Here I go again! and looking for an"Atkins buddy"

[Bloomoon]

I have been lurking around the threads for a little while now. I am 2nd time around girl. I did Atkins about 4 years ago after I had my last child and a hysterectomy. I did very well and then I quit, plain and simple. I developed bad eating habits and gained everything plus back. So I am tired of being overweight and out of shape. I can tell that if I stay this way that I will eventually have health issues. I am ready to make the change and fight back!
I would love to meet some others on the site that are like me and could use/give a little extra support and cheerleading.
I am 35 and I want to lose 80 lbs. That's a lot but I can do it.

Hope to chat soon.
Theresa

[Sherri]

Re: Here I go again! and looking for an"Atkins buddy"

Hello Theresa,
Welcome to ADBB and back to Atkins
Post often, join some challenges. A great way to meet people and make new friends.
Here's a Sticky from the Induction Thread I like to share with all those I welcome. Also a site for recipes Linda's Low Carb Menus & Recipes - Home
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.

[kgirluk]

Re: Here I go again! and looking for an"Atkins buddy"

Hi Theresa, yea me too second time around, I too have quite a bit to lose too, I know we can do it just have to believe in yourself everyone here is lovely so enjoy u need anything just pm me
hugs Kez x

[DLS]

Re: Here I go again! and looking for an"Atkins buddy"

Hi. I'm new here too. I wish you the best of luck. I am setting my first goal at 40 pounds. I know if I reach that goal I'm sure will be setting a new one too. I'm just taking it one goal at a time.

Donna in Georgia

[LadyBethny]

Re: Here I go again! and looking for an"Atkins buddy"

Hi Bloomoon, I am a newbie too and also want to lose 80 (for starters!). This site is amazing, you will be very supported and are sure to get inspiration and motivation everywhere you turn!

Enjoy! see you around!
Janie xo

[MrsYvette]

Re: Here I go again! and looking for an"Atkins buddy"

I would love to have a buddy to bounce off of and to help out.
Yvette
We can do this..
I can do this…

[Bloomoon]

Re: Here I go again! and looking for an"Atkins buddy"

Yvette, Janie, Donna, Kez, and Sherri thank you for the welcome and the words of encouragement. I think the support and inspiration of others will make a huge difference for me.
Hope everyone has a great holiday weekend.

Theresa

[mummy]

Re: Here I go again! and looking for an"Atkins buddy"

hiya, me new here too... and wanna loose 80 ponds too, so count me in, and best of luck to you!

[tracyb1218]

Re: Here I go again! and looking for an"Atkins buddy"

I am starting back on atkins as well. ive had pretty good success in the past and know that it works great for me . i just wanted to let you know sherri your info was very helpful and you look terrific. goodluck everyone and i as well would love a buddy for this journey. tracy

[LadyBethny]

Re: Here I go again! and looking for an"Atkins buddy"

I still cannot take in Sherri's photos - just looks like a completely different woman!

All I can say is that even 3 days in I know that reading the book, drinking water, FitDay and this site are key.

I am reading the book for the 3rd time and there are still things I did not pick up the second time let along the first time!

FitDay is a lifesaver, for being on track but also for being organised and prepared. Get yourself an account if you haven't done so already!

We can do this!
Janie xo

[Bloomoon]

Re: Here I go again! and looking for an"Atkins buddy"

Hi all. Glad to see a few more supporters in the group today. Hope everyone is enjoying their long weekend.

Theresa

[sugarsack]

Re: Here I go again! and looking for an"Atkins buddy"

3 EASY STEPS...

come here often, read EVERYTHING, ask questions

you will find amazing support and encouragement ! YOU CAN DO IT

[wingo]

Re: Here I go again! and looking for an"Atkins buddy"

Our stories are so similar! I did Atkins in '04 after my youngest child & tubal. Lost quite a bit and have allowed that weight (and 10 MORE pounds) to creep on. I'm totally disgusted with myself - but I know that this works!

Today is day 17 for me - down 14.4 so far. Hopefully we can help motivate each other!

[Bloomoon]

Re: Here I go again! and looking for an"Atkins buddy"

Wingo...we are very similar in our stories. Yes, Atkins does work
and I know it first hand too! This has been the only diet I have ever been able to stick with and work. I felt this was easier for me, I didn't feel deprived.

I wish that I would've known about this website my first go round. But any rate I am ready to take this weight off and feel good again. It has literally been years since I have felt good. And I have never in my life had a weight problem until the last 4 years.

I'm here for support (both give and take) and inspiration from those who have been on plan and see life changing results.

I have no doubt we can change our lives for ourselves and for our families.

Theresa

[Louloubell]

Re: Here I go again! and looking for an"Atkins buddy"

HI Theresa
I am new 1 week in (tomorrow). I want to lose 60 to start but need to lose more than that, 80 would be awesome!! Hope all goes well, please keep in touch!! I too can use as many buddies as possible, so count me in!!
Linda