Hi there!

[Fuschia]

Hello everyone. I've been lurking here for awhile, and thought I would finally join up. I haven't started Atkins yet, mostly because my kitchen is still carbed up, and because I'm still reading the book. Um.. let's see, my favorite flower is the fuschia, I'm in my 30's and going to college for the first time, which is an interesting experience. What else about me? I have two hedgehogs for pets and if I could afford it, I would love to have a koi pond. I also do more reading then exercising, and I wear glasses. Everything else is subject to change. I'm looking forward to talking with everyone here.

Is it okay to ask a question in this part of the forum? If not, just tell me where to post it, okay? My mother is against ketosis, and is very worried that I'll ruin my kidneys, etc. I know the book/Dr. Atkins says to you should be in a mild state of ketosis, correct? How dangerous is that? I did a search, but a lot threads came up and I'm still searching through them. Thanks in advance.

[dreamof145]

Welcome Fuschia! Hedgehogs? Wow, what do they do as pets? Can you train them? Glad you've decided to de-lurk and join us and reading the book is a big plus in understanding how the program works. Theres lots of encouraging people here who are always here to help you reach your goal. Make lots of friends and enjoy your new life-style. I can't say enough about how Atkins has changed my life ~ I'm so thankful I found this board and made such wonderful friends to support me.

As for Ketosis...It is when your body is burning its own fat for fuel. If you are eating high amounts of carbs, your body will use that for energy. But, if you limit the intake of carbs, the body will burn your stored fat for energy. It is a natural part of our body's function and not harmful to your kidneys or other parts of your body. To reassure your mom, it might be a good idea to get your blood work done before you start and then again in a few months so she can see the improvement your tests will show.

Again, wishing you the very best of luck, keep active here in the forums, join challenges, make friends, take measurements and enjoy the journey to health with us!

[Fuschia]

You can't really train hedgehogs- they are more like large prickly hamsters. They are mostly carnivorous, and are nocturnal. They will spend all night on their exercise wheel. Well, one of them does. The other was a rescue and is disabled so she can't run, but she does the best she can, and that's what counts, right? In short, like most pets they are just really cute.

Thanks for the information about ketosis. Your pictures are inspiring! I hope I'll do as well on Atkins. Are there any challenges going on right now? I'm still finding my way around the forums.

[dreamof145]

http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...splay.php?f=20
This is the challenge forum ~ don't hesitate to contact the moderator of any of the challenges to join. The purposes of the challenges are to have fun, make friends and get comfortable with the exercise or other areas that the challenge focuses on. The challenges help you to learn your own strengths and challenge yourself to improve in these areas by interacting and learning from other members. Its a great way to make friends and keep motivated.

I have frogs and I love watching them. They aren't really trainable, but they know when I come in to the room and they swim over to the glass and look out at me. I think they are cool. I've never heard of anyone having hedgehogs for pets, you'll have to post some photos of them for us to see.

[Fuschia]

Frogs? Cool! What type of forgs do you have? I always love to watch the treefrogs at the petstores. So very green and tiny. I'll post pictures of my guys eventually. They seem to *know* whenever I have the camera pointed at them and will do something to make the picture blurry. Or they will just move out of the frame.

Thanks for the challenge link. I'll join one as soon as I get started, which should not be too long from now. I need to do some major shopping for induction.

[dreamof145]

Your welcome. Keep us posted on your progress. I look forward to seeing the photos of your hedgehogs. My frogs are African Aquatic Dwarf frogs. I have three of them. Their names are F-1, F-2 and F-3. I also have one of the large 'sucker fish' in the aquarium and they are all friends.

[CDRAKE1234]

Hi ya Fuschia! Don't delay, Start Today!
The sooner you start, the sooner you'll be feeling great and looking hotter and hotter everyday!

Awesome on reading the book! It is like the atkins bible! The site is sooo awesome! Everyone is so helpful and supportive if you need anything don't hesitate to ask...really! We will help you will as much info that we can! I have found that I am healthier in every aspect than I have been in YEARS!

best of luck, if you need anything just let us know!

WELCOME ADBB!!!

[cherribom1]

Welcome, Good luck with Atkins! PS Hedgehogs are so cute!!!

[MorningGlory]

Welcome Fuschia!
Give that book a good reading....it has all the answers.
There is an explanation in the book of the difference between Ketosis and Ketoacidosis which is what your mom is likely confused about. They are two different things!
Exercise is hard when you're not used to it, and not much fun either, but if you dedicate yourself to a plan of attack and keep track of your progress, you'll be surprised by how quickly you start to see results. A brisk walk 30 minutes a day is a start.
I know once you get going on this way of eating you'll see results, but you'll also notice how proud you feel of yourself for taking control of your eating, and exercising, and your confidence will build. This board is full of people who've experienced that first hand.
Go for it...what have you go to lose? (pun intended)

[sallyseachange]

Warm welcome to you Fuschia! Lovely nic btw. And I think your pet hedgehogs sound so sweet... particularly the one who "does the best she can". Maybe we could all learn from her, sometimes!

Ketosis is not dangerous. People (and doctors even) often confuse it with ketoacidosis which is a different thing and not at all desireable (you'd probably get a good explanation of ketoacidosis in the diabetic forum). Of course, Dr A explains the difference in his book, too.

Looking forward to hearing all about your Atkins journey.
Happy shrinking!