Voyageur22's Progress Report

[voyageur22]

I'm almost at the end of day three of induction. This is my first time trying Atkins. So far, the main challenge has been feeling lethargic and some abdominal pain (which might be caused by my monthly cycle). I'm a 45 year old female, 5'1" tall and started out at 172 and I'm already down to 169.5 lbs, although I imagine that may be mostly water weight lost. I'm still working out once a day for an hour at the gym. I'm really motivated to lose at least 10 lbs which I gained over summer vacation trips. I hope to use the momentum of weight loss to get closer to my goal weight of 150 lbs. If I can get there, then I may even try to lose more, but that is my goal for now.

Feeling exhausted at the end of the day, when I am normally a high-energy person, has been challenging. However, it was good to hear from others in this forum that this is a normal and short-lived side effect. I hope to get over the "Atkins flu" very soon.

Are there any tips for first-timers you can share? Things you wished you'd known when you first tried Atkins?

[Happy1240]

I find just keeping busy and drinking water. You can do this. We all can!!

[scottie mike]

I think the lack of energy while exercising during the first weeks is quite common. You are missing your glycogen resources and your body is not quite ready to give you (more/extra) energy from your fat reserves.

Personally, I lost a lot of endurance and stamina for the first 4-6 weeks relative to pre-induction exercise. Then things improved. I felt better than prior to induction.

[voyageur22]

Thanks. I've tried my best to drink at least 8 cups of water a day. Since I live in the tropics, that isn't difficult, particularly on days when I go to the gym. I think I'll stick to this induction board for now, but when I'm done with induction, I'll start a new thread on the Progress Board. I wonder if there is a way to change the name of this thread to include my name?

[voyageur22]

Thanks, bluehex. Well, I'm halfway through day four. Still feeling lethargic with cramps/stomachache. Now, adding diarrhea to my list of ailments. On the bright side, the scale said I'm down another pound. Just took a couple of ibuprofen and laying down for a short midday nap. Hope to feel better soon.

[voyageur22]

I made it to day five and woke up feeling better - hallelujah! The scale didn't budge this morning, but 3.5 lb weight loss is pretty darned good for five days. Looking forward to a good Atkins induction day. Hope you have a good day, too.

[Aradasky]

Wonderful, you got through the "flu". Lol Now the fun starts. How many good things can you find to eat? Also if it is
TOM you might see more water release after. Each day is a new adventure. Enjoy.

[voyageur22]

OMG - I'm down another 1.5 lbs. Just got back from the gym and feeling great. I'm thrilled that the weight seems to be melting off.

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[FlorayG]

Hi Voyager
Remember that exercise makes you hungry and although it gets you fit it won't make you lose weight. The amount of calories burned in half an hour of running is about equivalent to one plain biscuit. I think what I'm trying to say is, do it if you love it, but don't force yourself to the gym if you hate it just in order to lose more weight 'cos it doesn't do that.
On the other hand. although it doesn't make you lose weight it sure does redistribute the weight you have in a much more impressive manner!
Hope you are feeling better by now. At the beginning I had one day I felt so ill I could barely walk upstairs but it only lasted one day.

[voyageur22]

I disagree. I do think exercise helps with weight loss, but I also do it because it makes me feel better, stress management, more energy, toning, and other benefits. Plus I joined a gym that has an amazing view of the ocean and television monitors at each machine, which helps make the time go by faster.

Feeling a bit tired again today, but also down another half pound.

Tomorrow, I'm going scuba diving for the first time in about ten years. Plus, it's my birthday. Five and a half pound weight loss is a great birthday present!

[Aradasky]

I love going to the gym and working out hard. I complain about it but know after that I will still be burning the fat for longer than if I had not gone. Also I walk 6 miles with friends on Sunday mornings and would not be able to do that if I did not work out in between. And I have some really good friends at the gym!

[voyageur22]

Between my birthday and a few short business trips, I managed to fall off the wagon and gain back a few pounds. However, I plan to get back on soon and restart induction. So, stay tuned...

[Happy1240]

You can do this!!

[Aradasky]

It seems interesting that those who go off for a few days seem to gain fast. It must be a lot of water retention. I bet ou loose it fast when you get back into your normal routine. Waiting to hear as I am curious about that!

[voyageur22]

Today is the first day of my restart. I forgot to weigh in before breakfast. Not sure I want to know anyway.

Breakfast is a bit difficult for me since I love to have lattes with splenda. I've substituted half-and-half for the lowfat milk I usually use and try to keep it down to 3 splenda, but still I'm wasting a lot of carbs just with my morning coffee. Any suggestions?