Big "Hi!" from Hong Kong

[Annyshka]

Hello!

My name is Anna...

Since about 15 I am slightly overweight. About two years ago, when my scales showed 80kg..I understood that this "slightly" grew into something more.

I've been going to the gym and it gave some results, but very very little and very slowly ( I've been there for a year). Then I went to study and gym was far from my place, and I dropped it.

Last summer I've got myself a book of Atkins diet on carboot sale for a pound and so far I think it was the greatest bargain I've ever made!

Probably I am very silly, but I've started my Atkins journey just before departing to Hong Kong. But I thought if now I will find an excuse to stop...I will never get there...I will never be able to wear a miniskirt or shirt dress...

So now I am here in Hong Kong, doing my second month on Atkins...It is still hard for me to get meat over here, since there are no such shops as Tesco or Asda here, and all I get is take away chiken or some roasted pork.

My Keton Sticks change as traffic light going from dark purple to light pink.
But it is probably because I allow myself sometimes some extra vegetables or national food to try.

The real reason I beleive in this diet is... My friend lost 35 kilos on Atklins, durin 2 years. I've seen her before, and I;ve seen her after...And I could not beleive it wasn't Lyposaction. Now I am looking forward to my first goal....is 70kg (154lb)

Very pleased to join this forum!

Thank's for reading!

[chinadoll]

Re: Big "Hi!" from Hong Kong

Hi Anna! I used to live in Tai Tam and am now in Guangzhou. I found Hong Kong an easy place to do Atkins both at home and in eating out. Lots of great veggies at the markets and seafood, pork and chicken are all plentiful. Of course I cooked at home. If you are doing take out a lot there are still choices. Greek salads, California Pizza Kitchen has some lovely salads-just have them leave the corn and crunchy stuff off. For quick lunches "pret a manger" always has salads that are Atkins friendly. There are a lot of places around town that will accomodate you if you ask. Gotta watch some of the roasted pork-tends to have sugars in the basting.

Gateway in Sheung Wan carries a number of low carb products like Splenda, big bags of nuts, and some other products worth seeking out.

And you have wonderful hiking trails for exercise. I really miss those!

[Annyshka]

Re: Big "Hi!" from Hong Kong

Well....I am a student living in a hostel )) we do have 1 cooker...but it is shared between 18 rooms (2-3 girls in each). So 7/11 saves me Haven't seen Pret a manger around here...but ocasionally have my lunch at Starbucks.
I find it quite hard to do normal shopping as I would have done in UK.
Lots of food with sweet sauses Lot's of unknown food which turnes up to be soya, or other high carb

[imagood1]

Re: Big "Hi!" from Hong Kong

Hi and welcome --

If you need any help or have questions just ask. I'd take Jill's advise on where to eat - she's been there long enough to know the best places to go.

Make sure you get your minimum 64 ounces of pure water daily - take a vitamin and exercise.

Good luck.

[chinadoll]

Re: Big "Hi!" from Hong Kong

I agree, it is tricky there. OK now that I know your circumstances it makes it easier. One Pret a manger is located in the Central MTR station near the hub for the Landmark, Pedder Street and LiYuen street exits on the concourse floor. Another is in the IFC Mall behind Exchange Square where the bridge runs across from the walkway that leads to the Star Ferry. It is on the left as you head in the door. Another good place that is also pretty cheap is in the plaza by the bull at Exchange Square. It has lots of stuff to choose from: curry, soups, salads and good value. Best to go after the lunch rush. I never failed to find decent eats there. Satay is a good bet anywhere even thought he peanuts are rung three--still better than many choices open to you.

The minced quail or pork in lettuce wraps is a good Chinese (Sezchuan) choice as is the eggplant in hot sauce. Not having a kitchen does limit you and Hong Kong is not a cheap city in which to eat out all the time.

Let me know if you have ANY questions. I can steer you in the right direction on a variety of things having spent so much time there.

If you ever get a desire to see the wild side and take a ferry to Nansha, I will meet you and have you over for a home cooked Atkins meal in Panyu and maybe an adventure to boot. We have quite a few Brits, Ozzies and Yanks here.

[chinadoll]

Re: Big "Hi!" from Hong Kong

Oh year a third "Pret" is in Admiralty MTR station near the Pacific Place exit end of the concourse.

[Annyshka]

Re: Big "Hi!" from Hong Kong

Thank you very much Jill!
All this is very helpfull especially IFC, I have a class on the 38 floor of buliding 2 and I have never seen any pret a manger around....but most likely because I am allways in a horry and can't think of food ) I've been to Central few times, and mostly because I was forced to by circustances, but I am planning to fight the fear and to explore it....
About Ferry to Nansha, thank you so much, it is very kind of you! I would definetly love to see where is it and meet you! Unless it belongs to China ))) Than I will need to apply for visa

Thank you!

[chinadoll]

Re: Big "Hi!" from Hong Kong

Yep, it is definitely China. Where do you go to school? DOn't be afraid to explore Hong Kong. It is one of the safest cities I have ever inhabited. My two teen boys went everywhere on their own. The MTR and buses are safe and the cabbies (although sometimes rude) are also safe. From under exchange square you can pick up virtually any bus in Hong Kong. When you have some free time, take the number 6 to the end in Stanley and shop around and visit the beach! There is a California Pizza Kitchen there where you can get a salad before taking the 6 back. The view from the top deck of the bus is terrific. I used to live out that way and often took that ride.

[Annyshka]

Re: Big "Hi!" from Hong Kong

Oh... I will definetly try!
I am currently doing a year exchange in University of Hong Kong, it's Pok Fu Lam Rd, Hong Kong Island.
And once a week I have a class in the exchange square tower, which has wikedly amazin view from above on all the coastline skyscrappers!
If you will be still willing to accept me, I would try to get Chinese visa on myt winter hollidays, since I want to go to Tibeth, so I migh on the way ....visit you with a bottle of some Atkins friendly drink

I am very glad that I have actually got on to this forum..I am extremly glad to meet you. It is so nice to know that there are people who you can ask for advice...aspecially being not home.. There are many exchange students I communicate with, but locals are not that easy to approach and so except some short directions you would never be able to get an advice here...
And it is nice to know that there are people on Atkins around here! It means it is possible to be in China and not to consume noodles and rice!!!!

[chinadoll]

Re: Big "Hi!" from Hong Kong

If you dial 1011 ( I think that's it) on your mobile and ask for the Community Advice Bureau they will give you a phone number to call. Put it in your phone! If you have any questions on where to find things you need or what stores to shop at, services, whatever the CAB ladies (all Western English speakers) are a lifeline to someone new in Hong Kong. I will let you know when I come in and maybe we can meet up!