Help me....need support!

[lilbear]

Hi,
Well, I really think I am ready to do Atkins. I did it about 8 years ago and was very successful (-60lbs). I have since had two children and really need to lose weight. I am about 100lbs. overweight.
The problem is that I have been analyzing so many different diets that my brain is fried and I am very confused. My family is against my doing Atkins again because of the negative press regarding kidney damage, etc. It is very difficult to get myself ready and motivated when I feel like I am not supported.
The crazy thing is-my Mother was recently diagnosed with diabetes. At her latest meeting with the dietician she was told to watch her carbs! And not to eat anything with more then 15 grams of carbs/serving. Wouldn't you think she would get my wanting to do Atkins again? She follows the G.I. diet and of course thinks that is what I should do.
Thanks for lending me your ear. Any input is very appreciated!

[julirama723]

Lil, the best thing you can do, if you are interested in Atkins, is to read Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution (2002 edition). The book explains the hows and whys of the diet, the science behind it, as well as detailed explanations of each phase of the plan. Atkins is more than Induction!

Those with kidney/renal problems should not follow Atkins, but a person with healthy kidney function who follows the plan would have no problems. There are some who claim that Atkins made them unhealthy--but they weren't doing ATKINS, they were doing NO-carb/high-protein/some other variation that put their bodies at risk.

Atkins is VERY specific about healthy practices that no one can argue with. These are some basics of induction:

1) Minimum of 8 glasses of water per day
2) Regular exercise
3) Avoid trans-fats
4) Avoid caffiene/coffee/soda
5) Eat until you are satisfied, NOT until you are stuffed or gorged
6) 3 cups of veggies per day

As you go on further in the plan, you incorporate many new foods. For instance, because I've followed Atkins correctly, I've introduced basically everything back into my diet again, except white flour, white sugar, and white rice. This morning for breakfast I had oatmeal with sliced strawberries and pecans. That's probably something you'd find on any other healthy eating plan, right? During OWL (Ongoing Weight Loss, the main weight-loss phase of Atkins) these new foods are re-introduced in a specific order, and I've actually discovered many foods I used to eat regularly or DAILY (like potatoes) that I actually cannot tolerate at all or in certain amounts.

I will say that I've never eaten so many veggies since I've started Atkins! It's more than just eggs and bacon.

So, read the book, check out the board, decide if it's something you're willing to commit to. And if others attack the plan, have THEM read the book, too. Usually those who attack it have absolutely no knowledge of what Atkins really is.

Best of luck!

[kisstuck]

I have nothing to add to juli's excellent explanation! There is no greater influence than seeing for yourself the AWESOME success juli has had. I ditto her!!

[fit2Btied]

If you are looking for support you have definately come to the right place. This board has helped so many. Hope you give Atkins a try!

[sallyseachange]

Welcome!
I'll ditto Juli too. She said it all.
Atkins is not a diet... it's a lifestyle change. It's healthy and satisfying. Hope you make a decision to do this, one of the most successful health plans ever.

[SandyL2002]

Welcome to the board.. I have a friend that was pre-diabetic and she lost 50lbs limiting her carbs to 15 per meal.. It helped her and kept her off medicine... She then went on to Atkins

[lilbear]

Thank you everyone! I am looking forward to starting this journey. Like I said I have done Atkins before and loved the results. Plus, I think if I have to count "points" again I will lose my mind. I found Atkins very easy to live with after the initial cravings disappeared.
I guess I will just try to keep it under my hat for awhile. Maybe once they see results they will be more supportive!

[julirama723]

I don't tell a lot of people I follow Atkins. I didn't tell ANYONE except my boyfriend in the beginning. I would tell people "I gave up sugar", "I gave up soda", "I gave up refined flours and sugars", etc. I figured it's *MY* business what I choose to eat, not theirs.

But as I've lost more and more weight and gotten healthier, people at work are asking me for my "secret" and they seem so sad when I tell them I eat healthy foods and exercise regularly. They're always hoping for a miracle cure. But I've also started telling people that I follow Atkins, now that they see me with almost 80 pounds gone! I get a chance to explain the great foods I eat, how I don't get mood swings or migraines or cravings any more, and how I feel completely satisfied with all of my food choices.

I don't know about you, but I think fat-free food tastes like crap. You should see the people drool when I eat my lunch.