A hurdle before I even start

[PAdisMOM]

I had decided to start induction on May 20th. I chose this day because as I near the end of the school year I have several retirement dinners and awards dinners coming up. So I picked the date after the last retirement dinner. This also happens to be two weeks before the end of school. So I could start summer vacation a few pounds lighter (hopefully).

Here's my hurdle. Like an idiot, I completely forgot about memorial day. We are having a picnic for my in laws. Well, I decided I can still do it. But I need you help with ideas and also to preapprove my plan.

I can eat the meat that we grill. I can also eat cucumbers and tomatoes. I thought about making a cracker and pepperoni tray. I can eat the cheese and pepperoni (no crackers). I could also throw some olives on that tray.

For desert I can serve strawberry short cake. If I whip my own heavy cream and don't add sugar I can have some whipped cream and some fresh strawberries.

Also, I like to marinate boneless skinless chicken breasts in Italian dressing before grilling. Do they make italian dressing with no sugar?

I don't really want my family to know that I'm doing Atkins yet. I would rather have them say "You look so good! How did you do it?" rather than "Why are you eating like that?" or "Oh, another FAD diet." I want to have some success before I tell them. This shouldn't be hard to hide because I'm a picky eater. I never eat macaroni salad or potato salad or cole slaw. So that won't tip them off. Eating a hamburger without a bun might. I also don't drink pop (soda to most of you). So that won't be a give away.

Any other suggestions to help me through this induction hurdle?

 

[TigH]

Can you make your own marinade for your chicken? Maybe some olive oil w/ vinegar and fresh herbs? I'm sorry, I'm not doing Atkins so I don't know what's legal and what's not, but your plan sounds WONDERFUL!!! I think this is a great hurdle, one that you will certainly clear with no problem!!! Better to look at it this way than saying you are running into a brick wall! You can do it!!!

P.S. I think Kath is going to bop you on the head for calling yourself an idiot. Keep an eye out for her, she's sneaky!

 

[glo]

Look into the Marie's dressing...I know their Blue Cheese has 0 carbs...I just read labels and get dressings with little sugar and very low carbs. YOu can do veggies, like broccilli or green beans. You can so the cheese, pepperoni crackers deal and skip the crackers. You can make sausages, ribs (with a dry rub), grilled chicken....just stay away from the ketchup and BBQ sauces

 

[Rhonda]

Your menu sounds great!!! I don't have plans yet for Memorial Day!! (hint-hint)

I wouldn't worry about the little bit of Italian dressing that you will be marinating your meat in. Dr. Atkins says to stick with dressings that are under 2 carbs per serving - and there are plenty of those! Most Italian dressings fall into this category.

 

[PAdisMOM]

I was just on the Atkins web site and I can't have berries during induction. I think.

Help me Atkins gurus! The strawberries with whipped cream sounded so good. Are they absolutely forbidden?

I haven't been able to get the book yet, so I've been relying on the web site and you guys. Thanks for all your help.

 

[Liz]

I don't know about Atkins, but I know how hard it is looking ahead and planning for special occasions. My only advice is to go ahead and start Atkins May 20th like you planned. There's always going to be some holiday or a birthday or a dinner with friends coming up. You'll feel better if you just get started and learn to work around these special occasions.

You can do it!!! Good for you for making a fresh start!!!

 

[WebmasterAlex]

unfortunately any quantity of strawberries that would be worth while would be a no no on induction...
If it's really an issue this might be a good time to resort to a little trickery..... oops I have a tummyache!
You'll get sympathy and no questions

 

[nativetxn]

Or another subterfuge, last time I ate strawberries they upset me They <i>would</i> upset you, if you eat them and get knocked out of ketosis.

You could out and out fib. (Can you believe I'm suggesting that ?) Something I have truly guilty of doing in the past was eating as I cleaned the strawberries, one for the bowl and one for me, one for the bowl and 2 for me You could say that you ate so many strawberries while you were preparing them that you just don't want anymore right then.

A harmless fib but still a fib. I don't know how you would feel about doing that.

Hang in there. I'm proud of you for planning ahead. That is a great way to succeed. Good for you!

Katholyn