[wannabe domestic]

Hello,
Today is day number 7 of induction for me. About 3 yrs ago, I was on atkins, I lost 25 lbs. I really didn't have too bad a time with induction. In fact, I think induction was all I ever did. I do seem to remember that wieght loss slowed down after the first 3 or 4 weeks. I think I stuck with it for about 8-10 weeks but the last few weeks I wasnt losing very much (still losing but convinced myself that there was a better way and I could just quit)
Of course I have gained that wieght back along with another 15lbs. I have never gone from induction to the next phase. Im curious if that would have helped me stay on track or not. I figure that again, I will stay on induction until I have lost a decent amount of weight, but that will take a month or so, I have lost 5 1/2 lbs after 6 days so far this time.

Anyway.....How long do most people continue on the induction phase (I know the book says 2 weeks)

[SaskNewfie]

Some only the 14 days minimum...me, I have stayed on it up to this point (almost 12 weeks). I think it's a preference...

[ValentineNicole]

I think in the book, it says until you need to lose less than 20 pounds?

[wannabe domestic]

both of those answers work for me, since Im afraid to start adding things and taking things away to try and see when I stop losing...I don't want to stop losing...lol.

Thanks!

[SaskNewfie]

I asked a similar question here and a few people said that as long as I'm not bored with induction foods there's no harm continuing.

[Elstyle]

I am on day 3 of induction and barely hanging in there. I will stick with it and wait for some success. That is my best reward, but I have a hard time staying motivated!!!

[fatBgone07]

Elstyle - what's going on? Why are you barely haning in there? Maybe we can help you! The first few days are the toughest - the worst part is probably already past you! Don't quit!!!! You can do this!!!!! You will be frustrated with yourself if you do and SO happy if you just stick it out a bit more.

[SaskNewfie]

I found visuallizing where I wanted to be helpful...I keep picturing myself 45lbs lighter. I also imagined myself popping pills for diabetes if I kept going the way I was going...I need to see consequences (positive or negative). As soon as I noticed my clothes loosening, I was hooked. In less than 12 weeks I have lost 42lbs and am the lightest I've been in 10 years...knowing this works through success stories of others helped me as well. I also found drinking black coffee between meals or eating 6-8 almonds kept me on track. When you feel like quitting, take deep breath, step back and visualize! Try it before you laugh at me...lol..,good luck!

[MidgieMonroe]

4 years ago I did Atkins and lost 35 lbs. When ever I got a craving I would knit. Now I did once had my blood sugars drop where I got ill. I ate two Oreos (full sugar Oreos) and I was find after that and didn't have a bad craving after that.

I say that when it gets really hard, try and occupy yourself with something else. Start a new hobby or revisit an old one. Start cleaning out a closet.

[fatBgone07]

I have a pair of pants which I should fit into about 1/3 way to my goal. I have it hanging in my closet so that it is the first thing I see every morning. Once I can fit into those, I will find a smaller size to hang (I have several sizes - lol).

[kaplods]

You can always give OWL a try and return to induction if you want. It very well may help you stay on track, but you'll never know if you don't try it.

I think a lot of people do judge Atkins harshly by overstressing the importance of induction. If you don't find induction feasible in the long-term, there's no reason not to go on to OWL.