A lot about myself

[katiek]

I've been reading threads for over a week now and decided it was time to introduce myself. I've done Atkins once before and became so obsessed with low!low!low! carb (under 20 grams a day) that after keeping to it for over 4 months my body entire body began to smell. I went back to a balanced diet, and I've kept the weight off by exercising regularly. I've never gotten back to where I was before Atkins (60 pounds heavier post pregnancy), but I have gained and lost over the past several years. I always add a few pounds in the fall when I go back to teaching first grade (daily snacks get me, LOL), and I lose a few in the summer when I get back to 2 hour daily workouts. Well, I tried a new workout theory (more weight lifting) last summer and that combined with what I was eating led to a 20 pound gain that I couldn't get rid of no matter how many hours of cardio and how many cut calories I could handle. I turned to Atkins. I have absolutely loved the results, and after doing this for 2 months now, it has really become a habit to eat low carb. Only down side is that my family doesn't get as nice of meals cooked for them : ) I often throw something on the grill for them and bake some bread. No more high carb pasta dishes or high fat boxed dinners.
I did have the opportunity to go see George Stella a couple of weeks ago. I had a wonderful time seeing him prepare some low carb dishes and fell in love with one of the cookbooks the moment I purchased it.
I find myself struggling to allow more carbs, but I think I'm getting better. I now let myself consume right at 20 carbs/day (really stayed around 10 carbs when I was so obsessed last time). I'm eating more veggies and even allowed a strawberry to cross my lips when I was making a George Stella smoothie for the kids last week.
Sorry about the novel. I'm happy having lost 10-15 pounds since January. I'm 5'9'' and started at 158. I'm not fitting into my slacks for work any more. They've gotten too big!!!
So happy I found the forum!

[mitzimarie]

Re: A lot about myself

Hi, Katie

Welcome back to Atkins, and to the ADBB.

As you can see from my stats, I am also a second-timer to Atkins. There is a big difference between the way that I did Atkins the first time, and the way that I am doing it this time. The first time, I didn't embrace veggies, and I did not progress up the rungs properly or bother to find my CCLL (Critical Carbohydrate Level for Losing). While I was able to lose weight, I never reached my goal weight and did not have the skills to maintain the loss that I did have. This time, I have followed the book to the letter, and have managed to get below my goal weight and KNOW that I will be able to do this for the rest of my life. I want that for you, too, Katie!

Please read or re-read the 2002 version of Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution. (DANDR for short). While I know that the thought of OWL can be scary, it is so important to move past Induction and learn about your body, and it's tolerances. It is the only way to secure success in the long run. I found that I could lose steadily on more carbs than 20, if I made most of them come from veggies. They are good for you in so many ways!

I would like to encourage you to visit the STAC forum. (Second Time Around Club). So much support and motivation there!

Here are a few links to help you on your journey. The first one is to a site that a lot of us use for recipes, and the others are links to places on the board to get you started. Don't ever hesitate to ask for help. There is always someone around who would be happy to help in any way that they can. Best wishes!

Linda's website for lowcarb recipes:
http://www.genaw.com/lowcarb/index.html

STAC forum:
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard....isplay.php?f=82

Atkins FAQ forum:
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard....isplay.php?f=79

Review My Menu forum:
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard....isplay.php?f=50

Exercise Challenge forum:
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard....isplay.php?f=51

Journal Chats forum:
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard....isplay.php?f=31

Journal Stats forum:
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard....isplay.php?f=94

[Chicklady]

Re: A lot about myself

Hi Katie! Obsession not needed, Atkins works just great as it is
Glad you joined us!

[mimom48183]

Re: A lot about myself

I am starting Atkins again myself and I can't seem to get over 15 carbs a day. I have appetite anymore. I hate to eat if I am not hungry. What do you mean you started to smell?? I am worried. I am a little obsessed about carb intake.

[katiek]

Re: A lot about myself

Thanks so much for the replies and advice. I'll check out the websites as soon as I get the chance. The family and I are on vacation this week, so I'm trying to stay off the computer a little more : )

When I said my I started smelling, literally I would shower and still have a strange smell on my skin. It was a musky smell, not like sweaty body odor. I tried all sorts of remedies from the health food store to balance out the PH levels and natural herbs for the stomach and intestines but nothing helped. I finally decided that I needed to increase my carbs. Once I did, the smell went away.

Thanks again for the links and advice!