I have been on Atkins since the 10th of June. I have lost 35 pounds and am 5 pounds from my goal. I am not in a hurry to lose the last 5 pounds so I am slowing adding some carbs back. I have been doing that four the last couple of weeks. In the last week or so, I have been having some constant stomach cramps. They don't go away when I eat and they don't get worse. I pretty much have them from the time I wake until late evening. Is anybody else having the same problem?

Also, I used to go to the bathroom (#2 to be polite) 2-3 times a day and now I am lucky to go twice a week. I know some of it is because I have cut out the excess food, but is that normal?

Please help.

Hi there Saseals,

Nope, this is not normal. It's possible, even probable that the cramps are caused by your constipation. But I think you need to see your doctor pronto in case something else is going on.

You sound as though you are not getting nearly enough fibre. Are you still eating plenty of vegies? You may want to add a fibre supplement. Dr Atkins recommended psyllium husks - 1 tablespoon in a glass of water daily.

Rosebud

Hi!!
I have had the same problem. I noticed it when I ate some fruit. I tried the psyllium husks and they were so nasty in a glass of water. Is there something else we can do with them so they don't taste so bad?

I do have a lot of other fiber in my diet though. I sprinkle my foods with Wheat bran from a shaker.

Is there any other ideas??

Thanks!!

I find adding a squeeze of lemon juice makes a big difference. Mind you, I still take a deep breath and drink it down very fast.

Rosebud

Maryc,
I found psyllium husks in capsule form from my natural foods store and they work great for me! I have a bowel movement once a day...granted I'm eating my salads every day but at first, they didn't d much but now I'm regular. Try those. You will skip the bad taste and still get the benefits. I'm like you...if I can't stand the tasts, it ain't going down my throat!!!
hope this helps!

Try mixing them with Fruit 2O, that seemed to do the trick for me. Any drink that has a lot of flavor will mask the taste, although I haven't found anything for the texture!