Atkins Newb with questions

[MichaelAdd]

Okay, I'm going to do this. I have the book. My questions are more tailored for me and my diet. 1. I don't eat many veggies...yes I know *smacks hand*. Will this cause Atkins not to work? And what can I eat instead to get the same benefits? 2. I know about the water req, especially during induction, are there any beverages besides tea and coffee (i dont drink them) that you can recommend? Thanks in advance. Now I will go on a binge...reading this forum...not eating, I swear.

[LuckyD]

Re: Atkins Newb with questions

Hi Michael, Welcome.
Well here is the thing with the veggies. They are kinda mandatory. However a lot of successful people on this WOE will tell you they did not like veggies to begin with but love them now. Try and open your mind as well as your taste buds and be willing to try to eat those veggies. There is NO SUBSTITUTE. There are LOTS of wonderful recipes that will have you not believing how good those veggies are.
Okay on to water. You need to drink lots of water. There is a daily water requirement and the only way to meet it is with good old water. That said there are other beverages you can have on top of the water. Look for Splenda sweetened decaf sodas. There are quite a few. Please do not binge. Read as many Sticky's as you can in a sitting and join the forums for advice, support and telling us about yourself and your eventual success.

[MichaelAdd]

Re: Atkins Newb with questions

Thank you for your very quick response. Confession time: I can tolerate romaine lettuce and other leafy greens. Is that fine, you said a couple cups a day, I can do that. I will definitely drink the water. I drink a gallon a day anyway, I usually supplement that with crystal light in addition with meals. I know CL the powder is banned during induction due to asparteme, but is the Splenda already mixed version allowed? Thanks in advance.

[MichaelAdd]

Re: Atkins Newb with questions

And what about Jello w/ Splenda?

[clogger]

Re: Atkins Newb with questions

Welcome to the board, Michael!

Ditto to what LuckyD said.

I suggest reading and re-reading the book (DANDR) for motivation. Check out the list(s) of vegetables in the book. It's important to eat veggies for the fiber and nutrients. How about green beans? Try making Fauxtatoes. I don't have the recipe on-hand, but it has cauliflower, butter, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. It's "faux" mashed potatoes. Maybe search this site or the Internet for the recipe. You could also steam and puree veggies, add some herbs and spices, and use that as a sauce over meat. Search for low-carb veggie recipes - you might be pleasantly surprised.

My advice would be to try and stay away from artificially sweetened drinks. I LOVE Diet Dew, hot tea tastes great with a packet of Splenda, but I'm staying away from that stuff now because having something sweet makes me want more sweet things. If you don't abstain, remember you can have the equivalent of three sweeteners per day (diet soda, sugar-free gum, a packet of splenda, etc).

Good luck to you!