Newbie with questions!

[legnerk]

Hi everyone!

So, I've been meaning to start Atkins, always saying I'll "start tomorrow" (and of course, never do), and today is the day. No more waiting, no more excuses, I have to do this for myself!

I'm 23 years old, female, with a very curvy body type but a small-medium sized frame. Currently I'm at 149.5 lbs. Although my friends swear up and down I don't look to be that weight, you never know when your friends are wanting to help or sabotage when it comes to dieting, you know?

Anyway, I'm really excited about this and am looking forward to "starting fresh" today. My goal is to lose 20-25 lb. by October 31st (Halloween), which is exactly 7 weeks from today). I have a few questions, too, which I'll post here as well as in the Induction Form:

Does anyone have any advice to really help me reach the maximum potential of this diet? Yes, we need fats, but would cutting out things like mayo help me lose faster?

Also, I've been looking for advice on how much to exercise to really get the most out my weight-loss too. I see some websites where people are told not to do vigorous activity, just to walk (not jog/ run). If I did jog some, would it help me lose weight faster? How often should I exercise per week/ for how long each time?

I am a carb ADDICT, so I know this is going to be very difficult for me, especially after about 5 days or so.

Please give me any suggestions or support you can, and I really look forward to us all reaching our goals together!

[liv]

Re: Newbie with questions!

Welcome
Nice that you joined us. I am sure we will get some suggestions.
First of all you may want to find out what is involved with Atkins. It does not seem like you quite know (And don't worry I did not either when I started but I got it right eventually)
Another thing is to perhaps readjust your mindset a little bit. I understand that you want the most loss in the least time but Atkins does not always give you this and cutting out this or that is not the way to go. You need to follow the diet and go with the flow.
So you need to start induction and cut out most carbs except veggies. Did you find the list of allowed foods?

Here are some threads in our FAQ that will help you.
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...induction.html (What are the Rules of Induction?)
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...induction.html (What foods can be eaten on Induction?)
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...lent-tips.html (A "MUST READ" for Newbies... 40 excellent tips!)

About exercise - it is helpful stuff but a direct weightloss benefit is not going to happen. You need to concentrate on diet. Exercise does help though. And you need to find something you will stick with in the long run or you will not be able to keep the weight off even if you lose it. What do you like to do?

Again welcome.

[imagood1]

Re: Newbie with questions!

Welcome to the Atkins Board.

As Liv said above it sounds like you need to read the book so you'll know what is involved with the plan so you can be successful. I hope you’ve read the 2002 Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution (DANDR), it’s the book we follow on this bulletin board. You’ll find a condensed version at the top of the induction - (Atkins Diet Induction FAQs)http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-diet-14-day-induction/77558-atkins-diet-induction-faqs.html.

Make sure you drink a minimum of 64 ounces of pure water (nothing added). Check all around the board for everything there is to, there is a challenge section with both exercise and non exercise challenges, Rate My Menu for help with your food, journaling – there is something for everyone

Make a copy of this list (What foods can be eaten on Induction?)http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-low-carb-dieting-faqs/6781-what-foods-can-eaten-induction.html and take it with you when you go to the store. If a food isn’t listed on the acceptable food list don’t eat it. Learn to read the label on all foods you buy - don’t just look at the “carb” number look at the ingredients list of everything and check the ingredients against your list. Just because it says "low carb" doesn't mean you can eat it. Also check for hidden sugars (learn the names used in place of the word “sugar”).

The recipe sites are helpful for meal planning – just make sure you use Induction Recipes to begin with.
http://www.genaw.com/lowcarb/menus.html (Linda’s)
(Never ending induction recipes)(Never ending induction recipes)(Never ending induction recipes)http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-diet-14-day-induction/58513-never-ending-induction-recipes.html (Induction recipes)
(Induction Recipe Basics--More recipes added)(Induction Recipe Basics--More recipes added)(Induction Recipe Basics--More recipes added)http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-diet-14-day-induction/6807-induction-recipe-basics-more-recipes-added.html (Induction Recipe Basics)

If you need anything we’re here to help you!! Good luck to you!

[chinadoll]

Re: Newbie with questions!

Hello and Welcome. Your goal is very ambitious and although not unreachable by Halloween it is definitely a difficult time frame for the amount you have in mind. Do follow the plan as outlined in the book. It sometimes seems that shortcuts will move things along faster but most folks find that the shortcuts often lead to dead ends.