Beginning of the new me!!

[claire1974]

Hi everyone,
This is my first day of the Atkins plan. Im 34 years old and a mother of 4 kids. My weight has been steadily increasing since I had my last baby 4 years ago. I moved from my home country of Scotland to Australia 6 months ago and I love it but in the heat I feel every single one of my 238 pounds!!

My weight stops me from doing things that I want to do and puts a terrible strain on my relationship with my partner. I really do feel like enough is enough. I would appreciate any input anyone could give me.

Thanks

[blueeyedvirgo]

Re: Beginning of the new me!!

Hi Claire,

Welcome! I just started Atkins too and can understand what you mean about feeling every one of your pounds. I know that my recent 10 pound weight gain has made it difficult for me to climb up and down the steps in my home. Hopefully, that 10 pounds and then some will be gone quickly!

[Zarabelle]

Re: Beginning of the new me!!

Hello! You will be in control and shedding those pounds in no time xx

[liv]

Re: Beginning of the new me!!

Welcome Claire.

[Lisa]

Re: Beginning of the new me!!

Welcome to ADBB!

Focus on the small things you can change now and what you can have instead of what you can't do or can't have. Everything will fall into place. Walking is the best way to get started with exercise and Atkins. I'd like to say it's an easy way of eating for life, but we all know it's a challenge....a good challenge. Challenge yourself each day to make it one meal at a time to one day to one week, etc. The days will blend and you'll feel the weight of the world lift off your shoulders and your body.

Best wishes!

[clogger]

Re: Beginning of the new me!!

Welcome claire ! It is always a good thing to read the book, read these FAQs, ask questions, and read posts on the board for support and motivation.

Remember, Induction is two weeks (you can make it longer for the reasons Dr. Atkins suggests in the book). There are times food choices may feel very limiting, but that is a good time to try a new vegetable, a new meat, or a new low-carb recipe. For the best results possible follow the guidelines outlined for Induction. Limit cheese to 3-4 ounces per day. Watch your sweetener intake. Water is essential. Exercise is a must. Like Lisa suggests walking is a good way to start. The more you exercise the better you'll feel and the better the results. Even if you can't do a half-hour or more at a time you can break it up into 10 or 15 minute chunks.

Wishing you much success!

[Lisa]

Re: Beginning of the new me!!

Oh, and since Kristine added the reminder of exercise being required (okay, she said must...but I'm dramatic and I like how Dr. A said it bestest "Exercise is non-negotiable"), you can always come to the USA (specifically Idaho) right now and shovel some good old fashioned snow. Good for the calorie burning with the cardio, weight lifting, and maybe some yoga if you hold a pose just long enough to try not to fall on the ice while you balance one step to another just to cross the driveway.

[claire1974]

Re: Beginning of the new me!!

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for all your replies, really is a great motivational tool!!

Good luck to everyone and Lisa Ill book my flight over to start the snow shoveling a.s.a.p. ha ha.

[Sarina D]

Re: Beginning of the new me!!

Hi Claire,

Welcome to the forum, it's great to have you on here!!!

Congratulations on making the decision to get healthy, before you know it you'll be feeling a difference and you'll definitely be losing weight and seeing the difference.

Just a few things, clear out your house as best you can of all the things you can't eat (I know if you're married and have children sometimes this is hard or near impossible...to get rid of it all that is) and stock up on all the legal foods you are allowed to eat. Prepare things ahead of time so you have them on hand when you want to eat or have a little snack. Make many of your foods high in fat as this will help you get through the bumps at the beginning should you experience them. Drink lots and lots of water, take your vitamins and EXERCISE!!!! I totally agree with Kristine and Lisa, exercise is a must! Start out with walking, that's exactly what I did.....what a difference it makes!

Come here lots, read as many posts as you can and post as often as you like. This is an amazing forum packed full of people who truly care about one another....it is a blessing to me and I consider them my extended family. We're all in this together!

All the very best to you!
Sarina
-------------------------
Heaviest weight last year- 400 lbs. (2007)
April 1, 2008 - 387 lbs.
Atkins start weight – 347 (July 19, 2008 )
(100 lbs. lost as of Oct 2, 2008 - Hit 300 lbs. on this day )
Current weight – 255 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

[Lisa]

Re: Beginning of the new me!!

Good luck to everyone and Lisa Ill book my flight over to start the snow shoveling a.s.a.p. ha ha.

Yea! And you'll be just in time because our local John Deer Tractor company (sponsered by our friendly small town community) plowed the streets last night and left some really nice piles of snow in front of my driveway. Just small ones....about 4 feet tall.