Starting over again...

[Crash76]

I've done the atkins diet before and was succesfull, but this time it doesn't seem so easy. I go to bed and have bad leg cramps and not to mention I haven't used the bathroom in four day's. I just started taking calcium pills and tried using senna laxitives. I havent reached ketosis either. I'm hoping someone can tell me if this has happened to them and what they have done. :help:

P.S. It's been four day that I have been on this diet.

[Rosebud]

Hullo Crash76, welcome to the forum!

Ooh, I remember those nasty leg cramps. Just horrid. They occur because when we start low carbing we lose a lot of water, and unfortunately we tend to lose some electrolytes with the water.

To prevent leg cramps, make sure you are supplementing calcium, magnesium (preferable together in a 2 cal:1 mag combo) and potassium. Potassium is most easily taken as a potassium salt such as No Salt. I just sprinkle it on my food the way one sprinkles ordinary salt.

As for the ketosis, I truly wouldn't worry about it. When it all boils down, do you want to be slimmer, or do you want to change the colour of some bits of plastic? ;) If you click here, (http://www.lowcarb.ca/tips/tips011.html) you'll find some great info on ketosis by Doreen, one of our forum founders.

All the best! :)

Rosebud:rose:

[Dylan]

HI,
I am also on another attempt and it does seem to be a little more difficult this time. One thing I can suggest is to stop taking those calcium pills. They actually can cause constipation, and Ill find a site that tells you and get back to you. Im in a little bit of time limit at the moment. Another thing I could suggest that I am doing different that has helped a lot is taking a multivitamin. Centrum to be exact. It will give you all the necessary dietary vitamins and minerals (which might also contribute to preventing leg cramps) you need instead of taking a millions pills a day. AND WATER!!! I know it has been said but its worth repeating. The last time I was doing Atkins I was going almost 6-7 days without a movement. Yes, very uncomfortable. Water will help lubricate and get things moving for most people. I also know that I was not eating enough vegetables too because I wanted to go as low crb as I could to speed ketosis/weightloss up. This time I am also eating vegetables with every single meal and snack. Im on day 6 and beside the little headache and sugar craving Im good today. I can tell if Im in ketosis by the lack of or little appetite and by the "oil slicks" in my pee. I know that sounds terrible but its true.

[Rosebud]

Sorry Dylan, but I have to disagree with your suggestion to stop taking calcium. We NEED extra calcium on this WOE. Yes, calcium may be constipating, but magnesium works in the other direction. ;)
No multivitamin on its own gives sufficient calcium (1000mg), magnesium (about 500 mg) or potassium (an extra 400 or so mg daily) to prevent leg cramps.

If you do a search, you'll see where people have found over and over that these 3 minerals work.

Rosebud:rose:

[Dylan]

Oh absolutely Rosebud! I must be a little clearer. Sorry. You're right in that the loss of electrolytes (potassium, mag, and calcium) is more of a concern throught this way of eating. That is why the necessary increase in water intake and particular attention to the natural veggies and other sources you eat to obtain adequate vitamins and minerals. I was suggesting to stop the calcium for the constipation issue because it worked for me in combination with the increase in water and veggies(paricularily leafy greens). Then you get the added bonus of fiber too.
Rosebud, you're also right about the fact that magnesium will counteract the affects of calcium if you can get the mag/calcium supplement. For me, I just dont like to take more pills than I have to if I can get it from diet. But, good suggestion. Although at induction levels, "adequate" levels (with nuts, dairy and fruit "unacceptable") of nutrients are quite achievable,IMO, through a simple multivitamin and proper induction menu. However, timely it may be to find the right combination of foods to lower the effects you are experiencing Crash76.
From this website I found a few items from the induction list of "acceptable" foods that will give you a good amount of daily calcium therefore eliminating your need for extra calcium supplements and have great fiber content too such as the spinach and broccoli. Just a suggestion.
But another suggestion would be ground flaxseed. I have found that to work as well.
http://www.ediets.com/news/article.cfm/cmi_595306

[FabByFifty]

Hi Crash76! The second, third ect time you attempt Atkins it is harder, but that is any diet. Once you fall off it's hell to get back to the beginning again! I have not got the leg cramps yet ,but I am sure I will! Drink some Green Tea that may help the bathroom problem. You will get this it just takes time when you are re-inducting. And Ketosis does not mean a thing, I like to know I am there also, but the weight comes off weather you are in ketosis or not.
Good Luck
Brenda

[Crash76]

I'll try the green tea and hope it all flows as planned! :lol:
Good luck with you too!

[Crash76]

Thank you all for your advice an good info!