Another Newbie here!

[chubbychickwillbeslim]

Hi there!



I’m a 23 year old woman from the UK in desperate need to lose a few lbs. As I am starting tomorrow I don’t actually know my weight right now but its between 189-193, I always fluctuate between those 2 weights. For now my goal is to get to 154 lbs although I will probably go lower, I just want to set attainable goals at the moment and not see this as too much of a big challenge so that’s around 35lbs.



I have actually ‘done Atkins’ before, but at the time I saw it as just another diet, I started off that time at 172lbs and got down to 154lbs then just stopped. I made massive mistakes I know because I stayed on induction the whole time and then just went back to bread, pasta etc straight away when the weight was off. Obviously it came back on and I blamed Atkins ‘stupid faddy diet’ was my general excuse. Then I spent the next 3 years on and off stupid diets, the only other one I had minor success with was Weight Watchers but I lost SO slowly and was so hungry all the time I just couldn’t hack it. So here I am, at least 21lbs heavier than I originally was.



I have now read up on this WOL so much and I understand it a lot better so I believe I am ready to take on this new challenge. I just have a few questions if someone could help me, I’d be really grateful, here goes…

• I have a holiday in 11 ½ weeks, do you think it’s possible to lose 28lbs by then?
• Realistically, how long does it normally take to lose 35lbs?
• I am a little confused about salad/veggies, on the Atkins site it says have between 12-15 net carbs of them per day. However having 2/3 cups doesn’t always add up to that many carbs. Can I have more until I have had that many?
• I am planning to stay on induction for 4 weeks, is that a sensible amount of time for the weight I have to lose?

Thanks in advance and I look forward to getting to know you all



xx

[sallyseachange]

Hi there Chubbychick. Welcome to the board! Happy you found us here.

Sounds like you're very motivated this time which is great. Good too that you've read up on the diet. The best source of reliable info is DANDR 2002 edition, which is the last one Dr A wrote in its entirety. That's the book this board goes by.

Re your queries:

It's difficult to say how much you'll lose in a given time. There are so many variables (age, weight, dieting history, medications etc. etc. etc.). Everyone is different. I'd focus on direction rather than speed and do your very best. Add exercise and drink lots of water... don't go by the scales as much as your measurements, which are a far more reliable guage for weight loss.

You are allowed three cups of veggies (two of salad and one of other induction acceptable veggies) in induction. No more. Your other carbs should come from things such as eggs, cheese, cream etc. Don't worry if you don't reach 20 g. Many of us typically eat around 12-17g carbs in induction. Don't increase the veggies though, and don't skip them either... you need those vits and mins and the fibre too. Induction is only two weeks... after that, if you want to, you can move to OWL and start adding extra veggies and other foods as you move up the rungs.

Moving to OWL is a personal decision, but you should certainly leave a reasonable portion of weight to lose for OWL/pre-maintenance, to allow you to move up the rungs and find your CCLL. You also need some time to find out how various foods affect you.

Hope this doesn't all sound too complicated. Have a look at the FAQs and the stickies in the induction and OWL forums for more thorough explanations.

If you get into difficulties, just give a shout. There's always someone here to give advice!

Happy losing!

[Scooterjam]

Good Morning!

Welcome to the board! We are all greatful to have you here.

Okay...now lets tackle some of your questions....I will try to answer them best I know...
'I have a holiday in 11 ½ weeks, do you think it’s possible to lose 28lbs by then? '
That one is kind of hard to say...that's about 3 months, that's about 10 pounds a month, give or take, well, being a guy that was what I did but, women tend to lose slower sometimes then men. You will definately see a change for sure. Like Sally said, it depends on your metabolizism, sometimes the weight flys off, other times there could be medical issues. Set up 1 to 2 times a week that you will weigh, say like Monday and Thursday. You'll be tempted to hit the scales but don't. If you follow the induction rules to a T (oh yes and drink tons of water and only water) you should be quite pleasantly surprised!

Realistically, how long does it normally take to lose 35lbs?
Once again, this depends on you and your body. I'm sorry there is no easy answer to that one. I personally lost 50 pounds in 4 months.

I am a little confused about salad/veggies, on the Atkins site it says have between 12-15 net carbs of them per day. However having 2/3 cups doesn’t always add up to that many carbs. Can I have more until I have had that many?
The veggie thing is really really simple. 2-3 cups of lettuce, or 2 cups of lettuce per day. No more no less. I love the cauliflower steamed with a little butter, or broccoli with some provolone cheese on it. Yummy. If you try http://www.fitday.com/ it will be easier to count your carbs and monitor everything you eat, along with your weight loss. It's a godsend, and it's free.
FREE is good. FREE is very good!

I am planning to stay on induction for 4 weeks, is that a sensible amount of time for the weight I have to lose?
You can do that, but keep this in mind. Before you said that you did Atkins, and lost several pounds, only to put it back on. But..you only stayed on induction the whole time. Myself, I was really unsure about moving up the rungs...but, everyone was so positive about the move I did it. Just think, you get to add on another cup of veggies in the veggie rung...lots of different choices is basically what OWL is. You find out what works for you and what triggers your weight loss to stop. If it stops, don't eat that! It's just that simple!

We're all here for you. Do not forget to drink your water. Exercise is the other to ensure that you are losing. Whether is be simple exercises at home, or walking, or running, or joining a gym, exercise is mandatory!

I hope some of those answers helped you! I wish you luck, and keep us posted, you'll shed those 35 pounds and look back and say how easy it was. Remember too, this isn't a diet, it's a way of life for you. Check out some past posts in other forums, or the before and after pics, this will BE you!

Good Luck!

[sillygirl]

Hi chubbychick! Welcome to the board. You have been given some wonderful advice and information above! It sounds like you're determined and have done your research. Successful loss will be yours soon!

EDIT

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