So I took a day off atkins....

[pinkandgrey]

After 7 weeks on atkins and going strong, I decided to take a day off. I ate a bunch of starch and sugar. (this was this past monday) It wasn't that great. Not only was I so full and bloated all day, none of the food tasted as good as I thought it would. Yesterday my stomach ached all day (although I ate perfectly) and this morning I woke up and my tummy STILL hurts! I was wondering If this was typical for anyone else who has taken a "day off." Wasn't worth it.

[Jace]

Re: So I took a day off atkins....

More than typical, the ill feeling is inevitable when you deluge your body with carbs after its used to not having that much in your system. However, it's only a small setback compared to what you learned from it! Glad you've realized it's not worth it...really it could be the best learning experience you'll have!

Best of luck on your weight loss journey!

~Far la bella figura!

[idahogirl]

Re: So I took a day off atkins....

me and my hubby did that! BAD IDEA!!! I felt so bloated for a couple days and me and hubby both felt exhausted not a good feeling. Not to mention now I have to go through re-induction and im having cravings again. Im on day 3 of re-induction so hopefully I feel better soon. Those no no foods are so not worth it!!
Hope you feel better soon!!!

[Kent]

Re: So I took a day off atkins....

Trying to digest those foods after the body hasn't had to deal with them can certainly lead to the icky feelings. Some of the nauseous feelings can be Induction Flu, but more than likely it is the dose of glucose the stomach had to deal with. I agree with Idahogirl, the nono foods were never worth derailing me from goal.

[Scooterjam]

Re: So I took a day off atkins....

My day off started with 1 cookie and ended 6 weeks later with a 14 pound weight gain and throwing up all night.

Be lucky it was one day. I wouldn't recommend doing it again.

Its also your bodies way of 'rebelling'....too.

[higgies]

Re: So I took a day off atkins....

The day after this happens, get right back to induction-type eating and drink LOTS and LOTS of water. The water should help rid your body of the stuff.

[fredonian]

Re: So I took a day off atkins....

Staying on Atkins in the strong (induction phase) for a long period of time can lead to binge eating if you take a break off the diet. It can also make it hard to get back on Atkins. I did this in 2001, after loosing 85lbs on the diet by staying on iduction for 8 months. I looked great, but while on a vacation I started eating regular starchy and sweet foods. Afterwards, I was unsuccessful in getting BACK ON ATKINS. I just could not stand the idea of only eating meats and small salads again, nor did I wan't to look at another Atkins' bar or shake. I lost control and gradually gained the wieght back by overeating starchy foods again. If only I had done what the book had reccomended and moved on to OWL, I could have likely avoided failure. Let's face it, our bodies like variety, and rightfully so. If you do what the book says and move on to OWL and broaded you food choices with fruits and complex carbohydrates, you will less likely give in to eating the way you mentioned above. I am fortunately back on track, and I am doing things far differently now. I take several breaks from Atkins, to keep my body from feeling too deprived. I follow one RULE however, and that is that I eat SMALL PORTIONS. I also try to eat healthy when I take a break. Eating several types of fruits really helps keep my sweet craves in order. When I do eat bad, I am esspecially careful. When eating pizza, I stop after 2 slices. If eating a hamburger at McDonalds, I eat just a burger with no fries. When eating high carb foods, I try not to go over 350-400 calories, and believe it or not, this seems to help reduce the glucose response. I am fortunate however that I am still loosing weight while doing this. I credit this to doing 30 minuites of cardio a day five times a week. I now LOVE Atkins more than ever. I am on and off it quite regularly though, usually stay on it for 7 to ten days at a time. Just try to avoid staying on strict induction for too long. Your body will punish you for it in the long run.

[Elizellen]

Re: So I took a day off atkins....

Afterwards, I was unsuccessful in getting BACK ON ATKINS. I just could not stand the idea of only eating meats and small salads again, nor did I wan't to look at another Atkins' bar or shake.

With all due respect - this really isnt following Atkins

If only I had done what the book had reccomended and moved on to OWL, I could have likely avoided failure.

I agree - this would have been a surer way of allowing your body to learn what foods it can eat and lose weight. OWL eating once you reach the higher rungs and can include some starchy vegetables and grains if you like is an easy and fulfilling way of eating, form which I feel no need to 'take a break'!!

I now LOVE Atkins more than ever. I am on and off it quite regularly though, usually stay on it for 7 to ten days at a time.

Dr Atkins warns us against hopping off and back on Atkins as it can mess up our metabolism.