Hi, I'd like to introduce myself, I'm new to Atkins but not 3fc.
I live in the UK and I'm on day one, induction. Any tips on how to stop sweet cravings? I did South Beach but we were allowed Ricotta with vanilla essence (etc) I see cheese is restricted & as I had it with my roast chicken & cauliflower dinner AND for lunch (with ham, rolled up) thought it best to try something else.
xxxxsharon

Welcome. I did Atkins ten years ago and lost 20 lbs, but it came back plus 20 more. It is hard to stick to that plan (for me anyway). Especially if you like pasta and bread . It does get quick results though, which was very motivating, and helped me stick with it. I did a modified version. I didn't eat unhealthy meats-no bacon and eggs everyday! Anyway, good luck to you. There is a lot of good information on this site, and the support is wonderful.

Welcome! I'm afraid I can't give you any tips on sweets cravings because I've found it easier than I thought to give those up. I even cut out diet soda which I was very addicted to and would give me my sweet fix. I drink lots of water now and don't feel cravings at all. I am still having a hard time cutting back to the recommended amount of cheese though! It's a quick snack and included in so many meals I like.

Okay...thanks anyway! lol I will go through the book again and see if there's anything I can adapt. Yesterday FOR A TOTAL CHANGE I wasn't hungry at all!!!! I was TOTALLY in shock, so it must be working!
xxxsharon

Hi Sharon,
Sounds like you're going great - my big reinforcement moment was when I realized I wasn't hungry, since hunger has always been my biggest problem. I was shocked at the change, and it's made making other adjustments to low-carb living much easier, because the benefit is so clear to me.

I too am one of the people who found it easier to give up the sweet stuff altogether. I think the sugar-free jelly (jello in the us) is an option for you though. Personally I don't eat sugar substitute, and since low carb means no real sugar, I have just gone without and now my taste buds are re-adjusted and I find sugar yucky.

I did eat strawberries in the early weeks (before it's allowed on Atkins induction) to help me transition to the low-carb eating. When I was plateaued I re-looked at things, and cut down dramatically the berries - I eat some now, but fewer and less often.

I have had the ricotta w cinnamon a few times as a treat, and my latest treat is to take marascapone cheese and mix in a bit of unsweetened cocoa powder. It's so rich and chocolately I don't even miss the sugar (it's completly unsweetened, but you could add splenda I suppose). I've always liked dark chocolate, so this has been a great replacement for me.

Good luck - sounds like you're off to a good start.

Jersey gyrl, thanks, I will have a look. To be honest I was ok yesterday, drank 5 pints (UK measures) of water, saved dinner salad & had it later & I feel great. Good to see theses recipes for when I do need them, like TOM, I ALWAYS want sweet things then.
Another question, what has everyone lost in their first two weeks? I've lost around 10-12lbs when on low carb, but I am rather on the 'porky' side, lol!
xxxxxsharon

I lost my first week but not my second. I had been dieting (WW) for several weeks before I switched to low carb, so I wasn't very surprised to have only a modest start.

I also plateaued for 4 weeks after about a month - it was very frustrating but eventually it broke, and for the most part I've been moving slowly down since then. I have never been a fast loser, and low carbing is not proving to be an exception - but that's okay, I'm not in a race. Since I really do see this as a way of eating for life it doesn't matter too much how long it takes -- although I would like to say 'hello again Onederland' before summer ends...

How are you doing these first few days?

Hi Sarah, I'm doing great food-wise though I have a terrible tummy ache BUT it is going around (son's gf had it at the week-end) so I'm making do with lots of water and (low carb)protein shakes. I was going to make Satay pork chops with salad for dinner but I can't face food as I feel sick.
I hope you are doing well, lol! Is there Swine flu there? There's quite a bit around here, senior schools have confirmed cases and son's gf's little sister has it & she has a baby to look after, poor thing has to live at Granny's til mummy is better.
xxxxsharon