Regarding cravings for sugar, it could be that your body is asking you to provide it with some carbs but I'd bet it's the coffee . In the past, I "had" to have my coffee but then I suffered from sugar cravings. I ditched the coffee because of my B/P and sleep problems and now I'm happy with my S/F jello w/cream, cheesecake, 1/2 of an Atkins bar and sometimes nothing. Also, before I could do Atkins this time, I had to "ease" myself into low-carb by doing the Carbohydrate Addicts Diet for about a week in order to minimize my out-of-control sugar cravings. My chocolates began tasting too sweet, then I went sugar-free but not on Induction. I didn't try to count carb grams for at least another week. I'm glad I didn't rush because as it was I started feeling run-down so I think any sooner and I might've failed. Please be aware of the fact that you don't really have to turn the Ketostix purple and sometimes any shade to prove that you're in ketosis. Since ketones are also excreted through our lungs and in our stool, if you drink a lot of water, what's left could be too "diluted" to be detected, so don't be discouraged by that. I think it doesn't mean a whole lot because the first time I did Atkins 7 years ago I barely showed "trace" and at best "moderate" and I still lost 10 lbs. the first 2 weeks not even following the diet to the letter. However, years later, I got stuck after only losing a few pounds yet the ketostix said I was still "burning fat" (??). I think that over the years 1) I became insulin resistant (I was hypoglycemic) and 2) my thyroid slowed down which made it hard for me to lose weight.

And keep stress to a minimum! The release of cortisol will keep you from losing even if you're doing everything right. The important thing is to bring your body back into balance and restore health. So let the coffee go (it's only a "crutch", my friend), eat some "green" food, and get your supplements and you'll be alright. Best wishes,

The coffee is almost definately your problem. Why? Because caffeine produces insulin!!!!

We low-carbers are trying to avoid insulin because it makes fat, causes heart disease, and also makes us crave sugars.

Try to drink decaf. I know it's hard...but the flavored ones by companies like Green Mountain are great. If you can't quit, at least drink it half decaf. Otherwise you may find the diet isn't as successful for you.

P.S. - if you eat Atkins Bars or other protein bars, beware. They have hidden carbs and the label doesn't explain the effect on glucose levels that some of the ingredients have. I've heard that the 2g Atkins bar actually has 28g worth of insulin-stimulating carbs!!! I'll post more info on that as I find it.

I agree about potassium. I was getting awful leg cramps last time I dieted and sure enough, doc said levels were dangerously low. I took Atkins Basic #3 and then everything was fine. Yes, Wal-Mart carries all of the Atkins products and they're much less expensive than your local healthfood or GNC store.

There are also some great online vendors (visit the shopping section of this site) who sell vitamins at lower prices.

The first 3 days for me are the hardest. I get headaches, horrible acid reflux, and feel like sleeping all day. But then all of a sudden one day I'll wake up and have more energy and feel better than ever! Be patient... as your body adjusts you'll start to feel better than you have in years.