Since starting induction 8 days ago, I have rarely felt so enthusiastic about anything. The whole experience has been nothing but highly motivated and energetic and it's something I feel proud to be part of. I had no real problems so far, although today at around 4pm I craved sugar in a way I haven't since I started Atkins. I managed to resist temptation as my will power and resolve is so strong, but it would be reassuring to know if this craving will eventually go completely. I have 9 pounds in my 8 days and am rapidly converting the world to Atkins with my enthusiasm. Would love to be regularly in contact with some of you.

Good luck friends,
SebastienC

There's lots of info on the forum (via the "search" link at the top of the page) on dealing with cravings. Taking L-Glutamine is one way (I take 1,000 mg before each meal). Others take L-Glutamine sublingually under the tongue. Dr. Atkins' also suggests whipping cream sweetened with artificial sweetener for immediate relief.

As for the cravings wearing off, yes I believe they do if managed properly. I'm a sugar addict and I no longer crave anything sweet. It took a couple of weeks for me. But then, I also made some other major changes. I made sure I was never hungry as well as counting my calories to make sure that I'm eating enough. I also added a lot of variety to my meals. These things I had to do b/c in the past I wasn't so successful dealing with the cravings.

HTH & Good luck,
Wanda

Hi SebastienC,

Hello from a fellow Brit. There seem to be two ways of dealing with these types of craving. One is to just resisit - as you did and congratulations by the way and the other is to indulge in something sweet - but not sugar.

I have a real sweet tooth and take the second (maybe coward's) way out. I usually resort to sour cream sweetened with artificial sweetener or cup of cocoa sweetened with heresitias.

In Boots you can buy sugar free diatbetic chocolate. Be careful though. This and other diabetic sweets they sell are sweetened with sugar alcohols which some cause some people to stop losing weight and with most people they have a laxative effect - one large bar of Boots diabetic chocolate is enough to make me seriously ill for a day!

I'm only passing this on because if you really come to your wits end these diabetic sweets are at least not as bad as the real thing.

I'm sure the best way is to fight the cravings and lose your sweet tooth - I'm assured it goes away.

Good luck but don't give in. I've lost over three stone - it's worth it!

Cheers mate,
Robert

OH I know what your going through

It happened to me about day 8-9 of Induction, I just wanted to get my hands on anything sweet. But resisted, however the next day I went out and bought suar free candies, by Eda 1 carb each, now I know it's most likely a no,no, On Idct, but it got me through I had 2-3 aday for about 3 days, then I just have'nt bothered for a few weeks now. So it will pass, but you've got some good Ideas here to use if you need, but not the Chocolate, not in Induction, not a good idea.

Good Luck, Kathy

I forgot - if you live in the UK you can get sugar free POLO mints.
Robert