Otherwise known as the maintenance phase, this is the adjustment phase and the time when you will determine your ideal calorie intake to maintain your ideal body weight. I will discuss your ideal body weight and how to determine it when I discuss the next phase. It is during these first weeks on the diet that your body will be adjusting to the new way of eating, to the new types of foods going into it. No matter what diet change you make, your body will go through a phase of adjustment.
With the Abs on the Go diet, you will find in general that you won't have to be concerned with the amount of carbs going into your body. However, in this initial phase, it is recommended that you take in 16 times your ideal body weight in calories in order to help your body cope with the change in metabolism that it will experience. Essentially, the calorie intake will help stabilize your body weight as you shift body masses and begin to drop fat and gain muscle.
Another thing you will need in this kick-off phase is a fiber supplement. You will very likely find that, with the shift in the diet, the colon will have to adjust as well. There may be periods of diarrhea because the high intake of fats can act as a stool softener. During this time the fiber will help solidify things. On the other hand, you may also experience constipation, and we all know fiber helps with that. The fiber acts as a broom to clear out all the old debris in the colon and get things flowing properly again (I have included a more detailed section on fiber below).
The best form of fiber supplement is psyllium seed husk. Colon Cleanser in the powder form is the best form of raw psyllium seed husk available for cleaning out the colon and getting your body on track. You can also take Metamucil since it is a natural product. Whatever product you choose, you need to be sure that you read the carb count on the package before you buy it because many products come with refined carbs to make the "medicine" taste better.
You may find that taking a fiber supplement for the first 3-6 months is all you need, but many people find that they will have to keep a high level of fiber intake on an ongoing basis. Some people find that some good raw food with low GI, such as Caesar salad midday will be enough extra fiber. As long as you stay within your allowed daily carb intake, this is just fine.
It is also important to fully transition from one diet to another, don't mix them. You also want to work extra hard at staying away from refined carbs. They are everywhere and in everything packaged, this is key. When you go to the grocery store, stay out of the middle isles (unless you are shopping for toilet paper and cleaning supplies). The foods around the perimeter of the grocery store are the whole foods. That is where you will find the meats, fruits, vegetables and cheeses. When you think about it, the middle of the grocery store is a complete waste of space and the reason most people in our society suffer from various degenerative diseases.
The first week of the Abs on the Go diet will be the hardest. You will find during this time of metabolic shifting that your body and your psyche are in for a roller coaster ride. You might also find that this is the most difficult time of transition for your digestive system. You might experience mood swings and mild disorientation (operating heavy machinery or equipment is not recommended during this time). You also might experience some flu-like symptoms as your body adjusts.
The problem with this first week is that so many people give up at this time. They feel awful and think the diet is not working. These feelings are merely a result of the shift in metabolism and will soon pass if you can just be patient and hold on. Sometimes a full shift and the resulting symptoms might last up to three or four weeks, but then you will feel amazing. You will know when this happens and until it does, stick with the kick-off phase routine.