Introduction and (hopefully) commitment!

[tmn]

Hey there, everyone!

I'm 50 years old and need to lose a LOT of weight. My desire to lose weight has more to do with being able to be very active again. I love camping, biking, hiking, kayaking, on and on, but it's all a struggle with the size I'm at. I have a couple siblings who are also working on losing weight; neither one of them are nearly as heavy as I am.

I had lost 40 pounds doing Atkins back in 2003. I did that at work where about 20 of us were going to Weight Watchers so we were very supportive of each other. Weight Watchers made me sick and weak so I did Atkins instead (I need to eat unprocessed foods). The support of everyone made a HUGE difference.

Since then, quite a few things have taken place, I didn't stick to Atkins, and the pounds eased back on. I've attempted to lose over and over again but keep running into problems or just give up.

I do have health issues that are causing some problems at the moment. After returning to school for 2.5 years, my left leg has some atrophied muscles and makes walking or biking for exercise very difficult to do. I am doing physical therapy and the leg is SLOWLY getting better and stronger. Because of the focus my therapist wants on these particular muscles, I have to be careful not to exert too much or my stronger muscles take over, and the weak ones get weaker again. So I am trying to put in some upper body exercises as well but needless to say, they aren't nearly as effective as lower body ones.

I also have to be careful of what I eat. Different foods like fake sugars causes asthma in me. Processed foods are awful! (Which is why WW was terrible - all I ate was processed foods on that diet.)

I also deal with a mild case of lymphedema in my left leg. Amazingly, when I'm doing Atkins the way I'm supposed to, the swelling goes down nicely. One more reason for me to commit to this way of eating.

A dear friend gave us both a slogan:

Eat to Live

Not Live to Eat

So that's me! I've looked at the online tools so many of you are using and am starting to utilize them.

[Scooterjam]

Welcome TMN! Excellent choice friend! Glad you found us here on the board. It's a great place for motivation and committment! Definately the place to be!

Just wanted to welcome you and let you know, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask!

Lots of friendly people here with a buffett of knowledge!!

Don't be a stranger!! Post often and keep us updated on your progress!

Great to have you!

[tmn]

Thank yooooou!

I didn't mention, the reason I found this board was trying to find some variety for my brother's meals. Really glad I did!

Say, what's the "20/24 Challenge" about?

[Scooterjam]

Well several weeks ago Jimmie48 another member came up with a concept, we picked a day (March 20th) everybody committed to 20 minutes of exercise, they had 24 hours to do it, and everyone who participated got the little icon below!!

You should check out some of the exercise challenges, remember exercise (dirty word for some us...the E word....haha) is non-negotiable. Heck, a little walk everyday is all you need! As the weight slowly comes off, you kick it up a notch or two, and continue to lose!

You know whay, I know you said you were already visiting some of the threads and links, but just in case, I'm sorry I didn't post this in my earlier message...

Rules of induction:
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard....read.php?t=6782
Acceptable foods:
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard....read.php?t=6781
Some REALLY awesome recipes:
http://www.genaw.com/lowcarb/index.html
Caloric Counter/Carbs/Protein/Etc/Reports:
www.fitday.com (Free on-line, this is awesome!!) or some members use this one
http://www.thedailyplate.com

Anyway, congrats on going low carb, make sure you jump around the forums and make your presence known, we are very happy to have you with us!!

It must be really nice to have a sister who is willing to come here and find recipes and variety for her siblings!! Way to go!! Check out those recipes in that link I gave you above (Linda's) and the ones marked with an (*) are induction friendly!! If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask!

Best of wishes! Life is good!

[sallyseachange]

Hey there tmn... welcome to ADBB! So glad you found us and decided to join in the fun.

Sorry to hear you've been having health issues...but it's good news that your leg swelling goes down when you do Atkins. Lots of people find that when they start eating this way all sorts of little (or big) ills just clear up like magic.

Take a tour around and see the fun things going on... join in and make friends. I think you'll find that everyone's very supportive and willing to help if you need it.

Do keep posting to tell us of your progress... we're all backing you to the hilt!

[tmn]

Oh, I would liked to have tried and earn that 20/24 reward.

My therapist is the one holding me back but it's paying off. I finally understand what she's trying to do and now the weak muscles are getting stronger. My walks are very slow and careful but they are still a far cry from barely tolerating the few gimpy steps I was taking a few weeks ago. A walk around the block is an achievement right now.

I found one of your links you gave; I'll look into the rest. So much to look at and set up! Fired up again!
Thanks, Scooter!

[tmn]

Thank you, Sally! Your picture is inspiring! I have an old one of myself, at the size I want to get to again, hanging here - it's a nice reminder.

[tmn]

Good grief! I'm addicted to this board already!

LOL!!

[Scooterjam]

It's the place to be to succeed!!

[Oh.2.B.Fit]

Welcome tmn
So sorry about the health issues. I know how it is not to be able to exercise. I couldn't walk for almost a year, and went through months of rehab. Long story I know how frustrating it can be. I use to live in California, and went to Richard Simmons Health Club "Slimmons" and there were a lot of people that would come and just exercise sitting in a chair. Moving their arms, and legs if they could. They lost weight moving in a chair It's possible!!! Hope you enjoy the boards. It's a great place to be
^_^V