Hi low-carb friends!

I am very new to this LC thing. I started Atkins a couple of weeks ago, but only got through a few days of Induction and did not feel well...absolutely no energy. I know this is supposed to be normal and go away eventually. HOwever, I was planning a long bike ride (60 miles) and wasn't sure if I could make it. So I started adding a few carbs. I got through that ride fine. But yesterday I went on a longer ride with a difficult hill climb and I felt like my legs had no staying power. I had to walk a lot of the hill. That is a first for me. I am very active (cycle 30-50 miles, 3-4 times per week) and don't want my favorite exercise to be compromised.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

The best advice is to follow the recommendation in the book and take 2 weeks off from exercising while you're body adapts to burning a different source of fuel.

You do not have to give up exercise - but you do need to allow your body to adapt. Two weeks tends to do it for most of us. Use this time to learn about your plan and to get through that 'icky' phase. Be sure you're eating enough, drinking enough water and taking the recommended supplements (esp. potassium in this heat).

Then ease back into exercise. It will take a little while to build back up to your pre-LC intensity level, but you'll get there - with energy to spare. You'll also have to increase carbs a little from Induction levels. <20g a day is not sufficient for intense exercise (again, this is covered in the book). During your two week vacation from exercise looking through DANDR for information on how to proceed to OWL (Ongoing Weight Loss) would be a good idea - you'll have all the information needed to increase carbs and be ready to get back at the biking.

HTH
Nat

Thanks for the suggestion.

To be honest, however, I have put so much into getting where I am in terms of fitness that I am really reluctant to stop for 2 weeks. I am looking at other options. But I will keep this in mind should I choose to try the induction phase again.

I just wanted to mention that my sister is doing Atkins and like you she is VERY active. In the Adkins book it does state that if you are already doing an excercie program, you should not stop. She didn't and had a really tough first week, but by the second week ~ she said she was back to her old self. Maybe you could try to slow down a little for the really bad days.

I only walk for excercise and I did not give it up either and I felt fine ~ except for a couple of icky days.

Thanks! Maybe I'll try it again.