Do you have the book and have you read it front to back 2 or more times? In my book, there are no shakes or processed foods on induction. Induction consists of fresh meats, eggs, and limited veggies and cheese.
I have'nt re-read the book as of recent, but I read it a few times a few years ago. The Atkin's Advantage shake can *says* This product is appropriate for Induction (phase 1) as do the bars. The induction list also says no more than 4 oz of cheese. I'll get the book and read it again. I gave my copy away...
Do you weigh an measure food for accurate counts?
This I do not do. I use a a desert plate however, and it has cut my portion sizes by half. I also eyeball it to measure. I'll look up the correct portion sizes, and start to do this however..
Do you use Fitday to double check that you are not eating more carbs than you think you are?
Nope.
Are you 100% honest with yourself and what you are eating?
Absolutely. I haven't cheated what so ever.
Are you using “off” items that might contain sugar such as: toothpaste, cough drops, mouth wash, etc…?
Natural sugar-free toothpaste is what I use.
Did you measure yourself when you started? Have you lost inches anywhere?
No I didn't but I know I am loosing inches.
Do you know what a “real” portion size is? Most people are waaaay off on this! Especially with items such as nuts and cheese.
No nuts what so ever. When I would have cheese it would be very little. 2 or 3 1 inch cubes, or 1 T of cream cheese.
Are you sure you are in ketosis? Did your strips turn color? These can be inaccurate as too much protein can also change the color. Do you have the bad breath and "stinky" urine of ketosis?
Oh they turn color alright. Got the breath and pee pee too!
Are you taking any medications?
Nope
Are you taking your vitamins? Or supplements?
Nope. Should be though.. I know. That will be on this weekends list.
Have you checked to see if you have a yeast problem? (This is more than a female yeast infection…it is a body wide and affects men too...it is called Candidas)
Haven't been tested currently, but was a while back for another reason.
Have you had your thyroid tested? TSH is NOT enough! You want to have TSH, T3, T4, FT3, and FT4 tested. Nonstickpam is the resident expert here!
Yes, had them all tested 4 years ago. I had to go through the tests of all kinds for something else...
Have you had a physical to rule out any “outside” problems?
Not recently.
Are you on birth control?
No.
ARE you ABSOLUTELY sure that you are not eating ANYTHING you are not supposed to? One little slice of bread…a bite of cookie, a lick of frosting, one M&M??????
Absolutely not! I am very strict with myself. I know that I can't faulter at all.
Do you use too much artificial sweeteners?
The only artificial sweetner I get is in the shake, or sugar free jello. Otherwise, I hate the stuff.
Do you know if you are sensitive to sodium/salt? Could you be retaining water at all?
Since I pee a lot, I have never thought this to be an issue.
Are you close to your period/TOM?
Not very close. About 2 weeks away.
Have you removed all food items containing nitrates?
For the most part. I try and avoid the suff, but I have had salami once in 3 weeks, and 2 Nathan's hot dogs in 3 weeks.
Are you in menopause or peri?
I'm 31, so I could always be peri. My Omi (grandmother) completed her full menopausal stages by the time she was 38. Never know...
Are you depressed or unusually stressed? How much sleep do you get?
I sleep from 9pm to 6:30am so pretty good. No depression, or unusual stress.
Have you kept a diary or log of EVERY single thing you have eaten?
No. i'm not very disiplined in that nature, but could always work on it.
Have you tried giving up all dairy?
I cut it out as of yesterday, but the only thing I have had is the shake which contains milk protien blend. But I haven't had any cheese, and cut the cream out of my coffee (which was only a tsp. per cup / having 2 cups. Yes, I actually measured that out.
)
Have you cut out nuts? Do you HONESTLY know what a portion of nuts looks like?
Don't eat nuts at all. I am really trying to keep the carbs very low, and nuts are just to much in my book.
Have you been over eating meat? A 3 oz portion of meat is roughly the size of a deck of cards.
Even though I haven't been weighing the food, that is about the portion size that I have. Like I said, I use a desert plate (more than half the size less than a regular plate) and it give me a great illusion to work with. I usually don't even finish what I have on the plate.
Have you tried lowering your calories?
No becuase I just don't see a huge excess in calories. In fact, I have wondered if I am not taking in enough. I need to start counting to see what i'm currently intaking.
Have you tried lowering your fat intake?
No.
How many times have you dieted in your life? In the last few years? Some people believe your metabolism gets altered by this.
I believe this to be possible as well. In the last 5 years, I have only dieted twice. The first time (5 years back) was Atkin's and I lost over 60 pounds ( and my husband lost nearly 100). Gained it all back of course when I gave into my temptations.. This is why I am very strict this go around. This last year, I tried SB because a girlfriend of mine had great success.. I, however, did not. And now Atkin's again because I know from the past that it works for me.
Are you "overeating"???? Is it possible that you are eating until you feel "stuffed full" and NOT until you are no longer hungry?
No. I conscienciously stop myself before feeling stuffed... only satisfied. That's why I don't finish everything every time.
HAVE YOU BEEN COMPLETELY HONEST WITH YOURSELF???????
Absolutely.. that is why i'm not sure what's going on.
Thanks for these great questions. They have been most helpful and thought provoking. 