I am new to the forum. I am in my 8th day of induction on the Atkins diet and my body feels like crap! I have periods of very low energy and body aches (mostly in my legs - thigh area). I am also having problems with constipation. I am following the regimine very closely! Can anybody tell me if this is normal? If so are there any suppliments that are reccomended to help? I am currently taking a multivitiman daily along with Metamusil (just started yesterday).

I think that you'll find a lot of answers in the book. Rereading and reading the WHOLE book is a really great idea. (Sorry, if you're already doing that.)

Leg cramps (and possibly aches) might be helped by supplements of magnesium/calcium. Potassium can help the low energy (use No Salt on your food) and so can about 5 more carbs daily. Choose them from the Induction menu. Eat extra cooked veggies. The fibre in them will help with the constipation. So will extra Vitamin C - try 2000 mg at first. I hope you are drinking at least 2 litres (about 64 ounces) of water daily.

I see that you are 6'1" and male, so you are likely to lose rather quickly. Your stats show 9 pounds in 8 days at least. In the Rules of Induction, Atkins talks about 'losing too fast' which brings on some of the symptoms you describe.

Hope you feel better soon. You are already feeling lighter.

YES definately need those 3 --calcuim , Magnesium & potassium. I also felt that way until I started taking them and also made sure i was getting all 20 carbs in

I also remember reading that if you're having this type of symptoms during Induction that you can go ahead and add a few low-carb nuts (like almonds, hazelnuts, brazil nuts, macadamias, sunflower seeds) to your diet. I had to add a few sunflower seeds from time to time and it really helped me a lot. The book also says to make sure you are getting enough salt, as the rapid weight loss not only removes vital minerals like potassium, but salt as well.

You're a big guy so you can probably handle more than 20g carbs. Try 30g, but stick with high fiber foods, the non-starchy vegetables. That provides three large salads you can have at mealtimes. And a multivitamin, Ca, Mg, K and water. Hang in there, you'll do fine.

Thanks for all the great advice. I went out and bought some supplements yesterday and I do feel better today! Legs were still cramping last night some but I'm gonna hang in there!

I would like to contribute my thoughts on the importance of supplemets. I agree supplements of Magnesium/Calcium & Potassium which are both reasonably priced about $8 for a month supply of both even at GNC.

I felt really crappy the first 5 days, headache, exhustion and I was even cranky with my kids and husband (more than normal). I hope your simptons with improve and if you can, go to bed early it helps.

Best luck and give fish oils some thought.
regards