Hi Atkins Chickees -

Having tried Atkins and SoBe before, and not being able to stick to them, I have switched to Sugar Busters and am fairly happy with that plan. Here's my Atkins problem: I was losing about a pound a day on induction, but I could never make it past 6 days. I would feel so horribly weak, like I was going to faint. I was afraid to drive in case I passed out at the wheel. Has anyone experienced this to that degree? I was just curious, I am not planning on switching diets at this time, but I was thinking that maybe there is something wrong with me. I have heard other people say they feel fatigued or have no energy for a week or two, but this was EXTREME. Any comments? -Ruby

p.s. - when I was little my nickname was "Leenie" and the only photo my parents have of me when I was a baby is one that a neighbor took when I was leaning out of my carriage - thought that was a bit ironic to see the name/picture of the moderator!

I didnt experience that..i think I had more energy, but I think the book mentions it...and I think they say it might be due to losing too fast..the cart before the horse as it were...they say to add an extra salad to your day...have ya tried that?

Yes, Marie, I remember at the time the book said to add more allowed veggies to get more carbs in, but that didn't help. I would then move on to fruit which did help some, but I didn't stop there, I eventually went for juice, and then cereal or bread.... I felt better within hours, but blew the diet guidelines. I just wondered if this meant there is "something wrong with my metabolism" as my mother has told me since I was small. I used to pass out all the time when I was a kid - up until age 16 or so. No doc has been able to tell why, though I don't think they tried very hard, either.

Ruby, have you talked to a doctor about this? Are you geting enough water? Vitamins? Make sure that you're definitely getting ALL that the book says you should eat. If all else fails, you could email the help people at atkins.com. they'd be able to tell you how to proceed. I did notice I get dizzy and weak if I don't eat enough (often enough). It was like my stomach was empty and I had no fuel to keep me going. Possibly could help to eat smaller meals more often?

I can feel for you on this one. I was exhausted and dizzy and nauseated for a week or two when I first started. It was awful and scary, too! For me, it was just withdrawal symptoms. I had a more serious carb problem than I had realized. Take a good look at what your experiencing. Are the symptoms similar to what an addicted person would go through? Really, my best advice is make sure you're getting enough vitamins and water and then just tough it out for a few days. It does get better!

It would also be helpful if you posted what you consume in a standard day so if there's anything glaring, someone can point it out.