Secrets to Share.....Please?

[HeidiK]

Anyone have any "secret weapon" that has worked for them this 2nd time around? Also, can you please share your favorite lower calorie meals with me? Keeping my carbs under 20 is no problem -- I'm struggling with keeping the calories down........your wisdom would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!

[Chris]

Re: Secrets to Share.....Please?

Heidi, I think the only secret weapon is doing the program totally by the book. I did a two week clean re-induction and then went right back to OWL rung 7, where I'd been when I fell off the wagon. I was losing SO slowly, however -- about .5 pound per week. Then, I joined Cleo's New Year's Eve challenge. I knew that I'd have to 'fess up on everything that went into my mouth, so there was no cheating or carb creep allowed, and exercise wasn't an option. Well, in just that one week or so I've seen nice things happening on the scale and with my waist size. I realized that I must have gotten right back into the old "carb creep" problem which is one of the best ways I know of slowing or stopping your weight loss. When I know, before I eat anything, that I'll have to report it, it makes me stop and really think about whether I actually "need" to eat it. Except for regular meals, and maybe one small snack at night, I usually don't!

If you don't want to join a challenge, then I'd say make your secret weapon writing down everything you eat, every single day. It may be a great eye opener for you -- and will help insure success.

As to lowering calories, I'm not really an expert. Let's hope 2Big will chime in with some good suggestions. We usually think of lowering calories by cutting down on fat, but with Atkins that fat is essential. You might try emphasizing poultry and fish and cutting way down on red meats. Also, limit the use of heavy cream, and, perhaps, cut your cheese consumption in half. If you're on one of the rungs in OWL, then drop back a few rungs, to lower glycemic index foods.

You've made a great start with your six pounds, so hang in there, follow the book, and it's gonna happen!

Wishing you much success!

[Smallerizing]

Re: Secrets to Share.....Please?

Taking a picture of myself in all my blubbery glory. I never did take an "after" picture when I got down to 127, so I keep saying this is as good as it gets unless I get good.

[RunAwayMichelle]

Re: Secrets to Share.....Please?

ADBB is my secret. The more time I spend here the better I do. When I get on every day I do much better. When I stay away I let everything slide. I need the accountability. Also I need to keep a journal to keep track of my successes so I can go back and see how I've been doing and where I am at.

Last trick is use your tape measure more then your scale. Scales are evil and often lie to you.