Hello....

[Back2Back]

Hello. I have come here primarily to educate myself on how others are dealing with their Atkins diet. Since some ppl around me have learned that I am on this diet, I have gotten nothing but negative feedback. However, I believe the sole reason ppl fail at this diet is because after they loose the weight, they go back to their old eating habits, pure & simple.

After my son was born, I had 20 pounds to loose. Prior to pregnancy, I was an avid weight trainer and ate extremley well. During pregnancy, I stopped weight training, and picked up the habit of the dreaded "munchies".

Here I am, almost 2 years later and trying to loose the weight. I had done Atkins in the past, but did not make it past 1 week. Recently, I tried the "master cleanse" and lasted 4 days. After 4 days, I thought to myself, "If I can go 4 days without eating food, I certainly can go back on Atkins and skim back on carbs". So here I am. I've been on induction now for 12 days. After day 8, I was already down 12 pounds. Although my schedule does not allow for alot of excercise, I manage to get in walks. I go with baby for about 8 km a few times a week. I drink 2L of water a day. I eat mostly protein, and little by way of veggies. Although I love my brocolli/cheddar/curri bake! I usually have a couple of hard boiled eggs at breakfast, a can of tuna or salmon at lunch and some baked chicken with some veggies at dinner. A snack for me between meals is drinking flavoured (no sugar or caffeen) herbal tea. I allow myself more on the weekends, like baking chicken with a slice of delicious cheese melted over top, and some fresh chopped parsley (hey, is there a receipe exchange on these boards??).

Eventually, I will get back into the weight training, its tough right now with a child, but I will go. I still have my muscle mass from before. I seemed to have plato'd right now, the weight is not moving so much, but I am still shrinking as I can feel it in my clothing.

It's nice to have found this forum and see that so many of you are having such great success on this diet!

[dreamof145]

Re: Hello....

Welcome! This is definitely the place to gain knowledge and learn how others are changing their life-styles to become healthier and lose weight. If you haven't already, please read Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution, edition 2002 so you will know how the program works.

We all deal with negative people in our lives. There are many ways to deal with this...1) you can have the naysayers read the book so they will understand. 2) you can write out your menu and let them read it. Then ask what foods you are eating that they feel are unhealthy for you. 3) you can ignore their remarks and do what you know is best for you 4) you can show them your before/after numbers from your doctor.

I've found it is best to not argue with people who are either jealous of your success on Atkins or people who refuse to educate themselves on the plan before they debate it. We all have to make our own decisions based on how Atkins makes us feel and look. I've never felt this good so there is no question that I'll ever leave the plan.

The best way to go about changing your life-style is to write out what you want. Then write out what issues are keeping you from getting to your goal. Once you see what you need to improve, you can work on a plan to change those things. Instead of looking at Atkins as a 'diet'....think of it as a new way of life. Revolve your regular schedule (work, home, foods, exercise, and activities) around your new way of life.

The main reason that people quit 'diets' is because they feel deprived. On Atkins, if you follow the program, take measurements to see the results, exercise, drink water, take supplements and surround yourself with people who are also making it happen....You will never feel deprived. Utilize substitute Atkins friendly foods for your favorite meals that you think you have to give up. Be creative. Ask questions, between the hundreds of people in the ADBB, there will be lots of advice and encouragement to keep you motivated and people to cheer you on.

You can do this. We are all here to help you.

[Waterbabe_Helena]

Re: Hello....

I think a lot of the negative stuff said about Atkins has in fact filtered down from the "Weight Loss Industry" such as WW, etc, who stand to lose a lot in fees and sales of diet foods if Atkins really takes off. It's in their financial interests to keep selling us diet this and diet that and special low calorie frozen meals etc. With Atkins there is nothing the weight loss industry can sell us - it's just a trip to the butcher and greengrocer, and free tapwater!

Helena

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