My wife just started Atkins and works nights. When she comes home, she's with our 2-year old. This means she she would get up at 7am in the morning with our son, maybe take a 2-3 hour nap, go to work at 10pm, come home around 7am, maybe take a 2-3 hour nap, then go to bed around 9pm. So, she's awake for 32-34 out of 38 hours. During this time, how should she count her carbs? Can she go over 20 since she is still awake and eating at least 5-6 meals during that time?

I would keep it simple and count carbs within a 24 hour period. From 7 a.m. to 7 a.m. seems reasonable in her situation, but she can coose whatever 24 hour period seems reasonable to her.

Karen

But isn't 20 carbs/day based on being awake and active around 16 hours? Basically, since she's awake 25% more, during the day before and after she works a night shift, can't her carb count go up?

20 is the Atkins recommended daily intake for induction. There are other programs that allow for higher carb counts.

I don't think you guys understand what I'm getting at. A normal person has 3 meals a day and is awake 16 hours. When she works a night shift, she is awake closer to 20-22 hours and has 4 meals. The metabolism is still in "awake" mode, so shouldn't her carb intake be higher on these days?

We do understand. Not if she wants to do Atkins induction.

I have done 4-5 smaller meals since I began. Even with added hours - more food but not more carbs.

Sorry it isn't the answer you want.

Guess I just need a better explanation since her metabolism is still up.

Metabolism doesn't come that much into play here.

The reason for the lower carbs is to keep you in ketosis. Then she is burning fat when her metabolism is working.

Hey... first of all i am also in the Chicagoland Area.. scorcher today isn't it??

I would think she could eat 20 carbs per per 24 hours... so if she is starts at a certain time... and is still up when the 24hrs is up... she would be able to eat some more carbs at that time and count it towards the next day.... it might take some adjustment.. but if she is losing weight then it is working right?? have her try the Ketone strips..

Good luck...