Hi Everyone

[Film Floosey]

HI,
I just started the induction phase today....but sadly, i didnt make it past dinner. I opened my fridge and realized that just about everything in there is a big no no. So i have decided to wait until my next grocery shopping trip to officially start. That way i'll actually have something to eat!
Anyways!
I'm just wondering if anyone can give me some pointers on doing this diet and feeding a 3 year old at the same time....i'm not a big fan of the idea of cooking 2 different meals each time we eat.

Thanks.

[Laker75]

Hello and welcome!

I feed a feisty 5-year-old and an even fiester dh quite comfortably on this plan. It's pretty simple actually - I usually just make some kind of side (which my son doesn't seem to have much use for anyway) such as rice, potatoes, bread, pasta to go along with whatever I've decided to have that night. Luckily, both my boys are huge fans of shrimp, which is one of my staples. Breakfasts are even easier. Either he can have what mama's having, or choose toast, cereal, etc.

If you're concerned about how you will react to being around those pesky side dishes and desserts for the first little while (until your cravings are gone), I would make them up now, and freeze/store them in individual portions, so you don't have to face preparing them until you are feeling more ready, and prep is as easy as popping them in the microwave. Just a thought.
Looking forward to hearing how things are going for you once you get started. Best of luck to you and your little one.

S.

[Film Floosey]

Thanks so much for those great ideas...i never would have thought about freezing some side dishes for her.

Well last nite, after i made my post about falling off the wagon on the first day, i gave into 3 homemade cookies . And i got sick, not just a little....i mean i got sick! So i'm happy to report, that i'm back on again today....and rather scared to try eatting something high in sugar again. lol

So here's to another day!

[dreamof145]

Congratulations on realizing that you need to prepare to succeed! Make sure you choice foods that you like and will enjoy eating. Make a mental note to not feel deprived from the 'old negative foods' such as chips, desserts and sodas. Instead rejoice over the positive changes that are going to take place in your body with the new habits you are making. You can do this. It gets easier as you do it. We are all here 24/7 with advice, comments, suggestions, challenges, motivating stories and photos and friendship to encourage you!!! Best wishes!!

[tkdhabidah]

Great advice from Laker! I, too, have a 3 year old (and a 1 year old), and I do the same. And if they have a craving for something LOADED in carbs, like spaghetti, I just have a yummy chef salad with lotsa meat, so I keep that stuff stocked in the fridge for me. As a mom, we always put ourselves last, even on the grocery list, but I force myself to challenge that way of thinking at the store...For example, I am 1 of 4 in my house, so 1/4 of the grocery budget is mine for yummy Atkins food! And I love it! It's kinda fun to be selfish for a change!

Well, welcome and good luck! And when you feel like cheating, remember, "Nothing tastes as good as healthy looks and feels!

See you around the boards!
Kristi

[I lost it]

I agree with the advice that has been given to you. My motto is "If you aren't making preparation for success,you are making plans for failure". Good luck as you enter this journey.

[staziaw]

I know this may be well ahead of the game, but as you progress through the rungs, you will be adding more and more veggies, fruit, nuts, legumes, and grains. Maybe start thinking about ways to change your family's diet by adding in better and different carbs, so that when you hit maintenance, you are all eating the same thing. If you're experimenting with spaghetti squash, heck, have the whole family in on it! Just a thought!!

Good luck and I'm looking forward to watching your progress!

[mslisa]

good luck!!

[ValidRouge]

Welcome aboard! You simply MUST detox your cupboards, refrigerator and freezer. Get rid of the junk food...donate it to a food bank if you must. Clean everything that you can't have out of the house. Make a shelf for your foods, or for your daughter's foods. If you get it OUT of the house, you wont be tempted. Are there foods that she likes that you don't? Buy those foods for her.

As far as cooking for the both of you, I like the idea of making her small side dishes that are frozen and then reheated. Make her meats more lean cuts, make yourself a quick sauce on the side (butter, parmesean and cream makes a great alfredo). Vegetables are good for the both of you. Just think, you'll be teaching her healthy eating habits at a young age. Fix her whole grain sides and starchy vegetables so that she gets those in her diet.

Make sure that you do stock up on foods that you can have. Browse the recipe forums (the food and cooking chat is AWESOME) so that you are more excited about YOUR food than hers. It makes all the difference in the world.

You CAN do this!!!

[Film Floosey]

Thank you for all the great advice, i've certainly learned quite a bit in the last few days. And i must admit...i dont get tempted by any of my daughters "treats" at all....maybe i'm just a freak. lol

Good luck to all.

-Angie