Good Morning! Well, week one of induction was interesting to say the least. I did Atkins about 12 years ago and was wildly successful and lost 80 lbs. I know I can do this and keep doing it this time, but week one was challenging. The difference between this time and last time is I knew what to expect so when the headaches and yukky feelings came along, I just told myself to "suck it up" because I know they are temporary and I am focused on eating this way for the rest of my life. My first day of being able to really feel the difference (in a good way) was yesterday (Sunday) I woke up feeling like a million bucks!! I'm here for good now.

Yay!!! You've come to a good place in more ways than one.

Best wishes.

Well done with your 1st week! WTG!

Remember it's just one day at a time eating 100% OP and before you know it, you'll make your desired weight goal!

Wishing you continued success on your journey to better HEALTH!

Yeah! Doesn't it feel great to be on the path? I previously lost about 80 pounds, gained a good part of it back, and am now back -- I'm with you. I started the current journey in February at 264, and am now at 227 (I'm 58 and post-meno) so it can be done.

Thank you all for the support!

the leg aches are the worst... after 5 weeks they came on today!
well done OP you have done really really well i commend you xx

Congratulations! Stick with it! I (and many others here) are evidence that this way of eating does work.

You may not have to go through it again, because you will want to (hint, hint) stay with this forever. But for the others that stumble upon this thread, there seems to be a couple of ways that seem to help people through the "induction flu." Michael Eades seems to think that if one is eating adequate fat, the "flu" symptoms can be lessened. I would say that this has worked for me. Atkins himself indicated that eating plenty of fat helps the body make the transition to burning primarily fat for energy, and makes it miss much less the carbs.

Others in the "keto" community seem to feel that the "flu" is evidence of electrolyte deficiency. Sodium, Magnesium and Potassium are the three most cited. This style of eating, is maintained, causes a depletion of those minerals. So, some will advocate extra supplementation of those specifically, or drinking G2 or Powerade Zero. Since those contain artificial sweeteners, one needs to be aware of that.

These two ways seem counterintuitive to much that we've been taught about nutrition; but both have shown to help people during the period of induction. If one can avoid having to "tough it out," it means a greater likelihood of "sticking it out."

Some of have indicated the electrolyte and mineral supplement helps prevent or take care of the achy leg issues. I've never had that; but it might be worth a try.

I have never done much more beyond a multi-vitamin. However, I do supplement daily with Magnesium for another reason all together; i.e., the relief in the 'stool' department.

you sip chicken broth or bouillon for the cramps and after 3 days or so, they go. cramps are caused by all the missing salt, cos you pee so much and eat so few carbs.
drink broth.

magnesium is to be taken for pooping. this is an immensely bunging up diet, WOE, whatever, and if you are already that way or on meds or anything else that causes the C word, take it. OR take flax seed. which not only does the service, it is blooming delicious!

well done again x

CONGRATULATIONS on your incredible achievement! woop woop

I did not have flu symptoms and definitely had adequate sodium and fat. But, I was, and often still am, very thirsty!