Hi everyone - I'm brand new to Atkins (Day 2) and I can't seem to get my head around the fact that I don't have to count calories or worry about FAT grams!!! I also have a terrible headache today!! Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated --- I've been reading about all of your successes and I just can't imagine that I will see the same results......

you will. see the same results that is. but stick to the book! it has lots of great tips and ideas. it is awesome that we don't have to worry about counting calories or fat!! the low carb regimen generally curbs my hunger for food, and i generally take in lesscalories. as for your headache, it's perfectly normal. you're withdrawing from sugar and lots and lots of carbs, i'm assuming, so don't get scared. i had a headache the first day the first time i went on induction. i know you'll do great, and this board is a good place to come for questions! no worries...hakuna matata...

ohhhh...you live on prince edward island??? i'm so jealous...i love anne of green gables and all of that stuff...i want to go so bad....sorry; off subject...couldn't help it...

Hi and welcome to the forum Having a headache during the first few days is normal just hang in there it will pass.

Yes PEI is amazing --- I'm not originally from here but I can't say enough good things about it!!

The headache comes from withdrawl. You never relize you're a carb addict or a sugar one until you try to get off the stuff. If you are also trying to cut out caffine at the same time it could be a double wammy.

No you don't have to count calories. Some people find though when they get closer to goal they do have to pay more attention to them.

As for fat, fat is your friend. Atkins is a high fat diet with most of the calories coming from fat. It's hard to understand, and if you don't get a clear explination from Atkins, I urge you to go check the Protien Power book out of the library. It goes alot more into the scientific explination and is a good read even if you don't follow the plan.

Just hang in there for the two weeks. Have whole foods, no bars or sugar free candies, skip the shakes too. If you have energy problems or muscle cramps supplimenting with pottassium, calcium and magnesium may help. If you can survive the first two weeks, you'll be amazed at how much better you feel and how easy it gets

It looks like you already lost 8 lbs. That aint so bad. Don't worry, you will see good results!