Hello Everyone

[mgoffin]

My name is Mike. I recently went to a neurologist for back pain and migraines. I was shocked when she told me that there's potential for my migraines to be carb-crash related. It seems that putting young people on Atkins to get rid of the body's dependency on carbs can actually help stop the migraines.

I've had the migraines since I was 6 years old and no doctor has found a solution as of yet. Since I consider myself to be overweight, I figured this would be a great way to kill two birds with one stone. Lucky for me my girlfriend decided to jump on board as well.

My first day I went and bought the 2002 book that this forum follows, and a book on Atkins recipes. I went shopping and bought all of the proper food for the induction. I used to be heavy into carbs (sandwiches, waffles, ice cream, sodas, etc.) and a lot of sugars (candies mostly). We're giving all of that food away and throwing the rest out that no one wants to take.

I actually started Thursday night (7/16/09) and my girlfriend joined in the day after. So far we've stayed well below out allotted 15g of carbs each day, and have been pounding water, taking our vitamines, etc. The unfortunate part for me is my back. I'm going for an MRI tonight, and starting PT this week. I can't workout because of it, but I'm hoping PT will slowly get me back into being able to do some cardio and let me get back into the rock climbing gym on the 2-3 days a week schedule I used to be on.

I haven't had time to get a scale, but I know from my last time at the climbing gym I was 245 (with clothes and climbing shoes on). I am assuming I gained a few pounds between then and starting, so I am considering 245 to be my starting weight. I'm going in a few minutes to get a scale so I can see how things have been going. I've noticed I haven't had a bowel movement in a couple days and my stomach is hurting a little. I am figuring based on what I'm reading that it's my body's adjustment to the diet change that is causing it and if I continue on with the fatty foods it should pass. My headaches are pretty bad going through the carb withdrawal but I hope that stops soon once my body switches over to burning proteins and fat reserves for energy (I think that should be around Tuesday if all goes well).

Anyways - long winded introduction, but I wanted to say thanks for the great forum, and I'll try to remember to visit as often as possible for updates and great information to supplement my journey to a healthier life!

[liv]

Re: Hello Everyone

Wow. That is interesting. I hope this will help you.
Great that you have all this support.
Sounds like things are going well.
Just don't push this very low carb stuff. It is not about not eating any carbs at all. Eat your veggies - helps with constipation and stomach issues.
Let us know how thing go.

[mgoffin]

Re: Hello Everyone

Thanks! I got the scale and it clocked me at 242.5 (with clothes). I'll do an official check in the morning.

We'll definitely be eating veggies!

[imagood1]

Re: Hello Everyone

Hi and welcome Mike -- I have suffered from migranes for years and can honestly say I haven't had one in the 6 months I've been on Atkins -- it has been a godsend for me!!

Here is some info I hope will help you as you get started. If you have any questions or concerns we're here to help!!

It’s a good idea to get a copy of the 2002 Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution (DANDR) the book we use for reference on this site. Until you can get a copy of the book check the stickies (information posts) at the top of the induction page - http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-diet-14-day-induction/77558-atkins-diet-induction-faqs.html – it’s a condensed version of everything you’ll need to know. Even through the stickies are a good start they don’t detail the entire program, so that’s why we suggest you have the book to follow. The plan works if you follow it the way it is written and don’t try to do it “your way” – obviously “your way” doesn’t work or you wouldn’t be here.

Before you start:
*take your measurements and get on the scale so you have accurate numbers to start with - don't weigh again until the end of your 2 week induction.
*Eat a variety of meats, cheeses and vegetables. Also make sure you get your fats, carbs and protein in daily – www.fitday.com will help you keep track of this.
*Drink 64 ounces of pure water -nothing added daily (Legal water is considered Filtered water, Mineral water, Spring water and Tap water).
*Take your supplements and start an exercise routine today.

The Atkins shakes and bars are not legal on induction – there are non-induction ingredients in them and they are not listed on the acceptable food list. If a food isn’t listed on the acceptable food list it doesn’t belong in your mouth – no exceptions!

The recipe sites are a helpful meal planning tool – just make sure you use Induction Recipes to begin with.
Recipe Sites
http://www.genaw.com/lowcarb/menus.html (Linda’s)
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-diet-14-day-induction/58513-never-ending-induction-recipes.html (Induction recipes)
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-diet-14-day-induction/6807-induction-recipe-basics-more-recipes-added.html (Induction Recipe Basics)

If you need anything we’re here to help you!! Good luck.

[mgoffin]

Re: Hello Everyone

Thank you for all of the information and support!!

I have already purchased the book, so that combined with the stickies here should be a great start.

At my visit with the neurologist they weighed me in at 245lbs, which was the day I started Atkins. I have the scale, so when I need to I can weigh myself. My weight is not only of interest for the diet, but also to make sure I lose some to take off some of the pressure on my back as we try to fix that.

We're already digging into the recipe book and thus far all of the meals we've had have been just as tasty as any other non-healthy meal we've enjoyed in the past.

Thanks again!!

[chinadoll]

Re: Hello Everyone

Hi Mike and welcome. The veggies and water definitely help you lose and keep your body healthy. Glad you are doing fine so far.

[Emre Yigit]

Re: Hello Everyone

Welcome to Atkins.

The headaches should pass as your body adjusts (and if you drink enough water.)

However, I would recommend fibre supplements in the first few weeks/months, because oil alone is not going to cut it. Believe me, this is our main problem here.

Oh, and do take all the supplements the doctor recommended - fish oils and vitamins in particular.

[mgoffin]

Re: Hello Everyone

Thanks! We've both been true to vitamins for a long time so continuing them has been easy.

We're definitely going to the store more often for fresh stuff to cook with. Hoping to keep up some variety and not fall into the trap. So far breakfast seems to be the worst with eggs being the primary suspect. Any tips on some non-egg breakfasts during induction?

[chinadoll]

Re: Hello Everyone

Smoked salmon, leftovers, ham and cheese roll ups, the one minute flax muffin...also check out Linda's recipes for Induction--there is a link in Carole's thread above. She has great recipe ideas.

[JulieB]

Re: Hello Everyone

For breakfast, on weekdays, I usually have crustless quiche (its fast to nuke a piece) Week-ends are bacon & eggs (Hubby's favorite). Here are a bunch more ideas:

http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/low-carb-menus/1133-induction-breakfast-suggestions.html