Hi. I am new and this is my story

[Crisco - Fat in the Can!]

Hello everyone! I am overweight...no brainer, that is why I am here! I started Atkins on 8/15/06 and I have lost 5 lbs. I started my TOM and the weight is all back with no cheating! I know I should have stayed off of the scale but how else are you going to know if the diet is working? I am hoping that in a week or so the weight will have come back off along with hopefully another pound. Do you women out there experience the weight gain during this time?

I am 5' 5" and I weigh 180 lbs. I would like to lose at least 45 lbs. I have never been more depressed in all my life about my weight. I have never been this heavy and I hope that this diet works. I could really use some words of wisdom and encouragement. I try to read as many posts I can here to help me along.

Well, short and sweet. Thanks for reading!

[Crisco - Fat in the Can!]

P.S. I have tried several "diets" before giving this one a try... I am remaining hopeful!

[La_La]

Welcome welcome, first I think you should stop thinking at this as a Diet and adapt to it as a way of life It Does Work, but like anything in life worth while and good this way of life takes a commitment.

1) get the book if you haven't already
read , read and then re-read.
2) print out the acceptable foods list from the induction form
3) follow it to a T- drink drink and drink More Water
4) Get up and move

I would also strongly advise to start a weight loss Journal or a STats journal to keep your progress and hold you accountable... post your menus

there are lots and lots and lots of wonderful people around here

check out the before/after pics for motivation...

[Crisco - Fat in the Can!]

Thanks for the welcome. I have done all of the above so I am on the right track!

[DragonflyMoon]

Welcome to ADBB, Crisco! Lot's of us ladies fluctuate during our TOM, so stay off of that scale until you are finished! Drink lots of water, and listen to La-La's wonderful advice. Keep us posted on your journey to a new you! Good luck!

[msnicksmom]

Welcome! Can't wait to see your progress!

Yes, TOM is a variable for many women, due to water retention, hormones, cravings for sweets, cravings for more, just to name a few.

You are doing great! But, I have to address:

how else are you going to know if the diet is working

Do you FEEL better? Have more energy? Clothes fit better? Have less appetite or a more accurate picture of hunger? Have fewer cravings? Have more control/observation of your choices? Loss of blood sugar swing symptoms such as shakiness, fatigue, irritability, moodiness or hyperactivity?

If any of these are answered yes...IT'S WORKING. Stick to it, and watch the miracle happen.

[dreamof145]

WELCOME. So happy you've joined us in quest to get healthy and lose weight. We all come here wondering if it will work, but if you do it....it works. I was skeptical at first, but I'm so happy I never gave up.

You've already been advised that TOM is not the time to weigh yourself. Just drink your water, eat the acceptable foods and you'll do fine!! Keep us posted on your progress, we all want to see you succeed!!

[lowcarbing4ever]

I agree with everyone. TOM puts on about 5-9 lbs of water weight and the worse time to weigh yourself. I put on 6 lbs every month and then after Aunt Flo makes her exit, I lose it in about 3-5 days. So don't despair, it is just retention. Plus if you follow Atkins like you are supposed to and drink plenty of water, usually you get a weight loss whooshie along with losing your TOM water weight. So stop checking the scale, young lady and be a good girl! lol! Wait your full 14 days and you will be pleasantly surprised.

Also you need to remember, the scale is NOT an indication of how you are losing. Like msnicksmom says, are you feeling better? more energy? That is what you go by, not numbers. One thing you will have to learn doing Atkins--well, any plan actually--is not to let the numbers on a scale dictate your mood for the day or week. You are not a number. You will fail if you keep setting your feelings of your success on your scale. Just follow the plan, come post in here, feel good about yourself and measure success on how different and better you feel eating healthier and changing your life.

[boonie stomper]

TOM ALWAYS STANDS ON THE SCALE WITH ME if I weigh when TOM's around. So I don't weigh anymore when he's around. Same thing, if I've had a lot of salt recently, or an arduous workout. Scales can make you think you are'nt losing fat when you are, because they include water, muscle and what's in transit through your system in the number.

Welcome to ADBB!

[2big4mysize]

welcome to ADBB and to Atkins.

There is a reason Dr Atkins says stay off the scales till the 14 days are over. that way you can experience Atkins shock and awe.

weigh loss isn't a linear function you are going to have down days no movement days and even some up days but the overall direction of your scale movement will be downward if you are following the rules, eating only enough food to satisfy your hunger at the time you are eating, doing the mandatory exercise, drinking your water and taking the supplements you need.

Also make friends with your tape measure so you can see the inches of fat melting off your body when the scale won't vaildate your hard work.

Happy low carbing