How to Exercise Through the Induction Flu on Atkins

The first few days of the Atkins diet can be difficult to handle. The Induction Flu, as the feeling is called, is a result of the body eliminating the stores of carbohydrates and beginning the fat burning process. It is imperative to add exercise to the Atkins plan, but how can you exercise when you feel so bad?

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Strength
• Courage
• Time for a Nap

1. Take it Easy. Exercise does not have to mean you are triatholon training. The idea is to get the heart moving and beating faster for an extended period of time. The body uses carbohydrates for energy first, so the more you exercise regularly during those first few days of the Induction Flu, the more quickly the Flu symptoms will go away.

2. Think ahead. While you may feel bad today, the idea is to speed up the Induction Flu symptoms. Your carbohydrate stores can last no longer than 3 days without exercise. With exercise, the Flu could last as little as 24 hours.

3. Understand the pain. It feels horrible to have the flu, but the Induction Flu is a sign of doing Atkins correctly. If the symptoms appear, you know for certain you are moving into Ketosis which is where you want to be.

4. Push harder and feel better. Exercise helps the body to release endorphins that make you feel better. These endorphins will help to ease the feelings associated with the Induction Flu. The better you feel, the more apt you will be to stick with the Atkins plan well beyond the Induction phase.

[techlord]

on 2/17/2009 That's fantastic, I've never heard carb withdral referred to as a flu...but that's exactly what it feels like! Pushing through it is well worth the pain, though. Great article.

[SharonJeanne]

on 1/13/2009 Great information on how to cope with what I have always though of as "withdrawals" whenever we go back on Atkins. Thanks for sharing this and I'll be trying this really soon. 5*!