Started again, 2nd time of trying!

[The Sheriff of Nottingham]

Hi folks, calling from the UK here!

This is my 2nd time on Atkins, 1st time i simply couldnt resist carbs, bread especially, toast, crisps etc. I used to be 16st (224lbs) and then through stress went down to 15st (210lbs) now through a bit more sensible carb eating and a bit of exercise im now 14st 2lbs (198lbs).

However........my target weight is 12st (168lbs) as this is right for my height 6' 2" and is a weight i used to when fighting fit and playing all the sports under the sun! I went to Uni, drank too much beer and piled it on and became very unfit! I have decided its time to get the real me back! Therefore i have 30lbs to lose to get to goal, i am on Day 3 and am ok so far, no cheating, drinking plenty of water, had a lamb doner kebab with salad for tea last night and am having bacon, sausages and tomato for main meal today, is this ok? I am also going to force myself to use the gym membership i have and go swimming later!

A question for all you experienced Atkineers.....

How long should/could it take to lose these 30lbs and hit 12st and be the old me again? If you consider i will be going to the gym or swimming at least every other day? What you reckon? Also any good tips for avoiding carb cravings, especially for bread???!

Sorry for all the questions but im really determined to do this, this time!

All help much appreciated, thankyou :wave

Matt

[The Sheriff of Nottingham]

Please form an orderly queue to reply :sadblinky

Seriously, ive just come back from 45 mins swimming and am about to have burger patties wrapped in bacon with cheese melted on top :yes

After reading some things on here ive decided British sausages may not be such a good idea on induction! :nono

[tickletussler]

uhm... Matt, everyone is different. None of us can really tell you how long it will take you to lose that weight, because it really depends on your metabolism, what your muscle to fat ratio is, and a lot of other factors.

I only had 20kg to lose, and I was losing at something like 1kg a week with a 6 week stall in between. I heard that it is "easier" for men to lose the weight as they may have a higher muscle % the first place... but at the end of the day it really depends on the person

Also, not all posts get a reply straight away. Most of the moderators are located in the US (I think) and I've noticed there are less people on ADBB on the weekends, so there would be a delay in responses and... your post may get pushed back by Monday morning with new posts coming in.

As for avoiding cravings... my main cravings were chocolate. I wasn't a big sugar eater, and rice was my main staple. I have found a very rich, low sugar/carb substitute and even though I'm not really supposed to eat it, I find it helps me get through and I don't stall on it. I once gave in to some fantastic german beer, and I spent the next 3 days regretting it due to massive cravings. I found taking L-glutamine or chromium really helped with the cravings.

As some of the more experienced Atkineers would suggest - starve your carb/sugar craving by not giving into it at all initially. You will be surprised to find that after a while, you won't crave at all.

I'm not really sure if I really answered your question, but I hope you will keep going with Atkins

Cheers.

PS sausages aren't that good because usually flour and/or sugar is added... unless you can get the mince-only sausages.

[Elizellen]

Hello sheriff :wave Welcome to ha
As Tickle suggested - no-one can say how quickly your extra weight will go. After your first 14 days on a clean induction when you know how much you have lost you ought to have some idea of whether you are a quick or slow loser and be able to make a guess at your likely CCLL (Page 173 of DANDR has a table on this).

It looks as if you have started planning your menus and exercise as per the book which will be a great way of maximising your induction experience - well done :clapping

I was lucky in that I really didnt feel much in the way of cravings but I did miss the occasional bacon sarnie till I adapted a recipe I found for cakes to a flax bread recipe which allows me a slice or two of microwaved flax bread now and again which I find an acceptable substitute.

http://www.lowcarbrecipes.org/recipe.cgi?action=view_recipe&id=2112&recipe=Microwaved%20Flax%20Bread&category=Breads%20and%20Biscuits

And there is a good recipe for crackers made from equal amounts of water and ground flax (linseed to us Brits).
Just mix and leave to thicken then spread out spoonfuls on parchment paper and microwave till crisp. Some people add spices or parmesan cheese to these.

More easy recipes 'legal' for Induction here

http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/viewtopic.php?t=68196

[The Sheriff of Nottingham]

Thanks tickle and elizellen, advice much appreciated :nod

For some reason i feel different inside this time, like i really have a steely determination to do it, much diff from my 1st Atkins attempt which i have to admit was rather feeble!

Thanks again, ill keep you updated :joy

[soliwit]

hey sheriff !!
Welcome aboard !
Well and I guess i don't have anything to add to what tickle and elizellen said already.
Just nice to have you joining :wave

[jade]

Re: Started again, 2nd time of trying!

Hey Matt,
Welcome. I can't tell you how fast you will lose the weight but I can tell you that if you stick to this food plan that you WILL lose it.
Glad you're here! Best wishes on Induction!

Be well-
jade :wave

[tabekat]

welcome matt!

i feel different inside this time, like i really have a steely determination to do it

Matt, if you have that determination you have everything. i'm sure you will do well. I personally wouldn't put my focus on how much you can lose or how fast, but on making Atkins a permanent lifestyle that you can live with. You will find there are many benefits beyond weight loss on Atkins.

As far dealing with the cravings, I personally swear by the mock danish.
Whether I was craving bread, or sugar, this nipped it in the bud for me.

I also noticed after 3 to 4 weeks in ketosis, my cravings simply went away. I no longer need will power not to cheat. I prefer healthy food.

Anyhoo, this recipe is on the recipe section. This is how I make it, but there are many variations.

1 ounce of cream cheese
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon of almond flavoring
1 dash of cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon of flax
1 packet splenda

Mix together - I like to use a beater and make it smooth
nuke for 125 seconds in the microwave
(temperatures may vary)

I'd like to recommend also that you read "free advice" by papajack_1 in the "most memorable posts" section at the bottom.