Is this a good place to start?

[xdream73]

I am new here, I've only had one other post and am a bit overwhelmed with the amount of information on the board, although I should add that it has been my saving grace!!

About a month and a half ago my best friend who lives in Melbourne, Australia, calls me up and says he coming to the States in September and he's taking me to Vegas for my birthday!! My stomach just sank at the thought of how many pics he was going to want to take of me/us and how horrible I was going to look in them! So...I immediately decide to diet. I got on a generalized "eat better" plan, with no real emphasis and did ok for the first week or two, but knew I would need to find something more stable.

My sister and my friend had both done very well on Atkins and as much as I thought I could never live without mashed potatoes, I thought I might as well give it a try. I immediately, prior to educating myself of this WOE, stopped eating all "obvious" carbs...and I lost a couple more pounds. I would say I officially started Atkins about a month ago and have done well so far. So far it's looking like just under 20 lbs lost...and two pants sizes!! Yeah!

I did stall out for a week or two, and shock of all shocks, it was because I wasn't eating enough fat!! How many people can say that? I will be honest, my original plan was fast weight loss, and all the naysayers I encountered had me convinced that I would just do this "diet" until I went to Vegas...then I would eat whatever I wanted...and come back and join Weight Watchers. Well, I can tell you from my heart that if I never lose another pound, I'll never stop this WOE. I love how I feel, I love how I look! I still have at LEAST 80 lbs to go, but I feel thinner than I have in probably 15 years! I can't stop preaching to everyone that they should try it...but I don't think they can SEE the results yet, as most of them are internal and mental. They will though, and then I will get them hooked just like I am!

I do, however, have some concerns. Although I am still losing, my loss is inconsistent and not what I really would expect still being on induction. I THINK I am still doing something wrong. I realize people have ups and downs, but I plan to post a menu and have it critiqued just to be sure I'm not sabotaging myself.

I went from sleeping every last second I could in the morning and being tired all day long, to waking up EVERY morning to work out before workand I'm still full of energy ALL DAY LONG! I get up at 4 AM now to start my routine and I make sure I eat breakfast every morning (which is actually just 4 strips of bacon...but it's a start). I was habitually driving through McDonald's for breakfast before this.

My fitness routine currently is M/W/F at Curves, T/Th/Su on the treadmill at home. This coupled with working full time, going to school full time, and being a single mother to a 7 year old who thinks she's 16 is enough!!

Anyway, I want to say hi and introduce myself. I am not sure where to go next or how to immerse myself fully into this community but I figured this was a good place to start. Now...I'm off to find myself a mentor!!!

[love2beeamom]

Welcome to the boards. Sounds like you are off to a great start. And I must say, what a great job with the exercise!! Post a menu if you have concerns and someone will give you feedback..

Again, good job, keep up the good work!! :wave

[Elizellen]

Hello Xdream :wave
Welcome to our ha family of losers :yikes

It looks as if you are off to a great start :joy

I look forward to sharing your Atkins journey to better health and wellbeing - as well as hearing about your Vegas trip!! lol

[Isabeau]

Hi and welcome. I'm exhausted just reading about your busy life! I know you'll find this a very supportive place to be.

[iwillbethin]

Welcome to ADBB! You will get plenty of advice and motivation here! Look forward to seeing your progress!

[cruiser gal]

Welcome aboard! Sounds like you're off to a great start! Excercising is wonderful, and will make you feel refreshed. Don't forget the WATER. That is just as important! Looking forward to hearing you're successes!

[xdream73]

Originally Posted by cruiser gal

Welcome aboard! Sounds like you're off to a great start! Excercising is wonderful, and will make you feel refreshed. Don't forget the WATER. That is just as important! Looking forward to hearing you're successes!

Oh...I've been drinking PLENTY of water!! Most of the time I think I can hear myself sloshing! But that reminds me...when I get absolutely disgusted with plain water (which I do about 3/4 through my work day) is Crystal Light ok? I have been adding one of those On The Go packets and it really helps me get the last bit of my water down. It says no carbs, but I just want to be sure.

[Johari]

I'm cracking up at your description of your daughter. I have an 8-year old daughter who thinks she's 16, too!

[america57]

Welcome! Wow, you sure are busy! What kind of sweetner is in Crystal Light? We try to stick with Splenda, cause that is what Dr. Atkins recommened and no more than 3 servings a day.

I was in Las Vegas in January. Let me warn you there is lots and lots of walking involved! You should really work at getting in shape to walk. You walk the strip and then, when you go into these big hotels, you walk for miles inside them. It is great fun if you have the stamina to keep up!