How bad is drinking two sips of soda? I gave blood today and nearly passed out. They made me drink some soda even though I told them I didn't want any. They didn't have water or diet soda. How much damage have I done?

At your weight, I am surprised that they let you donate: The cutoff is usually 110 lbs. and low-carbers look smaller than what they actually weigh.

I would worry less about the "damage" and concentrate on feeling OK. If you passed out, I would listen to the nurses. I am sure you didn't do too much damage and you'll burn up some carbs making new blood (it takes energy to make new blood anyway).

(That is a reminder to me to take a snack with me when I donate blood next time -- cheese or some flax seed corn chips.)

Also, you are 5'4" so that means that your current weight is on the low side for your height and your BMI is quite low. Please be careful and stay healthy. You might be better off following a maintenance plan and just toning up if you feel the need for that.

two sips? Dont worry about it all.. you'll be fine.

I used to get very annoyed when they tried to make me drink soda or fruit juice and eat cookies. Finally, I contacted the American Red Cross. I told them I was trying to rid my diet of sugar and refined flour and asked if it was really necessary to ingest all this sugar. I also asked if I could simply drink water instead.

A nice lady sent me back an email saying that sugar was not necessary and that I would be fine with just water. I carry that email with my always, and whenever I get flack about not drinking the soda and eating the cookies, I whip out the letter. I also usually bring my own water bottle, just in case.

cpreece.. this is off topic a bit but can i ask you how you got started on atkins

did you go through induction? and what do you eat now?

Word,

I started Atkins because I was tired of the low-fat dieting that was going nowhere. I went to Atkins.com and have been hooked ever since. My typical day looks like this:

Breakfast:
3 scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese
coffee w/ Splenda
or Atkins pancakes (love those)

Lunch:
A big salad with oil and vinegar
Tuna with lots of mayo

Dinner:
Steak or baked chicken with a side salad

Snack:
1 oz. macadamia nuts

And LOTS of water!

wow! that sounds just like me!! low-fat works, but geez its hard and that is no fun..

i eat about the same thing each day.. maybe a little more.. i always seem to be hungry. do you know why that is?

Try adding variety to your meals. If you eat the same thing everyday, your body might get too used to it. I always have deviled eggs in the fridge for a snack. They keep me pretty full until dinner.

I've given blood a couple of times since starting Atkins. I bring some nuts with me for a snack and I drink water. I've never had any problem, but I am a lot bigger than you are! You really are borderline for donating and, while I know you want to help other people, perhaps you should reconsider whether it is in your own best health interests to donate blood if you want to be this thin.