Well, the second day on Atkins is winding down, and I have to say it's not been bad at all. Quiche and pork rinds have become my best friends... I made a great quiche with eggs (duh), cheese, spinach, ham chunks, mushrooms, onions (very very few), and bacon bits. To be honest, I haven't really had carb cravings at all yet. This morning I felt like I might have the "Atkins flu," but I think it might've just been my normal laziness. I just want to thank all of you for your great advice and empathy/sympathy - without it I would've been too terrified to give it a go.

Anyway, did any of you experience full-on Atkins flu, or is it just psychosomatic? Did cravings kick in after a few days, or are the first days the worst?

I've been through induction 3 separate times, 1999, 2003 then last year. Never had Atkins flu. Took about 4 days to get over the major gigantic carb cravings, 10 more days to get over the more-minor carb cravings. In 1999 and 2003 I wasn't as committed, and I also permitted myself diet pepsis on a limited basis, so I never truly got over the carb cravings, and I cheated. Since re-starting in 2008, I have been truly 100% committed, haven't cheated once, no aspartame, and no carb cravings AT ALL. I feel fabulous.

Yes the first few days are the worst.

Best of luck to you!!