This is not my first trip down low carb lane however it seems to be different now. I first tried Low-carb dieting a little over 10 years ago after my first child and had great success and no problems. I was only 21 then, now at 32 I need to lose weight yet again after the recent birth of 2 more babies. Jan 2009 I had the first, and started low-carbing shortly thereafter, before discovering I was pregnant yet again and had to give it up. I only started for a week or 2 but was extremely fatigued and just did not feel well. (Even before I was actually pregnant) I did not have this problem 10 years ago. Why? Is it my age? My fiance had the same problem and he's 35. Just an overwhelming feeling of weakness and not feeling well. What can I do to fix it? I know from my past experience that low carb works and I really want to follow it, just really scared of not having the energy to take care of my 1 year old and 2 year old, which needless to say, takes quite a bit of energy. Any suggestions would be great! Well thanks for hearing me out and I cant wait to gety back in my "skinny jeans."

Hi Welcome to the board!

Many people have feelings of being tired and generally not 100% when starting to eat Atkins induction levels of carbs. The body needs a few days or even couple of weeks to convert to efficiently getting its energy from fat instead of carbs.

Are you getting 'most' of your up to 20 net carbs from your veggies? Dr Atkins suggested adding an extra serving of induction vegetables or an ounce of nuts to counteract this tiredness, which he described as 'ascent weakness'.

Are you taking vitamins as suggested by Atkins?

I am re-reading the original Dr Atkins Diet Revolution ('72 edition). He states that when you start low carbing at induction levels your get dehydrated very quickly because of the diuretic effect. You actually need to add more salt to your food. Salt will prevent the initial fatigue that is common with this diet. As you continue on your journey you might need to cut back on the salt, but never at the beginning. You will make yourself sick!

Dumb question from newbie: Is this "induction phase" really necessary? If so, why? Can't I just cut back on the carbs gradually? Wean myself off them?

Sure! Give it a whirl!

This is not the path most people take, because of the Superhuman Strength of a Thousand People it seems to require.

Go ahead. Eat half a cake: then, next week, eat only part of a cake; then, only a slice of cake... then, 3 bites of cake!

Let us know how that goes.