Hello, I've been on the atkins diet for about 3 days now and was wondering if this diet works for people who aren't overweight. I'm definitely experiencing the effects of the Induction diet (ie lack of energy, leg cramps, etc) but am wondering will the weight loss be very drastic since I feel a lot heavier than I used to.

Thanks for your time!

The closer you are to your goal weight the slower the loss is going to be. I highly doubt someone weighing 125 going to 110 is going to experience losing 15 pounds in 2 weeks.

Normally the more you have to lose, past history of dieting and age factor in on how fast the loss is. Those with the most weight to lose are normally the ones that drop 15 to 25 pounds in the first couple of weeks. This is normally due to the body letting go of water it has retained, very little fat is lost during this time frame.

Thank you for your prompt reply! I understand this is a slow process and ultimately, a way of life. I guess I just got carried away by everyone's seemingly miraculous weight loss. I'm still baffled that I can lose weight by eating so much fat but I'm going to stick it out thru the induction period and make a decision then.

Again, thanks for your help!

BTW, I'm currently 22 and just looking to fit into my old clothes again.

I definitely think that non-over weight people can do atkins. I'm am definitely not over weight and once I hit my goal, a person couldn't pay to eat highcarb things. Although I began Atkins at 173, I was still border line overweight (I'm 5'9.5" and have a curvy and wide body). I'm 21 and my mom and I lost about the same rate, so although age plays a factor, I think it's how much you weigh to how much you want to lose. For example, my last 15 lbs are not coming off like the first 15.

Good Luck and let us know how induction goes,
Erin

i have the same problem. I am 25 and 5'9" and 144lbs. I want to get back down to 126. It's really slow. I haven't even reach ketosis yet! it's been since 2/5. and i am doing everything right. Last year it took about a month till i saw results. Cardio and weight lifting REALLY REALLY help!

Lisalaura, this answers your question about not registering in ketosis Exercise will use up a lot of the fatty acids you're burning for fuel - leaving little or none to spill over into your urin for these strips to test.

Also, having done LC before you make it harder and harder on yourself everytime you fall off the wagon and then get back on. Your body adapts and it learns not to trust you - eventually it is possible that not even LC will work for you. Take a look at this thread:

The uses and abuses of Induction

Nat

Thanks Erin and LisaLaura for your encouragement!
It's my third day into induction and I'm already very frustrated. I put on my jeans today and instead of having them fit a bit looser, they were tighter! On top of that, I haven't been able to exercise because I am experiencing leg cramps and lightheadedness, in addition to a decrease in energy. I'm constantly taking naps and falling asleep in class.

But I'm going to stick it out for two weeks and see what happens. Before this, I tried to take off the weight by doing cardio for 20 minutes, 5 times a week and strength training for 3o minutes, 3 times a week but I didn't see tremendous results either.

I also have a journal log, under "Journals A-B" titled "456" to remind me to eat appropriately everyday.

Again, thanks for all your support and I'll keep you updated!