New to the Board.

[SpookCity_USA]

New to the Board, Not to the Diet.

I've been reading through and browsing this forum for awhile now, thought I'd join.

I've struggled with my weight for about 4 years now, I've been off and on Atkins during this time. A lot of ups & downs, but just recently I finally lost the weight I tried so hard to get rid of. All 75 lbs of it. I'm very strict when it comes to dieting, so I know all of the rules.

Stats:
October 2003. 5'5 = 195 lbs.
October 2005. 5'6 = 120 lbs.

The thing is, I LOVE salad. That seems to be the only thing I crave lately. I haven't cheated (4 months without cheating ) or even added many foods back because of this. I do eat lots and lots of veggies, though. I'm at my goal weight now, but I still feel the need to lose more. I can't stand thinking of gaining any weight back. I'm terrified of it.

I planned on eating a low-carb tortilla this morning, didn't happen. I was too nervous. I know it won't really effect me, it's just that I don't really crave anything anymore. I don't want anything to cause a sugar spike, I don't want get back into the up & down weight deal.

I just want to maintain, but I know I can't stay on the first rung of OWL for the rest of my life, when I'm now at goal.

I love the Atkins Diet and it has really changed my life.

[Sheshy]

Welcome spookcity, and congrats on making your goal! That's awesome.

[cleochatra]

Hi, Spook! It is nice to meet you! I think you are terribly wise for fearing the set-backs and backsliding that so many people fall prey to. So long as you know where you are weak, this truly makes you strong.

Congratulations on your amazing loss and I hope that having you here will prove supportive to you as you consider whether you would like to truly lose more weight, or simply to be with us as a successful Atkineer on Maintenance.

Either way, it is very nice to meet you.

[sallyseachange]

Welcome SpookCity and congrats on your awesome loss...
Sal

[SpookCity_USA]

Aw, thank you all very much!

[jimmie 48]

welcome to the board, spook! you should have been here for halloween! you could have "spooked" us all!
enjoy your adbb journey!

[Kent]

Welcome to the Board! Remember even if all you ever do is want more veggies, do try to hit the other rungs. They don't have to replace the comfortable menu you have set up for yourself, perhaps only highlight it. Try the new foods once or twice a week, and check for your reaction. You don't have to eat strictly the new veggies, nuts, fruits, berries during those rungs, and it is advisable you don't for sure in the beginning. Glad to have you here.

[SpookCity_USA]

Thank you all! Glad to be greeted so warmly.

[tabekat]

Congratulations on your weight loss and your firm resolve. However, being afraid of introducing good foods back into your lifestyle seems an unecessary extreme to me.

It is time to start trusting yourself and your body.

Dr Atkins designed a good program. He knew what he was doing. Work the owl rungs as Dr Atkins has outlined in his books. They are designed to give you plenty of warning should one particular food be a problem.

At your weight you could be on maintenance and enjoying a wide variety of food. Food is not the enemy, it is our friend.

[SpookCity_USA]

You're very right, and I agree with you. I do need to start adding some things back into my daily life. I realize that it's not realistic to restrict myself of things that may not even effect me.
Starting this week I will try to include new foods.
Thanks for all the help!