Am I doing induction properly?

[Ben_1981]

I just started Atkins and I'm really looking forward to some weight loss. I'm pretty heavy though (447 pounds) so I can't weigh myself very often to judge results. Please take a look at my menus and make sure I'm doing this right. I'm worried that I'm eating too much protein with too many calories. As you can see, my portions are pretty big and seem to be getting bigger. Here are the menus I've had since I began induction:

----------------

Breakfast: 3 fried eggs w/ 1oz Shredded Colby-Monterey Jack Cheese, 2oz Regular Country Sausage

Snack: 1oz string cheese

Lunch: 2 cups shredded salad w/ 1oz Shredded Colby-Monterey Jack Cheese, 4 tablespoons regular Kraft ranch, 1 tomato about 2.5 inch diameter

Snack: 1 hard boiled egg

Dinner: 6oz beef steak and 8 servings of deviled eggs (4 eggs + mayo and mustard)

----------------

Breakfast: 10 servings of hard boiled eggs (5 eggs + mayo and mustard)

Snack: 1oz string cheese

Lunch: 2 cups shredded salad w/ 1oz Shredded Colby-Monterey Jack Cheese, 4 tablespoons regular Kraft ranch, 1 tomato about 2.5 inch diameter

Snack: (none)

Dinner: 1 pound shrimp (cooked with olive oil) with half a cup of mayo, 2 tablespoons mustard, and teaspoon of soysauce (this was kind of weird, but I was experimenting)

----------------

Breakfast: 3 fried eggs w/ 1oz Shredded Colby-Monterey Jack Cheese, 2oz Regular Country Sausage

Snack: 1oz string cheese

Lunch: 2 cups shredded salad w/ 1oz Shredded Colby-Monterey Jack Cheese, 4 tablespoons regular Kraft ranch, 1 tomato about 2.5 inch diameter

Snack: (none)

Dinner: 7-10 chicken wings cooked with Frank's Hot Sauce and dipped in Kraft Carbwell dressing

----------------

Breakfast: 3 fried eggs w/ 1oz Shredded Colby-Monterey Jack Cheese, 2oz Regular Country Sausage

Snack: 1oz string cheese

Lunch: 5 cups shredded salad w/ 1oz Shredded Colby-Monterey Jack Cheese, 12 tablespoons regular Kraft ranch, 1 tomato about 2.5 inch diameter, 3oz raw mushrooms, 10 olives, pepper (I started eating more salad after reading that it would be ok

Snack: 3oz Pork Rinds (are these ok? 932 calories, 54 fat, 105 protein for that much alone!)

Dinner: To be determined, but I have 7 hot wings left (if I eat that though, my protein will be over 250 for the day, ouch!)

-------------------

I've also been walking about a mile a day along with some light aerobic exercise before bedtime. My ability to have an evening snack is limited due to work. The only change I've noticed is that I have a lot of heartburn.

[srsmom]

I am certainly no pro, but I can give you my take on it. You are a pretty big guy, so you need more calories per day than a smaller person would. So your portions may be fine for you to lose on. Just eat slowly, and remember to stop when you are no longer hungry, even if that means not finishing all that you have prepared for your meal. Or maybe try making smaller portions, and see if you are still truly hungry after mealtime. If you are, then eat a little more. I do not think I would ever use 1/2 cup of mayo at a sitting, just maybe try to use as little as you can. And I think 3 ounces of pork rinds is kind of a big serving, too. I usually grab about 5 pieces and leave the room with them fast, lol! I can't sit down with the bag! Also, make sure you are drinking plenty of water. Sometimes we can think we are hungry, but we are really thirsty. Hope that helps. You are going to do great on this, trust me. It was hard for me to get the hang of it at first, but now it is second nature and so easy to follow, and we get to eat lots of yummy stuff!

[Ben_1981]

I've also noticed that my urine is really yellow and foamy. Is this a sign of ketosis?

[srsmom]

I have not heard that one, but the yellow could be from a vitamin, if you are taking one. I have heard of it having a different smell or (eeeww!) little oil slicks on top (in the lobby today!), but I have not noticed that myself.

[MAMZELLE]

Hi, Ben.... as the previous poster says, you probably do require more food, but I would suggest that you make the
extra amounts only protein and fats more than carbs. I would personally cut out the tomatoes, if anything, on
induction it should only be one slice not a whole tomatoe in a day, [I've forgotten, were there 2 per day listed?] I
believe that is the first thing to cut because tomatoes and onions are the most sugary [fruits] vegetables that you
can eat and it is really going to slow you down especially in that volume..... also sausages to me can't be trusted and
are "filler" meats and shouldn't be consumed, you never REALLY know what's in them.

This diet should be absolutely PURE foods so if you keep that basic in your mind you can't go wrong. Buy pure
chopped meat, steaks, lamb chops, raw chickens.... whole or parts, and any other FRESH meats, chicken, and fish that you find at the
BUTCHER counters/windows ONLY and broil them yourself and season them... you can use any kinds of seasonings you like but
make sure they have no extra salts in them i.e. Garlic POWDER, Onion POWDER and things like that only.... [or fresh
seasonings, of course].... also with NO SUGAR nor addatives, always look at the labels of EVERYTHING.

Also, maybe too much cheese. Like me you seem to love cheese and I also eat a LITTLE too much lol or maybe it IS 3 or 4 oz. hard to remember what you wrote word for word.....but if too much, it can slow
you down. If you can just curb it for two weeks you will see a difference on the scale and be happy and it will give
you an incentive to even want to cut out some things you love or at least lower the portions of the carb types, and
you will be very encouraged when seeing the difference.

NO 'regular' bottled dressings, Ben. I think I saw that on the list. If you don't like oil and vinegar, then use mayonaise and mustard for your
dressing and add onion powder, garlic powder a dash of water to thin it a little, a little artificial sweetner [preferably
liquids or melted tablets... the little packets have dextrose and maltodestrin and will spike your blood sugar with the
96% sugar substances in those little packets of powders in all brands. Saccharin is approved sweetner and they too
are found in liquid and tablet form.

The longer you go with this, the less hungry you'll become and the portions you require will shrink so don't worry about a thing, just follow the foods exactly.... there is the diet written on this site. Do you have the book?

If you want to write to me with any questions, I will be glad to help, please don't hesitate, I've been doing this diet all my life, much of it with Atkins himself, as my doctor, and I would be glad to give
you any food tips that you need.

you'll make it, kiddo..... you've got the master behind you.... Atkins!

[Ben_1981]

^^^ Actually it's just one 2.5 inch in diameter tomato per day. It's listed on the Atkins site that you can have 2 cups lettuce and 1 cup tomato. My tomatos were all less than one cup.

Also, why is salad dressing bad? I've used it in moderation to stay under 20 net carbs. If I need more than I can have, I use that "Carbwell" type. I used that with my hot wings tonight.

What I'm worried about is eatting too much protein, calories, and fat.

[akmd65]

hi ben...
in the begining my loss my portions were huge. i have always used ranch dressing, and ate close to what you are eating. i usually ate 4 eggs and bacon or sausage for breakfast. lunch was a side salad from a fast food place and a few double cheeseburgers with no bun and nothing else. i dipped them in mustard or salad dressing. dinner was always meat and a small salad. i only snacked on hard boiled eggs and cheese. i ate like this for a few months. then i began feeling full faster. instead of 5 double cheeseburgers i would be ok with 3. then 2. i also stopped eating an entire london broil or whatever, and started having leftovers. it took me a while, but i didnt get obese overnight either.

i am praying for you, and if you want to talk i am here.

[MAMZELLE]

I'm going to talk straight to you, Ben. It depends on what one's priorities are..... what's more important, being able to
get to a scale as often as you want, and be able to even weigh yourself again, and saving your life...... or eating your
tomatoes, bottle salad dressings, sausages with filler, etc.

Look at this as a turning point in your life and it's not that
much to give up for the rewards you have in store if you do. Getting your life back into control comes before a
tomatoe. I wouldn't eat them, nor onions, nor those added carbs you're eating, and I only have 10 lbs to lose.

Nobody's telling you to cut your 'portions' yet, if you find that impossible now, that will happen naturally as you go
along... but you're having unnecessary carbs/sugars. Atkins customized the diet for his individual patients despite
what's in the 'book', and I know he'd tell you what I'm telling you. Eat an extra egg in place of the tomatoe or more
greens or even extra cheese, if you must have more in the way of carbs or don't, if you can manage it.... your'e safer
with that than tomatoes and those other hidden stallers.

I didn't say not to have salad dressing, just to mix your own so you're sure of what's in it and that some manufacturer
isn't messing with your body, which you will start to care about much more as you go along, you said you are having
'regular' bottled dressing, which has tons of sugar, I wouldn't even eat DIET dressings, there are lots of hidden things
in there too that you shouldn't have.

Package luncheon meats also have sugars, nitrates, and all sorts of hidden things that aren't allowed. [Make sure
your bacon is without nitrates as well]. You seem to be doing a very good job of scrutinizing everything, and very
knowledgable, so just push it a little further on the side of caution with the carbs at least for now.

It depends on what you want your progress to be and how long you want it to take to get your metabolism under
control and on the way to burning fat, and how long to get your blood pressure and all vital signs reduced, heading
towards safe again. He even told ME to leave out the tomatoes and onions long ago when I also didn't have much
more to lose than I have today, and that's why I don't.

You have to be more concerned with carbs right now..... than with portions, protein, fats, or calories. One step at a
time. The first and most important step for now is carbs. Are you seeing a doctor who is "Atkins Friendly" and an
advocate of his program? It would be an advantage to find one who is, to be able to give you the most maximum help
possible.

It's more important to get that 'machine' working properly, than the ''but'' this and ''but'' that's. I won't intrude with
another word if that's what you prefer. Just trying to help make what you're doing, make a bigger difference for your
efforts. I chose to paid lots of money to learn directly from the *Man* himself, instead of JUST the book. Just trying
to pass some of that on to you...... *smile* The first and most concentrated and most important amputation for NOW
is CARBS..... which will make the portions all fall into place much more easily down the road, stemming from cutting
the carbs and hidden sugars, ridding you of your hunger and cravings for more food. This process is a well oiled
machine and in that order.

I try not to get too scientific about it. I just know from decades..... what ''works''. :-)

[Ben_1981]

^^^ I understand what you're saying but I also read somewhere that if you get too much protein, it gets converted to glucose in your body. I assume that would kick you out of ketosis right? Yesterday I had over 300 protein due to pork rinds (those are sooo good, I ate a whole 6oz bag).

As for watching carbs, I've been staying under 20 despite the sugar in my tomatoes, ranch dressing and processed sausage. Is it still ok to eat those if I'm under 20 carbs? I'm not sure if you helping me stay under the limit or if you're telling me to get my carbs in other places. Without those products though, I don't know where to get my carbs. Meat has zero carbs, an egg has half a carb, a cup of lettuce has 1 carb but half of it is fiber, and 1oz of cheese is 1 carb. I don't this I could get to 20 carbs without the other stuff.

[Ben_1981]

Originally posted by MAMZELLE
Again..... are you seeing a doctor whom you can check in with and one who is familiar with atkins, and who can periodically check you?

No I'm not. I don't have health insurance at the moment.

And how can you get over 10 carbs through safe veggies? It would take like 20 cups of salad to get 10 net carbs. Am I missing something? Perhaps the old Atkins plan included fiber in carb counts?

[MAMZELLE]

Is there any way you can go to a free clinic to have at least your blood sugar checked? That is SOO important as a start. You must know about your blood sugar, then you can keep checking it yourself. You can get on a program and the companies will send you a FREE meter and supplies to keep watching your sugar yourself. You can't do this without knowing the state of your insulin. This is the best thing you CAN do and DON'T STOP the diet because that will have the biggest effect if anything happens to be imbalanced.... but also your sugar should be checked. Call around to the clinics near you, tell them you have no money and need help. Tell them you may have high sugar and feel dizzy often and have no one to help you and they will. That can lead to many wonderful things and get everything taken care of at once and get the WHOLE ball rolling on to a totally different life and existance.... and to health and a good weight. Doing this yourself could be dangerous. You need monitoring. It's certainly better than the way you were eating before, but should know what's going on in your body anyway.

No there were no net carb counts nor fiber considerations in original atkins because they weren't processing low carb foods. Just eat PURE foods and you don't have to worry about that, I see they're saying something about even calculating them in natural foods but if you just eat enough in what you're already eating in vegetables and salads, and cheesees, then I don't see what you have to worry about. Others are getting enough carbs without 20 cups of lettuce! We just ate and didn't worry about that and I was NEVER sick a day in my life from this [my high sugar was from both sides of the family and I feel atkins held it off till even now, but I went off the diet a lot through the years, but always came back to keep my weight always down but I'm a healthy as a horse doing it his old way and can't even remember even being sick for one day.... not a cold, nothing. That accounts for SOMETHING lol in the original diet]

[Ben_1981]

I make too much money to get free health care, I already tried. However, I did recently go to a clinic and pay for a full blood test and EKG. Everything was normal. My glucose levels, cholesterol (both kinds), triglycerydes, etc etc. are all perfectly normal. Even my blood pressure is normal. I'm suprisingly healthy for my weight. It helps to be 22 and male though.

In your opinion, what would a healthy menu look like for me? It would help if you could illustrate what you're saying through a sample menu.

[JerseyGyrl]

Hi Ben,

Congratulations on your decision to give Atkins a try First of all, do you have the book, Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution? If not, you need to get it and read it from cover to cover. It is essential to this WOE. You can also visit http://www.atkins.com and read about induction and view the list of foods allowed while you are doing induction.

Ben, I am not an expert on Atkins by any means, I am just like you, an overweight person trying to lose weight on the Atkins plan. I am proud to say, so far for me, it has been quite successful. I've lost 40 lbs in 4 months I have 60 more to lose. Here is a typical day of eating for me:

Breakfast: 2 egg omelette, made with 1 oz cheddar cheese, 2 links of brown & serve sausage, decaf coffee with 2 Tbsp half & half

Lunch: 2 cups salad with 1 oz shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 oz bacon pieces, a scoop of homemade tuna salad or chicken salad. I sometimes have grilled chicken breast on the salad instead of the tuna salad or chicken salad. I use 2 Tablespoons of Kraft Carbwell Ranch dressing.

Snack: 1 oz string cheese

Dinner: Chicken, Fish, Pork or Beef and 1 cup of some type of veggie ( usually green beans, spinach, cauliflower, broccoli or sauteed zucchini )

Dessert: I do have sugar free Jello ( beware of Aspartame, it stalls some but, does not seem to have that affect on me ) with whipped cream made from heavy cream & a little Splenda.

I drink approximately 130 oz a day of water. I do not eat past 8 pm. I walk at a local mall 3 times a week and do Walk Away The Pounds dvd's at home 3 times a week.

Ben, like i said, I am not an expert but, I know losing weight is difficult. If you would like to email me or chat with me please feel free anytime - sundance8461@hotmail.com I'd be happy to help you all I can. You can do this Ben, I promise you

Thanks,
JerseyGyrl

[gilbabe75]

Bumping for the Nutritionist. I think that given the amount of weight Ben is losing and the fact that he is posting full menus that the Atkins Nutritionist should answer this one. We need to support Ben not scare him away. JMHO

[3boys4me]

Ben...have you checked out the Century Club board??? They're posters that have or had over 100's to lose. They may be able to help you out.

And, AKMD65 is a great inspiration and success story, glad you popped in.

[Emily-D]

Wow, akmd65! Your stats are truly amazing! It's obvious that this way of eating has really worked for you!

[Atkins_Nutritionist]

I think you are on track and would like to make some comments.

I suggest you be consistent with certain portions, ie salad dressing. I would prefer you using olive oil to balance your fats (saturated, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated)

I do not want to make food suggestions above and beyond what your general menus because I know you like these foods so I will give you a pattern to follow:

Consume 5 cups of veggies (green leafies and other non starchy salad vegetables)

If you want consume up to 5 oz of cheese

1 avocado (guacamole) and 12-15 olives (monounsaturated fats)

Pork rinds are ok but, it might be preferble to use celery or veggie sticks if you want crunch and use guacamole as a dip

Try not to overdo it on the sausage/bacon limit to 2 links no more than 3 times/week

Let me commend you on the exercsie, I think that is fantastic! Make sure you are drinking a minimum of 100 oz of water/green tea and taking a multi-vitamin.

As far as the heartburn goes, do you think this might be related to the high amount of fried greasy foods you are eating? Why not try to pinpoint if it can be attributed to a certain food or foods?

Consider tracking your weight loss by monitoring how your cloths fit: waist, arms, belt size, thigh, face. Maybe even take weekly/bi weekly pictures of your progress.

I think you are doing a great job and look forward to hearing from you and seeing you progress to your weight goals.

Keep up the good work!

[Ben_1981]

Originally posted by Atkins_Nutritionist
I think you are on track and would like to make some comments.

I suggest you be consistent with certain portions, ie salad dressing. I would prefer you using olive oil to balance your fats (saturated, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated)

I do not want to make food suggestions above and beyond what your general menus because I know you like these foods so I will give you a pattern to follow:

Consume 5 cups of veggies (green leafies and other non starchy salad vegetables)

If you want consume up to 5 oz of cheese

1 avocado (guacamole) and 12-15 olives (monounsaturated fats)

Pork rinds are ok but, it might be preferble to use celery or veggie sticks if you want crunch and use guacamole as a dip

Try not to overdo it on the sausage/bacon limit to 2 links no more than 3 times/week

Let me commend you on the exercsie, I think that is fantastic! Make sure you are drinking a minimum of 100 oz of water/green tea and taking a multi-vitamin.

As far as the heartburn goes, do you think this might be related to the high amount of fried greasy foods you are eating? Why not try to pinpoint if it can be attributed to a certain food or foods?

Consider tracking your weight loss by monitoring how your cloths fit: waist, arms, belt size, thigh, face. Maybe even take weekly/bi weekly pictures of your progress.

I think you are doing a great job and look forward to hearing from you and seeing you progress to your weight goals.

Keep up the good work!

I really appreciate your response. I know newbie questions are frowned upon here, so I really appreciate your advice and will adjust my menu accordingly.

I definately think the pork rinds are giving me the heartburn. It started after I downed my first bag. I've had three bags this week but I don't plan to buy more for a while (or maybe I'll just buy one bag a week since I love snacking on them). I also noticed more facial acne around the same time. It might be coincidence but I probably need to do what you recommend and eat more veggies and less fatty stuff.

[Atkins_Nutritionist]

I am glad you agree with my suggestions.

Please know that any questions you may have (newbie or not) is certainly welcome!

[Kris B]

When I am eating real clean my face breaks out too. It doesn't last long and then my skin gets clear and looks great. I think it my be a detox kind of thing from all the junk I was eating.
Kris B.

[MrsIndpndent]

Good luck, Ben!! I think it's wonderful that you've adopted the Atkins WOE and I'm sure you'll find success in it!

[TXLoser]

Hey Ben -- I see you gave up the liquid diet and doing Atkins.

You will find a lot of support on these boards and looks like you are on track already.

Good luck -- I know you will do well.

[TRACY2]

good luck Ben!! You will get this weight off and be feeling terrific in no time!!

[emily1965]

Wow...I hate the thought that someone would think that "newbie" questions weren't welcome around here. We were all newbies once.

All I really wanted to address was the salad dressing thing. Dr. Atkins himself said that bottled regular salad dressing were just fine, just to be sure to choose those that listed 1 carb or less for each serving. Ranch, blue cheese, caeser are all good choices.

While once upon a time you couldn't be sure what was in a product, with the new labeling laws it's easy to tell what is in a product (including sausage and salad dressing).