Just beginning

[joypeach]

Hi,I'm Joy and I started Atkins on Oct. 2nd. Ihad a rough first two days with cravings,but I am beginning to adjust. Have lost 6lbs. I do have some gastrointestinal issues due to diet change. Not quite sure what to do about it, very uncomfortable!! Does anyone have any solutions or advice that would help resolve this. I would even appreciate some encouragement. I'm also very thirsty. I don't drink any caffeine either.

[atkinsgal08]

Re: Just beginning

Welcome!

What kind of GI issues?

If you're thirsty, drink more water!

Good job on the weight loss so far.

[blueberrylady]

Re: Just beginning

Welcome and congrats on your loss so far!

Do you have the 2002 edition of the Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution? It's the book we use here on the board.

I know how easy it is to become constipated at first, so if that's your problem, you are allowed to mix 2 Tbsps. of psyllium husks in a glass of water, or ground flaxseed in a shake or sprinkle wheat bran on a salad or veggies. Also eating more veggies will help. Let us know how you make out.

[chinadoll]

Re: Just beginning

Drink lots more water and add flax (not too much) or psyllium husks to give you more fiber.

[joypeach]

Re: Just beginning

Thanks for all the help, but I should have been more specific about my problem. I have diarrhea. I have been drinking my water and I haven't eaten any carbs that are not allowed. I did , however, eat some almonds. Could that have done it? I am eating plenty of protein and fat. Although, I was not able to eat my snack on Thursday night because I was so busy at work. I am a nurse on a surgical floor snd patients always come first. I ate salmon, broccoli and cheddar cheese at 3 am. I ate 2 eggs when I got home at around 9 am. I work 12 hour shift s, so I did not have any thing for 10 hours. The next day after I got up I felt very weak no matter how much I drank or ate. I did finally drink some broth and I had a piece of wheat bread and a half of a avacado.. I felt better after that. I know I shouldn't have had the bread, but I didn't know what to do. Does anyone have a better solution than mine.

[atkinsgal08]

Re: Just beginning

From an old FAQ:

I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING DIARRHEA SINCE BEGINNING ATKINS. WHY IS THIS HAPPENING AND HOW CAN I CONTROL IT?

It is not normal to experience diarrhea while doing Atkins. Several things should be considered: Are you eating more dairy than you did before ? Are you allergic to any foods you are eating? Are you gorging yourself? Try adding 1 tablespoon of unsweetened Metamucil or psyllium daily. It acts as a sponge and forms a healthy stool. If you have been on a very low-fat diet prior to starting Atkins, it could be an adjustment period. Try cutting back on the amount of fat for a little while if that is the case. If the diarrhea continues for any length of time you should see your doctor.

*****

As you know, almonds are not allowed on Induction. Was broccoli the only vegetable you had?

When I started, I had the same "issue". I never did figure out what caused it, expect for "Thursday".

If Atkins is a very very different way of eating from what you were eating, then your system could be in shock ...

I would expect that if you stay true to Induction legal foods, this should clear up.

[imagood1]

Re: Just beginning

Welcome to the Atkins Board.

When I've gone through induction I've had diarreah - to the point where I don't leave the house for at least a day in case I need to make a quick dash to the bathroom. I chalk it up to the change from crap carbs to eating healthy and my body getting rid of all the junk.

Make sure you drink a minimum of 64 ounces of pure water (nothing added), exercise starting today and take a multi-vitamin. If you haven't already, read the 2002 Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution (DANDR).

The recipe sites will help keep you from eating the same thing over and over -- check them out! Don't forget to eat enough vegetables (check the acceptable food list http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-low-carb-dieting-faqs/6781-what-foods-can-eaten-induction.html) - eat enough vegetables - 2 cups from the first list and 1 cup from the 2nd list daily. Many of us use www.Fitday.com to track our food so we know what our carb totals are for the day. It's important you know what you are eating and how many carbs you are taking in each day.

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/58513-never-ending-induction-recipes.html# (additional induction recipes)

Any and all questions can and will be answered - all you have to do is ask!! Good luck.