Atkins Diet: Induction Flu: Signs of Progress or Problems

It is very common that I read questions or statements from new Atkineers saying, "How come I feel so tired?" "Why do I have such a headache?" "I have no energy what is this diet doing to me!" One of the problems is no one forewarned them about Induction flu. Induction flu is simply the body burning its last remaining glucose and stored glycogen for energy, and suffering withdrawal effects. It is very similar to what happens when runners "hit the wall" and cyclist "bonk." In addition to the physical withdrawal symptoms there are the mental symptoms as well. Think of drug addict, are they necessarily pleasant to be around or in high spirits even though they are doing something good. Well the carb addict has the same reaction; I personally was irritable for the first 2 or 3 weeks as I had to figure out how to eat, exert control over what entered my mouth, and regain new comfort foods. It is a dramatic change, and some people resist change.

The good news is it is just temporary. It typically only last a few days, but for some the mental effects might last longer. It also shows you are on the right path and making true progress on getting rid of the excess fat. The silver lining is indeed that by the end if you continue the follow the plan you will be burning fat for fuel.

You'll have to watch the video for my suggestions on how to lessen the effects.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Atkins
• Diet
• Weightloss
• Induction
• Flu
• Dieting
• Carbohydrate
• Fitness
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Lethargy
• Low
• Carb
• Bowulf
• fat
• obesity

[pammyglo1]

I have been feeling dizzy and lightheaded =( I am drinking tons of water and the funny thing is I am at 30 carbs per day !! I want to get to 20 but have been worried about passing out ~ any ideas of how to avoid the dizzy feeling?

[bowulf]

@pammyglo1 The water helps, but is only half the equation to get you hydrated. In order for the water to be absorbed, you need to also take in sodium and potassium (electrolytes). That will do wonders for the hypotension and the dizziness. For potassium, a great way to take that in is with LiteSalt salt substitute. The new book recommends drinking 1-2 cups of chicken broth to help with the electrolytes.

[pammyglo1]

@bowulf thanks for the info I will def. get some chicken broth and give it a try ! and by the way yea for me I only had 21 carbs today and feel full and don't feel any cravings :)

[bowulf]

@pammyglo1 That is a sign of a good day. :-)

[pyunique]

How do I get rid of the headache? Excedrin used to work for any headache but it doesn't for this. What can I do go get rid of it. Also, no energy, very very hard to climb stairs. Feel I'm about to pass out. Help!!!

[bowulf]

@pyunique You are likely dehydrated and electrolyte depleted at the moment. I would suggest drinking more water if you aren't getting your 64 oz in, and getting some additional sodium and potassium in your diet. (Salt and a salt substitute (like LiteSalt) work great for this.) A recommendation in the new book is to drink 2 cups of chicken broth per day to help with this electrolyte depletion too.

[bowulf]

@bigcat02 Well eating only meat is not Atkins, so I would encourage you to eat your veggie (3 cups per day), but you may need to eat higher fat meat than say boneless skinless chicken breasts. This is not a meat only diet.

[bigcat02]

I started the Atkins diet 4 days ago and I am extremely hungry. I eat only meat and it does not seem to fill me up or satisfy my hunger. Is this normal?

[bowulf]

@mritchie1 Yes. It is usually due to low electrolytes - especially sodium and potassium. You can replace both with an electrolyte drink like Powerade Zero (no carbs) or simply add a bit more salt and salt substitute (Morton LiteSalt) to your diet.

[mritchie1]

I'm getting that in an off again, on again thing.

Can this happen after 5 days of exercise? I was exercising my lower body, and it was hard to lift my legs afterward.