newbie here

[dreamin2B150]

Hello. I've been on atkins before and its been a great program for me. My work had been very stressful for several years and being a stress eater I've failed. Last time on atkins i was 10 pounds away from my 150 goal. I found out during vaction i was pregnant. Well when i went back to work the stress started up again and i was physcially hit by a student(special ed ) and having highblood pressure it sky rocketed. later that night I had a misscarriage. I decide to find a positive in it and i have. I put myself and my health first now .

I'm 35 and started atkins 7/30/07. I was 188 and am currently 182. I plan on exercising nextweek once our new airconditoner is put in(calif weather is way to hot with our old system). My goal is to be 150. I do plan on getting pregnant and atkins helps with my pcos. Funny thing is in the past i usually get my period a few days after starting. This time nothing. Earlier this year Dr, had me on b/c and i only had 1-2 periods. He gave me clomid but never took it. The side effects scared me: violent trantrums, mood swings, etc.

Would love any tips and adivice especially support. thanks Aimee

[Size8Wannabe]

Re: newbie here

Hi Aimee,
Glad to see another newbie with P.C.O.S. I have been watching the P.C.O.S. area for days and did not see any new posts until now. I read much of what's on here--------very interesting and glad to see Atkins seems to work for most. I can't tell you how many times I have tried the exercise and low-fat diet and failed. Please read my Introduction which was posted yesterday. It is called, "Newbie--with P.C.O.S. and Celiac." It would be fun to compare notes with each other since we are both starting. This is my 5th day of Induction so you are ahead of me. So far, so good. I am proud of myself for no cheats. Very sorry to hear about your injury and miscarriage----that's awful! Clomid was prescribed for me but I didn't want to take it either. With a lot of effort, I got pregnant after 13 months of trying!! I hope the same happens for you. I now have two beautiful children, ages 5 and 7. My dr. is thinking of putting me on glucophage but I would like to try to stick with Atkins and do it myself.

Carrie

[dreamin2B150]

Re: newbie here

Hi carrie. I just read your other post. I dont even tell certain people i'm on atkins because i know their views about it. One sister gives me a hardtime about it and an other sister told me the other day that this diet works best for me-lol! I'm also like you apple shaped. I was feeling so sick that i decide to get back on atkins. I just feel more balanced. I started july 30th, 2007 and have lost 6 lbs , which has been lower this time around. I need to start exercising. Most of my weight is in my midsection and i';d love to get rid of the fat i have on my back/neck. I'm 5'6 and was thing all my life until age 22 when i hurt my back. I think it would be great if we support each other.

[PrincessKiki]

Re: newbie here

Hi Aimee and Carrie,

I too have PCOS and Atkins has been the only diet that works for me in losing that apple shape. I swear I look like an apple on a stick!

I've also noticed that when I gain to much weight my ToM cycles get all wiggy. Aimee, I'm sorry about your miscarriage :-( The Doctors also put me on clomid, I did 6 rounds of it (back in '99 and 200) It just didn't work. But they never did any real hormone testing or anything. Nothing like they do today!

My best friend suspects that I might be getting pregnant (because there are times when my cycle is fine for a year or so then it's late then I have these wierd periods). She has found some doctors she wants me to go to, and she thinks I should be put on some sort of insulin medication, but I like you Carrie, want to handle it the Atkins way. It's worked for me before. Not to say that I won't still go see the doctors to get my hormones tested, but I am ready to lose this fat and not feel so rollie pollie!

I start my Induction on Monday and look forward to getting to know both of you better.

I wish you luck! And I'm here if you ever need someone to talk to!

[dreamin2B150]

Re: newbie here

Hi KiKi. Well maybe you , carrie and I can be a support group for each other. Usually on atkins i lose wieght and my stomach is the last to go. I havent had a perios for several month and these past few days i feel so exhausted. Before that I had a burst of energy. Today i also feel dehydated. I'm drinking up right now on water. Water never tasted as good as it does now-lol!
started at 188
I'm 182 and my goal is 150. I'm 5'6.
Goal 1- 178
Goal 2- 168
Goal 3- 158
Goal 4- 150

[Size8Wannabe]

Re: newbie here

Hey Kiki and Aimee,
Let's check in with each other regularly. I refuse to listen to anyone who tells me that Atkins is not healthy. Did you know that hyperinsulinisum is what we PCOS'ers all have in common? I for one cannot lose on lowfat diets. I understand now that it is b/c that WOE does not address my problem with insulin. Only Atkins does! Stay focused no matter what!
Carrie

I just recently read this book: Living with P.C.O.S.
Angela Boss, Evelina Weidman Sterling, Richard S. Legro

It does a good job of explaining this. Our other symptoms as P.C.O.S. girls vary (cessation of menses, fetility problems, hirituism (sp?), hypertension, acne, etc.) but the common denominator is the problem with insulin and glucose. After reading this book, I felt more vindicated in my decision to go Atkins. No one's talking me out of this. I am absolutely sure this is what I need. When you read the symptoms of hyperinsulinisum, you will probably see yourself too. I can just look at a high carb food and gain weight. How about you?

[dreamin2B150]

Re: newbie here

Atkins is the best diet for our health issues. I'm apple shaped and also ready many with pcos are apple shaped too. I feel more balanced on atkins. My health just improves on this diet. I always fall off due to stress or dh'S FAMILY -THEY HAVE PARTIES ALL THE TIME. Its my fault that i havent had the will power to be strong and have control. The first 2 weeks are the hardest because there are so many family member parties and so much food. I need to stay strong for my health. I dont have periods, fetilty problems(no period no ovulation) and hirituism (i HATE THIS). I'm glad theres someone who can relate to this. I think it would be great for us to be atkin buddies.

[PrincessKiki]

Re: newbie here

I totally agree with everything both of you have said

I'm on day two of induction and feeling good so far!

I agree with Carrie, we should be buddies and check in with each other often.

Dreamin - we're here to give you pep talks before that next family party. I totally know how that goes! My hubbies family is that way and they always serve lasagna and bread and salad and it's a killer to me!! I know the salad I can do, but of course, they never make enough salad! Then the desserts come out! It's a killer!

Cheers to both of you (my new buddies ) and here's to another great Atkins Day!

[dreamin2B150]

Re: newbie here

Sounds good- buddies we are-lol! DH's family serves lots of carne asada, beans, rice, chips and salsa, tortillas, ruffles and dip. Maybe nexttime I'll take quacamole and sour cream for the meat and a salad. I forgot they also have margaritas! I'll also make sure to eat a filling meal before i go.

Are you exercising? I've done 2 nights of cardio 30 mins, crunches-30+added 5, holding ball twist 25. 35 squats. I need to start my arm exercises tonight

[Size8Wannabe]

Re: newbie here

You guys are my Cysters now LOL!

We might have to actually bring our own food to parties and family get togethers. Your family will learn to accept it, I think. Your company and conversation should be more important than what you have on your plate! I have been telling people a white lie (that I'm borderline diabetic) so that they will get off my back. It's true that I had gestational diabetes with my oldest child but I have never failed a glucose tolerance test since. It works great--- . Actually, what I say is that I have an endocrine disorder and then if they ask more I say that I am a borderline diabetic and that I have to eat this low-carb diet so that I won't develop Type II diabetes. It is only a white lie b/c having PCOS makes us 7 1/2 times more likely to develop Type II Diabetes (that's from that book I read--previous post) and I have all the signs of insulin resistance (from Dr. A's book). I think people take us much more seriously and (not offended when you don't eat their food) if it's a health issue////not a vanity issue to lose weight. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

I have faith that this is going to work for me b/c it worked in the past. I won't quit no matter what!

So what did you eat today ladies? DId you stick to all the rules?

Carrie

[PrincessKiki]

Re: newbie here

Good Morning Cysters!!

It's day three for me and I've stuck to all the rules! Although I did have a terrible time eating my sausage quiche. My body just didn't want to eat! But I got it down and I'm working on my water.

I have lost 4 pounds so far! YAY!! I've been drinking so much that I have that sloshy feelings in my tummy lol.

I need to start exercising, I just haven't figured out what to do! I love to walk, but it's been 105 degrees out with red ozone levels. I just need to work out a plan.

I'm a little nervous, because I leave for Vegas on Sunday for business and am SO afraid I'll mess up my diet! The people I work with love to eat and drink!! Usually, I'm right there with them! I just need to stand strong, so I'm working hard on pepping myself up to have a fun time anyway - the Atkins way. My boss asked me yesterday how long I've been dieting and I when I told him since Monday he laughed and said "Well, it's not like your going to be blowing much progress by eating in Vegas" I just didn't want to get into it, try to explain about ketosis and everything. I just changed the subject. Afterall, we are going to there to work... not watch what I eat or drink. Carrie, I think I will start using your explanation - it seems as though it stops more comments than just saying "because I can't fit into my clothes" lol

Ok, I'll stop rambling now! lol

Oh!! One more thing! I made the spinach lasagna last night for dinner and it was DELISH!!!

~Kiki

[Size8Wannabe]

Re: newbie here

Kiki,
Good luck in Vegas. You can do it. Try to take a look at the restaurant folder on this board to see what you can order. Generally, I think we can order a caesar salad with grilled fish or chicken (minus the croutons). Also you can order a steak and steamed veggies or a burger (no condiments and no bun). If you are a coffee drinker and have a fridge in your room, I would bring a small tupperware container of heavy cream to the table as most rest. only have half and half. I have done this and you can be pretty discrete. Then, there's always the bacon and eggs or sausage and eggs plate (lots of rest.s offer breakfast 24 hours). For the most part, we can probably trust rest. dressing if it's blue cheese, regular Italian or oil/vinegar. I had to eat in a rest. today and got a chef salad. That's usually safe (take off any tortilla strips, croutons, carrots, etc.).
Carrie

[dreamin2B150]

Re: newbie here

Hi Kiki. Conrgats on losing 4 lbs ! Vegas will be hard but theres lots of meats, salads and veggies. Just stay away from the sweets- thats my weakness when i'm low carbing.
I feel better now that i'm exercising. I lost another pound. I did had 2 rough days but i'm back on track. I took my dd to the mall and she asked for some of those mini pretzels and a side of cheese. I bought her a bag and i didnt cheat. those mini pretzels are so yummy, but i was good.

Carrie good job on the chef salad. I'm soooooooooo hungry tonight its driving me insane- i'm soooooooooooo moody, just ask Dh-lol!

I'm goingt o scramble some eggs and fry some bacon so i can it in the morning, otherwise I'm running late and will skip it.

[PrincessKiki]

Re: newbie here

Thanks for the advice and well wishes! I'm more worried about getting hungry while I'm in the airport and on the flight. I am flying out across dinner time and flying back across breakfast and lunch! I'm going to try to sneak in some snacks (if the TSA doesn't snag them away from me lol)

Hey Dreamin - On Sunday, I made a sausage quiche from Linda's site and divided up into 8 servings and put them into individual containers in the fridge. Then I can just grab, microwave and go. I'm soo not a morning person, so this helps a ton. I also do that with leftover dinners. I save one serving for my lunch the next day and freeze the rest (if it's freezable) I guess I'm making my own tv dinners lol and all I have to do is add a salad.

So far the dinners we've had are:
Chicken Divan
Spinach Lasagna
Chicken and Fried "Rice"
Tonight we are going to have "Make me stuffed bell peppers"

I still need to start an exercise program. I've been SO bad with that!! I'd appreciate it if ya'll could throw some ideas at me. Something I can do from home. Any help would be marvelous!

Have a Great Day and *hugs*

[Size8Wannabe]

My new mantra

Hi Ladies,
I finally joined a gym this summer. I had been a couch potato for years. I kept thinking that I would work out at home but could never do so consistently (treadmill). Can't run outside b/c it's too hot here--95 to 100'. I admire you if you are disciplined enough to work out at home. My goal is to make it to the gym 3x a week. Usually it's 1-2 times. I started in June. The atmosphere really helps and I use an iPod with my own music. I am doing cardio and weights. I love massages and am going to get one when I reach 150 and then again when I reach 140. Being below 140 is probably a dream. We'll see. Do you guys have rewards lined up for yourselves?

I have always been awful in the morning. I understand from reading the PCOS book that it's a symptom of the disorder. I have to get up at 5:30 and be out the door with two dressed chn. at 6:20. Very difficult. I have no interest in eating and have to force myself to eat b/c I know skipping br is terrible. The only way I can do this is to pack food for the car and eat while driving. I am still drinking my morning coffee. Contemplating stopping that but right now I cannot imagine making it through the morning without it. Thanks for sharing the recipes that you liked, Kiki. I have been winging it while staying within the rules but want to try those recipes. Aimee, which ones have you tried?

Today at work someone brought in pizza and salad. I actually watched my coworkers eat the pizza while I sat there and ate a skimpy salad (just lettuce and tomato). I am so surprised at my control over food now. Today is day 12. In the past, I would never have that kind of willpower. This fact alone has convinced me that I have to stay on Atkins. I don't ever want to go back to that feeling of being out of control. I wonder if that is similar to how alcoholics feel. Thinking back now, I was a binge eater at times. I was not able to eat in moderation when it was a trigger food. Now I always eat in moderation.

"No food tastes as good as thin feels" has become my mantra.
P.S. I am fitting into size 10 now. Most 12's are too big.