Hello.

[bartender]

Hello everyone. My name is Steve. I have finally made the decision to try the atkins approach to losing weight. Now, weight has not always been a problem for me. Most of my life I was slender and athletic. It wasn't until I hit my mid-20's that I started putting on weight. It was so gradual that at first I didn't even notice. After years of playing in bands and eating quick fast food type meals it finally caught up with me. Now I am over 300 pounds, and sick of it. I'm sick of the chronic back pain. I am sick of the chronic shortness of breath. I'm sick of the laziness that I have been feeling recently. I'm sick of looking in the mirror and saying "this is not me" and then going to order a pizza.

So, this is where I'm at. I have decided to give this approach a try. I am going to approach it with determination, a positive attitude, and with the same energy I approached eating a pizza 3-4 times a week, and see if I can't start turning things around. I'm not here to make any promises or grand declarations. I'm simply going to try my best, and take it day by day.

Thank you for listening. I know it may not seem like it, but my sole intention was just to say hello.

[sombersusie]

Re: Hello.

welcome bartender .
I know what you mean by seeing someone else in the mirror! The good news is you can still have your pizza toppings! you'll even be amazed that you don't miss the bread that much. Good luck to you and let us know how you're doing!

[Jasmain]

Re: Hello.

well then,

HELLO!

Welcome Steve, glad to have you aboard. Have you gotten your book yet?

You'll be amazed at how you'll feel after you start Induction, I can't wait to hear more about your progress

[Labarum]

Re: Hello.

Welcome Steve. You will find lots of support here. Stick to the rules and it will work.

[bartender]

Re: Hello.

Thank you for the warm welcome! So far all is going well. Granted, this is my first day. But, once I make up my mind to do something, I am usually pretty determined. Fortunately, I gave up regular soda a few months ago. So, I really haven't missed soda, which I am sure has contributed to making my day go buy alot easier. I love beef, chicken, pork, tuna fish, broccoli, salad, eggs, bacon, summer sausage, water, and all the atkins friendly stuff. So, I really haven't suffered today.

My one concern: I love to sit down with my "Simpsons" dvd's and some snacks and enjoy some entertainment. Perhaps, some of you might know of some good, atkins-friendly snack suggestions? I'm really not a fan of pork rinds.

I will definately keep you all posted on my progress. I really want to get this taken care of. Next, I am going to tackle the smoking.

[Ms Blue]

Re: Hello.

Hey ya Steve! Glad to see such determination, it makes my resolve even sounder. Sorry I don't really have any snack suggestions ( I don't snack much). Anyway good luck!

[sunflowergrl]

Re: Hello.

Welcome to ADBB! Glad to have you! Please do a clean Induction, you will be so happy with the results!
As far as snacks, I keep a bowl of hard boiled eggs in the fridge incase of a snack attack, and I love string cheese (just keep track). I don't care for pork rinds either. I never snack at night, I usually don't get hungry on this WOE. You will be surprised to see how much your eating habits change. I used to eat all day, all night. Now, three meals a day, with a snack once in a while.
I am so glad you found us, keep us posted on your progress.

[Tired of Chub]

Re: Hello.

Hi Steve! Welcome To Atkins! I was a BIG snacker preAtkins. And during induction. and extended induction. Moochiecat gave me the best suggestions for snacking. I fell in love with pepperoni and cheese peices in a bowl. they were tangy and smooth at the same time and it fit the bill. I also 'saved' some veggies and would have a cup worth of radishes nearly every night with some salt. filled the crunch and salt I craved. Now... I rarely snack at night on anything other then cheese. I love the stuff so I have it as my "dessert". The toughest part is figuring out that you dont *need* that nightly snack, that its a *want* instead.

[Analog6]

Re: Hello.

Welcome. We are all doing this just one day at a time, ad with your determination, I'm sure you'll succeed.

[bartender]

Re: Hello.

Thank you to everyone for making me feel so welcome. It's very encouraging. I would also like to thank Sunflower and TiredOC for the snack ideas. I went to the store tonihgt and picked up some pepperoni, cheddar cheese sticks, some canned tunifish, and a bag of the hot and spicy pork rinds....maybe the hot&spicy ones will be a little better. But yeah, I'm very conscious of what I'm eating and drinking and have done the research to ensure that my induction is a clean one. I like to inform myself before approaching something and there is no sense in taking the time to do this and then approaching it half-a**ed. I also am going to do a three week induction instead of two.

I am going to do my measurements tonight so that I have an accurate guage of just what I accomplished. I will definately keep everyone informed, and will ask if I have any questions.

[tabekat]

Re: Hello.

Welcome Steve. I'm sure you will make an excellent Atkineer. Before you know it, you will be going down in sizes and back to where you wish to be.

I always like chopped jicama for snacking in front of the tube.A handful of raw veggies - radishes, turnips, celery, chomp chomp

Pepperoni with a little melted cheese is also good.

And mushrooms stuffed with cream cheese and sausage, and salted with a little parmesean is great.

And of course the mock danish if you are craving something sweet. Looks weird, tastes divine especially with a tiny dab of melted butter.

[bartender]

Re: Hello.

Thank you, tabekat. That mushroom idea sounds delicious! I will have to give that a try.

Here it is day 2, and I have to admit that I am already feeling better. I know this may sound weird, but I have been battling a sinus infection for the last few weeks, and I feel better today than I have the entire winter. Usually I have sinus problems every winter. I don't know if the diet is the cause or not...I have been consuming a ton of water. Regardless, I feel better, overall. It is a welcome change.

[Analog6]

Re: Hello.

Since I started this I no longer have allergy related sinusitis. All gone! A goos side benefit.