Need to change for good!

[steveo]

hello all my name is steve, I have been looking throught this site for a couple of days and I have to say that everyone is so nice!! I have findly decided to make the change that I have needed to do for some time. I am 23 almost 24 and about 265 pounds. I have been down to about 235 before and felt great but I have a really hard time keeping off the weight. Seeing everyones before and after pics makes me want to change, I would love to be about 190 to 200 pounds. Food has such a hold on me it will be hard, but there is so many things that I have started to notice the make me sick. I am always tired, lazy, and I tend to be a little cranky somtimes. I hate to go shopping because nothing fits good, and I have found someone that I love and I want to be in good shape so we can both do things that we enjoy. I want to post before and after pics of myself and get to know everyone, I am goingt to start the diet on July 17th. Can you please tell me a great book to get or a good place to look at to help with the diet. Thanks for your time and I hope to lose like you guys soon! Steve

[ValidRouge]

Re: Need to change for good!

An absolute MUST is Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution 2002 edition. Very important to get the 2002 edition. You should be able to find it at walmart or any bookstore, even most used bookstores.

Read it, reread it, reference it, talk about it with us! LOL

Seriously, it will tell you EXACTLY why it works, how it works and how to live it for the rest of your life.

Induction is the most restrictive phase, and we have a forum just for people on induction, all the regulars will go in and respond to your questions. There are stickies at the top of each forum with important tips. Until you get your book, go read those stickies.

The next phase is On-Going Weight Loss where you start adding foods back to your diet to see which ones you can safely eat and continue to lose weight.

Once you're within 5 or 10 lbs of your goal, you go into Pre-Maintenance phase where you add even MORE food back in and lose those last few pounds very slowly.

Then there is the Lifetime maintenance portion. By this time you should have taught your body how to eat and you'll maintain your weight loss.

I strongly recommend following the plan the way it's laid out by Dr. Atkins, he sure knew what he was talking about.

Since you have a target start date, I would go through your kitchen and get rid of anything that's not on the induction acceptable foods list. Give it away to your worst enemies LOL Then, restock you kitchen with all the foods you CAN have.

From the get-go with Atkins, focus on what you CAN have instead of what you CANNOT have and you'll do just fine.

Some links to get you started:
Acceptable foods list http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...ead.php?t=6781
Rules of the 2 week induction phase http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...ead.php?t=6782

These are both in the FAQ section which is here http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...splay.php?f=79

This is a great motivational post http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...ad.php?t=25000


Good luck on your journey!

[dreamof145]

Re: Need to change for good!

Welcome Steve. Joy told you exactly what to do, and I totally agree. We've all been where you are right now, clothes don't fit, feeling lousy, wanting to change but not knowing what to do.....Well, you've come to the right place for motivation. Everyone here is more than willing to support you in your quest to get healthy and fit. We are all working together to make it happen and improve our lives. Glad you decided to join us. Buy the book, do what Dr. Atkins said and you will soon be losing inches and pounds!!

[Jace]

Re: Need to change for good!

Welcome to the boards and the Atkins way of life Steve!

Glad you've decided to join us and take control of your life. Trust me...you won't regret it! Best of luck! If you need anything just give a shout!

~Far la bella figura!

[theredhead]

Re: Need to change for good!

Welcome, Steve! I just wanted to share my DH's weight loss success with you. He started at 265 and lost down to 190, where he's stayed for the past two years. I'd been doing Atkins for a few months and he liked that I was eating such great food and losing. He lost the weight easily and has kept it off with no problem.

One of the most important things you can do, besides arm yourself with knowledge, is to really accept this as a permanent way of life. Now that we know how bad sugar and high carbs are for your health, we want to look and feel good for the rest of our lives. It's worth every moment! Good luck!

Here's a before pic:

[sallyseachange]

Re: Need to change for good!

Welcome Steveo!!!