Hi! I'm almost at the end of my 3rd week of Atkins. I'm thrilled about my weight loss and am having no trouble staying within the carb limits.

However, I still feel incredibly tired, cranky, and forgetful. I'm having trouble concentrating. I feel like I do when I take cold medicine...you know that medicine head feeling. My biggest concern is that my blood pressure has been much higher than normal since I started and it doesn't seem to be going back down.

I'm taking my vitamins and drinking tons of water.

Has anyone else had problems with their BP during induction? Also, has anyone else had these symptoms last this long? I'm feeling discouraged.

Thanks!

Hi and welcome!

Yes, I had BP problem in the first weeks. Before I give you any advice, how high is it, are you taking any medications? Are you taking magnesium and calcium supplements? Are you drinking enoug water? Are you eating lots of processed meats and salty foods?
It's very hard to tell if you don't give me sample of your menues.
Alina

I saw on your profile that you haven't read any book about Atkins or lowcarbing. Dr Atkins states clearly that everyone should see a doctor before starting the program, just to eliminate any medical condition which could interfere. Persons with kidney disease should not do Atkins att all, thats what he says.
Just checking, because with this diet it's extremely important do do things right. You are feeling tired etc, this could be caused by wrong choice of foods, what are you typically eating?

I am not on BP medication. My husband is so we monitor his BP daily. I also do mine which is why I know that it is higher than usual. Normal for me is about 124/88. The past few weeks its been anywhere between 136/103 and 157/111.

I'm taking "One A Day" for Women which has 450 mg of Calcium and 50 mg of Magnesium.

As for processed and salty meats, I have been eating a lot of bacon which is unusual for me. Hmmm...

Well, try to change your foods starting now, no bacon, very little salt and lots of water. I think you should read the Atkins book and keep track of what you eat using Fitday.com, we are all lost without it.
There are some very important things about Atkins WOE, get some info ASAP!
I had the same problem, but if diet change doesn't help - see the doctor!!!
Alina

I've got the book on order and can't wait to read it. For now, I'll cut out the bacon. Thanks for your help!

I would recommend going to the website for Atkins:

www.atkinscenter.com

and hunting around for some information on what to look at if your bp went up. Atkins gave some advice about this in his book Nutrition Breakthroughs, which I have just loaned to a friend or else I'd be posting more info for you. The information is probably on his website, though.