Singin’ Dem Down and Dirty Ol’ Low-Carb Induction Blues (Episode 79)
20 08 2007If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to our RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
The amazing Howlin’ Wolf: If he had ever sung the Induction Blues, Would he have still sung “Hoy! Hoy! I’m the boy! Three hundred pounds of heavenly joy?”
Welcome to the 79th episode of the Internet’s hottest low-carb podcast, aka “The Livin’ La Vida Low-Carb Show with Jimmy Moore!” Today, our host Jimmy looks at a problem that most people face when beginning or returning to the low-carb lifestyle. Here’s a brief musical clue:
Since I quit them carbohydrates,
Baby, I been feelin’ so low.
Since I quit them bad ol’ carbohydrates,
Woman, my clock is running slow.
It’s been just 24 hours,
Just another day or two to go…
Them bad old Induction blues. Have you been there? Well, don’t think it’s just you because most of us have! Don’t let a few rough days at the beginning of low-carb Induction scare you off. As Jimmy will show us in today’s show, it’s just a sign that increased energy is on the way–quite possibly the most energy you’ve ever had!
Is the Atkins diet an invigorator or deflater to YOU? Share your comments with us below!
LINKS MENTIONED IN EPISODE 79
- Contact Jimmy Moore via e-mail at livinlowcarbman@charter.net
- Jimmy Moore’s LivinLaVidaLowCarb.com blog
- Related blog post: ” Getting Through The Atkins Induction Flu”
Did you miss anything Jimmy said? Have no fear, read the transcript by clicking the very next link!
TRANSCRIPT of EPISODE 79:
This is Episode 79 of “The Livin’ La Vida Low-Carb Show with Jimmy Moore” and welcome back for another exciting excursion into the wonderful world of low-carb living. Please visit our official web site at TheLivinLowCarbShow.com or go to iTunes to check out all the latest and past episodes from this podcast. We work hard to make this show as entertaining, educating, and inspiring as it can possibly be, so listen in. Feel free to contact me anytime via e-mail at livinlowcarbman@charter.net. I’d be honored to hear from you.
Today I’d like to discuss a very misunderstood aspect of livin’ la vida low-carb that unfortunately has become a part of the stereotype of what happens to you when you go on the Atkins diet. Think about this for a moment. Have you ever had somebody tell you their reason for not going on a low-carb diet is because “It makes you feel too tired.” Or how about this one? “My energy gets completely sapped.” And let’s not forget the most popular excuse of all. “Without carbs, you can’t quite function at full capacity.” Of course, when I hear people say things like this, I can’t help but ask them how long they were on the Atkins diet. Most of them said it was the worst couple of DAYS of their life. HA! Oh, well no wonder! That’s not the Atkins diet people!
Most genuine low-carbers will tell you those first few days are indeed a doozy as you go through the symptoms of what has been affectionately referred to as the Atkins flu. But don’t forget that your body has to undergo some pretty radical changes, expecially if you were used to consuming large amounts of sugar and other unnecessary carbohydrates with your old dietary habits. Breaking that carb addiction and getting your body into fat-burning mode is what the Induction phase of Atkins is all about. While the first day of my Atkins diet experience in January 2004 was indeed THE WORST DAY OF MY LIFE, let me tell you it only got better from there. MUCH better! Within a week (and after losing 15 pounds!), I started feeling a major turnaround happening inside of me that reassured me this was the right choice for me. By the time my first month on the low-carb lifestyle was completed, I had lost 30 pounds and my energy level had skyrocketed. By the end of my weight loss phase in December 2004, I had shed 180 pounds in one year and felt more alive than I had ever been in my entire life. That incredible miracle that happened in my life back in 2004 is still invigorating me to this day. I keep kicking myself for not doing this when I was in my 20’s, but I am so grateful that I’ve got my life back now. I am a new man today because of livin’ la vida low-carb.
Unfortunately, though, not everyone has the same response to low-carb living as I have apparently. I received an e-mail from one of my readers at my LivinLaVidaLowCarb.com blog who shared her concerns that since she began a low-carb routine in April 2005, she is constantly exhausted and tired despite losing about 40 pounds to date. Here’s what she wrote in that e-mail:
Hi Jimmy,
I started eating low-carb last April after going to the doctor and seeing a number that I had previously only seen while pregnant! I have lost at least 40 lbs so far. I am not sure of the actual number because I refuse to own a scale. The fluctuations depress me and will cause me to give up! So, the only time I weigh is for a check up at my doctors. I am 37 years old and now weigh 148 lbs. As you can see from the numbers I never lost a dramatic amount of weight at once. Just slow and steady. My problem is this–I have not seen the increase in energy that I would expect after losing so much weight. I am most of the time exhausted for no good reason. What is my problem?! This issue makes my family a little skeptical of the health benefits of low-carb living. I refuse to go off this way of eating as it is the only way I have ever been able to lose weight. Do you have any suggestions on what I can do to feel better and keep my family happy?
I appreciate this reader sharing her story with me because it could very well help others who are in the same situation. Let me just say publicly how very proud I am of her for refusing to allow anyone to tell her that low-carb living is not the very best way for her to lose weight and keep it off for good. The pressure to stop low-carbing from so-called friends and well-meaning family members is too much for many people to bear and they just give up. This just breaks my heart. However, in light of the evidence she has presented, it does sound like there are legitimate concerns about what is happening to her while on a low-carb diet. There are many reasons why she could be experiencing these feelings of being tired and exhausted. Without knowing the specifics of her low-carb lifestyle program, here are five suggestions that I would recommend for anyone facing similar circumstances:
1. Are you sleeping well?
Be sure you get a good night’s sleep of at least 7-8 hours per night. Studies have shown that a lack of sleep can contribute to obesity and inadequate rest can make you feel tired all the time.
2. Are you eating enough food?
One of the unfortunate things about what we consider as healthy eating in the U.S. is the notion that you must cut back on your portion sizes dramatically. But not when you are livin’ la vida low-carb. Of course, you shouldn’t gorge yourself, but if you are hungry then EAT a nice low-carb meal or snack. I eat every three hours so I NEVER get hungry.
3. Are you exercising daily or most days of the week?
When you are tired, I’m sure the last thing you want to think about is exercise. But you will be utterly amazed just how good you will feel after a walk on the treadmill or 30-minute session on the elliptical machine. Plus, your body needs this to help destress your life. The intense energy and release of positive endorphins will keep you feeling great for many hours after your workout. If you’re not already working out, then START IMMEDIATELY!
4. Are you letting stress and worry encompass your life?
As much as we try to deny it, stress can and will have an effect on your body in harmful ways, especially when you are trying to lose weight. As if doing that isn’t difficult enough, life’s day-to-day challenges can push us to the brink of a nervous breakdown sometimes. As a result, this can cause you to be mentally and physically drained. While there’s no easy way to relieve stress and get worry out of your life, find solace in the love of your family even if they aren’t supporting your low-carb plan, the relationships of those trusted friends who care about you, and in the God of the universe who created you to trust in Him with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding by casting all your cares on Him. Relieve the stress in your life and your exhaustion may be alleviated.
5. Are you seeing your doctor to determine if you have a medical condition unrelated to your diet?
It’s always a good idea to check with your personal physician whenever you have symptoms that are unusual so he can evaluate what you may need to get better. Perhaps your tired feelings have nothing at all to do with your low-carb lifestyle. Your doctor should be the one to make that determination.
So what’s the deal with the Atkins diet? Does it deflate you of all your energy as this one reader suggests? Well, not necessarily. On the exact same day I received her e-mail, I also got an e-mail from another one of my LivinLaVidaLowCarb.com blog readers who told me how his energy levels have gone completely ballastic since beginning a low-carb program and he is utterly amazed by this transformation that has happened to him just three weeks after starting on Atkins.
Here’s his encouraging e-mail:
I just wanted to send you a quick email to let you know how much I appreciate the work you do. I have only being doing Atkins for about 3 weeks, but I have lost almost 9 pounds of my goal of losing 60 total. Though I still have a long road ahead of me, if I never lost another pound, I would probably do Atkins anyways due to a benefit I didn’t really expect. After the first 3 days of feeling like complete crap, my energy level has just EXPLODED. I have been more productive in the last few weeks than any other 3-week period in my life. In fact, today my wife (who I always considered to be the most productive person I have ever met) actually described this new energy level as “sometimes annoying.” (But not as annoying as having a husband that needs to be surgically removed from the couch, I’m sure). I have always considered myself to be fairly laid back individual who just happens to enjoy my “down time.” As it turns out, I think I have just spent the majority of my adult life in a perpetual state of exhaustion! The crazy thing is that I am still 51 pounds overweight. I can’t imagine how much MORE energy I am going to have when I am skinny?!?!?! I’ll drive my wife crazy!!! (We have a great relationship which is why we can tease each other like this). Anyways, I just wanted to let you know that you are a big reason I even decided to get back on the Atkins diet and that your blog is a daily source of encouragement to me. Please keep up the good work.
WOW, isn’t that a hoot?! Hey man, you keep on “annoying” your wife! Something tells me she won’t mind. Now that’s an encouraging story about how livin’ la vida low-carb is positively changing people’s lives? And it’s only gonna get better from here. My wife is always reminding me that I’m 35 years old and I’m not supposed to be moving around like I’m 21. I usually just tell her that I couldn’t move this well when I was 21 so I’m making up for lost time! So what’s the verdict in your mind? Does the Atkins diet deflate or invigorate your energy?
That’s it for Episode 79 of “The Livin’ La Vida Low-Carb Show with Jimmy Moore.” We’ve heard people on both sides share their experiences, so what’s YOURS? Is the Atkins diet a deflator or invigorator? Share your response in the show notes section for this episode at TheLivinLowCarbShow.com or leave a comment for us on the podcast hotline at (206) 203-4192. We’d love to hear from you either way! Come back on Thursday as we hit the big 8-0–our eightieth episode! Man, it seems like just yesterday I was starting this show. Hope to see you then. So, until next time, keep on livin’ la vida low-carb!
Popularity: 25% [?]
From over 400 pounds to 230, Jimmy Moore is 
After living la vida low carb for nearly 5 years now, my husband and I can’t even believe the energy levels we have. He is 68 years old - I am 66 years old and we both feel like we are in our 30’s! No lie. We go to the gym every day and walk 2 miles, lift weights and work out on the Nautilus machines.
My husband has been a diabetic for over 25 years. I have told his story so much, I get tired of hearing it - but I want every diabetic to know that the only way to survive diabetes is on a low carb lifestyle and exercise.
My husband lost 80 pounds, came off of insulin (43 units a night), and has been literally transformed. That’s why we work with people who, like my husband, go to the doctor faithfully for their 3 or 6 month check up. The only thing the doctor does is tell you to “take this medication” or “increase the dose on that medication”. He/she doesn’t tell you about how to actually improve your health! GOSH it is soooo upsetting to me to watch people deteriorate when there is no reason for it.
Sorry, I get a little carried away — this question was about energy. Listen, we have so much energy on our low carb lifestyle it is amazing. We watch our 19 month old granson 4 days a week - most days we are with him 8 to 10 hours a day. He’s like the energizer bunny - never stops running - and we are right there with him. We also work with our clients who want to lose weight and/or control their Type II Diabetes with our company called Live A Better Life, LLC. We give seminars, hold classes and counsel people. I also have another company that keeps me fairly busy. Couple all that activity with the fact that we have 5 children all married and living in our area, 11 grandchildren and are very involved with their lives as well. Energy on low carb - YOU BETCHA!
Good advice Jimmy. There may some other medical condition, though the low-fat zealots would like to blame it on low carb.
I have been feeling tired for a while. Before I was diagnosed with diabetes, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea and have been treated for it ever since. I was still tired and my sleep doctor thought it might be depression, which was a real possibility. No one can blame it on low carb since I don’t feel more tired than I used to. In fact, physical endurance is improving.
Then I heard that low testestosterone in men can cause depression, fatigue, lack of drive, etc. I had my endo check my testosterone levels and they were boarderline low. I’ve just started testosterone replacement and need to give it some time to work. However, I have noticed that I don’t feel so fatigued in the afternoon.
Of course, testestosterone is NOT for women, but the idea that there is another medical problem is valid and needs to be explored. Livin’ La Vida Low Carb is NOT to blame!!!
BTW, I recently had my sleep apnea re-evaluated after losing over 90 lbs. It’s still there, but not as severe as it was!!!
You go, Mary! I’m extremely proud of you. Keep on inspiring with your own example.
Dan, I agree there may be other issues involved other than diet that could contribute to health issues. But you’re right–the low-fatties will latch on to anything and everything to blame it on livin’ la vida low-carb!
The same goes with my frequent urination problem. Have always had it and probably always will. Nothing to do with low-carb, though.
Although, I’m peeing better now than I ever have! TMI TMI! :O
“genuine low-carbers”
What does THAT mean?
I agree that people will sooner or later get over the shock of lowering their carbs so dramatically. But where I disagree is the nonexistent need for moving beyond “induction”.
You do low-carb in the way that works for you, Jeff. But people following Atkins by the book know exactly what I’m referring to. THANKS for your input.
Once I was pass the first week of Induction, my energy was through the roof. I love the fact that I no longer experience an afternoon slump. Today I’m feeling a bit low; my dog of 15 1/2 years died in his sleep Sunday night right next to me, he just drifted off. Trying to adjust to his absence.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your long-time companion, Linda! I lost my little Millie Jo last year and know what it’s like to lose a pet. You hang in there!
You’re right, the energy does skyrocket after that temporary bit of discomfort in the first few days of livin’ la vida low-carb. If people could just get past the first two weeks, then more people would be successful at low-carb than ever before!
Linda,
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Please be well.
Jimmy and Kevin, thank you for understanding about my loss.It means so much to me.
Hey Linda my 13 y/o Dalmatian passed last fall, so I too know what it’s like. Dogs and cats are wonderful companions.
I would like to suggest that people who feels that their energy is drained should look into vitamins and supplements. Dr. Atkins himself wrote a book about them.
I personally experienced lower levels of energy when I didn’t take them.
EXCELLENT advice, Lara! I take LOTS of supplements each day just as anyone on ANY diet should be doing to be as healthy as they can possibly be. THANKS for commenting and listening to my podcast!
I have been on low-carb diet for 5 months now and I have lost 45 lbs. My starting weight was 185lbs and I am now 140lbs. The first 2 weeks of starting induction phase was the toughest but I got through it. I am still in induction phase today. Only issue I have been having is I really don’t have energy when I go to the gym. I have an alright amount throughout the day, but I find when I am doing vigorous cardio that I am getting lightheaded and sick. If anyone has any suggestions on how to increase my energy let me know.
I have tried the atkin low carb diet twice now. The first time i went for one year i lost 60 pounds in the first 6 months. I used keytone strips to make sure i wasn’t bringing in sugar. The next 6 months i lost 10 pounds. I went off the diet for a year gained back all that I lost and addded 20 more pounds. The second time I lost almost a hundred pounds in a year and a half. I then went back to regular eating gained it all back plus 30 more pounds.
The problem with this diet is it burns muscle along with fat and you need muscle to burn fat.
SO, when you go off the diet u gain it fast. I believe theyre should be a study of Diabetics who have went on the diet, because I developed diabetes not long after the second diet. It makes sense, you shut down the sugar intake and your pancreas doesnt need to make insulin. Then u go off the diet and the pancreas is over loaded working over time and burns out. I guess the solution is to never go off the diet. But im not strong enough to go without the normal food. Now i have no choice my blood sugar is in the low 400s if I eat any starch or sugar. Please dont delete this post. People should know all sides of the atkins diet, and decide for themselves.
“I guess the solution is to never go off the diet.”
This is the whole problem, thinking of it as a DIET, as in something restrictive that’s holding you back somehow. It’s best to think of it as just eating food that is healthy for you and getting creative with it. It is possible to eat almost any dish that you can think of as comfort food in a low carb fashion if you have the right attitude. Have a high carb treat once in awhile as long as it’s thought out ahead of time so that your in control of the situation. Get right back on the horse. No biggee.
Diet in this context means “way of eating” or “how you eat.” It’s not a dirty word if translated in the right manner.
i feel very low in energy. almost want to go back on my regular diet, but after reading all this i hope i’m as stronge as you guys are. i want to lose weight so bad. please dear god give me the power to live a life of low-carb. i have so many beautiful clothes that i have keep, in hopes of fitting in them on day. thanks for the info…god bless us all
Hey Sisley, THANKS for sharing from your experience. I’m sorry you are having issues right now, but let me tell you it gets a LOT better. Eat low-carb NOT to lose weight, but to be healthy and it will put it all in perspective for you. YOU CAN DO THIS!!!