Hi there

I'm rather new here and I just need... oh I don't know, advice? Comfort? Support? A mind that is saner than my panicky one? I'm on my sixth day of induction and though I know I'm not the first one, I'm feeling rather confused and well, worried right now. *bites nails*

Back to induction. The first 2 days were great, lost like 3 to 4 pounds all in all, and then lo and behold I began to put on weight. First i put on 1 pound, I lost it after nearly exercising to death in the gym. Then today I put on 2 pounds!! I'm about to go insane I swear. I mean I'm trying to do everything the book says, 20 carbs, exercise, lots of water, vitamins... you name it, I've bought/drank/done it!!!

I'm still not over my fear of meat and fat and its like with these 2 pounds all my nightmares are coming true. I mean, I'm not even maintaining the weight, I'm gaining weight!!!! What if despite my best efforts I just keep piling on the pounds and next thing I know I'm 200000000 pounds?

Its just that I'm in the INDUCTION PHASE. This is where the weight is suppose to come off right? Really come off. But it isn't. And the thing is the ketostix says I'm IN ketosis (a lot of it in fact), but I'm gaining weight. Argh. Its just so hard to keep faith right now....

As for my questions I have two...

First, does Atkins slow down your metabolism at all? It shouldn't right? I just need scientific proof or something to tell me that my theory number 1 (I am now gaining weight because my metabolism has slowed down) is wrong.

Second , ehm this is for the ladies, does "that time of the month" have anything to do with it? Atkins says it is harder to register weight loss during that time but does one actually gain weight?

I'm sorry if all this has been asked 2 million times before.

Thanks for your patience and support
--Elliebelly


P.S. I know people usually ask "what are you eating" so here's my journal, just in case.

http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthre...&threadid=88402