Here goes.... :)

[RooksWS6]

Hello all,
I am new to Atkins--just started yesterday. I'm pretty sure I have been on every diet under the sun now. Until now, I have avoided low carb diets. I've always told anyone who suggested I give it a try that I thought it was unhealthy. The truth is that I just didn't think I had the will power. Well, now I'm at the same weight I was when I came home from the hospital after having my daughter (who is 2 1/2 now). So, I'm trying Atkins and I'm determined! My current weight is 164 and my goal is 135. My family and I are going on a cruise in May and while I would love to reach goal by then, I realize that isn't realistic. Any loss between now and then would be great!

I do have a couple questions. So far I have encountered two main challenges--caffeine and sweets. I am an avid coffee drinker. I attempted to give it up cold turkey yesterday and switch to decaf, but by the end of the day I had the worst headache I had every experienced. So I allowed myself one cup of regular coffee partnered with a couple Advil. Today I drank half-caf. Any advice for weaning myself off the caffeine would be GREATLY appreciated. Secondly, sweets are a killer for me--mostly in the evening. Every night after dinner I struggle with cravings. I don't need much just something small. Last night, I gave in and had a couple mini Reese cups. Tonight I'm dying for a PB&J. HELP!! I need suggestions. I know induction is supposed to rid you of the cravings, but how long does it take??

Thanks in advance for your support/advice!

Lindsey

[atkinsgal08]

Re: Here goes....

Welcome to ADBB, Lindsey!

It's best to wean yourself off caffeine slowly ... that will help with the headaches. Doing what you're doing with the coffee should work.

>>sweets are a killer for me--mostly in the evening.>>

A habit, right? You're used to something sweet after dinner?

So you really need to change your habit. You could try some herbal tea.

>>Last night, I gave in and had a couple mini Reese cups.>>

And it didn't help with your cravings, right?

Feeding your sweet tooth dragon isn't going to help you conquer the cravings.

>>how long does it take?? >>

More than a day!

The bad news is ... some people never lose their desire for sweet (or whatever). They do learn to manage the desire.

One approach some use is to have something fatty or protein based when the craving happens.

There's also refocusing. A craving generally passes in 20 minutes ... so go do something else.

[imagood1]

Re: Here goes....

If you have a headache from lack of caffeine in your coffee, take a couple pain releavers and have a glass of water....within a couple days your caffeine dependancy will pass....the same with sweets - it's best to get rid of sweets completely during induction - you'll be surprised how naturally sweet many foods are once you aren't putting extra sugar (or sweetner) into your system. The first couple days are tough but if you want it badly enough you'll be able to do it. Water will help keep you feeling full and will help with your cravings. Get up and do something when you feel you need a sweet - sitting there thinking about it is a sure fire way to cave -- you have to retrain your brain and your system.

Good luck to you - I hope to see your success story here!

[clb121]

Re: Here goes....

Welcome!! I know you may not think you can reach your goal weight by May, but you will get closer, and you will lose inches and fat which will really show in your appearance and confidence. I am on day 8 of induction and have been pretty much sticking to the program with only a couple minor missteps (and never going over my carb limit, and I have had NO sugar or junk!! yay!) I am a big sugar addict and caffiene addict.I still have my coffee but it doesnt seem to bother my weight loss. It honestly took about 4 or 5 days for that stuff not to bug me. Now it isnt bad at all. Infact, my boyfriends brother and his girlfriend brought us over a huge homemade chocolate peanut butter pie last night, my favorite!!! And ya it looks good but I am perfectly able to ignore it. So just hang in there now cuz it DOES get easier....keep us posted!

[mission to lose]

Re: Here goes....

Hello all,
Any advice for weaning myself off the caffeine would be GREATLY appreciated.
Thanks in advance for your support/advice!

Lindsey

Hi Lindsey

You said it yourself! WEANING. Just cut back slowly. If you drink 8 cups every day, tomorrow drink 7, and the next day 6, etc. There is no need to go through severe withdrawal symptoms.