Constipation
 

Ok, I'm never constipated, until the LCing. Atkins says to try some wheat germ or flax or psyillium husks. I tried wheat germ, to no avail...so, I had some coffee, which I never usually drink, becasue it causes me to experience some IBS-like symptoms. However, the coffee did the trick...
I know we aren't allowed caffiene, but I was starting to worry about my health, it isn't good to be constipated for 3 days. How much do you think that one cup of coffee will affect my weight loss?
Also, the wheat germ I bought has only one gram of fibre per serving, and 3.5 grams of carbs total. I know I need more than one gram of fiber a day. Any other suggestions please? thanks!

Oh Sh*t!
 

Hi Marie

Consitipation is a word that crops up quite a lot during induction. Your insides are getting used to very different food and so with no potatoes, etc the amount of fibre initially goes down. However, after the first few days I have had no problems since and don't use any fibre additions. If you eat the vegetables on the plan, especially things like brocolli, then they will contain enough fibre. You also need to make sure you drink enough as a large amount in the large bowel is water.

If you want to take added fibre what most people seem to take on this forum is Psyllium husks. But nodoubt someone else will reply on that issue.

The caffiene you had will not have done any harm. I never gave up coffee completely, just reduced it to two cups a day. Water and vegetables are the key you need.

Water
 

Hi, thanks for the info, that makes me feel a little bit better.
I do drink a lot of water, so that wasn't the problem. All I've been eating lately is spinach, raw baby spinach. Yesterday I had a tomato as well. But next time I go shopping I am going to take the induction food list with me, and buy as many veggies that are on that list as possible. Broccoli is one thing I am missing right now, but I will definately get some within the next couple of days. I almost never drink coffee, especially black, but I just mixed a tablespoon of that horrid freeze-dried stuff with an ounce or two of water, nuked it and gulped it down like a shooter...it was NASTY, but it did the trick. ha ha:)
Thanks again for your post! Hugs

I have not given my coffee up...and it has not affected my w/l either...The couple o' days that I did not have it...I got terrible migraines...so added it back, and it has not been a problem.

thanks!

Click on "Low Carb Tips" from the orange menu bar near the top of the page and check out the article Low Carbing and Intestinal Health. There may be some other tips you'll find helpful.

Coffee is one of those YMMV things (your mileage may vary). It's a good idea to try to go without for at least the two weeks of Induction .. or else limit fully-leaded brew to one cup a day if you absolutely must. Not just the caffeine issues, which Atkins discusses (note that caffeine is not restricted in other LC plans such as Protein Power and Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution though) ... but coffee does have carbs .. 1g per 8 oz cup (and the average mug is 12 oz ;)) plus any creamer or sweetener you put in it.

Doreen