Just starting!

**misplaced southerner** · April 12, 2007, 08:43 PM

Re: Just starting!

i mish! you have come to the best place!!! i am fairly new here and i gotta say that this board is so stuffed with info and support. find your way around...talk to lots of people and read daily! BE SURE TO READ THE BOOK! i too have a wedding deadline...my own! june 30 so i am really giving it my all,,,thanks to the good folks here i am pumped (usually)...you will have a great time. listen to the pros...check out who has been around a while and read about their successes.....ask questions. you will be a happy and healthy bridesmaid before you know it!

**mish711** · April 12, 2007, 08:59 PM

Re: Just starting!

thanks for the response! i hope here will help me!

i'm actually already getting discouraged lol. I was looking at all the induction stuff on the atkins website. I'm afraid now that this won't work for me. I'm on the run ALL THE TIME. I can't cook to save my life and if I could, I don't have the time ... and I really can't afford the atkins food.

Is anyone else in the same boat? If so, what'd you do? Are you losing weight? Any tips? Induction is indimitating ... lol

**misplaced southerner** · April 12, 2007, 09:36 PM

Re: Just starting!

ok...tough love time my friend! CAN"T is not gonna be a word in your vocabulary, ok? i am the world's WORST cook to be sure! i wish i enjoyed it but i do not. there are LOTS of things that you can eat that do not require lots of indepth cooking.....there is a GREAT low carb site around here (help me out scooter!!) that has super easy induction recipes in it....and there are simple ideas galore!! i am a teacher, i work 7-5, i have 2 kids, one in college and a 5th grader, a fiance who travels a lot, a HUGE house to take care of.....uh.....i am sure there is more. i understand busy. i know you will find a way to make this work for you..

i think it was mizellen today who posted a great line about the cost. look it up. you basically are trading expensive processed food for the real and healthy deal....i find that i actually spend less eating this way....i shop smart and spend less and feel better!!!

the only time i want you to say "can't" is
...i can't carry this extra weight on my body
...i can't risk illness due to weight
...i can't put off my social life any longer!
...i can't put this off any longer!!

girl you are SO worth the effort you are getting ready to make. give it one week...one honest week...and then tell me you do not want to do this...i guarantee you will feel more energy and a sense of well being like never before. don't leave us just yet....you CAN do this. you are a beautiful girl with your whole life ahead of you....JUST DO IT!

**Mickkey** · April 12, 2007, 09:53 PM

Re: Just starting!

Hi Mish, this is my 4th week (second time around) and I'm not That experienced at this but here are some tips. Exercise is really an essential part of this diet, or any diet really. I know most people hate to exercise, I'm one. I started out just walking 15 minutes a day, then 20, then 30, then 45, now I do an hour each night. Believe me, there are many nights I'd rather NOT and I make up all kinds of excuses to MYself

why I can't, then I have to talk myself into it.

Anyway...... can you work in 15 minutes of walking? Just to start? Do you live near any walking tracks? We have Mall walkers here where I live. They go out early in the morning before the Mall opens, and walk inside in air-condition in summer and heat in winter. If I have to shop now, I purposely walk around inside the entire mall two or three times just to get the exercise. I park my car far out too, so I force myself to walk more.If you live close to a mall, you could go out after work, and walk just 15 minutes to start.

You say you can't cook, can you cook a hamburger or throw a steak under a grill? You can usually buy broiled chicken in deli's and many other cooked foods too. Do you have a microwave you could cook vegetables in? You can make up salads to store in fridge, cheese, celery, tomatoes, etc. There's nothing to opening a can of tuna, even canned vegetables can be heated up quickly. Actually, fresh food isn't as expensive as fast food. It stores longer, and goes further.

You have to decide how badly you want to do this, and make the changes that will allow that to happen. You seem to have a lot of excuses why you can't follow this correctly. And, believe me when I say, I can't BELIEVE I'm telling you this...... because I've come up with all kinds of excuses too this entire week! It's up to you really. There are many people here who will support you. If you follow the diet the way it's layed down, you will lose. You can't customize it to fit you. Try following it for two weeks exactly as is, and see for yourself. If you don't lose, then quit. But,

I know you WILL lose.

**dreamof145** · April 12, 2007, 10:07 PM

Re: Just starting!

Welcome Michelle. We're very happy to have you join us. One thing I can tell you is that ATKINS works....if you work it into your schedule. Exercise...is a must. Maybe you can get up 1/2 hour early and walk in place or do some exercises...and then 1/2 hour at night. Walk or exercise on your lunch break. You don't have to go to a gym or anything (I didn't). Just work it into your schedule when and where you can. Anything is better than nothing.

Make a plan to succeed. Atkins isn't an expensive way of eating. Make your meals at a time and freeze them. That way you don't have to cook everyday. You are worth the effort and the payoff is way worth the time and money you spend. Right now, you are probably spending way more on fast foods and snacks than you will on healthy meals. It does require you to make changes. Changes are whats going to get you to goal.

Join some challenges, make friends here with others who are making it happen in their lives, research acceptable recipes that appeal to you and your budget, get motivated by reading inspirational stories/photos, read the book and the forums to educate yourself and motivate yourself on how to do the program, why it works and what you need to do to become successful. You can do it. We are all here for you!

**possysmith** · April 13, 2007, 12:40 AM

Re: Just starting!

Hi Michelle

The easiest way I think for you to do the Atkins nutritional approach is simply by the book. Just eat your 2 cups of veg and 1 cup of other veg, or 3 cups of salad and cook up grilled meats or small roasts. Keep it simple. Just oil up the meat and put salt and pepper on it or some other sprices. Just steam your veg and put butter on it or make a salad and eat it with your seasoned meat. I like to make a salad of lettuce, bacon, egg and chicken with mayo. You could by cooked chickens from the shop. You can also eat 3 ounces of cream or 1 ounce of sour cream, 3 teaspoons of Splenda, 1/2 small avocado, 3-4 ounces of cheese, some olives and as much oil as you please. Don't worry about measuring the veg as you will be getting small amounts and really even with the eggs etc, you would be hard pushed for the 20 net grams. You saw my break down of the diet, I only got 7 net grams of veg in the 3 cups of veg and the other foods are low carb too!!!!!!! I would never have known this unless I bothered with weighing everything and adding up the net carbs. Now I know you can't go wrong, the food is so low carb! Just look at the induction acceptable list and eat up. Making salad with grilled or fried meat is easy. I am married with a 19 month old and we just eat the same stuff each night. Meat and veg! No special recipes. I just buy meat which is the cheapest and usually roast or grill it. Don't stress. You can't go wrong as long as you follow the book or this sites induction guide and eat up.
Sue

**sallyseachange** · April 13, 2007, 01:59 AM

Re: Just starting!

You've had great advice, so I'll just say "welcome" to you Michelle. We're happy you decided to do this... and you really can do it if you get into the right frame of mind. Believe me, it gets easier and easier as you go along.

Happy losing!

**WindCriesMary** · April 13, 2007, 10:04 AM

Re: Just starting!

Hi Michelle! I did a by-the-book induction and it wasn't hard. The acceptable foods list is your friend! If it's not there, don't eat it. As to the cost, I like to buy a sack of frozen chicken breasts, poach them in herb water and then shred and chop the whole mess of 'em and then pack up meal portions. Some go into salads, some get tossed into a quick stirfry of zucchini and garlic, Some gets sizzled in olive oil on the griddle with mexican spices till it gets nice and crispy and then goes on top of a cheese omlet with some chopped tomato and sour cream.

A sack of breasts usually has five or six pieces in it and costs about seven dollars. Each piece is a meal. Eggs are inexpensive, so is ground beef. And once you're in ketosis you'll be surprised at how little it takes to satisfy. And exercise...pretty soon you'll be looking for a way to burn off the energy! Have stairs at work? Use 'em. Read reports? Do it standing and get in some knee lifts.

You really sound like you want this. Don't get intimidated, And don't make excuses. Find a way!!

**mish711** · April 13, 2007, 07:26 PM

Re: Just starting!

hey everyone! Thank you so much for your encouraging words! Mary - good idea! I actually went grocery shopping tonight (which I haven't EVER really bought GROCERIES!) But I took the acceptable list with me ... and for dinner I had 1 chicken breast with a couple of pieces of broccolli and then I had a salad (w/3 cups of lettuce) 1/2 a tomato chopped up, I used about 1/5 cup of Canola oil instead of dressing and a little bit of feta cheese.

Is that good??? I am just unsure that that's the right track ... sorry to ask so many questions! I'm just not sure! Soo yeah ... if I did good with that, I'll just make that every night ... and I bought eggs to hard-boil them for breakfast tomorrow!!

I feel like I'm on the right track! And I'm just about done with my 3rd liter of water today!!

Thanks for getting me motivated guys!! You've all been very helpful!

**indymom** · April 13, 2007, 08:39 PM

Re: Just starting!

Welcome Michelle! Im new here too. One thing I can tell you is that you've come to the right place. Everyone is so friendly and encouraging.
Read the past posts..theyre very informative....and stay away from the ready made bars and shakes..just use real food and you'll be fine.
And if your out and about and didnt have time to make something ahead..its pretty easy to get a salad somewhere with grilled chicken on it (just make sure the dressing doesnt have sugar). You can do it!

**mish711** · April 13, 2007, 08:49 PM

Re: Just starting!

Thanks IndyMom!! Yeah I've definitely reading up a lot! I'm really, REALLY anxious to make this change in my life!! My pant legs felt a little looser today! So that's good!

Good luck with your goal too!! I'll be here to support you right back! Thank you!

**sensfan1960** · April 13, 2007, 09:36 PM

Re: Just starting!

Welcome Michelle,
You are a beautiful attractive young lady...YOU CAN do this!
Induction is the key to success.
When you start go the full two weeks by the letter...you will be amazed at how GREAT you feel.
Be positive...keep your focus...start exercising and then go with the flow. Don't think of this as a diet but as a NEW WAY OF LIFE.
Don't forget to take your measurements before you start.
This is the best place for you to come when you feel things are getting hard....start a journal in the journal forum.
Don't worry about asking questions...ASK THEM...the wealth of knowledge here is incredible.
Good for you for making this choice...you will NEVER regret it.
Big hugs!!

**Lyssie** · April 13, 2007, 10:51 PM

Re: Just starting!

Hey Michelle! Welcome to the board!! So... my only suggestion is to split up your veggies a bit... instead of having all of them at dinner, try and spread them throughout the day... and *up* your fat content. You should be eating 65% fat, 30% protein and 5% carbs. I think that's mostly protein, and then fat and carbs would be competing.

Like sensfan said - TAKE YOUR MEASUREMENTS!! www.mybodycomp.com is a free website that will track your measurements. You can use different profile dates and it gives you a bunch of information, then down the road as you're losing weight, you can compare different ones, and see how much the change is between the two!

Also, if you can, it's great to use a food journal like www.fitday.com or www.thedailyplate.com to track your food. They're pretty easy to use and will make sure that your percentages for the day are on. They help to pinpoint issues if there's something a bit off, or if you think something is safe, and it's actually not, or vice versa. They're an *awesome* tool.

I strongly recommend jumping in to an exercise challenge, like the 6 Week Exercise Challenge, if you're a beginner. You simply sign up for how many days a week you're going to do something for the six weeks. You report in daily whether you did exercise or didn't, and there's a nifty chart and stuff. It really kept me motivated in the beginning.

Oh, and come join us in the Journal Chats. It gives you a place to vent and rant, and have fun and joke around with everyone else.

**sallyseachange** · April 13, 2007, 11:45 PM

Re: Just starting!

Michelle... seems like you've really got the idea of how to eat Atkins-style. That's great!
Lyssie's right in her suggestion to split up the veggies throughout the day. Doing that prevents nasty blood sugar surges which can cause cravings.
One thing I'd mention is that in induction we are limited to 3 cups of veggies a day (2 cups salad plus 1 cup "other veggies" on the acceptable list... or if you prefer, 3 cups salad - preferably not only lettuce, which is mostly water and not too nutrient dense). If that doesn't seem enough to you, you can make the move to OWL (ongoing weigh loss) after the two week induction and add in extra veggies. You can stay on rung one of OWL (extra veggies) for as long as you like.

Happy losing!

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