Post-partum re-start!

[BluegrassMama]

Hey guys! I'm new to ADBB, but not new to Atkins! I went low-carb about three years ago and lost about 30 lbs total in 6 months. I loved following the Atkins diet and, once I had reached my goal weight, I found that my metabolism had *completely* changed--for the good! I slowly re-introduced my favorite foods during OWL and Maint., like pizza, potatoes, gravy, etc., and although I certainly didn't eat them every meal, every day, I would say three out of seven days, I ate something considered a "no-no". I also allowed myself to have a mega-splurge meal on the weekends, consisting of whatever I wanted that particular meal--inlcuding dessert! In the months following reaching my goal--and acheiving my new metabolism--I only regained a grand total of 4 lbs. I held that weight up until last year when...

I got--very unexpectedly--pregnant. The first few months showed a steady, slow weight gain, but then once I hit my third trimester, this kid wanted NOTHING but sweets! Guess what? Yep--I packed on the weight. I'm guessing I gained about 40 lbs while pregnant , and although I've lost 20 since the baby (with little effort besides not craving milkshakes 24-7), I still had about 20 to go. I don't know why I procrastinated so long. Or why on EARTH I even considered doing a low fat/cal program like WW.

Anyway, I'm on Day 6 of induction, and I've already lost 5 lbs! My cravings for all sweets disappeared by Day 4 (I've found I can still get a bad craving if I let myself get ravenous). My energy has doubled (thank God--with a baby in the house now, I need it!), and I am getting the best, most restful sleep that I've had in over a year.

I'm really happy to be back to Atkins, and I was thrilled to find ADBB. You guys are the best motivation and I look forward to getting to know you all and cheering each other on to goal.

Thanks for listening!
BluegrassMama

[sallyseachange]

BluegrassMama... welcome back! Awesome post. Congrats on being so successful on Atkins before... and for maintainig all but 4lbs until your pregnancy! Also congrats on getting back on the wagon and losing 5lbs.

Keep us posted as to how you get along. We're rooting for ya!

[sillygirl]

Hi bluegrassmama! Welcome to wonderful ADBB! Congrats on your 5 lbs gone again! Terrific! Do post often so we can see how you're faring!

[LooseShoes]

Glad you came back to Atkins and you're feeling good! Hop around the boards, the STAC (second time around club) forum is always a good place to go, they understand falling off the wagon and getting back up. There are also really good recipes to keep it interesting.

See you around!

[D14965]

Welcome back bluegrass! I bet you will swing right back into the Atkins way of eating with no trouble at all seeing that you have "been there, done that " already and know how successful you can be! Goodluck!

[Scooterjam]

Welcome Bluegrass! Love your name. lol.

Might I suggest hanging out in the STAC (second time around club) forum. There is a daily check in and it is highly motivational.

Here are some other threads and links you may find help to get the wheel in motion. The intial step of moving that wheel is all you need, these links will keep to keep building up the momentum!

Rules of induction:
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard....read.php?t=6782 (What are the Rules of Induction?)

Acceptable foods:
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard....read.php?t=6781 (What foods can be eaten on Induction?)

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!!

Best of wishes! Life is good!

[BluegrassMama]

Thanks so much for the warm welcome! I *love* y'all's pics Woo-hoo!

Scooter, I'm going to guess you're a music lover? LOL I'm definitely in good company

See you guys on the boards!

[NoThanksI'mSweetEnough]

Hi Bluegrass,

I'm a little late signing on to this post, but your ideas spoke so personally to me, I had to reply. Maybe you'll check back, who knows?

Anyway - after a serious crash and burn right around March of this year, I have decided to re-invest my energy into this lifestyle and way of eating. When you mentioned the connection between crazy hunger and cravings, I sat straight up in my chair and thought "hey! Me too!!!" Only it took me more than 4 "go 'rounds" at indution before I figured that one out.

So, congrats! I hope you and your baby squeeze all the fun you can get out of the energy you've worked so hard to earn. OH! And don't feel too bad about the 40 lb. gain. My own pregnancy came with a 43lb. pricetag. But whatever. How bored would we be with ourselves if perfection were the norm? And whatever would we TALK about?

Take care!

[Sherri]

Welcome bluegrassmama! Glad to see you on board. Remember your L-Glutamine if you ever get cravings for sweets. It's a great sugar detourant, I take it and love it. Congradulations on having your baby! Also your weightloss! Best of health to you and yours! Post often to let us know how you're getting along.

[BluegrassMama]

Hi NoThanks--glad to have a partner in battling the "I gave birth to a moose" club ;o) I was mortified at how much I weighed after I came home from the hospital and worked up the courage to step on the scale for the first time.

Oh, and Sherri, *thanks* for the L-Glutamine tip! I'm off to the grocery in a bit, so will be sure to pick some up. I've had a little wobble with sweetened (artificially, of course) whipped cream the past couple of days--I think it's triggering cravings for me. Which sucks because it was my one comfort. Bleck. Can't wait for the week to be over so I can move on from induction.

Thanks for the baby congrats, too, guys ) He's the sweetest surprise I've ever received!

EDIT

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