Before you start getting dressed, double check the weather for the timeframe of your date. Even if you plan to spend most of the time inside, you still have to get there and you'll want to keep your clothes neat and dry.  Grab a raincoat if it's raining, or re-think your long-sleeved shirt and pants, if it's unseasonably warm. If the weather is particularly wet or snowy, consider wearing a pair of boots during travel and taking your nice pair of shoes to change into once you arrive at your destination. If you know your date's size, grab an extra sweater, umbrella, or raincoat if the weather is bad, in case he or she doesn't think to bring one. Your date will be impressed by the sweet gesture and that you thought to plan ahead. Even if you're headed for a 5k marathon on your first date, you're going to want to smell nice and clean when you first meet up. After all, first impressions are important, and they can often outlast what happens later on the date. If you need extra time to blow-dry your hair before you style it, make sure you allot enough time. When you're anxious or stressed, that tends to be the time a button falls off, a zipper gets stuck or your nylons get a run. It's better to be ready early than to scramble around because you are running late. Take your time getting dressed so that you can handle any last minute mishaps with your garments! Have a back-up plan. If something does go wrong, put on the other outfit that you considered wearing. Even if you're planning on a fancy dinner at a swanky hotel or you're attending a prestigious ballet performance, plans can change. For example, you and your date might have so much fun that you'll decide to take a walk for ice cream or stay up all night watching old movies together! Pack something comfortable, so you're prepared to go with the flow! If you're taking a purse or you need a water bottle and a hiking pass for the state park, make sure you've got all the accessories you'll need for a successful date.  Make sure your cell phone is charged in case of an emergency. It's always a good idea to bring a little extra cash with you, in case the date doesn't go well and you need to get a ride home or the date goes so well, you splurge for extra dessert. It's normal to be nervous and anxious before a first date, but don't let your clothes be a factor. Be confident in what you've chosen, enjoy yourself, and concentrate on getting to know this new wonderful person you're with. If you are so nervous that you can't function, consider doing a relaxing activity before your date, such as meditating or a deep-breathing exercise.

Summary: Double check the weather. Take a shower. Give yourself plenty of time to get dressed. Pack a change of casual clothes. Double check that you've got everything. Don't stress.


If your computer came installed with Windows 7 or earlier, use this method to boot from a CD or DVD. Use the method above if your computer came installed with Windows 8. The CD or DVD that you insert in your computer will need to be properly configured to boot. This means it needs the correct files to allow your computer to boot from it. Windows and Linux installation discs are bootable, as are many computer utilities such as hard drive diagnostic tools. The correct key will be displayed on the computer manufacturer's logo screen when the computer first starts up. Keys vary depending on the manufacturer. Common keys include F1, F2, F11, and Delete. If you don't press the key in time, Windows will continue to boot as normal. If you press the correct key in time, the BIOS menu will open. Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to open the BOOT menu. Each BIOS will have a different layout, though most should have a BOOT menu or something similar. Secure boot will prevent your computer from changing the boot order. This is a security measure, but will keep you from being able to boot from your CD or DVD. Disable it before changing your boot order settings. You can usually find the "Secure Boot" option in the BOOT menu. Use your arrow keys and the to move the CD/DVD drive above your hard drive. Some BIOS menus have you use the + and - keys to change the order. This will make your computer attempt to boot from the CD/DVD drive before it boots from the hard drive. If you have more than one optical drive installed on your computer, make sure you select the correct drive as the primary boot device. This will reboot your computer, and it will attempt to boot from your CD/DVD drive. If your computer boots straight to Windows, then you either did not save your BIOS boot order changes, or the disc is not a bootable disc.

Summary: Know when to use this method. Insert the CD that you want to boot from. Reboot your computer and look for the "BIOS" or "Setup" key. Press the Setup key to open the BIOS menu. Navigate to the BOOT menu. Disable "Secure Boot" (if enabled). Change your boot order so that the CD/DVD drive is first. Save your changes and exit the BIOS.


You should see this as the first step on your way to sustainable weight loss and a healthier lifestyle. Seeing the induction phase in your broader plan can motivate you stick with it through these first weeks. Having regular phases and regular goals can help you to maintain your commitment and support you in your long-term weight loss plan.  Having attainable, specific and plausible goals will be the most productive way to map out your progress.  Couple your Atkins goals with some for specific amounts of regular exercise, such as thirty minutes running twice a week. Sticking to Atkins throughout the induction phase will require focus and commitment, but you don't want it to dominate your thoughts every waking minute. If you are constantly obsessing about net carbs it could all become too overbearing. Try to keep it to something you think about at meal times and forget about it the rest of the time.  Carrying on your life as normal while you are dieting will help you to stick to it and show that you can make dietary changes that are sustainable and not disruptive. This is hardest in the induction phase when the drop in carbs in most pronounced, so plan some activities with friends to take your mind off it. If you don't look after yourself well during the induction phase you could fall ill and end up coming off the diet prematurely. The most likely causes of of feeling unwell are dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance. There are some things you can do to help you avoid these and stay as healthy as possible in the first weeks of Atkins.  Drinking eight (eight ounce) glasses of water a day will keep you well hydrated and negate the effects of a loss in water weight in the induction phase. The loss of water weight can lead to light-headedness and a loss of energy. To ward these off combine good hydration with consuming sufficient salt. Be sure to consume sufficient protein, three servings a day of four to six ounces, to maintain lean muscle mass. One way to help you maintain motivation and stay on track during induction is to keep good records of your progress. Having a graph or chart that shows how far you have come will help push you forwards in the following days. Plot out small milestones even in the induction phase to give yourself a trajectory to follow.  Being consistent in your net carb intake is key in the induction phase, so devise a plan that illustrates this. Try for level and progress steady rather than any peaks or troughs. Once you complete the induction phase you should take a moment to feel proud and reward yourself. This doesn't mean pigging out on chips, but reward yourself with something that isn't food. You could buy yourself a new CD or DVD, or go to a movie. Having frequent smaller rewards as you meet your goals and progress through the Atkins programme can be more effective than one big reward at the end.  Small rewards will help to keep you motivated and to feel tangible benefits beyond just your weight loss. Instead of a material reward you could give yourself an afternoon off from work or study to have fun.
Summary: Plan out your goals. Don't obsess too much. Maintain your health during the diet. Measure your progress. Reward your success.