New year, new age, new me

[Twilight]

Hello ADBB. My name is Victoria.

That's right, today is a series of new beginnings for me. Today is my first day of a new year of school. I'll be a junior in highschool. Today is also my 16th birthday. And today I am starting Atkins because I want the changes to be complete with better self image.

All my life I've been overweight. I'm currently ~205-210 pounds, though not many would believe me if I told them. I don't have people trouble. I'm fairly popular at my school in that most people know my name due to the fact that I am in several various clubs. People like to be around me because I try to make things interesting. And I've never really been made fun of about my weight or size by anyone except my brother, who I don't take seriously.

Butat 5'6" and 210 pounds, I'm in the "morbidly obese" range. Isn't that a pleasant and upbeat name? Anyway, I kind of need to do this and do it right.

I know the basics and everything. The only difficulty I am having is that... meals seem to consist of meats, and I am a vegetarian and have been for quite some time.

Is anyone else on here a vegetarian? And can anyone offer some nice, non-meat recipes and meal plans?

Thanks a bunch.
Victoria

[Adena]

Hi, Victoria. I'm not a vegetarian, but I know there are folks on here that are (sorry I can't remember anyone's name off hand). However, this meat-eater just wanted to say WELCOME and Happy Birthday!

I've been overweight all my life. I wish I had done like you are and gotten a handle on it when I was in highschool. Like you, I wasn't really teased or adversely affected externally, but internally, I was always overcompensating, always comparing myself to others. Other people didn't have to make me miserable about my weight -- I did that just fine on my own, thank you very much!

I'm pretty sure there is a vegetarian forum, which you may have found already. If not, take a look... I'm sure there's lots of great information -- and fellow veggie-lovers -- there to help you.

Good for you for taking this big step -- you can do it!! Best of luck and do keep up posted on your progress. Take care!

[boonie stomper]

On induction it will be a little trickier for you as a vegetarian, but if you aren't a strict one it will be easier. On induction, you want 65% of the total day's calories to be fats, 30% protein, and 5% carbs. With a 20 net carb limit, and your veggies limited to 3 cups, plus olives, avocados, herbs & spices, your choices are limited during this phase. Then when you get into OWL, you get more.

Do you eat cheese, eggs or seafood?

[Twilight]

I actually eat all three of those things (eggs, cheese, and seafood). I'm not very strict. I mostly stay away from red meats, poultry, and things like lamb and pork (which I think are technically white meats).

I know it's going to be hard. But I'm willing to do it.

[Twilight]

Thank you, Adena.

[boonie stomper]

OK I totally missed the Adena thing

You shouldn't have trouble at all finding good things to eat. Eggs, cheese, and seafood (including shellfish) are all legal on induction (though limited for some foods). You can also use some cream. I often simmer my veggies then add some fish or clams. Parmesan is a great topper, and omelets with veggies are perfect any time of day. Cream cheese and celery with hardboiled egg is good too. Once you get past 2 weeks you can start up the rungs adding in additional foods.

[Twilight]

Oops.. Looks like I responded to the wrong comment. Adena left a comment also, and I was thanking her. My bad.

And thanks for the advice.

[Adena]

You're welcome, Victoria. You might want to consider setting a "mini-goal" (and putting it in your signature). When you have a lot you want to lose -- like us! -- breaking it down into smaller chunks (pun not intended!) REALLY helps a lot!

Hope to see news of your progress very soon.

Take care!

[Twilight]

Will do. Thanks.

EDIT

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