Hello From Portland

[Joey Link]

Hey everyone, I'm Joey. I'm a 23 year old college student from Portland, OR. I'm 6' and when I started Tuesday I was 215lbs, with 42" around my belly button. Took a measurement today and I've already lost 3", so I'm now 39". I don't really have a target weight, I'll probably stop when I lose my belly. My goal right now is to drop below 200lbs. before Thanksgiving, and I think I'm off to a very good start.

This isn't my first time on this diet, it's my second. In early 2004 I was 230lbs and dropped to 205lbs in just under two months. In the two years between then and Tuesday I only gained 10lbs eating whatever I wanted (including TONS of beer). It seems my body reacts very well to the Atkins diet. I think if I start working out regularly once I reach an ideal weight I'll be able to stay in shape and eat as I please. I haven't worked out either time I've gone on this diet.

Are there any threads where people post their before and after pictures side by side? I really enjoy seeing how much weight people have lost. You guys are awesome

[julirama723]

Hi Joey--
Check out the before and after forum for some pics of successful members.

I will say that Atkins is not a quick fix diet--it's a gradual program, designed in phases, meant to be followed for life. After all, Atkins is more than induction--you can reintroduce nuts, berries, alcohol, starchy veggies, and whole grains...so maybe consider staying with the plan for health and well-being.

Exercise is also a MANDATORY component of this diet--non-negotiable. I understand that you didn't exercise before and were successful, but give it a try this time if you truly wish to do Atkins.

Also, why not set a specific goal? It will give you something to work towards, even if it's only a 25lb. loss you're shooting for.

Whatever your choice, best of luck, and check out those before and after pics.

[Jace]

Welcome to the boards Joey!

Best of luck on your weight loss journey and if you need anything feel free to give a shout!

~Far la bella figura!

[Deeds]

Welcome Joey...

Keep positive and you will get to look the way you like.

You know what mistakes you have made in the past... try not to make the same again. Read the book and and from the board and it will help you a lot. I was looking at an old members photo's who lost over 100lb... and he just looked fabulous!

All the best this time round.

[Becky Sue]

Welcome to

Do remember that this WOE isn't temporary, it is a life change.

The best of success reaching your goal. You have made great progress so far. I am looking forward to reading about your future success.

Keep eating the Atkins way and Joey you will be at goal soon. With exercise you will be toned too.

[Twilight]

Hey Joey. Welcome to the boards.

Hmm... Atkins is more than a diet (as I've been reminded many times), it's a way of life. In theory, you could exercise a lot once you've finished losing the weight, and stay where you are. But I really wouldn't recommend just going hog wild with your food choices. There are worse health problems out there than being overweight which result from poor eating choices.

Before and After pics? Sure. There are during pics, too. http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...splay.php?f=22
Check out that Forum. It's really inspiring.

Good luck on your weight loss journey. And I agree with Juli. Set a goal, even if it's just a temporary one. You don't have to meet it, or you can exceed it, depending on how satisfied you are with your body. But it's nice to have a concrete goal to work towards.

See you around the boards!

[Desertthorn]

Hi Joey, I am heading for Portland in the morning and I would sure appreciate it if someone blew away the rain. This is my second trip and it was raining the last time I was there also.

[2big4mysize]

welcome to ADBB and back to atkins. try working out while you do the eating part and keep your lean tissues intact as you shed your body fat.

[Joey Link]

Thanks for all the kind words and suggestions everyone. I measured myself today, found I've lost another inch! From 42" to 38" in 5 days, this is nuts. If I lost four more I think that'd be ideal.

[chase_white_rabbits]

Hello to a fellow Portlander! I'm sure you'll do great this second time around.

I'll be returning to Portland in January (6-month hiatus in the UK) to finish up my graduate program at PSU. If you don't mind me asking, where do you go to college/what program?