I am totally blown away by how quickly the eating changes can work.

I returned from Estonia on Friday, having gained two pounds beyond my previous starting weight, and began induction again in earnest on Saturday morning. Since I'm an extremist, I have a tendency to..well..go to extremes. So, I do not toy with the carb limits in terms of amounts of veggies, etc., and mostly avoid them altogether. That way, when I have a few, I know that I'm still well within limits. Keeps me from having to have all those numbers in my head.

So, I've been having eggs/bacon/steak for breakfasts, ham, eggs, cheese for lunch, and a variety of meats, cheeses, steaks and things for dinner, with no concentration on quantity, but quality, ala Atkins, during this induction stage. As I said, occasionally I throw in some vegetables, or a kosher pickle.

Here's what I had last night for dinner, my own creation:

I browned about a pound of ground meet in a skillet. Moved it over and sauteed mushrooms in the grease. Mixed it all up together. I put half of this mix on a large plate. Sprinkled it with finely shredded mozzarella. Layered the rest on it, sprinkled with more cheese. Then, I made a large hole in the center, and filled it with cut up onions, cukes, and tomatoes, and put Emeril's caeser dressing onto it.

This was all spontaneous because I used ingredients I had on hand with no idea what to make for dinner. It was a HUGE plateful. I ate it all.

After all that, this morning, I had lost two pounds from yesterday morning. All in all, since saturday, I've lost FIVE!!! pounds. I'm inspired and amazed simultaneously!

(I have also allowed myself one miller lite per evening, knowing that I don't take in many carbohydrates otherwise. In between, I've been drinking diet sodas and water.)

How long can I expect this to last? Are carbohydrates in terms of veggies (fiber) necessary? I just use them for occasional taste treats...I've always loved meat, and never been hooked on carbs, so it isn't difficult for me.

Thanks for all your messages here. I scan the threads often during the day on many of the forums and get so much inspiration!

AJ

WTG on the loss Tiker! I hear you about the extreems Mea culpa.

You can expect this to last at least the two weeks of induction, for some it continues on a while at a slightly reduced speed. It all depends on how your body adapts, how much you have to lose, and whether you're male or female. I am still loosing about 3 - 4 lbs a week, going on my 8th week. I do exercise a lot though.

And yes, carbs are necessary. Or this would be a Zero Carb plan, not a low carb plan. Some organs in your body do need a small amount of carbs. Your body can make glucose from protein as well. You require the green veggies for other reasons though. Nutrients and Fiber. You run the risk of a nasty bout of constipation if you dont get your veggies in. Some side effect of not eating them also include headaches and muscle fatigue. Keep eating your meat, but throw in a salad or cup of broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, cabbage, spinach or chinese greens into your daily mix. Two would be even better spaced through out the day. It is best to have your 20g of carbs spread throughout the day and not at one sitting. Saving them up for a 'treat' can get you in trouble.

Heres to your continued success,
Nat

What you have to look at is the future. You are creating new habits for yourself that will turn this from a "diet into a way of life.

So, if you can see yourself eating this way for the rest of your life, continue doing it. If you see yourself with more variety in terms of eating, start doing it now so you'll have those good habits established by the time you reach maintenance.

Karen