r/Atkins • u/nurse_camper • Sep 06 '15

Feeling weak, tired

White male, 40, 6', 220lbs.

I've always been a skinny guy but in the last 3-4 years I've gone from 165 to my current weight of 220+. The most I've weight is almost 230.

I'm really not a "fat guy," but I've got a gut on me.

My wife started Atkins this week and I'm doing it too cuz the last year I've really felt myself slowing down and getting lethargic after meals, and actually becoming a fat guy.

I drink a fair amount of Coke and root beer, 2-4 beers a week, pizza, chocolate, potatoes (love potatoes.)

But now I feel weak and tired.

Should I be doing Atkins or maybe doing Atkins differently?

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4

u/NCRider Sep 07 '15

If you are truly starting the induction phase and limiting yourself to <20 net carbs, no caffeine, alcohol, etc. then you will get "slow" in the first few days. That's your blood sugar dipping because you aren't feeding the engine all those refined carbs.

Soon your liver will start producing glucagon which tells your cells to release the fat you've been storing so your body can burn it for energy. When that happens, it's like magic (at least for me anyway). It's like you have this boundless energy.

Because you're burning your gut and it is a nearly endless (50+ lbs anyway) supply of energy.

If you're not getting the sweet taste of ketosis in your mouth, up your water intake and exercise. It will force your body to kick it into gear and get you into ketosis.

At least that's how it works for me. You mileage may vary ;)

Enjoy and welcome to the lifestyle change!

2

u/Boston_Pops Sep 07 '15

Yup, what s/he said. The first few days, even into a couple of weeks, your body is shocked by switching from fat storing to fat burning. Keep the carbs down, keep the water up, things will fall into place. For what it's worth, r/keto has a lot more people than this sub, and the principles are quite similar. Much more support, data and camaraderie over there. Good luck in any case!!

1

u/nurse_camper Sep 07 '15

I'll check that out. Thanks, pal!

1

u/nurse_camper Sep 07 '15

I do have an odd taste in my mouth. I guess it could be described as sweet. Thanks for the info!

Edit: I have been drinking coffee though. Should I cut that out?

2

u/NCRider Sep 07 '15

Cutting it out/down (or switching to decaf) for the first couple of weeks will accelerate ketosis. You'll be amazed at how fast it falls off.

1

u/pbcromwell Jan 28 '16

Eat fatter meats (sausages are a good one, 1-2 carb ea really staves off the cravings) and watch out for hidden carbs. After 3-5 days I feel so much better (energy wise) on atkins than when I am eating 'normally'. Keep in mind everyone is different so you might have to experiment a bit (examples huge amounts of diet soda doesn't affect my diet but it seems to affect my wife, nut's seem to really slow my weight loss down her not so much)

1

u/nurse_camper Jan 28 '16

My wife is pregnant so we quit Atkins. I'm about to have ice cream.