New to board

[kjpan]

Hi, I'm new to the board. I've been using it a lot over the past few weeks since starting July 18, so I finally decided to join!

This diet is fantastic. I felt lousy the first three - four days, then began to feel great. I actually feel better than I have in years. I lost the first 8 pounds very quickly and now the weight loss has slowed down, but the inches are still coming off and it actually does not matter since I feel so good.

Hopefully I can keep this up for a long time since I tried a couple of years ago and didn't stick to it. I don't remember why I stopped.

Bye!!

Kelley

[Trisha001]

Re: New to board

Welcome to the board..and congrats on your success so far
T~

[Chicklady]

Re: New to board

Hi Kelley How's it going?

[kjpan]

Re: New to board

Hi,

Thanks for asking how things are going.

I'm a bit discouraged the past 2 days. I've gained back 2 pounds. The weird thing is that my keto sticks are now dark purple. I can't figure that out. Also, for some reason I'm really hungry. That hasn't happened all along. So...last night I "binged" and had 3 Atkin's bars. I know that is a big no no, but I figured if I was going to eat something at 10 o'clock, at least it could be something semi-allowed instead of Cheeze Its.

I woke up this morning feeling really guilty. I hope I can keep this up, otherwise the past 6 weeks will be a waste of time. My sister started weight watchers the same day I started. We have been having a bit of a competition. I was beating her big time, but now she is catching up and I haven't lost anything in almost 3 weeks.

I guess I'll just keep plugging along.

Have a good day.

Kelley

[Sherri]

Re: New to board

Hello Kelley,
Welcome to ADBB and to Atkins
Hang in there! Are you on Extended Induction? What are your stats? As in starting weight, current weight, goal weight. Your height and so on. Dr. Atkins says to eat when you are hungry. So, yes, it's important to choose healthy snacks as in cheese and veggies. Those Atkins bars will get you in trouble.
Here's a Sticky from the Induction Thread with some great info. Do you have DANDR 2002?
Again, Welcome!
Sincerely, Sherri
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

[kjpan]

Re: New to board

Hi,

I am on extended induction. I plan on staying there until I lose a few more pounds. Also, my husband just started the diet and it is easier to eat the same as him.

I have the book and refer to it all the time. This morning I went out and purchased a few supplements in addition to my regular multivitamin. We'll see if they help at all. I'm drinking tons of water. Hopefully the past few days were just my body readjusting itself. I also try and walk every day.

Thanks,

[gman]

Re: New to board

Hi Kelley-
Nice start on your new way of life!

Here are snacks that will be more satisfying than the bars:
- Cheddar cheese slices, maybe with pepperoni slices
- Celery or cucumber with blue cheese dressing
- Slice or two of turkey with mayo
- Glass of water with a spoon of psyllium husks stirred in

These snacks meet induction guidelines, and less likely to result in a binge.
Atkins

Works for me, maybe you too.

[kjpan]

Re: New to board

Thanks for the suggestions. I was having cheese, turkey, pepperoni, etc. when I was hungry. I am curious though, I know that you are only supposed to have 3-4 ounces of cheese a day, how do you all feel about going over that amount when you need some type of a snack?

[Chicklady]

Re: New to board

A really yummy "sinful" snack....bake or mocrowave pepperoni or salami slices until crispy. If you're avoiding nitrites, Applegate puts out a great naturally cured salami which crisps up great. I use these crispies as "chips" or "crackers" . Folks make them with cheese too.

[Chicklady]

Re: New to board

I can't do to much cheese...it ummmm, plugs me up
Many people find it to be a staller.

[mitzimarie]

Re: New to board

Thanks for the suggestions. I was having cheese, turkey, pepperoni, etc. when I was hungry. I am curious though, I know that you are only supposed to have 3-4 ounces of cheese a day, how do you all feel about going over that amount when you need some type of a snack?

Each of us reacts to foods differently, but generally speaking, I think it's probably not a great idea to go over the 4 ounce limit on cheese. Some people find that they can't even handle the 3 to 4 ounces, because it stalls them. I haven't had any issues with amounts up to 4 ounces, but I don't go over because it is so high in calories. I'd also watch the amount of pepperoni and deli meats you eat, as most of them contain nitrates and/or high levels of sodium. Most of my snacks are in the form of raw veggies such as bellpeppers, jicama, cucumbers, or sugar snap peas. I also prepare meats like turkey and roast beef myself, so I don't have to wonder what is in the deli meat.

[kjpan]

Re: New to board

Thanks for everyone's suggestions. I know what I have to do, I'm going to have to cut down a bit on my cheese consumption. I've been using it as a substitute for snacking. I feel like a cheese addict! I'll start measuring the cheese instead of guessing.

You have all been so nice to reply. I've almost made it through another day! Tonight will be easy -- going out for the night! No temptations.

[Blue_Butterfly]

Re: New to board

Welcome to the forum..and congrats on your success so far Hope to get to know you better!

[kjpan]

Re: New to board

Hi Sarah, Thanks for the encouragement. It's nice to log in and find so many nice people. I've been fighting with my 3 kids all day!!! School starts Tuesday.

Kelley

[sugarsack]

Re: New to board

3 pieces of advice - come here often, read everything, ask questions ! you will find amazing support and encouragement... YOU CAN DO IT !