caffeine withdrawal

[losemythighs]

I restarted Atkins on March 10, 2005. I have lost 18 pounds so far. I've been reading the posts on this board and decided I would give up caffeine. Today was day 1. I have had a horrible headache and been very sluggish. To top it all off...I have been craving illegal foods to the point that I caved and ate a bowl of chocolate icecream with chocolate syrup, half a bag of chips, and two cookies. I hope I can make it through the rest of this caffeine withdrawal without more cheating....OKAY....I CAN make it through the rest of this caffeine withdrawal without more cheating! How long will this withdrawal last...it's worse than the sugar withdrawal at the beginning of this WOE.
Mel

[hulagrl1120]

you need to prep yourself better to deal with the cravings...the first week is the toughest as you get all that sugar out of your system...drink lots of water...do some light exercise and eat when you are hungry...have induction friendly snacks handy that you can grab when cravings hit...I eat pickles to kill my sweet tooth...

[Isabeau]

I didn't get any cravings when I went cold turkey on caffeine, but I had wicked migraine-like headaches for about four days. Then they just disappeared. Hang in there and like Hulagirl said, reach for induction friendly snacks and lots of water.

[RunAwayMichelle]

I did a full induction last fall and gave up aspartame, carbs, and caffeine all at once. I had a light headache and felt awful for two weeks. Then it was over. I don't miss the caffeine. If you continue to feel sluggish you might want to talk to your doctor. The caffeine may have been masking a health problem that is causing the fatique.

[Pam_C]

I was a caffine junky(6-8 colas a day) and went cold turkey. I had the same symptoms as you. It took about 4 days and then I was "okay". It will get better but you can't cave or it will be harder for you. Now I don't even drink an occasional diet rite cola I don't like the taste of cola anymore. Hang in there.