If you haven't used fitday, it is really great and free with lots of good info.

Hope you feel better soon!

[2big4mysize]

Is TOM in the picture? cause hormones can wreek havoc on induction as we adjust to the changes.

Are you taking your supplements vits and minerals like Dr Atkins sugested? it is very hard to get enough based on our limited foods and our poor choices in the veggie department so just about every inductee needs them. If you plug your foods into the free acount at ww.fitday.com you can see foryourself where you are lacking in vits and minerals in the reports section.


Did you see your doctor before you started doing Atkins for those blood tests he recommended to make sure nothing was going on medically? are you taking any meds? sometimes being on Atkins can cause you to need your levels altered.

Are you doing the mandatory exercise part of your Atkins as that will asssit you in making some feeling good brain chemicals too a;ong with asssiting your weight loss.

Lastly we can boost our serotonin levels by eating high tryptophan protein sources like poultry.


If it doesn't pass or you are concerned about it talk with your doctor about it as there are many medical conditions other then depression that have those symptoms like being hypothyroid or low iron.

Happy low carbing.

[ArcadiaX]

Push on through and try to remember the good things that are coming down the line. Others have already given you a bunch of physical reasons why you're feeling emotional and depressed...all I can do is give an understanding hug.

I don't get TOM due to Depo Provera, but I'm on the first week of extended induction as well...and there are times when I'm overwhelmingly angry (my sleep was interrupted by the phone about 3 times today!), emotional (imagine having an internet customer call tech support just to swear and call you names), and just plain peeved. I keep telling myself that it's because my body isn't used to me being in this state of loss.

Sure, many people stick with a program for 2 weeks. Your body gets used to sudden shocks like that...but when it starts looking long-term, all sorts of things start going on inside. I figure I just have to push through, eat the allowed foods, get some exercise, and remember why I'm doing this. The enjoyment I feel spending time with my DH, the fact that my body is shrinking (give yourself a pat-down and feel the differences!), and the fact that some day in the not-too-far future, I WILL be going lingerie shopping!

Don't overthink it...just accept that you're being moody, and try to be the best person you can be in the meantime. Apologize to those who've gotten burned if you need to....but remember, this too shall pass :hug

[sweetpea1980]

Thanks for the replies, I will try to answer some of the questions.

I am using fitday and I usually stay around 65-70% fat, 2-3% carb, and around 29-32% protein. So I am about where I should be. I drink a ton of water. I aim for around 120oz a day. I haven't exercised at the gym doing my officially cardio/weight training workouts, but I do like to do the workout mode for Dance Dance Revolution on Xbox which is fun and gets the heartrate up.

I am sticking with it, just having a rough couple of days and hoping it will get better. I have always had issues with food, and although I like variety, I am extremely picky and so I have to be careful about branching out. I sometimes feel stuck between a rock and a hard place because I get sick of eating the same things, but many...and I mean many foods I don't like and if I don't like something I throw it up while eating. Bad gag reflex I have had since a child, so it has been a challenge for me. Lately, I just would rather not eat, then eat something I should that I don't want too. But no alarm, I still make myself eat. So yeah, having some rough days, hoping they will get better. The good thing is I am losing so I can't complain about that. THe diet works, it is just all the other problems I have that are making it rough, and some are just my fault for being so extremely picky.

Thanks for the input once I again, I will stick with it. I just didn't understand the lethargic feeling all the time.

[spirittalker]

I love DDR's workout mode. We haven't had it out lately cause hubby is messing around with Mythtv but I would like to set up in our Bedroom until we get the basement finished. I can dance for hours.

[Kent]

When I first started I was the same way (definitely can't be TOM in my case ). I think it has to do with the loss of habits and the comfort foods. Everything seemed a chore. Rest assured it does go away as you develop new habits and new comfort foods. The inconvenience is temporary, but the weight loss is designed to be permanent.

[shadewolf]

When I first started I was the same way (definitely can't be TOM in my case ). I think it has to do with the loss of habits and the comfort foods. Everything seemed a chore. Rest assured it does go away as you develop new habits and new comfort foods. The inconvenience is temporary, but the weight loss is designed to be permanent.

Way to go Kent on the new pic! you look fantastic!

[america57]

I went through that too. Then one day, I woke up happy and full of energy and was fine after that. It's really important to take vitamins and DRINK PLENTY OF WATER!!!! I think the water is very important, it keeps your muscles hydrated and removes toxins from your system.