Allow myself to introduce myself

[BornToWin]

Well, I am very versed in dieting as I assume most of the people here are. I tried Veganism, Caloric Restriction, Juicing, etc., etc. I was very closed minded to Atkins until I read the books. After reading one, I read all of them. I am ready to give this a shot. I have faith it will work even though faith isn't necassary, this is science.

Right now here are my stats:
Male
6'0
31yo
235 lbs.
30% BF

My goals:
Stay as tall as I am
Stay 25yo.
190 lbs
Low BF% around 10-12

My advantages:
I love eating fatty foods.
I love green veggies.
I exercise.
I studied this diet for about a year now.
I am already big on supplementation.

My obstacles:
In a transition phase vocationally. Going from employee to self-employed. So money can be funny at times.
I have a roomate that is a carb addict and has carbs all over the kitchen. Lots of sugary treats like cupcakes, brownies, etc.
I have occasional sweet tooth attacks.

Current health problems I am aware of:
Hypertension (160/99)
Smoking addiction (pack a day)
Low HDL (39 last check)
High Triglycerides (198 last check)

I believe Atkins can alleviate all of them but smoking which I have to do on my own. I will be hanging here often for support.

Thanks.

[MotherOfGizmo]

Welcome to the board! I like your goal of "staying as tall as I am" LOL--I hope I do too, I'm only 5'4" and I sure don't wanna start shrinking in height!

[BornToWin]

Originally Posted by BornToWin

Current health problems I am aware of:
Hypertension (160/99)
Smoking addiction (pack a day)
Low HDL (39 last check)
High Triglycerides (198 last check)

I believe Atkins can alleviate all of them but smoking which I have to do on my own. I will be hanging here often for support.

Thanks.

I was surfing the board about smoking and found this:
Nicotine and Atkins

I guess Atkins can help with smoking!

[Iapetus999]

Welcome to the boards!
Well Atkins may help with the smoking...but as long as you keep smoking you won't get as many health improvements.
I'm sure you know the smoking is worse for your health than the weight. But probably harder to control.

BTW out of all the Atkins books, this web site has endorsed Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution 2002 Edition. We feel it's the closest to what Dr. A wanted and has the best advice.
Also read the FAQ's and stickies because we've learned some things Dr. A didn't know about when he wrote the book. (compounded from 10's of 1000's of posts on this site)

Good Luck!

[jroche5998]

Welcome to the board!

I like your first goal, long term (65 years worth) that one might be tough to keep. LOL

Originally Posted by BornToWin

Current health problems I am aware of:
Hypertension (160/99)
Smoking addiction (pack a day)
Low HDL (39 last check)
High Triglycerides (198 last check)

Quit smoking in addition to this diet and the first problem should go away very quickly.
The HDL should rise with this plan, mine went from 28 to 43.
The triglycerides should plummet, mine went from 323 to 88.

So what problems can't be solved?

Good luck!

[2big4mysize]

welcome to the board and to Atkins.

Your health should improve as you become the healthier smaller person you want to be. haven't found a low carb cure ofr smoking yet but it can help you with that hand to mouth habit getting out of control when you do quit.

[knicknack]

I think atkins helps with quitting smoking in a roundabout way: You get willpower and motivation to do one thing (atkins) which leads to another (exercise) which makes you want to improve your life (however you want, including smoking!).

That's the theory anyway!

[loser4life]

Welcome!!!!! Good luck with Atkins, and hopefully all that willpower and motivation you get from seeing a loss will help you quit smoking too!!!

[Desertthorn]

Great post. Welcome to the board and glad that you found us. There is one lady on this board who started Atkins and quit smoking the same day. Maybe she will pop in to give you some encouragement. If not, check down below to the addictions forum and join with those LOSERS LOL
I smoked for 30 years and decided that I had two choices, smoke or breath. So I chose the latter. You can do anything that you put your mind to.

[knicknack]

I just had to say this:

"I'm a man....of wealth..and taste"

I can't stop singing that every time i see the title of this journal. ;-P