Coming to the stage...

[BlackBarbie]

I plan on starting the formal induction phase tomorrow morning (so in about 7 hours). The last two days, I started getting prepared for induction...I ate a lot of protein and fat, but still had normal carbs. Tomorrow...the normal carbs go bye bye.

My goal is to lose 24lbs and to shed inches off my waist (well not really my waist according to where "the powers that be" say you should measure your waist, but my lower pooch).

I am really excited about induction, and I plan on using this forum to make sure that I do not slip and eat my normal everyday carbs. Carbs (bread, starchy items) are actually my favorite foods and have been since I was a child. However, I want to have a flat stomach...and this is what it will take. Too bad I can't get a flat stomach without losing my hips and booty. I love those parts of my body.

[Chicklady]

Re: Coming to the stage...

Hiya Barbie It's natures cruel joke to lose first where you least want to Just ask my boobs. Oh wait, you can't, they're gone
Welcome aboard and see ya round the forums!!

[Trisha001]

Re: Coming to the stage...

Hi Barbie!
Good luck to you. I am excited to hear all about your progress and successes...
T~

[Danielle2842]

Re: Coming to the stage...

Welcome to the board! Please remember that you may lose more slowly because you have a smaller amount to take off. So don't get discouraged if you're not seeing gigantic losses on the scale.

Like you, "bad carbs" have always been my favorite food. I'd be splendidly happy to sit down to a meal of mashed potatoes, mac & cheese & chocolate chip cookies (haha, what a great meal!!), but eating like that is how I got where I am-- Fatsville!

For the first time in 3.5 weeks, I cheated on Saturday and ate all of those carbs. I loved so much and you know what? They made me sick!! I guess that was just my body telling me "hey, this isn't good for me!" Now I won't be so tempted to cheat next time because I know it's not worth it AT ALL. Hopefully you'll find yourself in the same "happily carb. shunning state" soon enough!

[dysfnktynl]

Re: Coming to the stage...

I feel ya about the lower pooch, thats my main problem area as well. But I have to say that in only two months, there is a noticeable difference already! I am going to start doing some toning exercises now, because everyone keeps telling me if I want a flat tummy and I want it to look good, I'm gonna have to work for it!
Good luck on your journey, I'll bet that when you get your tummy nice and flat like you want, you won't even mind if your hips and booty are a little smaller too. It will just make you look nicely proportioned, and sexy!

[BlackBarbie]

Re: Coming to the stage...

Thanks everyone for your encouragement! I have dropped 2lbs and yesterday was only Day 1.

[Renie1990]

Re: Coming to the stage...

Hey barbie !

Way to go gurl. My problem is the lower pouch. Anyway I always squeeze as much as I can when I walk. lol. So most of people can think I don't have much problem there. congrats for the loss.

[BlackBarbie]

Re: Coming to the stage...

Hey barbie !

Way to go gurl. My problem is the lower pouch. Anyway I always squeeze as much as I can when I walk. lol. So most of people can think I don't have much problem there. congrats for the loss.

I do that too

Another lb gone!

[Sherri]

Re: Coming to the stage...

Before you begin:

1. Read Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution, 2002 edition.
At the very least, read chapters 10 through 14. These chapters tell you how to do the diet, what to expect, and why the first 14 days are so important.

ADBB uses DANDR 2002 as its reference. Granted there are other publications by Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. but we like to do the diet as it was written by Dr. Robert C. Atkins because in our collective experience Dr. Atkins' diet is more effective than Atkins Nutritionals, Inc's version.

2. See your physician.
Dr. Atkins recommended this himself. See your physician for a complete physical exam, including blood tests before beginning this or any other diet and exercise program.

Also take the Blood Sugar Symptom Test found in the book.

3. Make a commitment.
Commit yourself to giving the 14 day Induction a fair shot. If you can't commit yourself to 14 days of following rules and eating the foods listed in the acceptable foods list, this diet might not be for you.

4. Prepare your kitchen
If it's not on the list, remove it from your home. If you live with people who aren't on a low carb diet, then put your food(s) in areas separate from theirs. Also make sure you have low carb snacks available to you at all times, in case you get hungry.

5. Recruit your family and friends.
You are about to embark on a completely new lifestyle. Getting the support of your family and friends will help you through this. Be frank with them and tell them your intentions and that this is very important to you. If they have any doubts about this diet, ask them to read the book because knowledge is power.

6. Keep the Induction Rules and Foods List handy.
Make two copies of these documents: keep one on your refrigerator at home and keep the other one on your person at all times. This will save you a lot of guesswork and worry when eating out or grocery shopping.

The Rules of Induction can be found here:
What are the Rules of Induction?

The Induction Acceptable Foods List can be found here:
What foods can be eaten on Induction?

7. Read the entire label, including the ingredients.
Some foods have little carbs, but contain things like hydrogenated oils (trans fats) and sugar, which makes them unacceptable for Induction.

8. Keep a food diary
It is of utmost importance to keep track of your daily carbohydrate intake to make sure you are not exceeding 20 net carbohydrates daily.

Some people keep a notebook journal. Others like to track their progress online.

Here are some resources:
An Atkins spreadsheet:
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...ead.php?t=4570

http://www.fitday.com ---This is a free online service (registration required) that allows you to input your foods, track your exercise, etc.

Carbohydrate Counters:
http://www.atkins.com ---The Atkins site has a downloadable Carb Counter.
http://www.calorieking.com ---This site has nutritional information for most foods and beverages.
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/ ---This is the United States Department of Agriculture Nutrition Database.

9. Exercise
According to Dr. Atkins "exercise is non-negotiable"! So get moving. Begin according to your level of fitness. Visit the Exercise Forum.

10. Vitamin Supplements
These are also recommended by Dr. Atkins because many of us have poor nutrition and we need extra nutrients. Visit the Vita-Nutrient Forum.

11. Weigh AND Measure Yourself on Day 1

Make sure you weigh and measure yourself before you begin this diet. Contrary to what we are lead to believe, the scale isn't the best tool for measuring weight loss (fat loss). It doesn't tell you how much muscle you gained. It doesn't tell you how much water weight you gained or lost. It doesn't tell you that you will fit into that pair of jeans.

Tips for weighing:
a. Weigh yourself at the same time of day under the same conditions. You can weigh "more" after a meal or after you drink water or you can weigh "less" after you exercise or have a bowel movement. So pick a time and stick to it. Likewise, clothing can also add on "pounds". So if you choose to weigh yourself wearing clothes, make sure you are wearing the same clothing or nearly the same clothing.

b. Use the same scale. Scales differ slightly. So the scale in your doctor's office or at the gym might have you weighing more or less than the scale in your bathroom.

Tips for measuring:
a. You can measure whatever body areas you want: chest, waist, hips, thighs, upper arm, wrists and ankles. To make the measuring easier, you body landmarks like your belly button or a mole or scar, to guide your tape measure placement. For chest measurement, women can either measure under their armpits and/or under their breasts.

b. Don't "pull" on the measuring tape because that will give you a false reading (and stretch the tape). The tape should be snug, but not tight.

c. Don't suck in to make yourself smaller. Again, that will give you a false measurement.

Measuring tapes can be purchased at craft stores (the sewing section) for under $5.00. If you can't find one, you can use a piece of string. Just mark that string with a marker pen to indicate your "start" points". Or if you have an old belt, you can use that too.

Another good "measuring tool" is your clothing. Non-stretchy clothing like a dress shirt, jeans, or dress is the best thing to use. Stretchy fabric (like t-shirts or anything with spandex) will conform to your body as you shrink so you might not see the results. Try on this article of clothing periodically to see how you are losing inches.

Good luck to you on your 14 day Induction journey.

[Renie1990]

Re: Coming to the stage...

Good on you barbie. That is nice to loose another one. I have to loose 6lb to achieve my goal.

[BlackBarbie]

Re: Coming to the stage...

I've been cheating so I've only lost 4lbs.