Afraid of OWL...(not the ones at the zoo...hehehe)

[CarbCop35]

I dunno...I am currently on extended induction (started low carbing on January 10) and have netted great results (25lbs lost so far and approximately 15-20 more to go). At this point I am strongly considering moving to OWL so that I can introduce a little more food variety into my eating regimen, however I am apprehensive and somewhat frightened about making the transition. Yes, I have read and understand the rules of OWL, still I am reluctant to take the step towards it because I fear that there might be a stoppage of weight loss or worse yet, an addage of weight. Anyone else out there experience this? If so, any words of advice and comfort you could offer would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

[cmcole]

You are not alone.
This seems to be a very prevalent feeling among people who have experienced such great results with Induction.

However, you will likely experience more success if you follow the OWL rungs properly, as you progress on your way to your goal, for a number of reasons.

Not many people will stick with Inductiion level foods and carbs for the rest of their life, and OWL is a training ground to re-establish good eating patterns.

Learning what foods give you problems (whether it's insensitivity or cravings) is a great opportunity. You can take as long on each rung of OWL as you need to establish that knowledge base.

Slowing down your weight loss, while in the short-term may seem counter-productive, is beneficial, as it will establish patterns in your body and eating habits that will last much longer than the quick fix plans out there.

I'm sure there's lots more reasons, but I'm pressed for time.

[not2late]

I was on Induction for 4 months and moved on due to a week-long job related seminar where I knew I would have difficult time staying Induction legal.

Take your time. Move through the rungs slowly, if you want. Don't start OWL around your TOM, especially if you gain water weight or water inches.

You might hit some snags, but remember, this is additional knowledge for you about how your bod reacts to different foods and this will help prepare you for weight maintenance.

[4everAtkins]

I was SO afraid to move onto OWL. But, as long as you do it by the book, and add foods in the right order, you'll be fine.

I actually lose BETTER now with berries and things.

[loonatika]

It's only normal to be apprehensive when you've been following a routine that is working so well for you.

Do you exercise? If so that will mean you can eat more carbs and not have to worry about gain. Your magic number is your CCLL and that may be as high as 150g/day.

The veges rung should be a breeze, most people don't really find any issues with food until the dairy or nuts and seeds rungs.

I've been on OWL ever since my two week induction and lost at about 1lb a week. Not fast, but certainly not slow either.

Anyway, welcome aboard the OWL train, hit the veges carriage and I stop making silly puns now

[2big4mysize]

oh come on out and play in the great food experiemt part of Atkins. Think of OWL as putting up the framing for your life long House of Atkins to keep your new healthy smaller body yours. You take that foundation you have buiklt in induction with all those healthy fats and 3 cups of veggies mixed with the water exercise and suplements and now you selct the very best timbers for your framins examining each one very carefully knowing you can reject it if it isn't right and try a different one without destroying your foundation.

Come on put up the first beam 5 net carbs of thiose vegies you are already eating you can do it.

Happy OLWIng

[loonatika]

hehehehehe I like your house analogy 2big

[Elizellen]

Yes that is a terrific analogy 2big - thanks for that image which I am sure I shall 'pinch' as a good illustration in the future!

[CarbCop35]

Thanks for all the encouragment guys...thanks for easing my fears. I plan to move to OWL at the end of March.

[2big4mysize]

good for you just rememeber you can go as slow as you want to and take as long on each rung as you need to to feel comnfortable with each food and each food group. There is no race to get that roof on the finnished house you can occupy it without it being completed unlike real life houses.

Happy low carbing.

[mjett37]

new to OWL

hi all I can understand being afraid because I was too but I do have a question since starting yesterday on the veggie rung 1 do I now add 25 carbs instead of 20 and do I add like one more cup of veggies ?

[2big4mysize]

Re: new to OWL

hi all I can understand being afraid because I was too but I do have a question since starting yesterday on the veggie rung 1 do I now add 25 carbs instead of 20 and do I add like one more cup of veggies ?

Nope you get out your carb counter or you can check loonatika's power of 5 tables and you add 5 more net carbs to whatever level you ate your induction ate so if you were 15 net carb inductee then you start OWL at 20 net carbs. If you use fitday.com you can check out any veggie from the list by typing the name and seeing how many carbs it has as you adjust the seving size. you can mix the veggies and have 2 nc of peppers 1 nc of raddishes and 2 nc of onions or what ever you feel like having from the induction lists. if you haven't had the veggie before remember don't eat a new to you food more then 3 times a week the first week of your Atkins eating it so you can see if it effects your weight loss craving control or appetite.

HAppy low carbing.

[kkat55]

Re: Afraid of OWL...(not the ones at the zoo...hehehe)

This was a good thread about moving up to OWL...bumping it up.