Hi, my name is Joel.

[Ovahk]

I started Atkinds exactly two weeks ago tomorrow. I'm 6'2 I started at 307 pounds. I am currently at around 291/92. I'm i'm 18 and finally had to do something about my weight. Ideally I want to drop to 210-220. I start college in the fall and want to get my self-confidence up.

I had some questions though.

My questions were about how much of it was water weight, if the weight loss will remain consistent during induction, and if losing about 40-50 more pounds by Sept. is do-able. For cardio I have been playing basketball for 20-30 minutes, and was also wondering if that was good cardio. I see that people on this board have experienced tremendous results and i'm sure this forum will help me do the same.


Also what are some good vegetables to get? I have read the book but I freankly don't recognize many of the vegetables mentioned. I currently eat a lot of lettuce, but i'm not getting nearly enough carbs.

[msnicksmom]

Re: Hi, my name is Joel.

Good for you Joel for taking this step to get your eating and weight under control. You definitely have youth on your side. 15 lbs is SUPER induction numbers.

Water weight and weight loss are definitely vary per individual. But my personal experience with a pretty good metalbolism like yours and exercising as well was a loss of 10-12 lbs per month when I was in induction. Then I got pregnant so can't say how I would have "ended up". When I restarted, I moved to OWL right away and have lost 8-10 lbs a month, and have slowed things down on purpose.

Basketball is great cardio if you are moving your body and getting your heart rate up.

The following are very common vegetables in my area, so even if you don't recognize them, ask a grocer to help you and to explain how to cook/eat them, or do a recipe or google search before hand.
Vegetables
You can have two to three cups per day of:

alfalfa sprouts
mushrooms
parsley
peppers
celery
radishes
chives
lettuce
romaine lettuce
cucumber
These salad vegetables are high in phytonutrients and provide a good source of fiber.

Other Vegetables
You can have one cup per day of these veggies if salad does not exceed two cups. The following vegetables are slightly higher in carbohydrate content than the salad vegetables:

artichoke
pumpkin
artichoke hearts
asparagus
sauerkraut
bamboo shoots
snow peas
bean sprouts
spaghetti squash
eggplant
spinach
broccoli
string or wax beans
tomato
cabbage
cauliflower
onion
zucchini
If a vegetable, such as spinach or tomato, cooks down significantly, it must be measured raw so as not to underestimate its carb count.

Hope that helps, and good luck on your journey to better health! I'll be watching for your posts!

[Jace]

Re: Hi, my name is Joel.

Welcome to the boards Joel!

Congratulations on your weight loss to date! That's fantastic! And your current goal for September is definitely possible, but it all depends on several factors that are unique to each individual. Luckily you appear to have a very low metabolic resistance, which is great!

Good luck on achieving your goal and if you need anything just give me a shout!

~Far la bella figura!

[Ovahk]

Re: Hi, my name is Joel.

Thanks for the kindness, it's really good knowing I don't have to do this alone.

[e-clipse]

Re: Hi, my name is Joel.

Hello Joel! Certainly, you may be able to lose 40-50 lbs by September. That is a high expectation, but if aim for the moon, but do not make your target, at least you are still up in the stars.

[wannabethintoo]

Re: Hi, my name is Joel.

Hiya Joel. Glad you found us. Welcome.

[cristylp]

Re: Hi, my name is Joel.

Hi Joel!

You came to the very best place to help you along the way. There are great people here and someone will always be able to help with your questions. You've had a fantastic start.. keep it up!

[Ovahk]

Re: Hi, my name is Joel.

So is basketball good enough cardio then?

[e-clipse]

Re: Hi, my name is Joel.

Basketball can vary in degrees depending on half court, full court, or driveway. Basketball can vary depending players and skills. I believe you are definately doing the right the with basketball. It is great to get your heart rate up. I love basketball! Man...I miss playing church league ball. I would add in daily walking too. Thats just me. It can burn carbs and fat at a close to constant variable of loss daily.

[Ovahk]

Re: Hi, my name is Joel.

I play in my backyard with my brother.

[HarleyLady]

thanks for the veggie information

i stay away from all veggies unless they are green and only eat a half a cup a couple times a week and never eat yellow or white vegtables, i enjoyed you information on the veggies and i am almost at goal and thinking about adding some veggies (not white or yellow) back into my life..... sharon