Been hovering for weeks

[Tillymum]

This is my first post but have been reading the board for weeks - since I started doing Atkins, 8 weeks ago. I have got so much inspiration and information from the ADBB that I felt I had to go public instead of lurking in the shadows!

I am very happy on Atkins and have lost 24 pounds in 8 weeks (10 of those in the first 2 weeks of induction). Did 3 weeks on Induction then moved to OWL as my DH also started on Atkins but only needed to lose half of what I do, so he was progressing a bit quicker. We are now on different rungs (I'm on 4 now, berries, which I'm loving), but at least I can prepare meals for both of us which makes it easier. I can honestly say that I have never eaten so well, or felt that I was having such nutritious food.

I still have the occasional desire for something sweet or chocolatey but nothing like the cravings I used to have .

I have struggled to get into the exercise bit, although I know it is non-negotiable. I have only been exercising a couple of times a week. So I am going to sign up today for the 6 Week Challenge (if I'm not too late) and commit to 4 times a week. Think this will give me the encouragement I need.

Thanks for all your inspiring stories. Will do my best to keep on track.

[MissMel]

You have done very well..its inspiring for me since we have very similar start weights and goals so I look forward to seeing your progress over the next few months.

I am trying to talk my husband into doing Atkins with me but he is very resistent. Oh, he eats Atkins at night with me to support me (He cooks dinner a lot of the times) and he says he is making healthier choices at work but I he always falls off. If he did Atkins for a couple of weeks I know he would be sold. I lost 50 lbs on Atkins before so he knows how well it works. I guess he will have to come around on his own in time. lol

Good luck with the exercise...I hope to start walking again now that our snow has finally melted and the temps are getting nicer.

Have a good week...

[sallyseachange]

Hello there Tillymum... so nice that you've joined us here at ADBB after a spell of lurking. You won't regret it I'm sure. This is a wonderful place for support and inspiration.

You're off to a splendid start with 24 lbs lost in eight weeks. Congratulations. It's nice too that you find you're eating better than you were before Atkins.

How cool that you have your DH to share your Atkins journey... you'll be able to encourage each other.

Happy further losing!

[Tillymum]

Thank you MissMel and Sallyseachange for your replies and encouragement. I should have posted in these forums ages ago! But now I'm here, I'm sure I will get the support I will need on my Atkins journey.

I have had weight problems since I was a teenager and have been on and off diets ever since. 6 years ago, when I was at my heaviest ever, I lost 4 1/2 stone (63 pounds) on Weight Watchers. But over the last few years have put most of it back on again. I was always craving carbohydrates and these were my downfall.

I believe I have found the answer with Atkins - I can see how it can be a WOL. I am determined to make this a permanent WOE for me. Just have to believe I can do it. I'm frightened to tell people how much weight I plan to use, in case I don't make it. Don't get me wrong, I am 100% committed. It's just I have had so many failures in the past, it is hard to believe I can crack it this time.

I will stay positive and count the benefits I am seeing! One step at a time -I know it is the way.

Thanks for listening!

[MissMel]

Just remember its not a race when it comes to your WL...it is a journey. When I started the journey in 2003 it took 2 yrs to lose a total of 76 lbs and I was ashamed to tell others how long it took me yet it only took me a year to pack on 40 again. I have to remember its my personal journey and how fast and how slow I do it is up to me the important thing is to remember the things I have learned about myself along the way. Its not just about losing the weight...you might get smaller but you will grow in so many other ways.

Good luck~

[sallyseachange]

Yep... turtle is better than hare. When I started, I had little hope that I'd succeed due to years of yo yoing and making matters worse. I didn't even start out thinking this was going to be a lifestyle change for me... not because I didn't want that, just because I didn't think I'd ever be in a situation where I actually liked eating a certain way enough to maintain it for life. The conviction sort of grew in me as I progressed.
You'll find you miss carbs less and less and love the foods you eat more and more. Awesome.

[Tillymum]

Thank you both so much for all the words of wisdom. I feel so much more determined now I know I'm not alone! You're right - I need to do this at my own pace. I am only just getting my head round being patient and allowing my body to change gradually, (of course I wanted all the years of weight to drop off overnight). I can see that it will take me a good while and that I need that time to adjust my way of eating for good.

Sallyseachange, your comments that my food desires will change is very encouraging, as I do panic if I feel I want some carbs as I think I am not as in control as I need to be. But I do believe you all when you say your tastes cahnge. I just have to give it some time. 2 months of eating properly hardly counteracts decades of poor choices.

I am signed upfor the 6 Week Challenge and startedmy exercise program in earnest yesterday!

I really appreciate your encouragement both - thanks!

[sallyseachange]

Good for you, joining the 6 week Challenge! Exercise is such a tremendous help in this programme!

[Thin is possible!]

Welcome! Don't be ashamed of how long it might take you to reach whatever goal you have set for yourself. I agree...your own pace is personal and we don't judge around here. We encourage and cheer, even when we fall on our faces...uh...er...off the wagon! I read a post on here once that said, "Crawling STILL gets you there!" I wish I could remember who posted that so I could give them credit. That has really stuck with me. Sounds like you are off to a good start. Keep it up. One piece of advice I would give is measure yourself and keep those stats. Not only was that another way to see tangible changes ( I have lost over 110 inches cumulative!) but sometimes when the scale was not moving...the inches were. So don't get hung up with the numbers on the scale. See ya around the board....

[JMarsa202]

Welcome Tilly, and congratulations on your luck so far. You're fortunate to have the motivation of your husband there along with you.

I agree with Thin: progress is progress. Even if it's slower than you'd like, it's still in the right direction. You're forming good habits that will stay with you for life.