I really want this to work, but am having a tough time

AngelMurray · 07-13-2012, 07:17 AM

I have been on LC for about two weeks, and week one was great - lost 5 lbs and felt great. Stiffness in my knee and hip all but disappeared.
This last week has been totally different. I gained back two lbs, my head hurts, my stomach hates me, I'm constipated, and depressed.

I really, really, really want this to work and have cut back carbs to less than 24 a day - the vast majority coming from fresh or steamed veggies. I'm only eating unprocessed meats and drinking at least 64 oz of water a day. The only other thing I occasionally (every couple of days) drink is half a cup of unsweetened soy milk. I had to cut out coffee, because I don't like it without sweetener, and the artificial sweeteners ick me out taste wise.
Need some encouragement/words of wisdom.

Angel

clackley · 07-13-2012, 07:28 AM

This is a critical point for you. This is when many will decide that it is not working for them and if they only hang in there for a week or so longer, things will improve a lot.

You describe typical symptoms of becoming keto-adapted which is where you want to go. You need to increase your sodium - this is what is causing the headaches and fatigue. Two cups of regular chicken broth per day as a minimum will go a long way to alleviating the symptoms.

Artificial sweeteners are quite varied these days and I would suggest that you try out some of the stevias that are available. They are not all equal in taste.

Hang in there!

suzanneyea · 07-13-2012, 07:30 AM

Induction flu is the worst!! You just have to power through it. Gary Taubes said some extra sodium might help a bit, worth a try.

jeaniem · 07-13-2012, 07:49 AM

If I recall correctly, Taubes mentions that the broth can help with constipation as well.

AngelMurray · 07-13-2012, 09:42 AM

I will try the broth and hope for the best. I am desperate to get into better shape, so I have joined a gym with DH and hoping everything will come together. This board is a life saver. Thanks for responding!!!

Avy · 07-13-2012, 09:47 AM

And don't worry about the weight gain, if you're constipated, that might be related to the 2 lb weight gain. Hang in there, it gets better!

You can try adding more fiber to your diet, as well as adding coconut oil.

pooticus · 07-13-2012, 10:02 AM

Yeah, the weight gain is prolly just poo.

I have a lot of experience with this!

Drink your broth, eat some good fat, don't forget. You don't have to be ultra squemish about fat. So sautee your veg in olive oil or a bit of ghee.

I'm one of the ones that doesn't work to actively "add" fat, but I still get about 40-60% fat in my diet just through my meat choices and using a teaspoon of fat here and there!

Hang in there, it does get easier and better!!!

valentine21463 · 07-13-2012, 10:18 AM

For constipation I eat a MIM (Muffin in a Minute) at least once a week or whenever I start feeling a little irregular. The main ingredients alone are only 1.5 carbs. And it has a TON of fiber in it

cfine · 07-13-2012, 01:16 PM

You won't be sorry if you stick with it!! You CAN do this!!

zombiegoat2000 · 07-17-2012, 06:01 PM

Hang in there!

gladee88er · 07-17-2012, 06:24 PM

How are things going Angel??

Abby · 07-17-2012, 06:40 PM

Keep the carbs under 20 grams/day. How many calories are you taking in?????

floridagirl6 · 07-17-2012, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abby

Keep the carbs under 20 grams/day. How many calories are you taking in?????

I agree with keeping your carbs under 20. I find it very helpful & informative to record everything I eat.

miker295 · 07-17-2012, 08:47 PM

I would definitely check the fat content and see if that needs to be adjusted upwards. If the unprocessed meats are low fat items like turkey or chicken then it's likely you won't feel as satisfied and will eat more meat, which will slow weight loss and increase constipation.

Similarly, make sure you add fat to the veggies - drizzle with olive oil, add cheese, cook with bacon, etc.

This was very hard for me to get used to because I had 30 years of being told not to eat fat. So on induction I had the same thing happen. Once I increased my fat consumption it worked itself out. Also, I did the chicken broth thing for a week or two which helped quite a bit.

If the above still doesn't work, get coconut oil and melt a tablespoon into hot tea, coffee or a protein shake once or twice a day. This often wipes out hunger and kick starts the fat loss.

Good luck!

twilight · 07-18-2012, 05:02 AM

You said you were steaming vegetables: fresh or frozen? If frozen -check the back of the package. Those sneaky devil food companies put various forms of evil into "steam fresh vegetables".

Have you tried liquid stevia for your coffee? That's all I ever use anymore.

AngelMurray · 07-18-2012, 01:38 PM

Thanks for the responses.

I'm still sticking with it. Most of the symptoms have gotten better. I lost the two lbs I had gained back, but getting any more off is a struggle. Since I'm feeling better, I'm trying to do more aerobic walking.

Haven't gone off of plan yet....except, I started drinking coffee again, with sugar. I would drink four cups every morning, with about 8 tsp of sugar (all together). I've cut that down to 1 cup with 1 tsp of sugar. It isn't great, it seems to help a little.

I haven't tried any liquid sweeteners... I'm not sure where to find them. Any clues?

I think I really need to take more time log what I'm eating more carefully. Most of my protein has been low fat, and I'm so used the "other" way of eating, I tend to gravitate that way. I bought bacon and had that the last two mornings. The broth really seemed to help had a weird comfort food thing going for it. My veggies are mostly fresh. I found the cheap store brand frozen seem to have the least "added" to them, so I'm sticking with those.

Had a nightmare that I went off plan and gained 30 lbs over night. I'd never been so happy to weigh in and discover I'd maintained.

Thanks for again for the encouragement! I can't tell you how much it helps

~Angel

suzanneyea · 07-18-2012, 03:15 PM

I would use equal or splenda over sugar. And you have got to eat enough fat. Have you read any of the books?

gladee88er · 07-18-2012, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AngelMurray

Haven't gone off of plan yet....except, I started drinking coffee again, with sugar. I would drink four cups every morning, with about 8 tsp of sugar (all together). I've cut that down to 1 cup with 1 tsp of sugar. It isn't great, it seems to help a little.

I would get rid of the sugar immediately. You're playing with fire this early on. Frozen veges are good, and convenient. That's about all I eat for veges too.
If you have to sweeten your coffee, get some Stevia or Truvia packets. I was using Stevia in my coffee, but I think I like the taste of Truvia better.

clackley · 07-18-2012, 05:45 PM

Lose the sugar. Most grocery stores carry artificial sweeteners.

AngelMurray · 07-18-2012, 07:52 PM

I have read the Atkins book, but not any others.

I have a cupboard full of different artificial sweeteners, but I have yet to try Truvia. I'm will get some to try it, but up to this point I've never been able to take artificial sweeteners in drinks. I'm cooking with it with no problem, and it may be just in my head, but in drinks, it literally makes me sick (My poor husband, the first time he got me a zero cal soft drink by accident

)
If the truvia doesn't work, I'm just going to have to learn to drink my coffee with no sweetener.

Up to this point, I've just been counting carbs, I'm getting it through my thick skull that I'm going to have to keep track of the protein and fat as well. ((big sigh)) And I'm sure calories...

But I certain can't go on the way I was, so I guess its just time for me to put on my big girl panties and deal.

Thanks again for the feed back. Y'all are the best.

~ Angel

clanger · 07-19-2012, 12:07 AM

Have you tried using heavy whipping cream in your coffee, AngelMurray? Although it obviously won't sweeten it like sugar, it takes away some of the bitterness and you end up with a luscious creamy hot coffee. Just a thought!

I don't know where I'd be without my espresso and cream wake up drink each morning :-)

Good luck!!!

twinsplusone · 07-19-2012, 04:34 AM

I would get rid of the sugar in the coffee. If you can't do artificial sweeteners then get rid of the coffee. You are only in week 2. Your body is adjusting. Finding your groove isn't always easy. It can even be hard at times. But being overweight is hard too....
Pick your hard.

clackley · 07-19-2012, 07:05 AM

Honestly, it gets so much easier over time. Concentrate on all the wonderful foods you can now have rather than the things you can`t. What comes to my mind immediately, is bacon, butter and steak!!

lterry913 · 07-19-2012, 06:39 PM

If you cant find liquid sweeteners try some sf syrups like davinci or torani...they usually have them in the coffee aisle. They are splenda based sweeteners but have a vanilla or chocolate flavor also...the heavy crean thing is also a good idea...so smooth and creamy in your coffe and it does add a little sweetness if you ask me.e

becky123abc · 07-19-2012, 08:15 PM

Hormones play such a big role in how we feel and how we lose weight...your body might be getting read for your cycle (TOM=time of Month) or even when your body is ovulating...I blame any unexplainable issues on being a woman and having hormones! haha

AngelMurray · 07-19-2012, 09:10 PM

Tried cream in my coffee this morning, and I think we have a winner. It isn't the same as sugar, of course, but I can definitely finish a cup and get my morning jolt of caffeine,

Becky - I completely agree, and my cycle has always been hinky, so I blame all kinds of things on it.

Overall, things are looking up. I keep reminding myself that I did not get this overweight overnight - I'm not going to lose it overnight either. I promised my daughter that she could have surfing lessons in a couple of years, and I would love to take them too

Has anyone else noticed a problem with gas

? Is it because I'm eating so many green leafy veggies?? (honestly, if we were sitting in the same room, I would be silent the whole time, I'm such an introvert, but here I am, talking about bodily functions ).

Thanks again for the great ideas and encouragement!!

~Angel

clackley · 07-20-2012, 04:43 AM

Gas usually goes away but it depends likely on what your previous diet was like and consider that your digestive system is readjusting. Glad to hear you are feeling better.

miker295 · 07-21-2012, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AngelMurray

Has anyone else noticed a problem with gas

If you have items that are low in "net carbs" because there is a lot of fiber added, you could have some digestive issues. I notice this whenever I'm eating too many Atkins bars - I stopped buying them because of that. I've never had the problem with veggies that I can recall.

BlueTopaz · 07-21-2012, 08:33 PM

I'm a 10 yr veteran of Atkins. I would suggest:

Drink black coffee - you will begin to ask yourself why you ever needed anything else but coffee in 2 weeks or less.

Take Magnesium Oxide before you go to bed - that will keep you regular. You will go the next day.

Buy one of the Atkins book and read it. No matter what version or start up w/carbs allow for induction, it'll help you understand why sugar is the enemy. The little devil on your shoulder saying "this isn't worth it will go away.

Atkins Flu - it will pass within a week.

Cravings and hunger will lessen.

You will be eating a heathy diet good for your body.

Be patient and track your measurements and weight at least weeklyl

You will get there!

07-13-2012, 07:17 AM	#1
AngelMurray Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Southeast Texas Posts: 64 Gallery: AngelMurray Stats: 271/264/140 WOE: LC Start Date: July 1, 2012	I really want this to work, but am having a tough time I have been on LC for about two weeks, and week one was great - lost 5 lbs and felt great. Stiffness in my knee and hip all but disappeared. This last week has been totally different. I gained back two lbs, my head hurts, my stomach hates me, I'm constipated, and depressed. I really, really, really want this to work and have cut back carbs to less than 24 a day - the vast majority coming from fresh or steamed veggies. I'm only eating unprocessed meats and drinking at least 64 oz of water a day. The only other thing I occasionally (every couple of days) drink is half a cup of unsweetened soy milk. I had to cut out coffee, because I don't like it without sweetener, and the artificial sweeteners ick me out taste wise. Need some encouragement/words of wisdom. Angel

07-13-2012, 07:28 AM	#2
clackley Chatty Cathy Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Toronto Posts: 13,014 Gallery: clackley Stats: 228.5/168/125 WOE: N.K.=vlc/hf/moderate protein & organic/pastured Start Date: Restart Oct 18 2009	This is a critical point for you. This is when many will decide that it is not working for them and if they only hang in there for a week or so longer, things will improve a lot. You describe typical symptoms of becoming keto-adapted which is where you want to go. You need to increase your sodium - this is what is causing the headaches and fatigue. Two cups of regular chicken broth per day as a minimum will go a long way to alleviating the symptoms. Artificial sweeteners are quite varied these days and I would suggest that you try out some of the stevias that are available. They are not all equal in taste. Hang in there! __________________ Cathy Original start - Feb. 2000 180/125 "The energy content of food (calories) matters, but it is less important than the metabolic effect of food on our body." Dr. P. Attia "dumping carbohydrates on your broken metabolism is tantamount to doing jumping jacks on two broken legs" -The Spark of Reason “Eat animals. Mostly fat. Enjoy!

07-18-2012, 01:38 PM	#16
AngelMurray Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Southeast Texas Posts: 64 Gallery: AngelMurray Stats: 271/264/140 WOE: LC Start Date: July 1, 2012	Y'all are awesome!! Thanks for the responses. I'm still sticking with it. Most of the symptoms have gotten better. I lost the two lbs I had gained back, but getting any more off is a struggle. Since I'm feeling better, I'm trying to do more aerobic walking. Haven't gone off of plan yet....except, I started drinking coffee again, with sugar. I would drink four cups every morning, with about 8 tsp of sugar (all together). I've cut that down to 1 cup with 1 tsp of sugar. It isn't great, it seems to help a little. I haven't tried any liquid sweeteners... I'm not sure where to find them. Any clues? I think I really need to take more time log what I'm eating more carefully. Most of my protein has been low fat, and I'm so used the "other" way of eating, I tend to gravitate that way. I bought bacon and had that the last two mornings. The broth really seemed to help had a weird comfort food thing going for it. My veggies are mostly fresh. I found the cheap store brand frozen seem to have the least "added" to them, so I'm sticking with those. Had a nightmare that I went off plan and gained 30 lbs over night. I'd never been so happy to weigh in and discover I'd maintained. Thanks for again for the encouragement! I can't tell you how much it helps ~Angel

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07-13-2012, 07:30 AM	#3
suzanneyea Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: May 2008 Location: Montreal, QC Posts: 9,083 Gallery: suzanneyea Stats: 156/124/120 WOE: back to zc!	Induction flu is the worst!! You just have to power through it. Gary Taubes said some extra sodium might help a bit, worth a try.

07-13-2012, 07:49 AM	#4
jeaniem Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 6,154 Gallery: jeaniem Stats: 166 /149/? 5'1.5 WOE: lc-ish	If I recall correctly, Taubes mentions that the broth can help with constipation as well.

07-13-2012, 09:42 AM	#5
AngelMurray Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Southeast Texas Posts: 64 Gallery: AngelMurray Stats: 271/264/140 WOE: LC Start Date: July 1, 2012	I will try the broth and hope for the best. I am desperate to get into better shape, so I have joined a gym with DH and hoping everything will come together. This board is a life saver. Thanks for responding!!!

07-13-2012, 09:47 AM	#6
Avy Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Nanaimo BC Posts: 613 Gallery: Avy Stats: 232/178.6/150 WOE: Low carb lifestyle Start Date: June 1, 2012	And don't worry about the weight gain, if you're constipated, that might be related to the 2 lb weight gain. Hang in there, it gets better! You can try adding more fiber to your diet, as well as adding coconut oil.

07-13-2012, 10:02 AM	#7
pooticus Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: May 2004 Location: somewhere over the rainbow Posts: 21,049 Gallery: pooticus Stats: 314/220.4/150 WOE: PersonalPlan Start Date: Nov.20, 2007 (restart)	Yeah, the weight gain is prolly just poo. I have a lot of experience with this! Drink your broth, eat some good fat, don't forget. You don't have to be ultra squemish about fat. So sautee your veg in olive oil or a bit of ghee. I'm one of the ones that doesn't work to actively "add" fat, but I still get about 40-60% fat in my diet just through my meat choices and using a teaspoon of fat here and there! Hang in there, it does get easier and better!!!

07-13-2012, 10:18 AM	#8
valentine21463 Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: WI Posts: 2,573 Gallery: valentine21463 Stats: 192/183/140 (5'4") WOE: Atkins Start Date: 5/27/12 (This time for real!)	For constipation I eat a MIM (Muffin in a Minute) at least once a week or whenever I start feeling a little irregular. The main ingredients alone are only 1.5 carbs. And it has a TON of fiber in it

07-13-2012, 01:16 PM	#9
cfine Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Tennessee Posts: 2,451 Gallery: cfine Stats: 276/215/199 WOE: NK Start Date: Atkins 4/12 Nutritional Ketosis 1/13	You won't be sorry if you stick with it!! You CAN do this!!

07-17-2012, 06:01 PM	#10
zombiegoat2000 Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Florida Posts: 734 Gallery: zombiegoat2000 Stats: Start 296.0#/269.8#/150# 5'8" Female WOE: Low Carb Start Date: January2012	Hang in there!

07-17-2012, 06:24 PM	#11
gladee88er Senior LCF Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Goldfield, NV Posts: 283 Gallery: gladee88er Stats: 240 / 173.1 / 165 WOE: modified Atkins Start Date: April 2011	How are things going Angel??

07-17-2012, 06:40 PM	#12
Abby Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Boston Posts: 402 Gallery: Abby Stats: 5'7";197_'09;167/139/132_'12 WOE: LC/VLC	Keep the carbs under 20 grams/day. How many calories are you taking in?????

07-17-2012, 08:47 PM	#14
miker295 Junior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 55 Gallery: miker295 WOE: Atkins Start Date: 5/22/11	I would definitely check the fat content and see if that needs to be adjusted upwards. If the unprocessed meats are low fat items like turkey or chicken then it's likely you won't feel as satisfied and will eat more meat, which will slow weight loss and increase constipation. Similarly, make sure you add fat to the veggies - drizzle with olive oil, add cheese, cook with bacon, etc. This was very hard for me to get used to because I had 30 years of being told not to eat fat. So on induction I had the same thing happen. Once I increased my fat consumption it worked itself out. Also, I did the chicken broth thing for a week or two which helped quite a bit. If the above still doesn't work, get coconut oil and melt a tablespoon into hot tea, coffee or a protein shake once or twice a day. This often wipes out hunger and kick starts the fat loss. Good luck!

07-18-2012, 05:02 AM	#15
twilight Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 2,202 Gallery: twilight Stats: 225/186.5/130 WOE: VLC/Atkins	You said you were steaming vegetables: fresh or frozen? If frozen -check the back of the package. Those sneaky devil food companies put various forms of evil into "steam fresh vegetables". Have you tried liquid stevia for your coffee? That's all I ever use anymore.

07-18-2012, 03:15 PM	#17
suzanneyea Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: May 2008 Location: Montreal, QC Posts: 9,083 Gallery: suzanneyea Stats: 156/124/120 WOE: back to zc!	I would use equal or splenda over sugar. And you have got to eat enough fat. Have you read any of the books?

07-18-2012, 05:45 PM	#19
clackley Chatty Cathy Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Toronto Posts: 13,014 Gallery: clackley Stats: 228.5/168/125 WOE: N.K.=vlc/hf/moderate protein & organic/pastured Start Date: Restart Oct 18 2009	Lose the sugar. Most grocery stores carry artificial sweeteners.

07-18-2012, 07:52 PM	#20
AngelMurray Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Southeast Texas Posts: 64 Gallery: AngelMurray Stats: 271/264/140 WOE: LC Start Date: July 1, 2012	I have read the Atkins book, but not any others. I have a cupboard full of different artificial sweeteners, but I have yet to try Truvia. I'm will get some to try it, but up to this point I've never been able to take artificial sweeteners in drinks. I'm cooking with it with no problem, and it may be just in my head, but in drinks, it literally makes me sick (My poor husband, the first time he got me a zero cal soft drink by accident ) If the truvia doesn't work, I'm just going to have to learn to drink my coffee with no sweetener. Up to this point, I've just been counting carbs, I'm getting it through my thick skull that I'm going to have to keep track of the protein and fat as well. ((big sigh)) And I'm sure calories... But I certain can't go on the way I was, so I guess its just time for me to put on my big girl panties and deal. Thanks again for the feed back. Y'all are the best. ~ Angel

07-19-2012, 12:07 AM	#21
clanger Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: UK Posts: 1,315 Gallery: clanger Stats: 5' 0" Size 22 / Size 16 / Size 10 WOE: Targeting (70/25/5) ratio Start Date: Restart: 31st August 2012	Have you tried using heavy whipping cream in your coffee, AngelMurray? Although it obviously won't sweeten it like sugar, it takes away some of the bitterness and you end up with a luscious creamy hot coffee. Just a thought! I don't know where I'd be without my espresso and cream wake up drink each morning :-) Good luck!!!

07-19-2012, 04:34 AM	#22
twinsplusone Senior LCF Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 195 Gallery: twinsplusone Stats: 170/138/132 Start Date: 7/1/2009	I would get rid of the sugar in the coffee. If you can't do artificial sweeteners then get rid of the coffee. You are only in week 2. Your body is adjusting. Finding your groove isn't always easy. It can even be hard at times. But being overweight is hard too.... Pick your hard.

07-19-2012, 07:05 AM	#23
clackley Chatty Cathy Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Toronto Posts: 13,014 Gallery: clackley Stats: 228.5/168/125 WOE: N.K.=vlc/hf/moderate protein & organic/pastured Start Date: Restart Oct 18 2009	Honestly, it gets so much easier over time. Concentrate on all the wonderful foods you can now have rather than the things you can`t. What comes to my mind immediately, is bacon, butter and steak!!

07-19-2012, 06:39 PM	#24
lterry913 Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,515 Gallery: lterry913 Stats: 5' 11" 238/174/170 WOE: Atkins Start Date: 12/1/2010	If you cant find liquid sweeteners try some sf syrups like davinci or torani...they usually have them in the coffee aisle. They are splenda based sweeteners but have a vanilla or chocolate flavor also...the heavy crean thing is also a good idea...so smooth and creamy in your coffe and it does add a little sweetness if you ask me.e

07-19-2012, 08:15 PM	#25
becky123abc Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,769 Gallery: becky123abc Stats: (209)198/194/160 5'5.5" Start Date: April 27, 2013 (Before that -June 14, 2010)	Hormones play such a big role in how we feel and how we lose weight...your body might be getting read for your cycle (TOM=time of Month) or even when your body is ovulating...I blame any unexplainable issues on being a woman and having hormones! haha

07-19-2012, 09:10 PM	#26
AngelMurray Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Southeast Texas Posts: 64 Gallery: AngelMurray Stats: 271/264/140 WOE: LC Start Date: July 1, 2012	Tried cream in my coffee this morning, and I think we have a winner. It isn't the same as sugar, of course, but I can definitely finish a cup and get my morning jolt of caffeine, Becky - I completely agree, and my cycle has always been hinky, so I blame all kinds of things on it. Overall, things are looking up. I keep reminding myself that I did not get this overweight overnight - I'm not going to lose it overnight either. I promised my daughter that she could have surfing lessons in a couple of years, and I would love to take them too Has anyone else noticed a problem with gas ? Is it because I'm eating so many green leafy veggies?? (honestly, if we were sitting in the same room, I would be silent the whole time, I'm such an introvert, but here I am, talking about bodily functions ). Thanks again for the great ideas and encouragement!! ~Angel

07-20-2012, 04:43 AM	#27
clackley Chatty Cathy Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Toronto Posts: 13,014 Gallery: clackley Stats: 228.5/168/125 WOE: N.K.=vlc/hf/moderate protein & organic/pastured Start Date: Restart Oct 18 2009	Gas usually goes away but it depends likely on what your previous diet was like and consider that your digestive system is readjusting. Glad to hear you are feeling better.

07-21-2012, 08:33 PM	#29
BlueTopaz Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: NE PA Posts: 5,084 Gallery: BlueTopaz Stats: 160/156/140 WOE: whatever works Start Date: 10 years ago - Height 5' 7"	I'm a 10 yr veteran of Atkins. I would suggest: Drink black coffee - you will begin to ask yourself why you ever needed anything else but coffee in 2 weeks or less. Take Magnesium Oxide before you go to bed - that will keep you regular. You will go the next day. Buy one of the Atkins book and read it. No matter what version or start up w/carbs allow for induction, it'll help you understand why sugar is the enemy. The little devil on your shoulder saying "this isn't worth it will go away. Atkins Flu - it will pass within a week. Cravings and hunger will lessen. You will be eating a heathy diet good for your body. Be patient and track your measurements and weight at least weeklyl You will get there!