2008 Read The Book Challenge

[tmn]

Originally Posted by jimmie 48

hmmmmm.... .... let me see......
because i am the most lenient challenger leader.......

i'll give out 5 free passes to anyone who joins TODAY. you are the #1 free pass.

Thanks, Jimmie. I've had a hellacious week, health-wise, and desperately need to get focused here.

[dglilbit]

If one of the five free passes is still available, I'd like to join!

[DLS]

Week One:
1. Considering the Phase you are doing, post the #1 reason you want to lose weight OR the reason you continue to do Atkins. I want to be healtier, look better, feel better, and live longer! I don't want to be so embarassed by how much weight I have gained that I refuse to let my sister come to my house to see me (all the while blaming it on "let me get done with the renovations first" excuse). I want to feel good about going to church and meeting new people and not hide in the house so they won't see how fat I am! I think I went over 1 reason. Oops!

2. Read ALL the TIPS and KEY POINTS in chapters 1 - 9. Post the TIPS and/or KEY POINTS from chapters 1 -9 that are most useful to you.
Chapter 1. Key points - Amen! I know I was eating way above what a normal human metabolism requires. I just ate for the sake of eating. Cause it tasted good and I wanted it! Most of my diet consisted of the things mentioned here.... sugar, white flour, junk foods! That was me in a nutshell! No more!
Chapter 2. Tips - I was unable (because of family members not on Atkins) to eliminate all of the illegal stuff in our kitchen. However, I am strong. I don't eat their stuff at all. I do however, shop more to those outside aisles and in the special (out of the way) healthy organic sections. I have found stuff I really, really like. Flax meal being #1. I use Fitday for my carb counter primarily.
Chapter 3. Didn't have a section on Tips or Key points but I did learn from this chapter that I will be able to do this! I know I can. And there might be times when a bump causes me to "fall off" of Atkins. But I can get right back on and not beat myself up about it.
Chapter 4. I am in Group C, no doubt! I am addicted to sweet cereal and very sweet coffee. I have learned to NOT sweeten my coffee. And NO more cereal. Key Points - I believe my blood sugar has stabilized. I feel so much better. I don't "crash" in the afternoon any longer after a whole day of carbs! Tips - My middle is definitely telling on me! Big time. That is where I have the majority of weight to lose.
Chapter 5. Key points - Boy oh boy did I give my body some glucose to store! I have now stabilized and can feel the difference. I have also lowered my blood pressure. Last checked on Oct 10 was 106/69! Tips - I wasn't on anything for diabetes and aside from pregnancy times I have never been checked for it. However, I would get the shakes and sweats if my blood sugar was down. I'd eat a candy bar and feel better in a few minutes. What a change now. Since starting Atkins I have had NONE of these "episodes".
Chapter 6. Key points - I know a lot of folks don't go for the keytone strip check but I really used them in my first month. I wanted to "see" that I was in Ketosis. And boy after the first 4 days or so I was in the dark purple and so happy. Now that I am increasing my carbs I am in the next purple down but still happy with that. I hope I never get down to the trace amounts. But I'm not such a "stickler" LOL for checking those strips anymore. Only about 1-2 times a week.
Chapter 7. Key Points - I definitely eat the same number of calories if not more than before and I'm still losing! It is amazing. Tips - I am still telling myself not to worry about the calories too much. (I see them all the time on the Fitday chart) But the fact that I am still losing is great. Also, I sometimes struggle with spreading my carbs troughout the day. I typically eat the normal dinner with all the veggies and such. So I now try to put some into my breakfast and lunch. I'm not perfect about that, but getting there.
Chapter 8. Key points - I am so much better about chosing the foods that will benefit my body rather than just fill the hole. I try to pick out those veggies with lots of vitamins and fiber. I also use flax to make any "bready" thing I eat. I can tell a real difference since coming across this stuff! Tips - Haven't introduce the fruits back in yet. I am looking forward to some berries though, especially in the muffin in a minute. I am enjoying most of my veggies either raw or lightly sauteed in butter. YUM!
Chapter 9. - No key points or tips listed. I can related to some of the fallacies though. My sister couldn't get passed the #5 Fallacy. She tried Atkins years ago and felt horrible. I think she thought I would still be feeling that way. Hey, for a while there I thought so too. But I have never felt better! #9 I have never had my cholesterol level checked so I don't know what good Atkins has done there. But I truly believe it can only be good. I have monitored my blood pressue since starting and it is down! I am happy with that!!!!! #12 Don't know if this is true. My family (and maybe they are just being nice) have never mentioned it to me! LOL #13 I must admit that I myself have worried about that. I wonder sometimes if I do "fall off" will I not only get back to all the carbs I love but also continue to eat the higher fat diet of Atkins. I'll just have to NOT "fall off"!#14 This is true to a certain extent. And that is evident by all the postings of advice for constipation. However, since finding how to use flax in so many dishes I am having NO problem in this area at all. #15 I think if one sticks with this WOE forever there should never be a big problem. Adhere to the, watch for those extra 5 lbs rule. Take care of them immediately if they appear and continue on.

Well, I certainly didn't mean to be so long winded about my answers. Sorry.

[jimmie 48]

Originally Posted by dglilbit

If one of the five free passes is still available, I'd like to join!

they are still available and you are #2 free pass.

[momtomany1]

I'll get my highlighters out and come back to this this evening!

I can do #1 right now...


1. Considering the Phase you are doing, post the #1 reason you want to lose weight OR the reason you continue to do Atkins.

While weight loss is of course a factor, feelings of well-being are far more my motivational force. I knew I had felt my best while low carbing, and I wanted that back. It isn't even 'the best' when persons call me 'skinny,' like one of the sisters did this morning at services. The best is being able to wake up in the morning not grouchy and dreading the day, and not wanting a couple of cans of Bud to get over feeling crummy in the evening. I live in a fog on carbs, I live 'clear' on Atkins. 'Clear' is way better!



2. Read ALL the TIPS and KEY POINTS in chapters 1 - 9. Post the TIPS and/or KEY POINTS from chapters 1 -9 that are most useful to you.


Studies show that sugar, refined white flour and junk foods are bad for your health, your energy level, your mental state and your figure.

I hate being tired!

You burn more calories when your body is operating on a fat metabolism.

Go calorie burn!

Shop the perimeter of the store.

Fresh foods, good dairy, meats, all on the outside aisles!

Atkins is a corrective metablolic approach to metabolic problems.

Sadly most of us don't realize we have metabolic problems, til Atkins starts correcting them!

Excess weight around the waist is often the first sign that your body is not metabolizing sugar properly.

That's me....

If you don't stabilize your blood sugar you will have difficulty losing weight.

But if you do... you will lose!

Numerous studies have reinforced the metabolic advantage of burning fat for energy.

YAY! need all the advantage I can get...

Spread your carb intake througout the day to avoid blood sugar spikes.

Seeing a trend? I am mainly worried about my blood sugar staying level!

Eat whole veggies, don't overcook, go for veggies most dense in nutrients, and garlic is my friend!

[tmn]

1. Considering the Phase you are doing, post the #1 reason you want to lose weight OR the reason you continue to do Atkins.

As always, my Number ONE reason to lose weight is to regain my health as much as possible. I was in ER again this week because my calcium was dangerously low, two days later I'm in urgent care with possible shingles. ugh! Blood pressure is high, left leg is crap again, and my mobility is awful. Joints hurt, muscles atrophied, I can't hardly breathe with any exertion, and the flexibility in my body has gone downhill in the last few months. This is NOT how I want to live my life!

2. Read ALL the TIPS and KEY POINTS in chapters 1 - 9. Post the TIPS and/or KEY POINTS from chapters 1 -9 that are most useful to you.

Chapter One: The Atkins Nutritional Approach is composed of protein and fat, both essential to the human body, plus controlled quantities of the most nutrient-dense carbohydrates, primarily in the form of vegetables. I recently read that going without protein longer than a few hours will make your body start cannibalizing your muscles for the protein it needs. We need balance throughout the day, not just part of it here and there and see if it all totals up at the end of the day.

Chapter Two: You burn more calories when your body is operating on fat metabolism. Sounds to me like the body will get better results from the same amount of exercise if you are burning fat, rather than burning sugar.

This sentence in Chapter Two jumped out at me: As you increase the percentage of carbohydrates...the percentage and actual amount of fat you consume will diminish. Since I've never really left induction whenever on Atkins, I haven't really considered this. This is something to keep in mind as I plan my meals.

Chapter Three: Try not eating my favorite foods to see if I have intolerance for them and feel better without those foods in my diet. This turns out to be quite true of dairy products. I crave dairy so much but it may be the source of my asthma and other problems. This really bites because I love my cream cheese and all the fun recipes tend to use cream cheese. However, this just simplifies my meals and snacks to the least unprocessed of foods.

Chapter Four: Don't ever go more than six hours without a meal or protein-rich snack. I'm finally clueing in as to just how important protein is, as well as the amount we need each day.

Chapter Five: Many of the key points about insulin are important to me, as well as spreading carb intake throughout the day to avoid blood-sugar spikes. It boils down to this: INSULIN RELEASE = NO WEIGHT LOSS.

Chapter Six: I need to shoot for 20 grams (no less!) of GREAT carbs a day and get back into ketosis.

Chapter Seven: I'll have to take issue with not counting calories for a while, simply because I'm finding out that I'm not getting enough in, whether my diet is good or bad... I'm also going to start using the examples of meals in the book and modify them to plan my own meals.

Chapter Eight: It's also time for me to use the Atkins Carb Counter, plan my meals ahead of time with it, and bring it along with me while grocery-shopping.

Chapter Nine: Fallacy #8 caught my attention for two reasons: post-surgical hypocalcemia and intolerance to dairy products. I'll need to identify and take in more vegetables loaded with calcium. Along with that is anything with more Vitamin D, especially during the winter months, so the calcium is absorbed and used effectively.

[Sherri]

Week One:
1. Considering the Phase you are doing, post the #1 reason you want to lose weight OR the reason you continue to do Atkins.
When I began Atkins, my health was the #1 reason for losing the weight. I can honestly say that, that, is still the reason I continue to do Atkins. Knowing how much my health has improved, just confirms to me, that Atkins is the healthiest woe and "lifestyle" there is. The weightloss is just one of the wonderful benifits of this healthy lifestyle.
2. Read ALL the TIPS and KEY POINTS in chapters 1 - 9. Post the TIPS and/or KEY POINTS from chapters 1 -9 that are most useful to you.
All very important. The ones I listed were extremely relative to me, my weightloss and my health. All were effective in my weightloss journey!

Chapter 1: Key point
1). Most Obesity is the result of metobolic disturbances, not over consumption of fat.
2). By doing Atkins you will control your weight, acheive good health, and help prevent disease.
This certainly has been the case for me.

Chapter 2: Key Points
1). In the last twenty years the incident of lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease has increased by leaps and bounds.
I WAS one of those incidents.

Chapter 3: How you'll succeed
1). Lower your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and improve your other blood chemistry values.
2). Address the medical conditions-especially Diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure--so often associated with obesity.
I am successful at overcoming all of these disorders and diseases.
I reversed my Type-2 Diabetes within 47 days into Extended Induction for it to never return again. That was 4 years ago. All of my Blood chemistry levels are at healthy levels. My blood pressure stablized aswell and i've kicked many medications to the curb and now all is controled by Atkins alone.

Chapter 4: Key Points
1). Atkins is a corrective metobolic approach to metabolic problems.
Absolutely is for me.

Chapter 5: Tips
1). If you don't stablize your blood sugar you will have difficulty losing weight.
2). If you lower your carbohydrate intake you will lower your insiline levels as well as your triglycerides.
3). If you are taking oral diabetes medication or insilin, consult your physician before starting Atkins. You will need to reduce and then monitor your doseage as you lower your blood-sugar level.

This was certainly the case for me and still is. I stablized my blood sugar and the weight just melted off of me. My triglyceride levels are way below a healthy level.
When reducing my Diabetes medication when initially starting Atkins. I new I found the right woe for me! ATKINS!!!

Chapter 7: Tips
1). Spread your carbs out throughout the day to avoid blood-sugar spikes.
I can't stress this one enough. So important!

Chapter 8: Key Points
1). Choosing foods that are low in carb grams, have a low-glycemic index value and are high in antioxidants is your passport to weightloss, increased energy and improved overall health.
I really owe this one to the success I have with Atkins. Choosing foods lower on the GI really helped me reverse my Type-2 Diabetes and melted the weight off consistantly. Dr. Atkins wasn't kidding when he describes the Glycemic Index as a "beautiful tool".
It certainly is for me!

[OzLover]

Week One:
1. Considering the Phase you are doing, post the #1 reason you want to lose weight OR the reason you continue to do Atkins.
As of today I have stepped back to the Induction level. I continue on my Atkins journey not only for physical health but emotional health as for me the two go hand in hand. I feel as though I need a clean 2 week Induction to get me back on the right track & to help me get off the slippery slope I've been on recently. I need to regain control!!
2. Read ALL the TIPS and KEY POINTS in chapters 1 - 9. Post the TIPS and/or KEY POINTS from chapters 1 -9 that are most useful to you.
Chapter 1:
"Studies consistently show that sugar, refined white flour & junk foods are bad for your health, your energy level, your mental state & your figure."

"By doing Atkins you will control your weight, achieve good health & prevent disease."

Chapter 2:
"It is not true that the only way to lose weight is to limit you intake of calories."

"Use a carbohydrate gram counter--such as the one bound into this book--to count carbs."

Chapter 3:
No key points or tips but I love this~~

"That's an ambitious program I've just outlined: I am happy I don't have to warn you that it's going to be difficult. The truth is that as long as you are committed, it's going to be surprisingly easy. And it's going to literally change your life--and your perception of yourself."

Chapter 4:
"The protein and fat -rich foods you eat when doing Atkins stabilize your blood suga, making food cravings disappear."

"Don't ever go more than six hours without having a meal or protein -rich snack."

Chapter 5:
"If you don't stabilzie your blood sugar you will have difficulty losing weight."

Chapter 6:
"Liploysis is the biochemical process of dissolving fat."

Chapter 7:
"Burning body fat has a metabolic advantage over so-called 'balanced' or 'low-fat' diets."

"Numerous studies have reinforced the metabolic advantage of burning fat for energy."

Chapter 8:
"All carbohydrates are not created equal."

"Choosing foods that are low in carb grams, have a low-glycemic index value and are high in anntioxidants is your passport to weight loss, increased energy and improved overall health."

Chapter 9:
Fallacy #3: "The weight lost on the Atkins Nutritional Approach is mostly water, not fat."

Fallacy # 5: "People doing Atkins may feel tired, weak and lacking in energy."

I wish that Dr. Atkins knowledge was not dismissed by the medical profession. Maybe our country would not be in such dire physical/emotional/spiritual health. Yes it is difficult at times but it works!! Lets all do our part & pay it forward!

__________________

[blueberrylady]

1. Considering the Phase you are doing, post the #1 reason you want to lose weight OR the reason you continue to do Atkins.
I started back on Atkins this time when I saw pictures of me holding my newborn granddaughter. I realized that I didn't want her to grow up with the same issues with weight that have plagued me all my life. I want to be fit so I can teach her about our way of life on the farm and let her be strong and fit all her life after I'm gone.

2. Read ALL the TIPS and KEY POINTS in chapters 1 - 9. Post the TIPS and/or KEY POINTS from chapters 1 -9 that are most useful to you.
Chapter 1. Studies consistently show that sugar, refined white flour and junk foods are bad for your health, your energy level, your mental state and your figure.
Chapter 2. Stable blood sugar throughout the day ensures that you will have fewer food cravings or false hunger pains.
Chapter 3. The critical factor is not how much you eat, but what you eat. And if you're overweight, the what is likely an excess of carbohydrates.
Chapter 4. Excess weight around your waist is often the first sign that your body is not metabolizing sugar properly.
You see, your food compulsion isn't a character disorder, it's a chemical disorder called hyperinsulinism, and you have it simply because you've eaten the same unhealthy way that most people in our culture do.
Chapter 5. Atkins can stabilze insulin production to make it easier to lose weight.
Chapter 6. If you've counted calories for so long that you could do it in your sleep, you'll be overjoyed to know that lipolysis allows you to take in more calories and still lose more weight as compared with low-fat, calorie-resticted diets.
Chapter 7. Count carbs, not calories.
Chapter 8. Choosing foods that are low in carb grams, have a low-glycemic index value and are in antioxidants is your passport to weight loss, increased energy and improved overall health.
Chapter 9. I found the answer to Fallacy #7 both pertinent and reassuring because my blood disorder also affects my gallbladder.

[jimmie 48]

I AM THRILLED!!! it's going to take me weeks to read and reread the stuff ya'll have written. EXCELLENT WORK CHALLENGERS!