Hi everybody...

[MariaMac]

Can't tell you what an inspiration this website is for me.

My name is Maria and I've struggled with my weight for years. I remember thinking I wanted to lose weight for my wedding, never did, and that was 14 years ago. I've tried Weight Watchers, LA Weight Loss, Slimfast, you name it and I've never had success.

In college, I started gaining weight. When I was married, I had about 30 lbs. to lose. Had four kids (one who passed away) and kept climbing from there. I want to be 150 lbs. I started Atkins on Monday, March 26th at 225 lbs. and am now 214.5 llbs. as of this morning eight days later. I also started walking a regular route last week and it is 2.7 miles. I do that five times a week. I bought the Keto stix and have consistently been in the second highest level of ketosis. Have also kept my net carbs to around 10-15 per day. Everything is going great. I love this board and I love this "diet".

My problem is this....Last night, we took the kids to the diner and I ordered chopped steak and broccoli. I had about three teaspoons of Worcester Sauce on my steak and I am beside myself. I didn't realize it was so high in carbs and may even contain sugar. Did I ruin my progress? My thinking was it was a condiment like mustard or ketchup and that I could have it. I didn't even think twice about it and now I'm worried that I will halt my weight loss.

Any help would be greatly appreicated. Thanks too for all the inspiration and encouragement you post on this board.

[sillygirl]

Hi Maria! Welcome to the board. Lesson learned last night! Really watch and read labels before you use a product. If in doubt, leave it out! Don't worry about it wrecking your progress. Drink lots of water today and just carry on. I would suggest, however, that you get your carb count up to closer to 20. Lower carb will not make you lose any faster. Dr. Atkins says 20 carbs in induction for a reason. If you eat too little food, you also will not lose!

[MariaMac]

Thanks for the response. Will do what you suggest. I am just finding it so hard to believe I've lost 11.5 pounds in a week. It truly is an amazing program.

And you look wonderful yourself.

[sallyseachange]

Welcome to our Atkins family Maria! So glad you decided to join in. Congratualtions on your splendid start!
You'll find that there's loads going on here... exercise challenges, journals, health chat, low carb recipes... all fun and motivating. Feel free to join in anything that takes your fancy.

Ask any questions you might have. We're happy to give our input and help out where we can!

Happy losing!

[sillygirl]

Maria, 11 pounds is awesome! I'm so glad you're 100% on board!

[misplaced southerner]

you are doing GREAT!!!!! you did not wreck anything.....this is not an "all or nothing" plan....well..."all" would be wonderful but we are not perfect. do the best you can which is what it sounds like you are doing already!!!

good advice already from the pros,,,drink, drink, drink...keep your eyes open and keep on doing what you are doing...YOU GO GIRL!

[MariaMac]

THANK YOU!

I don't have to tell you guys how much encouragement and support is needed to complete the goal. You are all so nice to respond the way you did. You all look beautiful and I commend you for doing it! I hope I can be a success too. It's funny, I've lost pounds every day since I started and in the last two days, the scale has stayed at 214.5. I guess that's it for the water. I'm looking forward to the next drop and am anxious to see it.

I plan on staying on induction at least until my husband's birthday, which is April 27. That will give me one month on induction. If I'm okay, I'm going to try to extend another week, then another, then another. I'll take it week by week. I like induction so far. I like the results. So, we shall see.

Sally...I've been reading your posts for a few weeks now. You were one of the ones who inspired me to change. You look amazing.

[sillygirl]

You should start up a journal for yourself in Journal Chats. You will get tons of support on a daily basis and make lots of great friends too. We will be happy to you around some if you need it! But right now, I don't think you need it!

[candoit59]

Hello There, I'm prety new myself. I read where your said you would stay on induction for a month. Can you do that?

For some reason I thought that would hinder the losing process.

I've tonns of questions also and so far the folks in here have been wonderful in answering them.

Good Luck to ya!!

[MariaMac]

I think I read you can safely stay on induction for six months. My brother lost 112 pounds in 5 1/2 months on induction only and my friend lost 100 pounds in 11 months on induction. It's a rough road, though. I'm so tired of eggs and meat. I need a little diversity. I practically inhale sugar free jello. But anyway, the book says six months is safe.

Best of luck to you too.
I will also try the journal idea. I need lots of support. I've failed so many times before.