I want to thank everyone for this forum. I've learned so much from so many just reading the posts. Lost 28 lbs before, went off Atkins and tried something else-didn't work. Now I'm back for 2 days. Probably wouldn't have come back without this site's support. Now that I'm back I want to do it right. I've learned about hidden carbs, even in black coffee.
My question is about the induction phase of Atkins and what has worked for everyone else. It would be tempting to stay in induction but I'm learning if I do I may lock myself into that low carb range. That I should go into Ongoing after 14 days and start increasing my carbs to see what I can live and lose on.
What has worked for the group?

Hi Pjaye,

the answer is entirely up to you....it really depends on how well you are feeling. SOme people stay on near indiction levels nearly all the time and they feel quite well on that...others don't and find they are better on a few more carbs.

Interestingly, some folks actually lose better when they add in a few more carbs, especially from veges and some low carb fruit.

it's one of those things, where it really depends on the individual. You might have to do a bit of expeiementing

lesley

Hi

I so agree with Lesley. Its probably wise to add in a few more carbs soon after induction, but how many is a matter of choice.

I have a lot of weight to loose and stayed near induction levels for several months, however, it does not seem to have speeded up my weight loss. I think that is just as important to ensure that you are getting enough calories, via fat, in your diet. Eat fat, get slim. If you are not a member already you may benefit from joining Fitday.com as here you can easily keep track of your calories, carbs, fat and protein.

Hi there pjaye.....

I would encourage you to increase your carbs after two weeks on induction. There are a lot of good reasons for it, and among them is the fact that you will probably lose better with more carbs. When I began and had good success with staying under 20 g carbs a day I was very reluctant to increase. Why tinker with a good thing? was my thinking. As it turns out, once I started to increase carbs I actually began to lose better.

I think we have to look at this as one big scientific experiment. Every one of us is different and we need to be prepared to tweak and fiddle until we find the combination that works best for us.

I can tell you that I maintained at 143 pounds for five years on 1000 to 1200 calories (low cal/low fat...NOT LC). Now I'm losing on 1700-2000 calories a day on LC and I'm much happier at it too!

Marlaine

Thanks everyone. I was leaning toward going right into the second phase after induction. You never know until you try and I don't want to get stuck on a lower carb count if I can increase the carbs and still loose.

i am still on induction. the new atkins book basicly says as long as you want. I don't plan on adding anything any time soon.

I've been on Atkins nearly a year now and more or less stayed near Induction levels. Once I reach my goal weight I would feel happier to add a few extra carbs. At the moment I feel good and reasonably happy to carry on as I am.
Take care.