I have been a vegetarian for 10 1/2 yrs. Kimkins was my first experience with LC. I lost 40lbs, but it really messed me up physically. I did the whole thing vegetarian. So I am reading DANDR and today was my 1st day of induction. I decided to start out with pork because the thought of chicken or turkey makes me sick. 7 pieces of Bacon..it was good and I could not stop. 2 tsp. of coconut oil (yummy).

Anyway, my stats were 1105 calories, 91g fat( i know this was high, but I was hungry), 15 total carbs, 57 g. protein

How is this for the 1st day? Should I be monitoring so closely? I am only 1/3 of the way throught the book, so I am sorry if some of this is covered, but I am feeling a bit weird, but taking a big step out with an open mind...

Hilary, I'm SO proud of you!

Calories = AWESOME!!! 1200 is ideal and you were RIGHT THERE!
Carbs = 15g carbs is definitely Induction-level! WOO HOO!
Protein = 57g protein is just enough and not too much. GREAT JOB!
Fat = I know you think this is high, but it's really not.

Your macronutrient breakdown of fat/protein/carbs was the following:

55/35/10

Just for comparison, my breakdown is around 65/30/5. Dr. Atkins would be SO proud of you, Hilary. KEEP IT UP!!!

Hilary, I started eating meat after about 10 years as a veggie, too. For the first few months it was mainly fish. Also some bacon/ham. Even now, though I eat and enjoy plenty of meat, probably at least half of my meals don't have any (and I count fish as meat). The non-meat meals are generally egg/cheese things, since I don't eat soy. Just ease into it and see how you feel.

Fats right on target!!!!!!!!

Good for you, Hilary!

Hilary:

That looks pretty good to me as well, especially the fat. The only thing that gives me pause is the calorie count. The fact that you know the count is somewhat troubling considering where you came from. There are rules for Induction, sure, but it's also very helpful to keep in mind the big picture. What you're aiming for is a new definition of the plate. As a vegetarian, the center of your plate was most likely vegetables and you might have added seeds or nuts to get what you considered your protein and probably some bread, the "staff of life." I wholeheartedly recommend you read the following article: Induction, Rule 1 By Regina Wilshire.

Induction is designed to teach you to recalibrate your plate. The protein and fat are now the mainstays and the vegetables are the "go with." This is the model for the rest of your life, regardless of which stage and regardless of how many carbs you eventually find you can eat. The calories are completely irrelevant to your weight loss for many reasons. Calories in/Calories out sounds good in theory, but it's completely bunk. You must eat fat to lose fat. Fat signals the brain that it's okay to jettison those fat stores because there is no famine. Ask the Inuit! Lean meat is only for the occasional periods where rabbits were the only food available. All of their metabolisms went into "malaise."

If you keep these principles in mind, I don't think you have to count at all. Stay on the recommended foods list and eat until you are full. You've been eating so little in the past, you don't know what overeating is. I argue that even if you "overeat" you still won't have any problems as long as you're eating the right foods in the correct ratio.

I probably "overeat" each time I sit down to eat, but the scale continues to move. Fat will make you feel sated and will keep you from truly overeating. The key is to make sure that you're filling up on protein and fat, not vegetables. Have your small serving of vegetables but eat as much meat and fish as you want. You'll have great success this way.

You simply can not overeat on protein and fat. Your body will stop you long before you do. You body does not store protein. Any excess is excreted through the urine. Yes, your liver can convert protein to glucose in a small amount (Thanks, Dr. Eades) but only if dietary protein is not available and it only takes a very small amount to cap your glycogen stores, contrary to the view of sugar-laden athletes.

You are now beginning to feed your metabolism and it takes fat and protein to do that, regardless of what form you choose to eat it in. You require more protein and fat at 150 pounds than you will at 130, for sure, but it's necessary to count it. Your body will let you know when you've had enough. No guilt, no excuses.

The best pork (in terms of fat content) is ground pork, pork loin chops, pork spareribs, pork sausage (nitrate and nitrite free), pork loin boneless, pork loin roast pork tenderloin, kielbasa and pancetta. Bacon is fine, but make sure it's nitrate and nitrite free if possible. Same goes for lunch meats.

Fish is also fine, but try to make sure to include fattier portions of fish such as smoked fish, mackeral, trout, oysters, salmon steak, and catfish. Be sure to use plenty of extra virgin olive oil on the two cups (losely packed) of veggies.

All the best,

Charles

Thank you so much for the encouragement. I feel fine this am.

Charles, You are sooooo right! I kept eating the fat yesterday and thinking OMG! I can't be doing this right. I know that I shouldn't be counting everything, but I can't let that go right now. I am just proud that I am able to let the 500 cal. thing go and get up over 1000. I will work on it. Does that mean I get more Coconut butter? And....I wasn't hungry at nitetime like I always am. I sat down with my hubby to watch our shows and didn't even think about food which was incredible for me. Salad, I had Ken's Blue Cheese on it. I know that is probably not a good induction choice, but it was really good. Thank you again for the information. Alot of times you say things that just make sense.

Fat signals the brain that it's okay to jettison those fat stores because there is no famine. Loved this one. It just makes good sense.

I will try and eat better pork choices, but after 10 years the bacon was so good!

Liz - Wow for you. How was your transition? I'm not telling anyone in my extended family because they gave me such a hard time about being a vegetarian and I am not ready for the "teasing" just yet.

Valerie - I adore your spirit.

Try to stay away from processed meats like bacon, salami and yes ham.

Whole meat and eggs, go for that.

They are healthier and cause less cravings.

Dave, I don't think I like you anymore...(just joking)

I will. I am just trying to get to the meats that don't sound so gross. Just the thought of turkey and chicken make me sick. Steak doesn't...Hmm.. after the pork thing, maybe I'll go there. When you say ham, that doesn't mean pork, right? Pork chops and carne asada...please don't pop my whole bubble.

Thanks for the advice. I really am trying to let go of a lot of vegetarian "stuff" that I have been hanging on to. Thanks to all for being so encouraging and supportive

Another question.. I was so happy to have cottage cheese, but when I looked at the carb count they were all high(4 - 5g). When I also looked they were all made with some sort of Low Fat Milk. Is there a cottage cheese that is made with real milk or is cottage cheese like bacon...tastes good, but should not be eaten?

Also, I did not see nuts of any kind on the induction list. This is correct, right?

You can add back nuts and seeds in the higher stages, Hilary. Just NOT peanuts. Almonds and macadamia nuts are the lowest in carbs and taste MAHVULOUS!

What about the cottage cheese?

Then my next question...what is the big difference between Groves and Atkins? I don't see it.

I don't eat cottage cheese, but I would probably lay off it until the higher phases because of the carb counts. Ask Melodie about the Groves plan, but what you are doing now is DEFINITELY Atkins. And you are doing VERY WELL! I'm proud of you, girl!

Thanks again. One more...is there anything sweet I can have on induction? Really craving something.

Hilary,

Do you have the Atkins book?

Long term sucessful loser will keep their plan's book close at all times and use it like a bible.

If it's not in there, don't eat it.

Yes, Master...

I am on page 213. I have not finished the whole thing yet. It is the OWL part and I am taking a break. I am just having a craving for something sweet and can't think of how to do it on the induction list of foods. Jus thought someone would know something.

I will not cheat...and I fed the ham slices to the dog. And the Salame had nitrates...

Grasshopper out..

I hate tea, but I will look in the back of my cupboard and see what kind of caffeine free thing I have.

BTW - I love Patrick Stewart....it's a good look for you. Wait! Its a good look for me...

I am feeling really crappy today. A little nauseous. I don't know if it is the meat added or the ketosis. I will wait it out and try and have some eggs or something neutral. Just checking in.

Dave - BTW, I had bought this whipped heavy cream(in a can)..it said no sugar added and when I got home I read the label and it had sucralose in it and I got all upset. Then I remembered what you said and the BOOK said sucralose was O.K., so I got my sweet fix after all.

Grasshopper out.

Sucralose is Splenda, Hilary, so it should be fine.

Good Stuff!


The Book Knows all.... and sees all....

*Que creepy music*

Hilary, cottage cheese is not for induction. You're right that it has more carbs, but you can definitely have it later, when you start to add more cheese.

Induction is aged cheeses only.

BTW, if you like yogurt, visit the yogurt thread.

Dr. Atkins didn't suggest the yogurt exception in any of his books, but you might want to read that thread and see what works for you down the line. (I've never heard of anyone who had a problem w/ yogurt, but YMMV.)

I love to have a half-cup of Stonyfield Farms or Mountain High *full fat* yogurt, add a tablespoon or two of heavy cream, some vanilla, and an itty-bitty spoonful (1/16 tsp) of KAL pure white stevia powder.

Eaten slowly, it's awesome!

Charles is right and the article he referenced is excellent, IMHO.... As long as you are eating *FAT* with your protein, you can't OD. Some meals and days you will be hungrier than others, and that's okay.

Head for NORMAL MEALS. (The thing that amazed my husband and I was that I eat more and weigh less!)

The only time protein is going to give you a sugar problem is if you are not giving your body enough fat. There's a good reason why every single published LC diet that I've read (quite a few) does not allow a low-fat approach.

How much? Eat what tastes best, on Atkins. If a little more salad dressing tastes better, have a little more. Atkins is the *listen to your body plan*.

You are not *depriving* your body in order to lose *weight*; you're *nourishing* your body to find the body composition that is ideal for you.

If you like chocolate, try Chocoperfection! (I used to avoid chocolate. Carob only. That's because I got bad info from the health food literature. I now have chocolate 3-4x most weeks.)

I learned about Chocoperfection from Jimmy; they really are very good. (He can give you a link to his review of them.)

Thanks. I can always use much more advise and information. I am just trying to get through the induction phase and the meat eating part right now.

THANKS Valerie! CLICK HERE for my review of ChocoPerfection. And coming soon from the makers of ChocoPerfection will be my very own chocolate bar with a twist called (what else?!)--

LIVIN' LA VIDA LOW-CARB BAR!

More later...

Tonight I made a pork stew..w/ tomato sauce, whipping cream, pork, cauliflower, and celery. I didn't think the tomato sauce would matter as the BOOK said I could have tomatoes. What do you all think?

I cannot eat just one Chocoperfection. I even tried freezing them, but that didn't work either. They are yummy. Maybe since I am not starving myself on Kimkins, I won't crave so bad....Hmmm.

O.K. I was feeling really nasty yesterday (ketosis or meat?) and now I am down .4lbs this am. I am pretty happy with that.

My 5yr ds was eating salami w.crackers and cheese yesterday and seems just fine. My daughter is still eating pork everyday is some way or another and she is great. So, it looks like for now this veggie has turned carnivore...

THANKS Orvette! Peanuts are a little higher in carbs and the quality is just not as good as the other nuts. Now that I'm in maintenance, I really dig cashews.

Peanuts are allowed under OWL, but I'll be cautious with them. I actually don't eat them often - I prefer almonds hands-down!

So today was day 4 and I am doing good. I put my breakfast and lunch into fitday to keep track and then by dinnertime, I just eat. Not off the induction, I am just sick of keeping track. Like tonight..we went to a homeschool BBQ and I ate 3 hamburger patties with mustard and cheese. I didn't even worry. I love this WOE. So much freedom. Thanks for all of the support. I have really needed it.

PERFECT with the hamburger patties and cheese! WOO HOO! I like dipping them in mayonnaise, but that's just ME!

I would have loved mayo, but they didn't have any

I am down another .4lbs today. I can't believe it. This is so much easier and better than KK. LC the real way is da bomb!

I'm so proud of you Hilary! YOU GO GIRL!!!

So today I bought these amazing Black Angus Burgers..

My counts are 1953 total calories, but the stats are 55/34/9! That is pretty good, right? Please tell me I am still doing the fat and protein right.

That is OUTSTANDING! You're getting close to my numbers now with your ratios.

The ratios look good.

Thanks Dave and Jimmy for the opinion.

Jimmy, do you think you could put another forum under the different plans or something for Children and LCing. I have seen three different posts about it and I think a lot of moms and dads would really benefit from it...including you and Christine ... Please help us out.

Hmmmm, let me think where that could go, Hilary! GREAT IDEA! I was just thinking of it earlier today.

You da man! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you...

You're welcome, my friend!

Go Hilary, you're making me smile each time you write!

All the best,

Charles

Thanks Charles..I am going to start working out Monday. I'm sure I will have a lot of questions.

Go Hilary! Questions, bring 'em on. I'm running in the Magnificent Mile this afternoon at 2:00, that is, if I don't fall asleep. I've been staying up way too late the past couple of nights.

Enjoy your day and I'll talk to you next week.

Charles

I so wish I would have found this place months ago! I ate like a big dog yesterday even went way over 2000 calories. I was hungry at 10:00, so I had a hamburger patty and I still lost .6lbs this am. Atkins and you guys with all of your advice are...just...so wonderful.

We're glad to see you doing well, Hilary! DON'T GIVE UP!!!

Yummy...I just had a salad(romaine & spinach) with 1/2 avocado, 1 Angus Burger, and some Ken's Blue Cheese dressing on it. Oh man! I am so liking this WOE. And I did not even measure anything out.

For Breakfast: Angus Burger(hooked on these) chopped up with 3 eggs fried in Butter and some cheese sprinkled on top. And my vitamins..

Something went wrong yesterday. I was doing really good and then about 3 or 4pm I wanted something sweet so bad that even the whipping cream w/ splenda wasn't helping. I tried eating fat hamburger patties with mayo and cheese, pork stew, more cheese. I ended up eating most of the evening. It was horrible. What happened? It was day 6 of my induction and I am doing really good. The only questionable thing I am having is the Land 0 Lakes Heavy whipping Cream sweetened with Splenda.

If you are having sugar/carb cravings, then you did PERFECT by eating up on fat and protein. Don't worry about continuing to eat those because eventually the cravings go away when you don't give in to them. You're doing VERY well, so don't be down on yourself. You are WELL on your way, Hilary! WOO HOO!