So Ready To Get Started!

[Readyforskinny]

I could not be more excited about starting Adkins! It's something I have been thinking about for a while and yesterday I went out and bought the book, read it up to the Induction Phase, and now I am getting started.

My story is that I am 23 years old and was always normal, healthy sized (not skinny, but no where near chubby/fat). When I graduated high school in 2002 I was 5'10:, 160-something pounds, and comfortable in a size 10 jean.

During my sophomore year of college, my parents went through a nasty divorce, and I found comfort and solace in food...and I never exercised. So I quickly packed on the +20 lbs. that I am looking to lose now.

So, here I am two years later, newly married (just this past June). Last night, I mentioned to my husband that I was going to start the Adkins diet and I could read the relief on his face. Apparently, he had been wanting to say something to me about my weight for awhile, but didn't want to be insensitive (he himself is an athlete and in great shape). So, I cried and cried for hours realizing that letting myself gain this weight is embarassing to me and my awesome man.

My stats, I am 5'10" with a medium build and I currently weigh, gulp, 184.4 lbs. I am wearing size 14 jeans. My goal is to lose 24 lbs, taking me down to 160 lbs. and to reevaluate my weight then, I may want to work on 5 more pounds to hit 155, but I doubt I'll want to go any lower than that. In addition to strictly following the rules of the Induction plan over the next few weeks, I am also going to be starting a regular exercise program (3-4 days per week). Here's a recent picture taken earlier this month:



(I'm all the way on the left)

and one with my husband on our honeymoon this past June:



I am hoping that my young age will be on my side and that I can see some real results quickly. But regardless, I am committed to returning to my slim self and keeping my weight in check for life. Can't wait to be comfortable in my own skin again!

ANY AND ALL ADVICE will be much appreciated! I know I have a lot to learn and I am excited to get started! I would love to know what I can expect over the next few months.

[julirama723]

Ready--
Glad you're here! You will learn SO much from this board--it's always hear as a listening ear, support system, and reference section. Have you read Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution yet? It's a must. Not only does it outline each of the 4 phases, it explains the science behind the plan, and why it works. Other advice I have--exercise regularly and drink AT least 8 glasses of water a day, and more if possible.

Wishing you success!

[ValidRouge]

ReadyforSkinny,

You've come to the right place for support and all things Atkins! I'm 5'10 too with a large frame. I'm wearing size 12 at 196 lbs right now. One awesome thing about atkins is you can actually look smaller and wear smaller sizes at a higher weight. It's got to be an increase in lean body mass.

Re-read the induction chapter in DANDR a couple times and then go ahead and continue reading about the Ongoing Weight Loss phase. Since you've only got 20 something pounds to lose, you'll move into adding foods back right away. The point of that is to learn how to customize your Atkins plan so that you can stick to it for life, and eat healthy for life.

I find the Atkins Way of Eating (WOE) incredibly satisfying and rewarding in so many ways besides just losing weight. My health, both physical and mental, has improved in so many ways. I'm sure you'll find that as well.

[Readyforskinny]

Originally Posted by julirama723

Ready--
Glad you're here! You will learn SO much from this board--it's always hear as a listening ear, support system, and reference section. Have you read Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution yet? It's a must. Not only does it outline each of the 4 phases, it explains the science behind the plan, and why it works. Other advice I have--exercise regularly and drink AT least 8 glasses of water a day, and more if possible.

Wishing you success!

Thank you for repyling! I went out and bought DANDR yesterday and have read all the way up the Induction chapter. So I am really excited by the science behind this method. The drastic diet of the Induction doesn't scare me a bit...so that's nice. Thanks for the advice ont he water. I am on my fourth glass of the day right now, really trying to keep drinking more and more!

[Readyforskinny]

Originally Posted by ValidRouge

ReadyforSkinny,

You've come to the right place for support and all things Atkins! I'm 5'10 too with a large frame. I'm wearing size 12 at 196 lbs right now. One awesome thing about atkins is you can actually look smaller and wear smaller sizes at a higher weight. It's got to be an increase in lean body mass.

Re-read the induction chapter in DANDR a couple times and then go ahead and continue reading about the Ongoing Weight Loss phase. Since you've only got 20 something pounds to lose, you'll move into adding foods back right away. The point of that is to learn how to customize your Atkins plan so that you can stick to it for life, and eat healthy for life.

I find the Atkins Way of Eating (WOE) incredibly satisfying and rewarding in so many ways besides just losing weight. My health, both physical and mental, has improved in so many ways. I'm sure you'll find that as well.

You look fantastic, just so you know. Thanks for the advice. I guess I really don't care about my weight number so much as I do care about the way I look and feel, and fit in my clothes. I hope that I get back to my old weight quickly and that I never let myself neglect my health and weight again. This board has already been an inspiration.

[dreamof145]

Hello - Welcome!! You've definitely come to the right place to get motivation and support. This is the best place for meeting others who are making it happen - you will learn so much from everyone here.

Having a journal to write down your meals, weight and measurements is very helpful. Recording your eating habits will help you make a plan to avoid times when you eat out of stress, hunger or boredom.

Following Dr. Atkins advice and incorporating exercise, water, supplements and eating correctly will help you feel great - and when you feel good - you don't get frustrated.

Best wishes! I look forward to reading about your progress!!

[13_jane]

Hi and welcome

Once you get started on this way of eating, you wont believe how easy it is!!

You'll be down to your goal weight in no time at all - especially if you exercise!! I find the exercise does wonders!!

good luck and I can't wait to hear how you've done on induction

Jane x

[djfmf]

i wish i was your height, combined with my weight i would be in really great shape... actually i would like to be 69 inches instead since that seems more ideal. but for your height anything less than 155 would be insane or unhealthy. i have a female coworker who is 6ft 3 inches(pretty tall) and she weighs 168, if she lost anymore weight she would wither away. good luck with your weight loss goals and have your husband join you in your workout sessions, it makes things easier when you have support.

[sillygirl]

Welcome ready! You're ready and so are we! Ready to help you on your journey that is!

[lanmaam]

Welcome from another 5 foot tenner. Best of luck to you.