Hello! 3 weeks in and starting to whine.....

[Scooterjam]

Welcome to the spotlight Beachhopper!! (Love your name....I take it you're close to a beach.....I hope so, I love the ocean!!!)

So I was reading through some threads and saw yours and thought, well I haven't said hello yet, and then I was reading and reading and it hit me....

20 pounds!

Look how good that looks. Oh yeah, that's why we love this way of life! Good for you, I applaud your wonderful efforts and hard work!!

My name is Scooter, I came here about a year ago with 100 pounds to lose too, I'm a little of 3/4 of the way there and it has been the most amazing journey. I highly suggest hopping (beachhopper...haha) around to the different forums, reading the inspirational sticky's, checking out the before and after pictures too!!

Excellent job on going to Linda's, that site is like a godsend sometimes for folks on induction. I'd like to recommend a couple cookbooks, 500 Low Carb recipes by Dana Carpendar, and 500 More Low Carb Recipes by the same author. Mayonaise Recipes, Ketchup, BBQ Sauce, Salad Dressings, Main Dishes, Side Dishes, Yummy Desserts, no need at all to 'buy' any of those low carb products out there when you can make your own! (That way you know everything that goes into them too....no hidden dextrose, or montrose, or glucose....etc.....haha).

It sounds like you're doing rather well. I'm glad to hear that you've lost 20 pounds so far too! I still love how that looks.

Thanks for joining the board. And remember hon, it's not a race. There is no pressure on you to lose the rest of that weight in a month or two months. Take your time like Becky suggested. Baby Steps. Take each wonderful day a day at a time, and also...take pictures.....take lots of pictures.....set little mini goals. Take a picture at 20 pounds, take a picture at 40 pounds, etc.
These pictures give you strength, maybe on a day where you feel you have to have something you're not supposed to eat....look at those pictures, study them, do you really want to eat something you're not supposed too....no!

Because you've worked so hard to get where you are!!

Anyway, welcome, salutations, greetings, congratulations, don't be a stranger stop by and say hello and keep us all updated on your wonderful success!! It's addictive I'm telling you, you lose 20 pounds, and the next person who is just getting started see's a light at the end of the tunnel because you (Beachhopper) are a winner and people gain strength knowing that they can be too!!!

Good for you!!!

[SandyL2002]

Originally Posted by beachhopper

I am a 42 yr old mother of 2. (they both have moved on to start their own lives, but my stress didn't move out with them, lol.). I have about a 100 lbs to lose, but not being in my twenties anymore, decided that instead of focusing on losing the weight, I wanted to focus on eating better. I did some research on different ways of eating from around the world, and ended up looking at an Atkins site. So I thought if I could lose weight while eating healthy, and stil love my food (there are so many choices now!), then this is what I'm going to do. I started my new WOE on March 19th, just 3 weeks ago now. I had lost 20 pounds by this past friday, but gained back 4 pounds over the weekend. My fault.
I've tried atkins a couple of times over the years, but for very brief time periods. I've discovered that (for myself), if I don't stick strictly to induction, I don't lose weight. It's a little depressing for me as my main problem with weight is simply, I love food. But it is very exciting to me to finally feel like when I do make it to my goal weight, I'll be able to maintain it comfortably without "dieting", and without fear of gaining it back. There are so many low carb recipes and products available now!
But in the meantime.....what can I do to jazz up induction?!

WOO HOO You are doing great! Its hard when the kids move out I am so NOT looking forward to that.. Keep coming here and it will help you stick with the program

[SandyL2002]

Originally Posted by beachhopper

Thanks you all so much for all the encouragement...and for reminding me that 20 lbs gone is a BIG deal. I was feeling all bummed out about having 100 lbs to lose still, but hey, I've already lost 20lbs! YAY
And I have to say, if I never lose another pound again ( I know...hush my mouth!), I will always eat low carb. I can't believe how much better I feel. I have completely lost that 'heavy' feeling I had...umm....it was kinda like I didn't really have the space in my chest area for my lungs to breathe properly. Anyhow, it's gone and I feel great! Which is why I was bummed out over having to stay on induction foods to lose 100 more lbs. I originally started out because I just wanted to start eating healthy. Because I lost 12 pounds the first week, I immediately shifted my focus to losing weight also. And it just hit me the other day....I have a looong way to go, and I went and committed myself to it. And I feel so good now, another 100 lbs gone, I can't even imagine.
I must be rambling on now...lol...so sorry

Beachhopper.. What I am doing is just taking it in tens.. You started like me...at 259.. Mine was 289... You are down to 239... I am down to 279.. So your next goal should be to get into the 220's.. Mine is to get into the 260s.. If I look at the big picture it just stresses me... And I feel I will never get there.. Even though on my Ticker Factory it says I want to get to 199.. I really need to get to 150. But getting the Health Insurance is important.. But I still have a long ways to go...so do like me and just focus on the next set of numbers.. You can do it!

[sillygirl]

Welcome to the board beachhopper! Your loss so far is fantastic!

[heatherm422]

Welcome Beachhopper! Congrats on the 20lbs and Sandy's advice about the 10lb goals is a great idea! Just focus on the next 10 and not the big picture, as it may be quite overwhelming, and you'll do great!!!

[Mia*Bella]

WTG on the 20# loss!!!!!!!!!!! That's fantastic!!!!!!

[beachhopper]

I am so, so glad that I found this forum to join. I LOVE that I can wake up in the morning grab my extremely weak decaf, come to my computer, and start my day with cheers and hoots and lots of good energy sent directly to me!
You people are awesome!

Scooter.....LOLLOLLOL!!! You are too funny. I will definitely be looking for those two books you recommend. I have a heavy body, but unfortunately the buck stops there and my wallet is as light as air and is used mainly for holding my ID, and, I suppose... keeping my change in one place. Low carb products are SO expensive. As a general rule, if I can make it myself to save money I do. So far, I can honestly say the only drawback to this WOE is the cost. I could live for days on peanut butter toast.....and did.....that and pizza. I work at the local pizza place here and part of my pay every day is a free pizza. Well, up till 3 weeks ago anyhow..heheh. Now I get $5 instead of the pizza. WhoHoo! That's almost the covers the cost of a chicken breast. lol!
Hey, in a years time, I want to be saying " My body is light, and my wallet is heavy!"

Sillygirl....your dog looks like he's related to mine! How cute!

Oh yeah, Scooter, I do live on the beach.

[Scooterjam]

Beachhopper - Which shore East or West!

[misplaced southerner]

hi beachhopper!! i am from the EAST COAST beach and now live near the WEST COAST BEACH and hope to move BACK to the EAST COAST BEACH next summer!!!

way to go on those 20 pounds!!! man i have been trying to reach that for weeks and i am not brave enough to take it 10 at a time...i need to go for 5 at a time...i need my rewards much sooner...impatience is my downfall!

you will love it here. you are off to a terrific start. oh and do stay away from the advertised low carb stuff...there are much healthier alternatives....think CLEAN!

[beachhopper]

Sandy, I do like the 10 pound mini goals. So 229, here I come!
I want to put up a 'before' photo.
YIKES! But I'll go do it....lol.