New and not sure if this is right for me...

[Love my 2 girls]

First off, Hello!

I joined this board last april, but decided it wasnt right for me because I had a 6mo old and was still exclusively nursing.

Well, Im back! I just finished nursing a short while ago, and am ready to have a crack at atkins!

I am 23 years old, have 2 kids (4yrs and 15mo) I am 5'6" and currently weigh 140lb. I know it doesnt sound like I need to lose weight, and I probably dont, but I would love to shed 10lb and be healthier.

My BMI says its perfectly normal, but I have quite a high body fat content, and would like to lower it a bit.

I just wanted to see if you guys think Atkins can help me with that? I am of a perfectly healthy weight, I just would like to lower my body fat...is that something that atkins can help with?

Id love to hear suggestions!

Thanks!

[Shrew2u]

Re: New and not sure if this is right for me...

Adopting Atkins as a lifestyle is healthy. If you just want to burn fat and tone your body, though, exercise is the key. You could probably start at Maintenance and begin exercising with an eye on toning your body all over. Would the number on the scale drop? Maybe - but many here will attest that toning allows you to wear a smaller size even if the scale stays put.

Since you are unsure, I wouldn't recommend starting Atkins unless and until you have read the book (Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution 2002) and are ready to adopt this as a way of life instead of a means to an end. I only say that because, if this is treated as a diet, you will likely regain any weight lost once you stop dieting. (This applies to "diets" in general.)

[Georgiana]

Re: New and not sure if this is right for me...

Welcome back!

Since you have little weight to lose, there is no reason to do Induction. You could start in OWL or even Pre-Maintenance.

I would suggest you read Atkins for Life, in addition to Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution (2002).

Exercise is mandatory on Atkins... and it will help you.

[blueberrylady]

Re: New and not sure if this is right for me...

Welcome back!

I'm sure you can get where you want to be with Atkins. Exercise is the key ingredient. Good luck.

[sallyseachange]

Re: New and not sure if this is right for me...

Welcome!
I agree with the others... exercise is paramount for you to achieve your target. Adopting the Atkins way of eating though, is bound to be a gift to your general health too.