[sakk]

I started Atkins this week, along with my DH. We're both doing pretty good, though I had a tough day yesterday. For those who have gotten through induction, how do you keep from getting bored with things? I need help figuring out how to keep my meals interesting/appealing. I'm doing okay with water, and I've done well with my vitamins. I bought Psyllium Husks in the tablet form, but haven't noticed the need for them as of yet. Does that mean that I'm having TOO MUCH of something? This morning I had two eggs & a turkey sausage pattie. For lunch I had greens w/ alfalfa sprouts, tuna, boiled egg, some sprinkled cheese & a touch of an organic (okay) dressing. I've found that I really don't seem to need much at all for dressing.

Another question?? What do you all use for seasoning? Any fave things out there?

And one last question.... I'm prone to migraines, and I got a bad one of Tuesday night that lasted through yesterday (Thursday). I haven't had a three-day banger in a long time, and was wondering if others out there who are headache-prone noticed an onset of a bad one as induction started...

Thanks so much to whoever can *chime in* on this thread!! I appreciate it tons!

[RobinW]

Hi Sandi

I used to be headache prone, but since starting Atkins, the only time I get one is when I fall off the wagon.

For seasonings, I use pretty much what I did before. I do use alot more Chiavetta's bbq marinade though and I use parm cheese more to add flavour to boring veggies.

Adding something different, try out the recipe section, and the atkins web site recipe section. Ive tried a few of them, and they are pretty good. Im still stuck with the same lunches and breakfasts, although since adding fruit to my carb list, Im enjoying that for breakfast. Hang in there its only 2 weeks, then you can add a few things that you might be missing.

Good Luck to you and your hubby

Robin

[amhlawyer]

The induction phase is very, very hard. I'm staying in the induction because I feel that adding hardly any carbs thwarts my weight loss.

Honestly, I'm trying to view eating in a whole different manner. Something I have to put in my mouth in order to survive. I don't consider eating to be very enjoyable right now. I just can't have any candy, potatoes, rice, pasta anymore. I may never be able to eat that stuff again. I'm learning to live with that possibility.

A couple of things I've found that I have eaten several times: Fried rice (without the rice.) I cut up pork into little pieces (I use a lot) stir fry it with garlic and onions, then add my fave veggies (I like red and yellow peppers, hubby likes bok choy and broccoli) then I add two eggs. I give up the carbs on the soy sauce, the garlic (I love it so I use FOUR CLOVES which is a gram of carb each) and the excessive red and yellow peppers. But I used to love this dish with a bunch of white rice... oh... how I long for those days. But it's not too bad without the rice so long as you use a lot of meat and veggies.

We also made "taco salads" the other night. I just sauteed the ground beef, added some taco seasoning, then put it on top of a bed of shredded iceberg lettuce with lots of cheese. Hubby added a small roma tomato all cut up. I added a few carbs with some salsa (the hotter it is, the further you stretch it and the less carbs, I've found.) Add a dollop of sour cream and the whole meal was under about 7 carbs.

I play little games with myself, I usually "save up" my carbs for the evening meal (which isn't really a good idea because your body can handle the inuslin better in the morning than in the afternoon - but it gets me through the day to think of a "treat.")

We've been making a LOT of sugar-free jell-o and whipping up some whipping cream and adding a dash of Splenda. My husband almost died because he said it was the "FIRST" dessert he'd had since being on this diet.

Lastly, my favorite treat for a "night out" is to go to a wing place and get one (or maybe two) of those low-carb beers (Michelobe Ultra) and a big basket of UNBREADED hot chicken wings and bleu cheese dressing. Yum. Not too bad.

I eat two of the meal supplements a day ("carb solutions" has good ones and Atkins brand bars are good too.) And for lunch I usually eat grilled chicken with salad. Boring. But I don't have to think too much about it.

Good Luck.