My birthday present to myself- starting induction today.

[Redheaded Vol]

I turned 37 last week weighing more than 100 pounds over what is healthy for me. I couldn't really have a happy birthday because I'm not happy with myself.

My wonderful husband recently agreed to find the money for us to do some much needed updating to our house, and I started in painting this weekend. By the end of day 1, I was almost crippled because my feet can't take my weight anymore. By the end of day 2, I had made myself sick because I'm so horribly out of shape my body can't handle that amount of physical stress. That is absolutely no way to live a life, and I'm tired of it.

I've recently tried fasting to lose weight quickly and reduce the stress on my body, but my lifestyle makes it almost impossible. I can't take off work to concentrate on the fast or stay away every time my family goes out to eat and sitting there watching them eat isn't conducive to fasting. So I choose Atkins. It is the most practical for me and my family. I know it works for me although I'm a little concerned about losing very slowly since I'm 10 years older than the last time I gave it a real try but I won't know until I get started will I? I also keep reminding myself that if I had been on Atkins for the past weeks/months/years instead of starting and failing everything, I'd be where I need to be now. I'm also VERY concerned about the induction flu. I've had several abandoned attempts at Atkins over the last few years (and 2 just recently) because the flu hits me so hard. But I'm determined to get through it this week and move on. If I have to rest at night when I get home from work, I will- and not feel guilty about it because I DO have a reason that isn't just because I'm so fat and out of shape.

My plan for success this week: Pray a lot. Follow the diet to a perfect T. Only weigh on Sundays so that I don't get discouraged by daily weight changes. Take a loss in inches as a huge victory even if I don't lose pounds. Drink LOTS of water to speed loss but also help speed me through the flu. Do some reasonable weight training at home until I have enough energy to start swimming at the gym. Pray a lot. And just as a little starting boost, since I'm only 2 pounds from my highest weight which was in May 08, I lumped it in as my starting weight- so it feels like I'm making progress already!

[IrishIrish]

Happy Birthday to you !

Yes, you can do this. You want to do it.

I finally found my success with my weight loss when I gave up the control and turned my plans over to Dr. Atkins through DANDR 2002 and followed the Rules of Induction and the Acceptable Food List, exercise, supplementation and keeping my attitude in check through tools I had. I read a lot, avoided people who were not supportive until I had my Atkins legs under me, I prayed and meditated and used guided imagery.

Always know that there are people here who want the same thing for which you are striving. Come back often. Use this community to share your questions, concerns, successes.

May your birthday be a turning point and may next year's birthday give you so much more than this year's! Best wishes.

[JohnC]

Happy Birthday to YOU!! I found the hardest part of this plan was the first 3 days. I am now one month into it and I LOVE the way I feel. I have lost 11 pounds and my blood sugar is under control. Low carb is the only way to go. Stick with it and you will be successful!! Good Luck and God Bless!!