Atkins week #1-comments and questions

[Simba's Mom]

After 1 week on Atkins Induction, I've lost 5 pounds. Needless to say, I'm thrilled about that. That brings up the first queston-can I expect a similar weight loss for the second week of Induction or does Induction rate slow down considerably between week #1 and #2? I haven't had any headaches that I expected. As a person who ordinarily has a sweet tooth (my biggest Atkins challenge), I was very relieved about that. But I found myself extremely fatigued this week if it was more than a few hours since I ate. Is this normal? But I'd get my energy back, feel great, after my next meal. The Atkins book I read suggested I may need to drink more water. I admit, I probably should.
And this question is from DH-he's been so incredibly supportive, he loves to cook "Atkins-safe" meals for me. Where would people suggest finding some, meals for Induction? Thanks.

Note to Dan and anyone else who's been able to stick with Atkins on vacation: Boy, do I admire you! I have a trip to HHI coming up in about 6 weeks, and I dread the thought of trying to stay with Atkins through it.

 

[LisaTx]

Congratulations on a very successful first week!

You may continue to lose more than usual during week 2 but after that I would expect a slow down.

Drinking your water is very important. Your body needs it to flush out all of the waste and toxins. It's normal to feel fatigued at first. It's got to be pretty traumatic to your body to lose 5 lbs and completely change the fuel process. I'm sure as your body adjusts, your energy levels will improve. Don't forget you can and a snack between meals if you need to.

That's great that your dh is supportative and wants to cook for you. The Atkins website has lots of recipes and you can sort them by what phase you're in. Here's a link to Induction recipes.

For me, I need to keep things simple or I don't lose. I made a completely legal casserole for our family Thanksgiving, didn't eat anything off plan, and still gained weight. I try to stick with grilled chicken, salads, pork chops etc. My dh grills every weekend. He cooks up tons of chicken, pork chops, hamburger patties and sometimes steaks. Then during the week we just reheat what we need. It's a huge help to me and I love it! I know it's too cold to do that in most of the country. Do you have a George Foreman grill or something similar?

I'm sure it's hard to imagine now, but I bet in 6 weeks time you'll be doing so well you won't want to eat off plan. Keep up the great job!

 

[Rhonda]

Congratulations on finishing your first week!

That's great that you got through without a headache! Fatigue is a little normal, as your body adjusts to your new, healthier way of eating.

You might lose a little less during week 2, depending on how much you have to lose total. But, stick with it! During week 2, you will begin to realize how great you feel! You'll have energy you didn't know existed! And, you'll start to sleep better, and wake up feeling refreshed!

One hint - don't go a "few hours" without eating! Keep protein-rich foods on hand for quick snacks every couple of hours. Hard boiled eggs, beef sticks, cheese slices, 5-6 macadamia nuts, etc. They're all great snacks!

 

[Cinderelli]

Simba's Mom,

I just started Atkins on Monday. I think I'll probably loose around 3-4 pounds this first week (my goal is 20). I hope I still loose around that much week #2, as well, but am not expecting that much. I think the more you have to loose, the easier it comes off at first. I've found that I'm getting bored eating eggs for breakfast, salads for lunch and a meat/veggie for dinner, tho. I just found the link on this website for lots of different Atkins recipes. I'm off to the health food store today to buy some products so that I can try some of these recipes.

I do have a question for anyone who is working out and doing Atkins. I have been doing The Firm workout for 2 weeks (weight training with aerobics). Will the muscle that I'm building cut down on the weight I should be loosing? I know that muscle weighs more than fat and don't want to get discouraged if I don't see the weight coming off as quickly as I think it should.

Thanks in advance.......and Good Luck Simba's Mom

Lissa

 

[DoeWDW]

Lissa, get out that tape measure!! You will gain muscle weight but a pound of muscle takes up less room on your body than a pound of fat. You will gain muscle but lose inches and taking your measurements every week or two will prove it. Also, your clothes will fit better.

One funny thing about eating low carb is that you seem to lose inches OR lose weight in a given period but not at the same time. The scale may not move for a week or two but your measurements will show the inches melting away. Then the inches will stay the same but your weight on the scale will drop. This is typical for Atkins and other low-carb plans, so don't let it worry you.

Best of luck!

 

[sha_lyn]

This is the end of my first week of induction too.
I haven't had the headaches either.

the one day I did feel very weak, drank a protien powder shake and was OK with about 20 min. Now I try to at least eat 4 or 5 brazil nuts if it's been 2 hr since I ate.


http://www.low-carb-friends.com/

has several induction menus and recipes.

It also menus and recipes for OWL

 

[LisaTx]

Lissa, if you just started exercising, not only will you be building muscle tissue, but you may may retain a lot of water at first. I started exercising a few months after starting Atkins. During the first month of exercise, I didn't lose nearly as much weight as I was, but I lost lots of inches.

If you're not seeing big results, just keep telling yourself that you're doing this to get healthy and the results will appear eventually. Just have patience.

 

[Cinderelli]

Thanks for the info LisaTx and DoeWDW. Good points. I don't feel like I've lost any weight, but it's still early. I can't wait to weigh on Monday. I did take my measurements this past Monday, as well. I was thinking about taking them again after one month. I didn't know if change would be apparent before then. Maybe I'll measure on Monday, too.

Thanks for the good info.

Lissa

 

[Cinderelli]

Oh, and goodluck to you, too, Sha_lyn. That website looks to have some yummy recipes. Thanks.

Lissa

 

[sha_lyn]

someone here gave me the website. I love the ideas there. I paln on having a baking session soon to make and freeze low carb waffles, breads etc.

I'm also on a low car yahoo group that just posted a lot of freezer friendly low carb meals. here's the name of it
LOWCarbCookingRecipesTechniques_MORE