Thinking Of Starting A Local Group

[Waterbabe_Helena]

Where I live there is a Slimming World group and several Weightwatchers. But there is no group for people who are low carbing.

All around town I see some very big people, who are at least 100 lbs overweight. I wonder how many have tried and tried lowfat, starvation, calorie counting diets and dropped off.

So I'd love to start up a group, only for people who are very large, say double the weight they should be, maybe call the group the "Doubles group".

However, I see problems.

One problem is that I am not a good "advert" for Atkins, as I have only 6lbs loss to show for a month's hard work. I wish I could show 30lb loss, what an inspiration I could be for others.

There is a lot of negativity in the UK about lowcarbing, most against Atkins, people are convinced that (a) "our bodies need sugar to survive" (b) it will give you a heart attack (c) eating fat is just bad (d) It does not work.

I can dispel the first three myths but my pathetic 6lbs seems to be "proving" that it doesn't work. Should I wait until I have lost substantial amount (if it ever happens) before starting a group?

I thought that a story in the local press: "323lb lady intends to lose 100lb - who will join her?" would inspire others to join me. But maybe "lady who has lost 100lb can show you" how might be even better.

My intention once the group started would be to make sure everyone buys and reads DANDR - our "Bible" - and to give a weekly talk to dispel, one by one, the nasty myths that have currency in the UK about Atkins. I'd encourage people to come swimming with me, and show them how to do aerobic execises in water.

I'd also like to talk about psychology and physiology: why we overeat, sugar addiction; emotional eating; comfort eating etc. I feel that I have lots and lots to explain and share and that I really can help people.

I'm not looking to make any money from running such a group, I just want to help people who are trapped in the starve-and-binge cycle.

Has anyone else started a group? Can anyone advise me on this?

[Mothercooter]

I just wanted to say that seems like a GREAT idea!!! I wish there was one around here! It would be great for finding exercise partners as well. Its easier when you have several ppl all keeping each other motivated and sharing their successes. I would start one but Im too horribly shy (in person) but who knows...Just might do it eventually. It would be so great to have ppl around that were doing atkins as well. I am the only one I know of in my area (though there has to be more, just not sure how to find them).

[Desertthorn]

I think its a great idea also, and I would join a local Adkins group if I could find one. Go for it, just having buddies to get together and support one another would be awesome.

[believe]

You've made me want to start a low carb group! What a fantastic idea! I've gained a ton of inspiration from my sister who lost a bunch of weight doing low carb a couple years ago! She's a doctor who's had weight problems all her life - like me - and did low fat and vegetarian diets to the letter but never really lost much. I watched as low carb eating transformed her body. Truly amazing. She swears by it. She's a Family Practice Doctor who has to discuss nutrition with people every day. One day, perhaps all doc's will be as enlightened as my sis.

I'm married to a Londoner. He thinks the whole thing is a bunch of hooey (my words not his). But he can't believe the success my sister's had. Now I've lost a full "stone" and he is very impressed. He's stopped having slices of bread with his low carb dinners now. I may be winning him over!

You will win people over too! They all want to believe that low carb really works, it just sounds like it's too good to be true!! Start small and think big! I'd love to find even one person locally who is doing low carb!

Give it a go! Let us know what happens!

[Waterbabe_Helena]

Thanks for replying.

Trouble is, I'm just not losing weight at the rate I ought to be. I have gained 3lb since yesterday despite being 100% cheat free, total weight loss in 22 days on induction: 3lb.

[Richt]

Its a shame we don't live closer, Helena. I would be interested in joining you. I had the same idea a couple of years ago but didnt know where to start so just let the idea fall to the side.

Rich

[stephbob]

I thought of doing the same thing in South Wales last year, but since I wasn't allowed to relate any part of the group to Atkins, I just gave up lol. It's a shame because I know it would have worked so well, because a lot of people in my village at least, have tried Atkins, but not had the support or advice they needed, and they aren't online, so atkins university couldn't help them.

[kkat55]

I think this is a great idea too. I put a post up in www.meetup.com (Christine gave this link to me) to see if anyone may be interested in my area. It is a rural village and the two closest cities may be too far for meetings. I thought it might be fun to meet once a week, every other week or at least once a month.

[Waterbabe_Helena]

I just followed that link and --- WOW! Never knew it existed! Thanks!

[Tryin2lose]

I love the idea, and I would attend a meeting like that if it were available. I think you could start a group at any point in your weightloss journey. Perhaps study up on how some other groups do it and then go for it!