I am on my 7th day and have lost 11 lbs. I am feeling nauseated and now I have chills and am so lethargic. Is this right? Everyone else at work on this has so much energy and feel great, am I doing something wrong. I am trying to do 20 carbs a day sometimes I might be a little less. Today for instance, bacon and eggs for breakfast, roast beef, havarti cheese, cucumbers and celery and no sugar jello for lunch. Any ideas, I am a little concerned!

Hey squeak!

Many people experience "withdrawal" effects from the changes occurring in their bodies. You essentially have to retrain your body to use its own stored fuel for energy and in the meantime you may experience temporary headaches, mild nausea, and just generally feel out of sorts. This typically lasts for up to week and then you should start to feel much more energetic and full of vigor. I found that fatty foods helped me with the nausea (cheese, nuts, heavy cream, etc).

Make sure that you are eating enough vegetables (salads, etc) as this is where the bulk of your carbs (and fiber) are going to come from during induction. Drink lots of water too, this will help to avoid constipation.

The majority of the weight that you lose in the beginning is due to your body letting go of stored fluids, but no doubt some of the weight has been stored fat as well. You should already have begun to feel less "bloated."

Pay attention to your body, as it will usually let you know if there is something else going on. Try posting some of your typical daily meal plans here so that people can give you tips on anything that you may be overlooking. There are also supplements that can help with the initial "switchover" to lessen the symptoms. Dr. A discusses them in his books. Because the induction portion of the diet is so restrictive it is very important to make sure that you are getting any missing vitamins and minerals from supplements. Once you are beyond induction you will be able to incorporate more variety of foods into your daily menu.

Hang in there...you're at the hardest point in your journey!!

All the best,

KC

Ditto that...

I just wanted to tell you that my first week on Atkins was HELL, even the second was a little rough for me. But after suffering 2 - 3 migraines a week for years, once I got past the induction period, I didn't have another pain in my head for the next 58 days - and RARELY have one now! There is something serious going on in your body right now - lots of changes - and I somehow feel that the people who "suffer" the most during this time are the people who tend to be making the most important adjustments.

To quote some blonde homemaker on TV: "It's a good thing!"

Hang tough through it - you won't be sorry!! Your diet sounds good - make sure you're eating enough food and be SURE to drink water, water, water.

Let us know how you're doing...

58 days w/o a headache? I find it interesting so many ppl had terrible mingraines for years and I know its true when you kept up with the days in between. has to a good feeling....

If you are lethargic, you may not be getting the right supplements. They make a big difference for me, and if I don't have them, I can tell.

You should be getting at least the following:

1. Vitamins C and E
2. Potassium - I noticed a big energy surge when I added this.
3. Calcium
4. Beta Carotene
5. A good multivitamin.

It's also a good idea to get Magnesium. Check the supplements area of the forum for the right doses.

Also, make sure you are taking in lots of water. This will help flush out toxins and assist in the weight loss process.

I hope this helps.

Hi squeak,

I too had horrible withdrawal symptoms my first week on induction. After about 8 days, I began to feel much better.
I agree with brian about making sure that you are taking all of the supplements that you need. I think that a big part of my "recovery" was including potassium and
magnesium supplements to the multivitamin I was taking. It can make a world of difference.


tg