I'm new - and both scared and excited

[carina]

I've been thinking about it for a long time, and I have to do this. I'm nervous, worried, and just plain scared. I have failed at diets so many times and always end up bigger than I was when I started. And I'm not sure I ever really cared before. I won't get into all that here - that's probably a whole other thread. I think I've kept myself fat on purpose because it's been "safe". But I feel like I'm wasting my life being miserable and I really want to be a new me in the spring.

I've heard so many Atkins success stories, from people I know and online stories. And then this board popped up on one of those searches. Seems like a great place.

Christmas is almost here and the day after is when I'm going to begin this journey. I am going to spend the next week reading the board, and I'm going to get the book. Actually, I think I'm going to buy two copies of the book - one for home and one to carry with me. The book will be a Christmas gift to myself.

I want to be a big loser in the right way - not a loser in the sense that I won't get myself healthy and fit. So.... December 26 the fridge will be stocked with the right things and hopefully I'll be on my way.

[sillygirl]

Hey Carina! Don't be scared! This is wonderful, positive decision you have made. Coming here is even better! There are terrific people here with loads of information to help you on your way!

Tell us about you, age, starting weight, goal weight etc. Do you have the 2002 edition of the book? if not, please go pick one up. It's a very important tool in this way of eating (WOE) so that you have a full understnading of how this works, and I'm here to tell you it works!

[dreamof145]

Hi Carina. I understand completely your scared feeling. I was afraid to start too, but if you read the book, understand the program, make friends with the people here who are making it happen....it becomes easier and less frightening. I have a book in my purse and one I keep at home, that is an excellent idea. You never know when you'll need to refer to it.

This site is the best place to get support, encouragement and get solid information on how to change your life-style to become healthier and happier. We are all here for you, you don't have to do this alone. Keep us posted on your progress!! You can do it!

[sallyseachange]

Welcome Carina! You're giving yourself the best Christmas present possible by doing Atkins: better health! So glad you found us here at ADBB.
The book to get is definitely the 2002 edition of DANDR. That was the last one Dr A wrote and is the one the board goes by.

Think about increasing your exercise when you start your new eating plan; it's fundamental to this program.

Do ask any questions you might have. We're all behind you and here to help.
So, good luck with your start! Looking forward to reading about your successes!

[MaggieBE]

It sounds as though you have a good plan! I would suggest posting a lot. I am someone that has been on many diet plans. I never last longer then a week or maybe almost two weeks. I have found that being really active on this site helps to keep me motivated. There are so many supportive people at this site. Looking forward to getting to know you better.

[carina]

Thanks, everybody. I'm really looking forward to this - both the Atkins plan and getting to know all of you. The support and friendship here is obvious and I hope to become a part of that!

I'm divorced and fast approaching the 50 mark (groan). Since I live alone and cook for just me, having the right things to eat is not going to be an excuse. The last time I was on a scale I'm embarassed to tell you all that it was close to the 240 mark and at my height - 5'1" - that is not good.

I think I may have lost a little since then so I'll have to weigh before I officially start. I know I should start today but I'm going to wait until the day after Christmas to try to keep some of the stress of the holiday off. But I AM going to be careful about what I eat in the next week. I'm not letting my start date be an excuse to pig out for the next 7 days.

I'm going to be conservative right now in my goal weight and put it at 150. I know it will end up being lower, but I don't want to overwhelm myself right now.

Sillygirl - I bought the book this afternoon so I plan on doing some reading today. I have to admit I don't really understand all the how's and why's of the program but I'm eager to learn. Your success stories have certainly inspired me.

Please keep your fingers crossed for me. I'm so depressed about the shape I've let myself get in. And I want to be healthy and proud of myself when it's time for summer clothes again. I'm tired of being embarassed about myself.

[Adena]

Carina, welcome! I applaud both your honesty and your decision. In my opinion, what makes this different from all other "diets" is that it's not a diet at all. It's a way of life. I know most diets say that, but because of the chemical effect Atkins has on your body, it really is (and needs to be) true in this case.

You'll probably hear lots of people say... "yeah, but once you go back to eating carbs, you gain it all back." Well, two things are wrong with that statement. 1) You'll be eating carbs on Atkins -- but just good ones, and less of them. It's not no carb, it's low carb. And the RIGHT ones. 2) There is no "after atkins." I've finally come to admit that my body (and mind) simply can't handle carbs like other people. They are addictive to me. So, in the same way an alcoholic gives up alcohol, we give up sugar and many types of starches.

I don't say all this to overwhelm you -- I too, have a lot of weight to lose, so I know where you are coming from. But, I hope it will help you view this choice you've made in a light that will help you be more successful.

All that said, I'll pass along something a friend on this board once said that really stuck with me. Rather than being overwhelmed by ALL the weight I need to lose, and the idea of giving up sweets and pasta for the REST OF MY LIFE, she says that she views each day separately. TODAY, I make the choice to be healthy, to eat right, to treat my body well, to not be controlled by food. It's a choice I make each day. That helps me a lot when I start to feel overwhelmed.

So, I guess it sounds like I'm talking out of both sides of my mouth, huh? Well, I'm tried and rambling a little. Please forgive me. But, I hope you can find at least a nugget of helpfulness in there somewhere!

Best of luck to you, Carina. I hope you'll visit often and keep us posted on your progress!

[MaggieBE]

You might want to switch to decaf coffee and limit diet soda. When you do start Atkins that will make "induction flu" easier in my opinion. I also have a lot of weight to lose and it does seem overwhelming. I am just taking it ten pounds at a time(get to 240s, then 230s, etc). Wishing you the best and have fun reading your Atkins book!

[carina]

Adena and Maggie... thank you both so much, you've already made me feel a lot better about all this!

Maggie, I love the 10 pound at a time idea. You're right, it's absolutely overwhelming to think about the total amount I need to lose and taking it 10 at a time will help.

And Adena, I totally agree about the addictive side to carbs. Even just a little ways into the book now, but it's been made really obvious that I'm addicted to them too and just never realized it. I eat the breads and potatoes and all that and end up wanting more and more no matter now stuffed I already am. Then end up disgusted with myself and more miserable than ever.

I'm really eager to get started but I'm sticking with my plan of the day after Christmas. I have a pitch in at work tomorrow and Christmas Eve breakfast and lunch with my brother's family. I'm going to be careful but the holidays are hard enough for me (long story) and it will be better if I don't pressure myself to start before. Look out next year though - I'll be armed with low carb and Atkins recipes for all the holidays!

[carina]

Oh... the decaf and diet soda. I already do decaf coffee and only drink the occasional soda so I think that will be pretty easy for me. From what I can tell the Splenda ones are ok and I do like Diet Rite, so maybe I'll reserve that for an occasional treat.



EDIT

*This Spotlight-Introduce Yourself thread has been closed due to extended absence of owner. Please feel free to private message any compliments and/or comments to the original poster. If you are the owner and would like to revive your Spotlight-Introduce Yourself please PM the forum mod or an Admin.