Moving to OWL: questions

[LosingItNow]

I am planning my move to OWL starting on Thursday. I want to make sure I am correct in what I believe is the correct way to do it. I have a couple of questions.

I have been currently eating 3 cups of salad or 2 cups along with 1 cup of veggies from allowed list. With this, I would have some type of meat (chicken, beef, pork). I would also eat eggs for breakfast - hard boiled or scrambled with cheese - some days with a little bit of mushrooms- counted in my carb count).

So, starting Thursday, I will add 5 NET carbs of veggies (same ones allowed on induction) to the induction carbs.

I will do the '25 carbs' for 2 weeks and then either add another 5 NET carbs of veggies OR add 5 NET carbs of dairy.

First question here: if I choose to do dairy and it is a "NEW" dairy product, would I want to add 5 NET carbs of dairy to my 25 carbs? making 30 carbs? Or do I eat 20 'known' carbs and 5 NET carbs?
I am a little confused here, because in some places it sounds like I should not add to the carb count when eating new carbs, but in other places it sounds like I should. I know I should only eat the 'new' carbs for 3 days the first week to see how I react to it. Just confused on whether I should be increasing the carb count along with it.

The second question is this: Am I fine with my fat content, if I just eat the same amount of non-carb food (or less if I am full sooner)? That is, I do not need to add any more fat into my diet.
Thanks,
Lori Ann

[ValidRouge]

Re: Moving to OWL: questions

Hi Lori Ann. You could do it either way. However, there are considerations for both ways.

There are two things you are looking for in OWL. The NUMBER of carbs you can eat and the TYPES of carbs you can eat.

So, let's say you do 1 week at 25 net carbs where the 5 additional carbs are coming from veggies you ate during induction. You continue to lose (or maybe lose MORE than you'd been experiencing) so you decide to move to dairy. Now, this next week you eat your 25 net carbs of veggies and 5 net carbs of dairy for a total of 30 net carbs. You don't lose. Is it because your CCLL is below 30? Or is it because you don't tolerate dairy all that well? What if part of your 25 net carbs was a veggie you've not eaten since being on Atkins until now? How do you KNOW what the culprit was? You don't.

So, Here's what my advice is.
1) Stay several weeks on each rung. Don't be in a hurry to increase your daily carb count just yet.
2) Learn to love veggies. Try new ones. Your body will thank you for the additional fiber and nutrients.
3) Increase your carb count via VEGETABLES. When you get to a point that you are eating enough vegetables that you find your CCLL (you stop losing) you'll be much better off.
4) When you do add dairy or other higher rung items, add them slowly and ONE AT A TIME.

[LosingItNow]

Re: Moving to OWL: questions

Thank you! I think that makes a ton of sense! I actually love veggies, so no problem sticking with them. I also know that cream and cheese slow my weight loss.

I just want to make sure I can get to berries and fruit before they are in season. I think sticking with veggies is a smart way to get the CCLL. I already lost all my weight once (extended induction), only to gain it back because I never followed the true Atkin plan. This time I am bound and determined to do it right! Don't want to get tired of the food this time around.