Getting sick from diet?

[Coll]

My son, 18 has wants to lose a few pounds. Being young he wants to do the Atkins Diet. He has started it 3 times, each time he ends up with a nasty flu bug or some thing. Any thoughts on this?

Coll

[ajrsmom]

Originally Posted by Coll

My son, 18 has wants to lose a few pounds. Being young he wants to do the Atkins Diet. He has started it 3 times, each time he ends up with a nasty flu bug or some thing. Any thoughts on this?

Coll

When you start Atkins, the inductions weeks greatly deplete your vitamin intake from foods that you normally eat. Make sure he is taking a good vitamin supplement. I took vitamins, iron pills ( because I have low iron levels anyway) and potassium pills to ward off cramping in my legs.

Remember that he is going through "withdrawls" too. His body with be reacting to the fact that he is no longer eating complex carbs such a pasta and white bread. My body had the worst reaction to sugar withdrawls--I had severe headaches and felt sick for the first 4 days. If he can tough it out, he should be ok by the end of the first week. Is he watching his carb count to make sure he is eating the max allowed but not to go over? Cheating the first 2 weeks can make you very sick too. It does get easier!!!


I have to give my 2 cents here though. If he only wants to lose a few pounds, he might be better off on a low-fat diet or simply eating smaller portions of healthy meals. With low carb diets, you have to change your eating habits for life or the weight will come back---I speak from experience and am not proud of myself.

If he does decide to stick with Atkins and would like someone to talk to, Im here. Once we get settled in after our move, Im going back on it too.

Good Luck to him!!
Tami

[apricot]

Coll, Is your son healthy other than the few extra pounds? I had not gotten a cold or flu in about four years and then tried to do Atkins when it first became popular and got a bad cold and shortly after a flu. I also had trouble concentrating. Shortly after that I found out that I could not do Atkins because of an overactive thyroid condition.

If your son has not had a general physical in over a year it might be a good idea for him to get one, especially if he wants to do the Atkins diet. I know the doctors prefer low fat, low cholesterol, low salt, etc. and exercise.

[Coll]

My son is probably due for a real good check up. I will have to mention it and see if he will go for one. He's like most men, doesn't like to go to the doctor.

Coll

[apricot]

I hear ya but hope you can talk him into going.