Hi everyone,

I'm on Day 7 of Induction, been following the rules strictly, keeping around 20gms carb every day. Had headaches and carb cravings the first day, after that everything has been fairly good...except... my wife has been noticing that I'm generally not thinking as clearly as I usually do. I forget stuff that should be obvious.

Is this what people have been describing as the "lightheadedness" (I don't actually feel lightheaded). If not is there any cause for concern?

Note: prior to starting Atkins I had no unsuual health concerns apart from my weight and triglyceride level. hdl/ldl were in normal ranges.

So, any thoughts? I need my brain back!

Dan

By "lightheadedness" most people generally mean dizziness, not forgetfulness, but the "foggy" feeling you describe is also fairly common as well...

This too shall pass. Just make sure you're getting enough water. That can help. Also, without knowing what you're eating it's hard to tell if you're getting enough veggies, calories, etc.. Could you post a typical day's menu so we can get an idea?
(If you remember.. )

I had the brain fogginess too. It started getting better around day 7 of my induction. (Im on day 10) So I would say more than likely it will get better soon. Drink as much water as you can stand!

Notes:

In addition to the menus below I am taking a multivitamin supplement, a calcium supplment, and 2 citracel tablets daily. I am drinking at least 64oz water a day, usually more.

I think I need to boost my veggies so starting today I have been eating more and different vegetables at each meal. Still waiting for the brain fog to clear.

Sample menu from 12/5

Breakfast
2 large eggs + 2 egg whites
1 1/2 oz cheddar cheese
3/4 cup mixed greens
1/4 tbsp ranch dressing
8oz coffee with 1/2 oz heavy cream

8oz coffee black

Lunch
1 cup beef broth
Sashimi (4oz salmon, 2oz tuna, 2oz whitefish)
1 cup salad with iceberg lettuce, tomato, cucumber
1/2 tbsp wasabi dressing (ingredients unknown)

Snack
Cheese Stick (1oz)

Dinner
2 large hamburger patties with mustard
1 cup mixed greens (no dressing)

Snack
2 ounces Brie cheese

Fitday totals for Calories/Fat/Carb/Protein: 1599/104/9/150
Note that Fitday counts cheese as 0 carb, Atkins says to count it as 1?

Sample menu from 12/6

Breakfast
1/2 ounce swiss cheese
Lox, eggs, & onion omelette:
2 large eggs + 2 large egg whites + 2 oz smoked salmon + 1/4 cup raw onion + 1/2 oz heavy cream + 1 pat butter
6oz decaf coffee
1/2 cup mixed greens

Snack
1 oz goat cheese

Lunch
1 large hamburger patty
2 oz smoked salmon

Dinner
Chicken curry salad:
1 large chicken breast + 1 1/4 tbsp mayo + 1 medium stalk celery + 1 tbsp curry powder
1/2 cup green beans (plain)

Dessert
1/4 square unsweetened baking chocolate + 2 packets Splenda

Fitday totals for Calories/Fat/Carb/Protein: 1535/96/20/145