Extended Induction

[itstime]

I have a question about extended induction how long can you stay and it still be effective?

[FwL]

Re: Extended Induction

That's a complex question.

The first part... how long can you stay on induction...

I doubt anybody really knows the answer to this. It's not like there are lots of test cases where everybody dropped dead after 4 months of induction. Dr Atkins says in DANDR that you can stay on induction for 6 months or more. That's not very specific, either. There are even those who advocate a zero carb lifestyle and claim to be carb free for years.

The second part... and still be effective...

There's no way to know this except each person has to find out for themself. Some people stall after two weeks (they call this PISS for post induction stall syndrome). Some people even stall before two weeks are up.

I have stayed on induction in the past for several months before hitting a wall. I may have been able to stay in induction beyond that point, but I got discouraged and started back on the pasta and rice.

[Georgiana]

Re: Extended Induction

I have a question about extended induction how long can you stay and it still be effective?

Forrest is right. Whether it's better to move to OWL or stay on Induction it's an individual thing that depends on your metabolism, on how much you have to lose, on how much you miss certain foods, etc. Dr. Atkins wrote that people who have a lot of weight to lose or are metabolically resistant may benefit from an extended Induction. However, if you don't have a lot to lose, then he recommended moving to OWL, so that you have time to advance through all the phases of the Diet.

I have moved this thread to the "Atkins Diet (Extended) Induction" forum.

[msanjelpie]

Re: Extended Induction

Several years ago I was on induction for a year and a half. I never went over 20 carbs per day and I continued to lose until my body hit that point where 20 grams was going to let me maintain my new weight.

At that point as I introduced new foods and added carbs I began to gain weight. By keeping tabs on my daily carb counts, when I got to a weight that I was comfortable with, however many carbs I was eating a day was what I needed to stay around to maintain that newer higher weight.

This was all backwards of course... and this time I'm going to do it the right way, just for kicks

[Texas Mama]

Re: Extended Induction

That's a complex question.

The first part... how long can you stay on induction...

I doubt anybody really knows the answer to this. It's not like there are lots of test cases where everybody dropped dead after 4 months of induction. Dr Atkins says in DANDR that you can stay on induction for 6 months or more. That's not very specific, either. There are even those who advocate a zero carb lifestyle and claim to be carb free for years.

The second part... and still be effective...

There's no way to know this except each person has to find out for themself. Some people stall after two weeks (they call this PISS for post induction stall syndrome). Some people even stall before two weeks are up.

I have stayed on induction in the past for several months before hitting a wall. I may have been able to stay in induction beyond that point, but I got discouraged and started back on the pasta and rice.

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So if you stall after your 14 day induction period, should you go back and eat some carbs like pasta and rice? If so for how long and when do you go back to an extended induction regimen?

[liv]

Re: Extended Induction

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So if you stall after your 14 day induction period, should you go back and eat some carbs like pasta and rice? If so for how long and when do you go back to an extended induction regimen?

This you should only do if you want to gain your weight back as fast as possible.

The problem with staying too long in extended is that people end up doing exactly this and it has all been for nothing.

We have to move to OWL at some point and learn how to eat in a way where we actually can maintain the weight. That is the point of OWL.

I think extended is OK for some people for a bit but most people never go beyond this and most of those people will put the weight on in a matter of months - some may spend a little bit longer but it comes back on.

So make sure you know what OWL is and that you make a deal with yourself that you go there before you have that plate of pasta.

[Texas Mama]

Re: Extended Induction

Well now I understand. I don't plan on ever going back to what I thought was "normal" way of eating. I here for the long haul and to lose this ugly weight. thank you!

[Slapshot]

Re: Extended Induction

Well now I understand. I don't plan on ever going back to what I thought was "normal" way of eating. I here for the long haul and to lose this ugly weight. thank you!

Liv is right. While browsing Atkins for Life, one line caught my eye. Dr. A warned against doing an extended induction then shooting up to Rung 9 on the OWL ladder. That was a reminder for me that I'm going to stay on induction since I have 50 more lbs to lose, am feeling great, and am fully satisfied with my food choices. Once I get into the 190's or so, I'll move onto OWL and train myself how to make this a permanent WOE, and less of the feeling of a "diet."