Well I went to GNC today ( actually just got back from there ) he sold me some multi-vitimans as well as some matabolisim (sp) boosters. He told me because I work out atkins is not the best thing because you need the carbs for energy.
I told him I was very stubborn and wanted to give it a try my self... but they did not have the atkins starter kit there

Do you actually need this thing to do it? I really want to start it tomorrow...
thanks guys

First of all, you don't need carbs for energy. This is why it's important to read the book. It's good to know how to do induction, but you really should know how and why this works so when you see certain changes in your body, you'll understand them.

Here's how it works in a tiny nutshell:

* Your body primarily uses carbs as fuel. Any excess is stored as fat.

* When you deny your body carbs, it is forced to find a new fuel source (aka fat)

* You will most likely feel gross until that change happens and then - WHAM!!! - tons of energy!

Second, I've never gotten the starter kit. I'm eternally grateful to Dr. Atkins for teaching me this way of life, but I do not feel like I need to hand my money over to the corporate monster.

The beauty of this plan is that while there are plenty of convenient products out there, you really don't need them. You exercise, you choose the right foods to eat, you pay attention to make sure your body gets what it needs. That's it.

It's easy

I totally agree with Star. The only reason I chose to buy the Atkins products is because I'm such a nitwit I wouldn't choose the right vitamin and then I'd end up missing out on some necessary one and end up with charlies or something. I don't believe a person NEEDS them to do Atkins. It's my personal choice to use them at this moment. Eventually I'll get brave and venture into "normal" vitamins.
Good luck on starting!! And don't listen to the sceptics that say Atkins isn't good for you.

ok thanks guys going to start tomorrow, I will ONLY eat chicken tomorrow and take my pills.. untill I read the book ( which I will buy tomorrow )
Is that good? Can some one tell me what to eat tomorrow? I have chicken.. and I can buy whatever else is needed.. I will also buy the book tomorrow!
Thanks guys you don't know how much help you really are!

Frodo - Check the food log. There are usually a lot of great suggestions there. Also, look up ones from the prior weeks. Sometimes, people aren't on induction still, but you can ask us about your menu and we all would be happy to help you with what is Acceptable and what is not. Isn't there an acceptable foods list posted online somewhere? I'll check it out...someone else may know too!

Vegetables! You must eat your vegetables!

The book says 2-3 cups of veggies per day while on induction and gives you a whole list of acceptable veggies.

Congrats on starting!

The Atkins vitamins are NOT necessary to be sucessful on this program. I am taking them because I plunked s**t load of money on them, and I am going to use them until they are gone! I have not noticed a bit of difference with them opposed to others. I will tell you though essential fatty acids are really important for weight loss and health. You can get them at any health food store.

Star is right when she said you will suddenly be bombarded with energy! My first couple of days on induction were pretty awful. I was tired, and cranky, and had a killer headache for three weeks. Now, I have energy galore! I have a really hard time sleeping now because of the energy. I almost want to get a rx for xanax! I also discovered that I was tired and cranky BEFORE I went on Atkins due to my carb. laden diet.

Give Atkins a shot for a few weeks. Atkins is not for everyone. You will never know if it is or isn't good for you unless you try it. If you aren't feeling well in a few weeks, you may want to experiment with something else. Good luck Frodo! Stick around for a while.

So was your GNC guy 20 years old or 22?
I know my guy is clueless about Atkins and since he body builds he has the same perception of Atkins that most of the ignorant people out there do. The ladies here have given you great advice.

Your first week will be tough as you might have a headache etc. from going through carb/sugar withdrawls. Stick with it - it works! Get yourself some eggs, mozzarella cheese, bagged salad and full fat salad dressing. I love my pepperoni chopped up in a salad. Enjoy reading the book and until you inderstand the program just look to the Atkins website for more info.

ok thanks guys this is so awesome all of my questions answered! I hope I can help people out some time as well!

I have decided not to start today because I had a lot of meetings and what not, and they prepared food for us.. though I am still drinking nothing but water ( last 2 weeks ) and now taking a new multi-vitiman...
I will get the book on the way home from work today, then I will read it tonight. I will start tomorrow!! YES!

Thanks again guys!

I've read the book (over and over) and STILL am not sure how it works. I just know it works and that's all that matters.