New here...Caffeine???
 

HI everyone. I am new to this site, and to Atkins. I just started with ediets.com today, and really want to succeed. I have been a lifetimer with WW for about 7 years, but had a baby last year, and just can't seem to get jump started to lose these 20 pounds I kept from the pregnancy! So, I decided to give Atkins a try.
Well, here's my question...
Is caffeine allowed on Atkins?? I am a tea drinker, and usually drink 2 cups each morning. I honestly don't think I could give it up, and was wondering if any of you Atkins followers still have some caffeine daily, and still succeed.
Also, I just started today, and feel pretty hungry!! What do you do in between meals, if you are starved?
Thanks.

Well, the book says no during induction but I know some here still use it and do alright- i'd just see if it hinders you and then go from there...and welcome!

Have decaf tea in the beginning. Induction is the hardest part. I remember after it i added back regular coffee and all was fine. But each person is different.

Its a learning thing for sure.

My mom never gave up her soda and did fine. I totally gave up soda during induction and did fine. It's a preference thing...plus it might stall you. So if you don't end up losing weight I'd suggest cutting it either totally out or try and cut down.

If you're still hungry you might not have eaten enough. What are you planning for meals? Might want to increase your water intake (plain water). How about all the things you're supposed to be eating. Eggs, Veggies, Meat, Cheese? Getting all that you're allowed in? If not, maybe see if increasing what you didn't get into the next meal? Or for a snack.

Hi Karen, and Welcome. :wave: I gave up coffee, tea and soda pop for 4 days, and then I added a bit back in. That worked fine for me to have a little, but I wanted to do everything like the book says to make sure I got the max from it.

If I ever do get hungry in between meals, I have a macadamia nuts, meats and/or cheeses and all the foods Brenda mentioned. They're great as a chef salad too, but watch bottled dressing for sugar.

It usually surprised me at how little it takes as a snack. I don't think I've ever felt starved when I'm following it to a tee. In fact, when I'm on plan, I could skip meals if I wanted to...but the food is too good. :D

You'll have the 20 off in no time. :)

Thanks for the replies. I only had one cup of tea this morning, as opposed to my usual two, and none in the afternoon. I think I need the caffeine because of the carb "slump" I get into daily. Hopefully Atkins will help.
Today was pretty good, I didn't feel too hungry at all. The Atkins Advantage bars are really good, and help get rid of the hunger.

Good going Karen !!!! it gets easier in time.

Karen: Word of warning....the Advantage bars aren't on the induction list. They also have sugar alcohols that are known to stall some (not all) people. So you might want to cut those out of your food source if you aren't losing weight.

UGH! Thanks Brenda, for the info on the Advantage bars. I emailed ediets.com (who is providing my daily menus), and they said that because they are providing balanced menus, with under 20g of carbs, they are okay. They said that the menus they provide may differ from those in the book. I don't know what to do, but so far, I am feeling good, the scale is moving down, and I am not starving all the time (like I usually am).
I'll keep you posted.
thanks.
Karen

Glad to hear the scale is moving down. I wouldn't worry about the advantage bars then. But if you do stall out try doing w/out those for a couple days and see what happens. I usually don't have a problem if I eat one here and there but not a steady diet of them. If you stop losing weight shake up the menu a little :) Keep up the good work!!

Like Brenda said, if they work for you, that's fine. What works for me is having a general rule that if I can't make it, I shouldn't eat it. Basically I cook my own food. Processed foods aren't good for us anyway. I save the bars and shakes for emergencies.

after induction tho, you could experiment with the advantage bars. I eat one every morning for "breakfast" with a large glass of water or hot tea. I eat it slow and drink alot with it.
It satisfies me for hours... I don't feel it has hurt me any.
But everyone is different. So you need to find what works for you.