I was wondering what most of you added back into your diet after induction. I am thinking I will add an extra serving of veggies. Looking for ideas for future use

That's what I added, more romaine lettuce or another small cucumber. I've been afraid to add fruit because I'm losing so slowly, trying to stay on induction as much as possible.

After induction, I tried to take it slowly as well... it's too easy to get carried away! The first thing I did was took off limits on veggies. A lot of us don't get enough in anyway, so it's silly to limit them. I ate bigger portions of broccoli and asparagus at dinner and huge salads. I also started eating more dairy than 3oz a day and began eating nuts, but I warn you, it's probably better to buy single-serving packages to control intake! Nuts can be one of those "overboard" foods. Fruits are a great addition too. Berries in a splash of cream can be quite heavenly.

Basically the best thing to remember is to start with no more than one new food a day, maybe even a week. Try more veggies the first week, then try some nuts and seeds a few days out of the next week, and berries a few days out of the next week. You will get the hang of what works for you.

Just to remind you, Atkins has a handy-dandy Carbohydrate Ladder that will give you some good ideas of what to add first. These articles: How to do OWL are also helpful summaries of the principles.

Just a note: In his most recent book, Atkins For Life, the good doc has removed "wine and spirits" from his carbohydrate ladder, considering them not a valid nutrional element. They are allowed on OWL, but not highly recommended.

Wishing you luck!

I dropped weight fast in induction and used extra sharp cheese as a brake. Now in maintenance for 8.5 months - successfully maintaining my target weight - actually down a couple lbs right now. I added fruit (red grapes, clementines, oranges - not just berries)and low carb cereals for breakfast plus eat some nuts and bean legumes. That is about it. I weigh-in almost everyday to know where I am at to guide me. I could not add too much more food at my present excersise level. Recently went to a trade show and walked or stood the whole time for 5 days. Lost 3 lbs. That goes to show you what excersise can do - if I could do that everyday then I could eat even more veggies, and fruit.

You certainly will be safe to increase veggies!

Again I find the scale so useful to track. If am down a pound then I know I can have more veggies, or refried beans with my fajitas. If I am up a pound then I know to cut back toward induction. Have also been able to cheat say - at your birthday or freind, family member - I can have cake and icecream. The worst from that is I might go up a pound(Not advice for diabetics). During Christmas I was exposed to the Christmas cookie temptations and over a two week period I went up 5 lbs. Then lost it all over the next 3 weeks.

yup- first and formost add veggies- high on my priority was my flax o meal hot cereal for breakfast- i used to be a big toast/oatmeal breakfast person and i really missed it- the F-O-M keeps all those cravings at bay- I was also pretty generouse in adding almonds to whatever i wanted- veggies, almond flour cookies, toasted almonds for snacks-
keep up the good work.

After three weeks of induction, I added more veggies. In week four I tried adding some berries for breakfast, and look out! They triggered my appetite and sugar cravings by lunch time. However, I can eat them with dinner without that problem. (Guess I just go to bed before the cravings kick in)

I just continued to raise my veggies and stayed away from carbs at breakfast time.

I've added some almonds to increase my fat intake and satisfy my craving for crunchy chips. They give me lots of vitamin E too. BTW...don't forget to add a tablespoon or two of safflower or sunflower oil to your cabbage, green beans, and collards if and when you cook them. It adds lots of vitamin E and gives them a great flavor as well as that satisfying feeling of fat on your tongue.

I especially have increased my broccoli. It is loaded with vitamins and has more calcium than a glass of milk! I also occasionally enjoy a few spears of asparagus sauteed in butter with (not in) my eggs in the morning.

Amy Mc.

I was absolutely strict during Induction but was getting tired of the same veggies. For me, it was important to add a little of variety in exchange for possibly losing less weight.

1st week: added strawberries & didn't lose any weight But I didn't gain either & was enjoying the strawberries so much, I decided to keep eating them anyway.

2nd week added nuts (definately only buy the small 2 oz. bags 1 at a time) & peanut butter (natural: no sugar or hydrogenated yukkies) because I 'hate to cook' & it's a quick & easy snack. Result: lost 5 lbs.

I'm going to on OWL for a llloooonnnnnggggg time, so I will probably try to add some low carb grains before pre-maintenance but not anytime soon.

The point is that everyone's different & what's great about life after Induction is using Atkins guidelines but adjusting ithem to fit your own body. I believe that's what makes 'doing Atkins' a way of life instead of another diet.