I think I kinda suck at this diet!

[Kathern]

Help me guys! I'm having a couple problems.....

I can't seem to leave the caffeine out! Although I did find a way to make my espresso a little more nutritional, I put my two shots in a Atkins shake....it's not great, but I can get used to it!

Then there's the 2 glasses of white wine I had on Tuesday and the 1 beer (dark beer) that I had last night.

I have the Ketostix and have checked every day (not expecting a big difference, just curious) and since Wednesday, have shown in the "trace" area. I have a lot to lose but am willing to do it slower to avoid giving up my caffeine (pathetic) and the occasional social drink (even more pathetic)....So my question is what else am I messing up????? The rest of the diet has gone fantastic!

OH!!!! Also, I am a little dizzy, and I do mean just a little, like when I move to fast the room moves :eek: Is this the "dizzy" Dr. Atkins talks about? Maybe it's something else.....

I appreciate any feedback....Please Help!!!

[cori]

There's a buzz-word they use here - YMMV - Your Mileage May Vary. I get about 4 hours of sleep a night, and I drink diet pepsi every morning. Is it working for me? Yes. Would it work for you? Maybe not. Will I reconsider it in the future? Maybe.

I don't drink. I think that might be a more serious issue. From what I understand, the body treats alcohol the same as carbs. So you might want to start there if you're thinking of giving something up. Good Luck :D

[AngelaR]

Caffeine is a "your milage may vary" item. I still have one cup of coffee first thing in the morning, and so do many others on LC. If you really get stuck on a non-losing streak, it might be something to try to cut out. I expect that the alcohol would have more of an affect than the caffeine, as the body will burn the alcohol up first before fat.

The lightheadidness is most likely from loss of potassium because of the water you are drinking (assuming you are drinking the recommended amount). If you are not on blood pressure medication, you could probably benefit from extra potassium from a supplement or from using a bit of Nu-Salt.

As for the rest of it, you'd need to post an example of what you are eating. It's hard to tell unless we know what you eat. Make sure you eat the 20 grams of carbs from good carb sources like the allowable veggies. It's not necessary to go zero carb - 20 grams (remember to subtract the fiber grams) will give you the nutrition you need

[DDMariana]

I'm one of those that never gave up my morning coffee...wouldn't hear of it. I didn't notice any reactions, or maybe I just ignored them, but I didn't want to do without it either, and was willing to go a bit slower if necessary. It is something you can watch and make adjustments later if you feel it's bothering you... keep it moderate and you may tolerate it well.

As for the alcohol...leave it alone for induction!! Trust me...it will keep you in the negative...when you do have something later, white zinfandel seems to be a bit lower I believe, and Michelobe Light I think is the lowest beer...but I would REALLY not indulge in drinking until you are out of induction and fully detoxed and your body has made the adjustments to burning FAT for energy instead of CARBS...this strict time is important.

Good luck!!

[AmyVent]

I never tried it but I saw it at the store and at my grandmas house and its made by Michelob and its called Michelob Ultra. Its a low carb beer and my grandma says "its the best beer I have ever had" and she is 86 but still drinks 1 beer per day.

Im not a big drinker unless its a social occasion like New Years or something but if I do drink in the future I will probably have one of those but not now in this earlier period.

I dont have that much too lose so I just want to get back down for my sisters wedding b/c Im maid of honor. I gained over 25 pounds immediately after I was married 5 years ago....

[Kathern]

I do drink plenty of water, about 72 ounces or more a day....I always have so that part has been really easy.

Apparently I made it sound like I drink all the time.....I don't! I was just wondering if anyone out there knows how important it is to stay on induction for the first 2 weeks...or if you could still lose weight just slower by "cheating" a few times.

I'm thinking that I'm doing o.k., this is my 7th day and I've lost 13lbs :Party:

Thanks for your help guys, it's nice to know people can help with the questions!