Hi Everybody!

[Sharon19061]

My name is Sharon and I just joined ADBB yesterday. I have been on the Atkins diet since Dec, 1, 2006 and even though I didn't lose weight that month because of cheating on an Atlantic City trip with the girls on the 15th and on Christmas, I did succeed getting through 'withdraw' from carbs and that made my restart in January much easier! I live in Boothwyn, Pennsylvania and work as an RN in a hospital in Phila. I have learned very quickly to keep my mouth shut about my diet at work, as there is still a lot of negativity associated with the Atkins method among healthcare personnel. Some nurses have told me that I am putting myself in ketoacidosis, which just isn't true (dietary ketosis should not be confused with ketoacidosis, which is a life-threatening condition associated with untreated Type 1 Diabetes, caused by a lack of insulin. Ketoacidosis doesn't occur in normal healthy individuals because the presence of insulin keeps ketone production in check so that only a mild, beneficial ketosis is achieved). This is Not the diet for anyone who has diabetes or other health problems, but I have felt happy and healthy on this diet, and it's Great!!!! I have a Dr. appt soon to check my blood levels of electrolyes, iron, cholesterol, blood glucose, etc, and I'll see how it stands then.

Sorry to babble on, but as you can see, I am very excited to be losing weight and looking and feeling better! I am looking forward to meeting you!!!!!

[jade7600]

Welcome!!!!!! I just joined 4 day ago (?) give or take. I have been doing Atkins for 4 whole days... So it is really nice to see another newbie.

The best of luck to you... Seems like we will be doing this together with the support of all the nice people here...

Good luck and the best of the journey to ya!!!!!

[sallyseachange]

Hello there Sharon and welcome to the board! We're happy you found us here and decided to join in the fun!

Roam around a little and you'll see there's lots going on. You can write a journal, join an exercise challenge, try low carb recipes.... all very motivating.

I'm interested as to why (as a nurse) you say that Atkins isn't the diet for diabetics. From what I read around the board most diabetics find that their blood sugar levels improve dramatically when eating low carb.

As for the Atkins naysayers... yes there are some of those around. Most only equate Atkins with the first two weeks of induction, not realising that very soon you add in extra veggies and other foods. My own view is that to take sugar and refined starches out of your diet in favour of more veggies and "real" foods can't be too unhealthy!
I'm sure that you'll soon be able to confound them, by example, when they witness your weight loss and increased energy first hand! Not to mention improved cholesterol levels....

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

[JudyMac]

Hi Sharon
I know what you mean about health professionals and Atkins, I used to work in a Hospital, it's how I put on weight...I followed a High Carb, low fat regime recommended to NHS employees. It didn't agree with me.

I love Atkins and the fact it allows me to cook and eat real food!

Have fun, and hopefully we'll read you soon

Judy

[sillygirl]

Hi Sharon! Welcome to ADBB! You've made a good choice by turning to low carb eating. I agree that the naysayers actually don't know how this process works. it truly is all about keeping your insulin levels in check. That's why most people's cholesteral levels and B/P go down while eating this way. It's great you're having blood work done prior to starting so you have a basis for future labs.

Oh, and congratulations on your fantastic weight loss so far!

[D14965]

Hi Sharon ! wellcome aboard!

Donna

[Scooterjam]

Howdy Sharon!

Glad to have you with us. Best of luck to you on your wieght loss journey. Please make sure to keep us all posted! Great to have you here.

Good Luck!

EDIT

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