Hey Y'all!

I have been doing Atkins for about 11 days now... not to the letter because I know that I can't be THAT strict with myself or I will end up quitting. Anyway, I have been consuming about 30-40 carbs a day... The past 2 days I have been VERY GOOD with limiting carbs and making sure to stay within 10-12X my body weight in calories. I have been very lightheaded the past 2 days as a result. What is the connection here? Am I doing something wrong? I drink ALOT of water so I know that it can't possibly be dehydration. Am I supposed to feel like this?

thanks

Could be several things.

Do you have allergies? Seasons are changing right now. I know we had one person here on the forums find out that they had an inner ear infection and didn't know it. She was feeling dizzy like the room was spinning.

Do you feel like you are going to faint? Or just sort of dizzy?

When I first started induction I went through a light headed fatigue phase. I was told and it is in the book, that this is normal as your body switches from carb burning to fat burning. Hopefully, that is what is happening with you. If so, it does go away after a week or so as your body adjusts.

Paleoanth

I was lightheaded and walked around in a fog during a few days when I started. I got over it, so I assume it just goes with the territory for some people.

You know yourself best. For myself, I found that being really strict actually kept me from quitting because I lost the hunger and the cravings that way. It's not fun for the first week or so, though. After that, I got a lot of energy, felt terrific, and was so relieved that I just didn't even want the carbs any more.

Hi! A LC diet can lower your blood pressure, so that could be causing your dizziness, especially if it happens when you stand up, after being in a hot shower or bath, etc. Are you on BP medication?

I personally don't see anything wrong with skipping induction and going to maintenance, which is kind of what you're doing. If people can lose on Protein Power, which is 30-40 g of carbs initially, then so can you.

Enjoy!

I've had problems with light headed-ness and dizziness on Atkins from the get-go. I've been on it 4 months now, and it's still a bit of a problem.

I've found that taking supplements helps - I take a calcium magnesium combo and 250 mg. potassium pills after most meals, and I also use NuSalt at home instead of normal salt as an additional potassium source. (It seems that it isn't safe to take the amount of potassium that you need in pill form, it's apparently very hard on the stomach).

Someone suggested that I get my blood pressure checked - haven't done that yet, but I guess I should. Thanks for reminding me!

Hi Again!

Thanks for the input- glad that I am not alone in this problem. My BP has always been on the low side- usually about 100/60. I got it checked yesterday and it was 110/80 which is about normal. I guess my body is just adjusting to this WOE.

thanks again!

Hi I am new here. I started the Dr Atkins diet in 1976. I lost loads of weight! Now many years later I am grossly obese and have numerous health problems. I keep trying to use Dr Atkins but get very dizzy, sweaty and panicky. I believe part of the problem is because I am now hypoglycemic. Which means I need a certain number of carbs to maintain the balance. I am now starting the diet with 25 grams of carbs and will see if this helps the lightheadedness. I think this is an option to investigate for those who are having the same problem. I also have found if I am not eating enough calories this too causes lightheadedness and dizzy spells.