Should it be this easy?

[bigbob21]

To start off with i am Male, 31 years old and i started Atkins 8/7/09 and so far i have lost 7 pounds and probably more as the last time i weighed myself was after i ate lunch a couple of days ago. I started Atkins because i saw that my aunt had lost 65 pounds in 6 months while on 24 hour oxygen and unable to do any physical exercise. I was told this would be hard and that i would have constant cravings and that i would be miserable for the first 2 weeks to a month. And i was and am prepared for that. Nothing could be more miserable then being fat and unattractive right? Well so far i have had no cravings, im never hungry and my energy has exploded. I know that this is a good thing but it is throwing me off because im expecting everyday that i wake up for this to be the day everything gets super hard. So i guess my first question is should it be this easy and should i expect for it to get harder? My second question is about calories. According to the online calculator i am looking at the lowest i should be eating for fat loss is 2064 calories. My understanding is that going below that is dangerous. Well as i stated before i am just never hungry so according to fitday i am eating between 940 and 1450 calories a day. Should i be worried about the low calories or will this only help me reach my goal? Should i force myself to eat more? Thank you for your time. Sorry about the long first post.

[imagood1]

Re: Should it be this easy?

At the top of the induction page you’ll find a condensed version of the book - http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-diet-14-day-induction/77558-atkins-diet-induction-faqs.html. We aren't really worried about calories - more with the number of carbs we eat daily. I don't mean that calories aren't important, it's just that if you get your carbs in daily your calories should be in line with recommendations.

The fact you aren't hungry is keotsis - that is when the body goes into fat burning mode and it's exactly what you should be experiencing. Your question: is it this easy -- yes it is. Many people have problems with cravings in the first week or more but not everyone so you were one of the lucky ones.

Make a copy of this list http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-low-carb-dieting-faqs/6781-what-foods-can-eaten-induction.html and take it with you when you go to the store. If a food isn’t listed on the acceptable food list don’t eat it. Learn to read the label on all foods you buy - don’t just look at the “carb” number look at the ingredients list of everything and check the ingredients against your list. Just because it says "low carb" doesn't mean you can eat it. Also check for hidden sugars (learn the names used in place of the word “sugar”).

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

[liv]

Re: Should it be this easy?

Welcome. Sounds like you are doing great. Way to go.
I would not worry about calories - just eat the legal foods - make sure you get your veggies in and that you drink plenty of water and take your multivitamin. The ketosis suppresses appetite and as long as you have regular meals and feel good that is fine. But do not starve yourself on purpose. Some people think they cheat the system by doing low carb and low calorie at the same time and it does just now work like that.

[bigbob21]

Re: Should it be this easy?

Thank you guys. Yeah trust me i am the last person in the world that would starve myself on purpose. I have been only eating foods on the acceptable foods list and i actually found this site when i was searching for recipes. I never was a big eater. I think my weight gain was due mostly to the very large amounts of soda i was drinking and my very low activity level. I would easily drink 2 to 3 6 packs of soda a day! Anyway im just praying that i continue to loose weight at the rate i have been and that it stays as easy as it is now.

[Mick2360]

Re: Should it be this easy?

Hey Bob, Sounds like you are off to a nice start, way to go! Check our carole's post, she has never steered me wrong.

On a side note, I lived in Alamosa. CO as a kid. Loved the trout fishing and hiking. I won't even mention the authentic Chicano cooking!

Best of luck and check in often!

[bigbob21]

Re: Should it be this easy?

Wow i did check out her post and the links she gave. WOW so many induction friendly recipes.

[bigbob21]

Re: Should it be this easy?

Just another update i am now down another 7 pounds for a total of 14 pounds lost. Induction is supposed to be over tomorrow but i am doing so well im afraid to change anything. So i will be staying on induction at least another 2 weeks.