Atkins (Day 4) - Please help!

[Gaspode]

Hiya

As you may know my DBF started the Atkins diet on Monday.... well, he's going okay with it but we have a few questions:

1) Are you supposed to feel quite tired often at first? Does this go away?

2) What do you have to go on the side of the dishes? For example, tonight we had 'roast lemon-basted chicken' but struggled to find something to go alongside it which would bump up the carbs too much...

3) What do you do when you feel the need for something sweet?!

He says he is hungry quite a lot of the time and he misses sugary things and bread.

I guess I'm just looking for any and all suggestions as I would hate for him to feel like he can't do this (as he wants to lose weight and I want to do all I can to help him).

Thanks in advance,
Gaspode

 

[DoeWDW]

I can't answer all your questions but I can tell you that the first week is TOUGH! Many people feel tired, achey, and yucky for a few days and then you end up feeling great with lots of energy. Of course, while you're feeling yucky is also when you'll have the WORST cravings for sweets and other junky carbs!

You have 2 alternatives. Take a month to more slowly lower the carb level of your diet and then do induction, or just stick it out and get through it. There is light at the other end of this tunnel, I promise!!

 

[Rhonda]

If you're on day 4 right now, you'll start feeling better very soon! Usually after day 7, your energy kicks in, and the sugar/bread cravings go away! Try not to give in to them now!

If you really need something sweet, try whipping up some heavy whipping cream with a little cocoa powder and Splenda! Instant chocolate mousse! It's very good though, so don't overdo it!

For side dishes, I like broccoli or cauliflower with cheese melted on top, cooked green cabbage with lots of butter, green beans sauteed with bacon and mushrooms, acorn squash baked with butter, or just a green salad with dressing!

After the first two weeks, you can start adding a few more carbs, so it will get a little easier. You'll be able to start having berries, almonds, macadamia nuts, more vegetables, and legal low-carb treats like Advantage bars and Keto products!

Hang in there!! You're doing great - and you will start feeling better in a couple of days!!

 

[LisaTx]

Originally posted by Gaspode
Hiya

As you may know my DBF started the Atkins diet on Monday.... well, he's going okay with it but we have a few questions:

1) Are you supposed to feel quite tired often at first? Does this go away?

Yes, that's perfectly normal. After the body adjusts, the energy will probably increase dramatically.


2) What do you have to go on the side of the dishes? For example, tonight we had 'roast lemon-basted chicken' but struggled to find something to go alongside it which would bump up the carbs too much...

I don't really make side dishes much anymore. I normally just eat protein and salad. Other options are broccoli, green beans, cauliflower, cheese, eggs.


3) What do you do when you feel the need for something sweet?!

He says he is hungry quite a lot of the time and he misses sugary things and bread.

The hunger and sugar cravings should go away soon. That is part of induction, to sort of reprogram your body. When I do want something sweet, I go for sugar free jello or sugar free popsicles. I don't think they are meant for induction, but they are certainly better than cheating. Also, look for Davinci sugar free syrups.

I guess I'm just looking for any and all suggestions as I would hate for him to feel like he can't do this (as he wants to lose weight and I want to do all I can to help him).

If you don't have a copy of the Atkins diet book, you can get tons of good information at www.atkins.com We're always here to answer cuestions as well.

Good luck!

 

[elisebutt]

I found that as i adore curries and chinese food, I stir-fry a whole load of veggies - red, green and orange bell peppers, bean-sprouts, onions - yummy!

Also the first week you will feel GROSS!!! Just your body going into sugar withdrawal.

Have a look at the links above for recipes - sugar free panacotta is still my saviour when i want something totally lush!!

 

[catherine]

I don't do Atkins so I can't help as far as the food is concerned. I just want to send some PD to you and your DBF. Hope that your DBF starts to feel the benefits of doing Atkins soon

 

[AlisonB]

If he's hungry then he needs to eat more! There's nothing worse than feeling hungry and he doesn't need to!

I keep some cooked meats in the fridge so that when I'm hungry I just eat a couple of slices of ham or beef or chicken, together with maybe some cubed cheese.

Good luck!

 

[Gaspode]

Hiya!

Thanks for all the really great advice and PD/thoughts

What a great bunch of ppl you WISHers are - Good Luck to all!

DBF says thank you very much, it's great to know that other ppl feel the same during induction - and more importantly that it will go away soon!!!

Cya,
Gaspode

 

[nativetxn]

My husband felt awful for the first 4 days then his appetite went away and he felt great.

Be sure and remind your BF that if he eats protein he should eat some type of fat at the same time. ie ham with mayo

He should be feeling better soon, as soon as he finishes detox

 

[Gaspode]

Hiya Again

Katholyn - why does he have to eat fat at the same time as protein? I think he has been doing but just wonder why....?

Thanks!
Gaspode

 

[nativetxn]

If you don't eat enough fat your body will turn the protein to sugar. We are trying to avoid that. The goal is to use the fat for fuel