I have just started the "induction" phase of Atkins. I am exercising 6-7 days a week. Alternating weight training and cardio every other day. I have trouble controlling my appetite. I chose the Xenadrine EFX because it is ephedrine free. Ephedrine gave me headaches, the jitters, and caused personality changes ( I was crabby all the time!). It does however contain caffeine. I read in Dr Atkins new book that I should avoid caffeine. Will I be doing myself more harm than good with this product? I would really appreciate a response from trainerDan as I respect his opinion. Any info would be helpful. Xenadrin EFX also contains
Tyroplex (l-tyrosine and acetyl-l-tyrosine), Green tea extract (epigallocatechin gallate, caffeine, polyphenols, Seropro( cocoa extract standardized for PEA (phenylethylamine), tyramine and theobromine, Yerba Mate standardized for caffeine and methylxanthines, dl-methionine, ginger root (standardized for gingerols), synephrine, n-methytyamine, hordenine, octopamine, and tyramine, DMAE, Grape seed extract (standardized for catechins. Also contains Vit C, Vit B6, Pantothenic Acid, and Magnesium.

The verdict is still out on the caffeine debate. There are those who actually advocate caffeine consumption. As a coffee addict - I'm with them!

As for your work outs - 7 days a week? The body needs time to rest and heal or your training is for nothing. I'm thinking 6 should be your maximum. Just my $.02.

I was beginning to think there was no one out there. Thanks for your reply. I am still doing the caffiene and the xenadrine EFX, it really does calm down my appetite (not an easy feat!). I have been reading the pros and cons on caffiene and I am still drinking it. While still trying to drink my water. I make lots of trips to the bathroom . I do usually take one day off from the gym. I have read alot of conflicting info on daily exercise. So....I'm still not sure of the answer, much like the caffiene debate. .
I hope my smilies make sense....I'm still a newbie here.

It would appear the verdict is out on the water deal, too. Recently they are starting to re-think that impossible 12 gallons of water a day (well that's what it felt like!) theory. I've always questioned it, myself. When I am unable to sit for more than half an hour without getting up to pee.... Drinking anything to the point of being uncomfortable (not to mention completely annoyed) doesn't sound like a good health plan to me.
I take the efx, too, by the way. Tried the formula with the ephedrine and found myself in bed with tremendous cramps. Ow, ow!

I've tried several ephedrine products. I went through major personality changes (turned into the "b" word)! Also had terrible headaches. So far on the EFX have only had mild headaches, Advil usually takes care of them. Seems to be reducing my appetite which is why I bought them. Now if I can only find a pill that will help me lose 40lbs instantly!!!

Sign me up for one of those!

Since I am doing a CKD which always me to 'carb up' for 2 days ( ) I take the efx only 5 days a week. It has helped me to 1. take one the first dose then increase to 2 on the second and 2. limit my coffee on those days.
I actually only took one pill twice a day for the first week, increased it to two in the morning, one in the afternoon and then to two twice a day. My system seems ok with that, not such a big shock.
I've tried cayenne, too (they have a 'cool' formula - won't burn your guts) but I'm not sure that was very effective.

How has the CKD worked for you? Read a little about it on this site. Carb loading for 2 days? How do you stay in ketosis? You've lost alot of weight, is that how you did it? I'm in the first week of "induction" on Atkins. I've been weight training/cardio for 6 weeks. I was doing a modified high protein diet but wasn't losing any weight. So I decided to go for Atkins. I get my body fat% measured on Saturday. I'm scared it hasn't dropped and that I'll get discouraged (my biggest downfall in the past). I'm hoping this site will keep me motivated, no matter what the results of my body fat.

Most of the weight I lost from exercising. I began that about 6 months before I began lc. Just started the CKD about 4 weeks ago. Have lost 6 pounds.

With a CKD you are only in ketosis for 5 days (the days you train like crazy!). As I understand it, when you train for those 5 days you are dropping fat but not building much muscle. The carb up replenishes your muscles. Kind of like a sponge - you squeeze out all the water (ketosis), add water (carb up) and then squeeze again. In the end, you generally end up with a larger sponge but it will be leaner, if that makes any sense. The 'water' you squeeze out is the fat. It is a 12 week program, then off for 4.

So far, so good!

hi iowagirl

I've seen some other info on CKD on this site and I was wondering if there is a good book that you get your information from. I would think that when you are "carbing up" for a few days that it matters what kind of carbs, can't be all pie and icecream right? It sounds very interesting.

I go to the gym Monday to Friday for an hour in the morning and I don't eat before I go. Cardio is no trouble but I find that weights or circuit tire me. I eat a good breakfast when I get home usually with around 10 carbs with my bacon and eggs. The only supplements I take are a multivitamin X2 a day and Omega 3,6,9 essintial oils. Any suggestions. It would be much appreciated.

Most of what I have read has been on this forum and the links recommended. Lyle McDonald appears to be the CKD guru. He has several articles on a site I believe is called www.thinkmuscle.com I printed everything out, it was very informative.
You're right, the carb up should be controlled. Sometimes I think that is the toughest part. For us all or nothings it is easy to fall off the wagon (headlong) when given so much leeway. I try to plan my menus on the fitday website, too.
Have you tried the weight training at home? There are some awesome videos out there.