Still the cravings!

[H20girl]

Its the end of my fourth day of induction, and yes it has been bumpy. I did drink a lot of diet soda one day, and I may have overstepped the cheese. Could this be why I have horrible cravings. I am still really bothered by the fact that I wont be able to have ice cream, cakes, and candies. I havent given in yet but I sure am tempted!! Any advice?

[Lucky4]

Hi, I'm on my 4th day of RE-induction--so I know how you feel--plus I'm also fighting hormonal cravings. I think that for some of us, it's takes a little longer until ketosis hits--maybe 5 days --to totally empty the carb stores from pre-LC. Once it hits, trust me when I say that you won't think about food at all. I guess too you need to work on the mental part about the ice cream, cakes, etc. To succeed on this WOE or any WOE, you will need to eat like this for the rest of your life. Of course, Induction is the hardest and it gets easier and better. Remember that later on you can have ice cream and other treats--LC versions and some of them are great. But, for now just concentrate on getting rid of the cravings. I have ordered some L-glutamine and have been advised by people on this board that this plus chromium will help to eliminate cravings--I hope it works during PMS. Just keep tight for another day or so and see what happens. As long as your carbs were under 20, you should be getting into ketosis anytime now. Keep posting --especially in the main lobby--you may get more support there. Good luck.

[H20girl]

Thanks for the encouragement lucky4!!! I totally forgot about the L-glutamine (I haven't read the book in a while) so I think I should try that. Also, I'm looking at everyone's stats and seeing what a difference in health, energy, and weight loss everyone is experiencing by holding off on the sweets I'm craving. This is pretty much my motivation. I just think to my self "eating this cake is just not worth it!"

[Resolved2Achieve]

The days seem long dont they? A couple of things to consider that really helped me...
-NO sugar substitue (no sugar-free anything drinks, candy, dressings, etc)
-Drink 8-12oz of water mininum (I try to drink 64oz but I exercise)
-Exercise (cuts hunger in half! and you feel great and have energy)
-Only eat Induction items specified by DA.
-Don't cheat
-Watch consumption of cream, butter, cheese.

I've read on the board and have tried the three day meat and egg diet which is suppose to last for three days. I don't condone it but I must admit that I tried it for one day and noticed a break in stall. I WOULD NOT continue to eat in this manner for it seems rather unhealthy and Atkins is about quality of life and health (with veggies).
So there are some options...drop all sugar subs and you should really notice a big difference. I have.
Good luck!

[Diana]

Oh boy... It's been almost 2 years for me and I still have cravings! I try to avoid sugar subs, except Stevia and when I need to really use a sweetner I use very little liquid splenda.

[e3team]

Good luck H2O. Last year I was doing Atkins ...started looking great...dropped weight...never quite made the Ketosis stick change...got irritated...quit. Started eating the way my husband does. Well, I stepped on the scale this morning. I've gained everything back plus 10 lbs. I'm back on Atkins...8 hours!! The first few days are awful. I can't believe I'm doing induction again. Has anyone out there been able to tell if the sugar substitutes really slow down the carb burning process? I'm addicted to my Crystal Light Peach Tea.

[MichelleM]

H20..

What type of 'horrible cravings" are you having??

If its for 'sweets" than Id recommend some coffee with some heavy cream and sf syrup?

If its 'crunch" Id do the pork rinds in some sort of ranch dressing, salsas or even blue cheese dressing!(I Know that sounds odd but I did that).

If its just an overall craving Id suggest to eat MORE PROTEIN or FAT. Snack on HB eggs, or grab some meat. You DONT have to eat tiny portions. Youre not supposed to be HUNGRY on induction. Thats the key. Just EAT!! (Until satisfied--IF You can tell what that is).

GOod luck and keepus all posted!

[Sue421]

I was the same way! I do have Jennifer Eloff's low-carb cookbooks, which are only available online. They are excellent and probably the best on the market for really low-carb baking and dessert-type things replacing all those things you mentioned, using only Splenda for a sweetener. So take heart, there is help out there. They really helped me with my cravings, but I kept my desserts (other than jello type stuff and custards) for the weekends eventually and that speeded up my weight loss. I think the tea or coffee with cream and sugar free syrup that someone mentioned sounds like a good idea to help with the sweet cravings, as well as jello and whipped cream and later in OWL berries and cream or yogurt. Yummy!

[Sue421]

Another idea, is to intermingle CALP (Carbohydrate Addicts LifeSpan Program) with Atkins for days when you know that you are more likely to break down and have something that you should choose not to. At the reward meal (1 per day) you are allowed to have some carbs like dessert or a small potato, but balanced with protein and veggies. I have used this on occasion, but Atkins is a sure fire way to lose weight much more quickly, plus ketosis will probably not happen on CALP and you lose the appetite suppressing affect, but on the other hand, insulin output is curtailed through less frequent eating and keeping the reward meal to one hour (excruciatingly difficult for me when preparing food (I like to taste), that's why I prefer Atkins). I just like to use this tool if I am going to eat out or I am visiting with friends. However, sometimes I just choose to be strong instead, which I think is better in the long run for many people.

[e3team]

Well, I have fallen AGAIN! If anyone would have told me that trying to do induction a second time would be this much harder, I wouldn't have gone for the carbs. AARRRGH.