New and Not Quite Sure How All of this Works!

[meganandmasonsmom]

I am new to this website. Just joined yesterday. I have been doing Atkins since January 1st and have lost a total of 17 lbs. When I started I weighed 314 lbs and I just could not believe it. When I looked in the mirror, I saw a big girl, but not 300 lbs big. So, my family and I started a bet to see who could lose the most weight by May 1st. While they are just trying to lose 20 lbs, I on the other hand have decided to change my life. You see, I have two small children that are my world and it kills me to know that if I don't change my life now, I may never see them become the wonderful people that they will someday be. So to me this isn't about the bet, it's a matter of the heart. Besides I am sitting here watching them eat ice cream and chips and they aren't losing anything.

I think that I am at a stand still. My biggest problem is exercise. I can never find the time to just exercise. I work all day, come home to my family, and usually don't get to bed until late. My husband has been a great help. He encourages me everytime, I even think about eating carbs. He is so supportive.

Anyway. I just wanted to stop in here and see if anyone may have any words of encouragment or any advice.
Thanks and good luck to everyone!

[sallyseachange]

Hiya Megan! Welcome to the board. So very glad you decided to join us here and commit to the Atkins way of eating. Soon you'll be fitter and more healthy for sure. You are so right to make it a lifestyle change... and you might even win the bet! But your better health will be the biggest win of all! Your family will be thankful and proud of you, for sure.

As for exercise... try to do small things like parking further away from wherever... not taking elevators but using the stairs...that sort of thing.
My way of getting exercise in is to get up that little bit earlier in the morning and do it straight away, before anything else. I do it at home and don't have any fancy equipment. If I put it off... I don't do it, because the day gets busy.. and there's always something "better" to do.

Keep us posted as to your progress. We're all rooting for you!

[meganandmasonsmom]

Thats funny! I just went and walked a mile and a half and on my way home I thought to myself, " I am gonna park on the other side of the street just to have to walk those extra steps" Thanks for the encouragement. I was going to post some pics but still a little embarrassed.

[SoldierGirl]

Welcome MeganandMasonsmom, I am also recently new to the board, still trying to still make sure I am doing this right. You chose a great place for your journey. There is a lot of support here and I love it, It keeps me going when I have a bad day. So welcome and hope to see you around the boards.

[boonie stomper]

Hi, M&M'SMom (is that OK?) - If you haven't already, you might want to start a journal (journal stats or journal chats depending on whether you wish others to add posts to it) or join in one of the exercise challenges. It will help you stay in close touch with your progress.Congrats on th 17 pounds so far - does that mean you win the bet 3 more pounds from now? Or will they try to keep up with you?

[dreamof145]

Hi, welcome. Good for you, already taking the action to walk and park further!! For me, I had to be very creative to get exercise into my busy day. When I am with my grandkids, we march in place to music or go for walks. We have 30 minutes of exericse and I let them show me some of the exercises they know. It is fun, it involves them and it is essential for me.

We're all here for you, the forum is filled with people all working together to reach their individual goals. Get active in the ADBB, meet friends, start a journal, take your measurements, join the challenges and you'll enjoy the journey as you lose the weight! Best wishes!!

[meganandmasonsmom]

Just a quick question.... how often should I exercise?...... if I can't do it everyday then what is the next best thing.
Thanks for everyones words of encouragement. I really enjoy it!
Mandy

[Erin68]

Hi Mandy! Welcome aboard!

You've definately got the right attitude about your weight loss and life change. This site and the people here will definately encourage you and help along the way!

Post those pics, learning who we are now is so important in changing it!

I'm with Sally, I have to get my exercise in right off the bat in the morning or I find I 'put it off' and never get to it later in the day. For those days you just can't get to a real workout, get yourself a set of small hand weights, you can do simple arm workouts while ya sit and watch tv. Even leg and ab stuff can be done sitting. As far as amount of time, I'm not the expert on this one, but I do as much as my body feels it can do. My dr says 40 minutes a day. I once heard though, that you never want to do more than you feel you can maintain for the rest of your life, so if you realistically can do every day with a day or 2 off durin the week, for a 1/2 hour at a time, go for it! I figure, any amount of working out is more than I was doing, and as I go, I can always increase it!

Have a great day!

[sillygirl]

I like Boonie's M&M's Mom, can we call you that? Great job on the extra walking for you! Go get a pedometer and wear it all day, you may be surprised how many steps you take each day, the goal being 10,000!

Or, you could join one of the many exercise challenges going on on the board! Thats always a great way to get your exercise in.

Keep us posted as to your continued success.

[meganandmasonsmom]

Ok... so I really am trying to do this by the book. I work at a hospital and I weigh on the same scale everytime I weigh. Well I went to work today and weigh and there was no change...... still 297 lbs.....so I thought that would be enough to get to me, but it didn't. I have been reading the book and I went to the pharmacy and bought some "ketosis sticks". Then I walked two and a half miles. One and a half this morning after dropping my kids off at school and then one when I got off of work. I came home and tested to see if I am in ketosis and it changed to a light shade of purple. I am so excited. Can't wait to get up and do it all again tomorrow!