Low Carb Archive - Planning to go Low Carb..

and would like some pointers from those that are already there.

I am almost 100% positive that I am at least carb sensetive, have all the "symptoms", mood swings, low energy, food cravings, etc. I've tried the low-fat way and its been nothing but a dead end for me.

I've been doing some reading on the Atkins diet, visited the website and was impressed with the amount of info there, but I would like to hear more from others who actually are on the diet. (I will be purchasing Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution book today.)

For now my questions really have to do with the Induction phase.
How long does this last? The website said a minimum of 14 days, I take it that means it can be longer than that.
Diet Soda, is it allowed?
Induction seems pretty strict, what happens if you slip up? Do you just start the 14 days over again?

Any other info or gems of wisdom would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks a bunch!
The Low carb newbie - LadyHLG

Hi,
I think everybody is carb sensitive, they just don't know it. When you eliminate sugars and hidden sugars from your diet, you will feel so much better, it will amaze you.
Yes, the induction is for at least 2 weeks and if you want longer. If you slip up, you don't have to start over, unless you want to. Alot of people slip up without even meaning too. Read those labels when you buy food, you'll be surprised what they put sugar and sugar direvatives in. You'll wonder why they put sugar in that (fill in the blank, just about anything).
You can drink diet soda, but Dr. Atkins really discourages the use of nutrasweet, and that's in most sodas. If you can find Diet Rite, it's made with Splenda, a little more acceptable, but lots of people say it's not so good for you either. The amount of nonfood, chemical products you want to put in your body is a personal decision.
I really believe in taking a good vitamin and supplement it with potassium, calcium with vit d and magnesium added. Dr. Atkins does address this in his book. You are not getting enough from your food, especially on induction.
Good luck

Just a note about doet sodas--if you consume too many in a day it may very well throw you off your plan. I keep diet sodas for special occasions or a planned off program day. I am very sugar sensitive so anything I ingest has to be natural--Stevia is a natural sweetner and can be found in health food stores. It has truned out to be my best friend since I use it in my coffee or anything else I need to sweeten.

Thanks for the info guys!
Got the book at lunch today, definately have some reading to do over the holiday weekend!

Hi LadyHLG and welcome to the Low Carb Coop - a group of very funny, smart and supportive chickies. I hope you are comfy here and will get to know us by sharing your life on the Daily. (Sometimes diet questions are best posted solo - like this one - as they stand out more.)
I'd also like to direct you to FAQ under the Low CArb Lifestyles - lots of answers there.
See you lighter! (Groan!)

Gy the way, I love Madison - have friends who live in WI and visit them yearly!