2009 Read The Book Challenge

[jimmie 48]

Re: 2009 Read The Book Challenge

Sorry for being late, finished part one but guests for the weekend so didnt check in. Looking forward to part 2

you're not too late. and you reported part 1 done, so everything is great!

Hi
I finished part one last night - the success stories of course are encouraging - but we read lots of those here every day.
I need to add more veggies to breakfast, like I did in the beginning - or have pumpkin sometimes instead of eggs for breakfast.

kath, this is a great time to add pumpkin to the first meal/breakfast! do you like fresh pumpkin? i think it's so much better than the canned.

[jimmie 48]

Re: 2009 Read The Book Challenge

i have finished chapter 10 and 11.

i've always wondered.......
1. how many folks actually have the blood work done prior to starting
2. if anybody actually memorizes those rules "as if their life depends on it".
3. if everybody measures?

i can say with all honesty, i failed in all three. i did measure along the way but didn't do so prior to starting this woe.

have y'all pinpointed anything that slowed or is slowing your progress? [for those on induction]

[mizski]

Re: 2009 Read The Book Challenge

PART TWO – Oct 18-24

Chapter 10, Before You Begin

This chapter covered things to do before starting Atkins such as getting a physical, reviewing current meds, taking body measurements, etc. This is the first time we take the Blood-Sugar Symptom Test.

Other suggestions are to stock foods needed for Atkins and to get rid of foods and drinks that are not on plan. This is not always that easy for those who live with others who are not eating this way.

Then Dr. Atkins suggests getting loved ones and friends on board as your support “team.” Well, that doesn’t always work for everyone either. Personally, I haven’t told anyone except the guy at Border’s book store that I’m doing Atkins. I just don’t want to hear it. Probably because I am still so heavy, it is easy for people to pick apart my diet (they did that with other diets I tried too) and I feel that when I am much thinner, I can then mention Atkins. Then they might listen. I guess I have a different view of support…it is great if you can get those close to you to offer help and support but the bottom line is that it is ME that needs to do the work and me who needs to make correct food decisions.

[barrnone]

Re: 2009 Read The Book Challenge

I finished Part I yesterday and have started on Part II - was at my cottage, so couldn't sign on. I'm so glad you had this challenge - I was one of those that just read bits and pieces on a 'need to know' basis, this has certainly helped me sit down and finally read every page - thanks.

I agree with a couple other posters - I need to add more veggies during breakfast. Will be my goal next week.

[gumby87]

Re: 2009 Read The Book Challenge

Hi, everyone!

I finished Part 1 over the weekend. It took me a little longer than I thought it would because of some extra things happening around here, but I finished!

Now I'm getting ready to settle in for the night and start on Part 2!

[happymomto4]

Re: 2009 Read The Book Challenge

I finished part 1 last night--this was my first chance to check in. Hope I'm not too late. I started Part 2 today! It is interesting to read and remember how I really questioned whether I'd be able to eat this way for more than a month (which is what I challenged myself to last May). And here I am almost 5 months later--and still going strong!

[jimmie 48]

Re: 2009 Read The Book Challenge

I finished Part I yesterday and have started on Part II - was at my cottage, so couldn't sign on. I'm so glad you had this challenge - I was one of those that just read bits and pieces on a 'need to know' basis, this has certainly helped me sit down and finally read every page - thanks.

I agree with a couple other posters - I need to add more veggies during breakfast. Will be my goal next week.

Hi, everyone!

I finished Part 1 over the weekend. It took me a little longer than I thought it would because of some extra things happening around here, but I finished!

Now I'm getting ready to settle in for the night and start on Part 2!

I finished part 1 last night--this was my first chance to check in. Hope I'm not too late. I started Part 2 today! It is interesting to read and remember how I really questioned whether I'd be able to eat this way for more than a month (which is what I challenged myself to last May). And here I am almost 5 months later--and still going strong!

yeah! more successful reading ! that means almost everybody got through with part 1 right on schedule! good job challengers!

[Fancy1952]

Re: 2009 Read The Book Challenge

Hi everyone, I'm faithfully reading my book, even tho' I can't eat the food yet Started part 2 on the weekend. It's amazing what we learn doing a review of chapters!

Suzanne

[barrnone]

Re: 2009 Read The Book Challenge

i've always wondered.......
1. how many folks actually have the blood work done prior to starting
2. if anybody actually memorizes those rules "as if their life depends on it".
3. if everybody measures?

i can say with all honesty, i failed in all three. i did measure along the way but didn't do so prior to starting this woe.

I failed also - didn't have blood work done, and didn't measure until a month or so after I started.

MIZSKI - I tell everyone! It gives me the opportunity to talk about it, and I love talking about it. There are certainly those in my family/friends that may roll their eyes, but I plan to prove to them - over time - what a great WOE this is.

[RosieC]

Re: 2009 Read The Book Challenge

I didn't get the blood work done. You don't just walk into the doctor's here and ask for tests. You tell them what symptoms you are having and THEY decide what tests you need! I suppose it must be possible if you pay ... but anyway, I didn't.

I haven't tried to recruit a support team either (except for you all). Like Mizski I will wait until people say "Wow, you have lost weight - how did you do it?"

I did measure, and I did throw out some foods that would not keep (e.g. potatoes) but I kept brown rice etc which are on the plan later. I also kept some nuts, but since I'm liable to overeat those, they are in the freezer - a great tip I picked up here!

[mizski]

Re: 2009 Read The Book Challenge

i've always wondered.......
1. how many folks actually have the blood work done prior to starting
2. if anybody actually memorizes those rules "as if their life depends on it".
3. if everybody measures?

1. I had my yearly physical a few weeks before I started Atkins and had been doing everything the same up until I started so I am just going to use those test numbers as my benchmark.
2. What rules???
3. I started measuring since I began dieting in 2007. My measurement chart is sad though...started out big, went down 80#s and got much smaller, then gained 60#s and got big again. Well, besides being a dismal reminder of THAT, I found measuring is incredibly helpful and also interesting as you lose weight: some body parts go down fairly regularly and others...well, not so much.

Our house has been fairly low-carb for a couple years now but in the beginning I remember that it was extremely helpful not to have any of those temptations around...esp. during that first week. I "banished" all those foods to one particular cabinet. It is where all the forbidden foods live and I never go in it.

[bizzlekitty]

Re: 2009 Read The Book Challenge

Just a note, I'm well on my way into reading Part Two.

I have a confession to make. I really don't think I read most of the book after Induction and OWL and that was a big mistake. I'm learning more about the journey after OWL and what I'm working toward.

I guess, like many, I had the misconception that once I get at goal, I can go back to my previous way of eating. Or even just being more careful about what I'm eating, or eating like I used to when I was once around my lower weight and eat some of my favorite foods again.

What I'm realizing in this read of the book is that isn't necessarily going to be true. I could probably have a treat of a few of my favorite foods in small doses here and there, but I really need to keep doing my of the things in this WOL to keep healthy... tracking what I eat, weighing weekly, exercising, keeping the carbs low and proteins and fat high.

I think this is helping me really commit to doing this for life.

[sporty]

Re: 2009 Read The Book Challenge

1. I had my yearly physical a few weeks before I started Atkins and had been doing everything the same up until I started so I am just going to use those test numbers as my benchmark.
2. What rules???
3. I started measuring since I began dieting in 2007. My measurement chart is sad though...started out big, went down 80#s and got much smaller, then gained 60#s and got big again. Well, besides being a dismal reminder of THAT, I found measuring is incredibly helpful and also interesting as you lose weight: some body parts go down fairly regularly and others...well, not so much.

Our house has been fairly low-carb for a couple years now but in the beginning I remember that it was extremely helpful not to have any of those temptations around...esp. during that first week. I "banished" all those foods to one particular cabinet. It is where all the forbidden foods live and I never go in it.

I had a physical and blood work about a month prior. My doctor now knows that I do Atkins and says I look fine.

I do measure every single week and keep it charted. I may actually start charting it on here as well.

[jimmie 48]

Re: 2009 Read The Book Challenge

I had a physical and blood work about a month prior. My doctor now knows that I do Atkins and says I look fine.

I do measure every single week and keep it charted. I may actually start charting it on here as well.

i really like the journal stats forum for keeping my numbers. i have found it to be a real plus for keeping me committed. i've got just a few members who have always kept tabs on me by reading my stats. when i don't post, they are usually sending pm's wondering what's going on. maybe you can use the forum and it will be a bonus for you, too.

Just a note, I'm well on my way into reading Part Two.

I have a confession to make. I really don't think I read most of the book after Induction and OWL and that was a big mistake. I'm learning more about the journey after OWL and what I'm working toward.

I guess, like many, I had the misconception that once I get at goal, I can go back to my previous way of eating. Or even just being more careful about what I'm eating, or eating like I used to when I was once around my lower weight and eat some of my favorite foods again.

What I'm realizing in this read of the book is that isn't necessarily going to be true. I could probably have a treat of a few of my favorite foods in small doses here and there, but I really need to keep doing my of the things in this WOL to keep healthy... tracking what I eat, weighing weekly, exercising, keeping the carbs low and proteins and fat high.

I think this is helping me really commit to doing this for life.

you are right in realizing that you may not be able to go back to some of those foods however, you just might find that you can! from what you posted, it seems like you are getting a handle on how maintenance will be. that's wonderful!

[jimmie 48]

Re: 2009 Read The Book Challenge

i finished chapters 12 and 13 this evening while riding my bike.

first, i want to say that i am also listening to my book on tape. i don't know if any of you have invested in the taped version but this would be a good time to fill you in on my experience.
the tape is good for being a fill in. but don't buy it thinking that the whole book is on the tape. it isn't. where we can read something in one chapter and reread it again in another, the tape often does not do a repeat. it most often does not tell of the personal stories, it skips over the tips, frequently asked questions and does not 'read' all the details when you come to a chart, etc. like i said, it's good for filling in when you want a concise, quick read but it is not the whole book.
i'm listening while following along and when the tape skips a part, i shut the player off and read until i catch up with the tape.

now, a couple points i thought of while reading tonight:
chapter 12, under the heading Some Question to Ask
i have my yes/no answers in the book from the distant past and i reviewed things to see if the same answers apply today.
i have to say that some of them do not match.
1. is my appetite under control? yes then and now
2. am i experiencing food cravings? no then and not so much now
3. am i constipated? no then and now
4. do i have leg cramps? no then and now
5. have i noticed a difference in measurements as well as in my weight? yes then and i have not measured in a good while and i don't know when the last time was i weighed.
6. am i enjoying the food i'm eating? yes then and now
7. am i sleeping better? yadda yadda on the other questions included here. yes then and now.

now i realize the first yes/no was after induction and before moving on to owl. the second answers are at this time, maintenance.
the biggest thing for me is the change in answer to number 2. food cravings of the past were things like doughnuts, pancakes piled high, cakes and pies, snack cakes, etc. the cravings i have now are not of the sugary sort but things considered to be on the grain rung. i have a very hard time watching my limit when it comes to grains.

chapter 13
i liked the fact that dr. atkins addresses the fact that it's not all about the scale number. he spoke of realistic weight goals and how we feel. i know when i was ready to lose the extra weight, i had expectations of getting to 130, which i did, and then wondered if i could get to 120, the weight i attained when doing atkins back in 1975. yes, i got to 120 but i could not maintain that. so the goals that i had set are more realistic now. and since having medical issues over the past 1 1/2 years, it has come to mean more to me to a healthy weight, have b/p numbers that are good and so on. it's not so much about the scale number which is probably why i don't care if i weigh or not.

sorry for the length of this. guess i felt a bit chatty tonight.

oh and the "procedi con calma"in my siggy means proceed with caution. sallyseachange 'presented' me with the saying during the pledging flights challenge but it fits so well with with the end of chapter 13