How important is the induction phase?

Faith

I'm starting on a low-carb plan from Monday in an effort to shift some belly fat. I only want to lose maybe 1.5 stone, 2 at an absolute maximum. I was recommended the Idiot Proof Diet so I've bought the book, read it, and stocked up my fridge. They really emphasize how important it is to not go off the plan in the slightest during the first two weeks. The thing is, there might be a situation where I'll be out and might have a few drinks during the induction. Is this seriously going to throw me off, or do I not really need to worry about it? How important is the induction phase overall?

Sapsorrow

The induction is very important for a proper low carb diet. Basically you're trying to keep your carbs near nil for a set amount of time to trigger your body to enter into ketosis which is an alternative metabolic pathway that allows low carbers to burn fat so efficiently. If you have a binge you'll be back going back to square one, and you'll have to go through the ultra low-carb phase and carb flu (feeling like absolute sh*t for a day or two as you switch over to ketosis) all over again. If you're going to do it you've got to do it right basically.

Twenty10

When I did induction I had a similar problem but at least it was on Day 12 of 14. Took it easy with one gin and slimline tonic plus one glass of wine. It didn't mess up things for me, so perhaps it depends on how wild a night and when it happens in the two weeks. Good luck with it!

Faith

Great, thanks for the responses . The night I was thinking of, I can easily not drink for really. The other night that might be a problem is Day 13, but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it!

Dolbert

I have found that a few vodka & soda waters/ gin & slimline tonics will not stall my loss when low-carbing but a few glasses of wine will