Tips to make this WOE easier to manage

[JulieB]

Hi everyone,

I've done a couple things that have made some of the more time consuming parts of this WOE a little easier to manage on a busy schedule & thought it would be nice if we all shared tips to help each other out.

When I get back from grocery shopping, I cut all of my cheese into 1oz pieces so I don't have to weigh/measure every time I use it.

I have a copy of the acceptable foods for induction on my fridge & have added carb counts to it so I don't have to look them up every time I use them!

I have a spreadsheet with favorite meals & their ingredients & carb/veggie counts listed - helps me choose something fast & eat a good variety.

As suggested on this board by many *smart* people:
I use Fitday.com to keep track of my food & exercise.

I avoid sweets (incl splenda) & have not had cravings for them since the 2nd day.

Julie

[Sunny_0ne]

Julie, planning is the biggest predictor for success on Atkins, and I am very impressed with yours!

You will probably end up being one of our star losers!

Good luck!

[imagood1]

Julie -- have you been to the recipe sites to get more delicious legal food suggestions? When I first started this WOE I wouldn't eat stuffed green peppers but I went to Linda's recipe site, saw her recipe and figured if I didn't like the pepper I could at least eat the insides and would be ok....much to my surprise I LOVE the stuffed green peppers and have made them several times. My husband and mother (who aren't on the plan) love them too.

In the next few weeks you will notice your tastebuds changing and foods starting to taste differently -- this was one of the greatest times for me because for years I just ate what was put in front of me, what was easy to cook or the #3 on the menu board at the fast food place. Now I enjoy the flavors of my meals and I'm starting to use different spices also.

What type of exercise are you doing? And how much clear water are you drinking each day? I am a big proponent for planning ahead - when I first started I made half of my meals ahead for a week (something new each day) - each night after dinner I make out my meal plan for the next day so I don't get messed up and grab something I shouldn't eat. I've also learned while I'm preparing my meal I drink water so when I sit down I'm not ravenous ... this has helped keep my hunger at bay and has also made it easier to get my water in each day (I drink 150 ounces a day minimum). I have a cup (maybe 2) of decaf coffee with breakfast then start drinking water...when I get my water in for the day I can have a cup of decaf tea or maybe another coffee. I have only drank 3 cans of Diet Rite since I started this WOE and when I have had them I can't finish them (they taste nasty) so I have 6 cans sitting in the garage because no one wants them...LOL!!!

I wish you much luck and success on your journey!!

[imagood1]

I forgot to put the links for the recipe sites in -- sorry!!


Linda's Low Carb Menus & Recipes - Daily Menus
Sheila's Low Carb, Atkins & Induction Friendly *ORIGINAL* Recipes Page!
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...n-recipes.html (Never ending induction recipes)
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...pes-added.html (Induction Recipe Basics--More recipes added)

[JulieB]

Hi Carole (Water Queen),

You bet I've been to the recipe sites...I love to cook almost as much as I love to eat.

Stuffed Green Peppers are on the menu for Wed! I'm also making taco salad, portabello pizza, Garlic shrimp & a bunch of other good stuff. I've never been able to eat the same thing more than twice in a row - I need variety, and I have been getting it, but its a fair bit of work! I'm sure it'll get easier when I don't have to look everything up.

I have been drinking 1 cup of decaf, ~150oz water & the occasional (2 so far) cup of herb tea.

I am mostly walking - I've been walking 30-45 mins on my lunch breaks since early March with a co-worker. I also walk my dog, we did 1.5 miles today. We also have a stationary bike and a treadmill, but I generally enjoy getting outside when possible (we get a whole lotta winter around here - so we tend to take advantage of snow-free months to get outdoors!). I'm going to try riding the bike 1/2 hour/day (justifies watching TV ) & see how that goes.

My hubby is on day 1 today, and I know that his help & support will be a big boost for me.

2 more days before the scale (&tape measure) tells me how well this is working.

Julie

[bikinidreams]

Great tips! I'm with you, I avoided artificial sweeteners (except Stevia from time to time) and have had no cravings for sweets. I went shopping the past few days, and had no trouble avoiding Harry and David samples, chocolate and candy stores, and Mrs. Fields in the mall! Just walkin' on by... Thank goodness for Atkins!

[imagood1]

Originally Posted by JulieB

Hi Carole (Water Queen),

You bet I've been to the recipe sites...I love to cook almost as much as I love to eat.

Stuffed Green Peppers are on the menu for Wed! I'm also making taco salad, portabello pizza, Garlic shrimp & a bunch of other good stuff. I've never been able to eat the same thing more than twice in a row - I need variety, and I have been getting it, but its a fair bit of work! I'm sure it'll get easier when I don't have to look everything up.

I have been drinking 1 cup of decaf, ~150oz water & the occasional (2 so far) cup of herb tea.

I am mostly walking - I've been walking 30-45 mins on my lunch breaks since early March with a co-worker. I also walk my dog, we did 1.5 miles today. We also have a stationary bike and a treadmill, but I generally enjoy getting outside when possible (we get a whole lotta winter around here - so we tend to take advantage of snow-free months to get outdoors!). I'm going to try riding the bike 1/2 hour/day (justifies watching TV ) & see how that goes.

My hubby is on day 1 today, and I know that his help & support will be a big boost for me.

2 more days before the scale (&tape measure) tells me how well this is working.

Julie

Julie -- I'm so proud of you!!! You are going to do well on this program because of being so organized. I know what you mean about winter months being tough - we don't get near the "winter" here than when I lived is Western NY but it's still long enough!! Good for you taking the dog for a walk and walking during lunch. The more movement you do the more you will be rewarded!!!!

I need a smiley with a tiara and a glass of water...LOL!!!! Yes I am the Water Queen....or Aqua Mom...LOL!! Keep up the great work -- I'm glad hubby is there with you!! Keep in touch!!

[JulieB]

Originally Posted by bikinidreams

...I avoided artificial sweeteners (except Stevia from time to time) and have had no cravings for sweets. I went shopping the past few days, and had no trouble avoiding Harry and David samples, chocolate and candy stores, and Mrs. Fields in the mall! Just walkin' on by... Thank goodness for Atkins!

I have to admit - my mouth watered a bit when I saw a Dairy Queen Blizard commercial today. I got over it pretty quick tho.