Brand new to the forum AND Atkins so...

[clb121]

Hi! Just wanted to post this and say hi to all you out there and tell you alittle about me. I have struggled with my weight for years now, gaining just over 40lbs when I was on a certain medication. Over the past two years Ive managed to lose about 20lbs and keep it off but its been a struggle, yo-yo dieting to unhealthy measures. Someone told me about Atkins and how it was great cuz I wouldn't have to starve myself. I researched and finally am going for it. I am really wanting to lose the excess flab and actual body fat I have. Does Atkins do that? Yesterday was my first day, I'm on Induction. And it doesnt feel like any weight-loss program Ive been on! I can actually eat! So if anyone has any tips and advice I'd love em, as I was a huge carb-eater and I am sure that's why I havent been able to lose a pound lately without killing myself working out! I'm happy to be here and I will keep you guys posted on my progress!!!

[imagood1]

Re: Brand new to the forum AND Atkins so...

Welcome to the Atkins Board clb.

To get started, make sure you read the book - it will give you the knowledge you need to get to your goal. If you can’t find a copy locally of the 2002 Dr Atkins New Diet Revolution (DANDR) check online at www.half.com or www.amazon.com – I got a “used” copy recently for less than $5.00 including shipping not long ago.

Eat a variety of foods listed on the acceptable food list http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-low-carb-dieting-faqs/6781-what-foods-can-eaten-induction.html. Make sure you eat a variety of foods and vegetables and count all “net carbs”. Plan your meals for a few days so you have everything in your home and you won’t be tempted to eat something not allowed. Check Linda's recipe site it will help keep you from eating the same thing over and over -- http://www.genaw.com/lowcarb/menus.html.

Exercise is what you'll have to do to take care of the saggy & flabby skin - it's also considered mandatory with the Atkins plan. Take a non-iron multivitamin and drink a minimum 64 ounces of pure water (nothing added), daily. Start a journal, it's a great place to get everything out in the open, be accountable to yourself - you'll also meet some great people there! http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...journal-chats/. There’s something for everyone here!

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

[clb121]

Re: Brand new to the forum AND Atkins so...

Thanks for that advice Carole! I did read the book a while back, and have really done my research so I think I am actually okay in that end. Its just going to be hard substituting carbs right now cuz I am sure I will crave them as I ate so many. And I think that if I start to see results that will help my motivation. Also my boyfriend and I are into exercise and all, he goes to the gym but we have weights and stuff here. I was planning on doing 30-45minutes of cardio a day with my spinning bike or exercise vids...seem good?

[bizzlekitty]

Re: Brand new to the forum AND Atkins so...

Hi and welcome! Congrats on the weight loss so far! Isn't it great to be able to eat and be satisfied and still lose weight???

I highly recommend re-reading the book again if it's been a while. You'd be surprised how much you forget! I re-read it about once a year and always learn something new.

Read the many posts here and faqs here.

Post your menu to have it reviewed. There's so many things I thought I was doing right and really wasn't and the advice here really helps!

Avoiding known stallers and using Induction to really cleanse yourself of addictions to sweets, caffeine, soda etc. is a real key too.

Atkins is not something you can just "do your own way" like most other diets. You may still lose weight here and there, but doing it right is essential to short and the long term success. I've learned this one the hard way too.

Good luck!

[imagood1]

Re: Brand new to the forum AND Atkins so...

check Linda's site for things to substitute for carbs -- cauliflower makes a great substitute for rice and potatoes....deli deluxe cheese slices can be cut into strips or squares & microwaved on parchment paper for about a minute as a substitute for chips.

If you are hungry, EAT! Make sure you do get enough carbs in daily - most of them coming from veggies....don't just eat lettuce - eat something off the vegetable lists that has more nutrition (cucumber, peppers, etc). Also, make sure you eat 1 cup of veggies off the 2nd part of the list (string beans are green beans - many people miss that) - these veggies have more fiber and will help keeping you regular.

Post often, ask questions -- start a journal - join a challenge or several. We're here for you! Also, keep re-reading the book - you'll be surprised what you find you didn't know or something you forgot.

[clb121]

Re: Brand new to the forum AND Atkins so...

Thanks! I love veggies so I am glad to see I can still eat them in moderation on Induction. I have green beans, broccoli, and a huge bag of spinach in my freezer. I am glad to hear I can have these and still be following Induction and lose weight. Also, thanks for the journal link Carole, I just posted my first entry. It may make me sound kinda goofy but I guess thats cuz no one really knows me yet. I admit that my self-image and losing weight and just feeling good (about my appearance and health-wise) has been sooo hard for me because since I was about 16 or 17 and figure skating I have battled some kind of disordered eating (which over the past 3 or so years has not just been disordered but has bouts of anorexia and bulimia). There was always so much pressure growing up to look good and be skinny. Now that Ive been heavier, Ive had a true love-hate relationship with food. Hopefully Atkins will help with this, as my friends and doc will be happy to see me actually eating and getting the nutrition my body needs!!! And I have to admit the food is just tasty and it's great to eat!!