Just Joined

[Brian.Holiday]

Hello All, my name is Brian.

This is my first try at Atkins and I have been on induction for about five months. I am down 55 lbs and am shooting for 50 more. Love the diet.

I had low potassium and dehydration issues, which were solved with No Salt initially but I switched to Morton’s lite salt. My body wasn’t holding onto the water even drinking 2 gallons a day.

I am about to start adding carbs to support a workout routine. Any pointers are greatly appreciated.

[atkinsgal08]

Re: Just Joined

Welcome to ADBB!

You're reading Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution (2002), right?

You've been eating carbs, right?

What carbs are you planning on adding?

[liv]

Re: Just Joined

How wonderful that it has been going so well for you.
When adding in carbs do it by the on-going-weightloss (OWL) ladder suggested in Atkins. So that you start with the carbs less likely to impact your bloodsugar first since these are very likely the ones that will make the main part of your diet in the future
So more of the veggies from the allowed list
Dairy
Nuts (if you are not eating those already) - experiment with different seeds as well. This is an absolute wonderful rung. Most products are relative low in carbs, high in fat and deliver a good nutritional punch
Berries - good low carb fruit.

Welcome to ADBB

[Brian.Holiday]

Re: Just Joined

Not sure of the date, but I have the book. I have been doing induction the whole time so I haven't reviewed it in a while. I am a creature of habit so there was no need. My carbs have come from broccoli and salads.

I will probably go with nuts, but I don't know how many grams to start with.

Quitting carbs was like quitting smoking for me, after a while I felt so much better that I am afraid of taking any in. I have the problem with fatigue and I just want to take in enough to get me past that and fuel the workout and not a gram more.

This is the first time in my life I am not hungry all-of-the-time (literally). I don't want to go back, even for a day.

[Georgiana]

Re: Just Joined

The first thing you add in OWL is more vegetables, not nuts. Nuts come in later. You add an ounce of them (1/2 oz for cashews).

How many calories have you been eating?

How many net carbs?

[liv]

Re: Just Joined

Nuts would be a good add in. Start with one oz of nuts which is about 24 almonds or 12 macadamia (more expensive but also more fatty - great low carb nut. I am allergic to it unfortunately.) Also add in more veggies. They are very safe to add in
Check that you are getting enough protein and fat if you feel fatigued. What kind of exercise are you doing? Are you taking supplements?

[JulieB]

Re: Just Joined

Hi & welcome! It sounds like it might be time to dust off the book & review the OWL section There are also some stickies at the top of the forums that outline how to do the phases.

Congrats on your losses so far and best wishes for continued success!

[Brian.Holiday]

Re: Just Joined

I don't watch the calories very closely, but I am usually around 2000. Last time I checked my base to maintain was 3000. I loose a couple of pounds a week now so I don't stress over it.

Carbs are under 20, I only get carbs from salad and veggies. I rotate the meats, pork for bfast, beef for lunch, chicken with salad for dinner and a can of tuna before I go to bed. Can't sleep if I don't eat something before I go to bed.

For supplements I take a multivitamin and augment with Super B complex and D. I am low on D because I get very little sun and don't eat dairy or oily fish. This was suggested by my doctor.

The only exercise I do is work related, taking the stairs and walking. I have a new treadmill so I plan on starting out with walking. When I top out at about 4 mph for an hour I will switch to an eliptical. I hate running, it is hard on my feet. My plan is to stick with the treadmill/eliptical until I get close to my target. Then I will add light weight lifting.

[Browneyedmelly]

Re: Just Joined

I just want to say welcome.. and congrats on your weight loss...