New to the forum - Greek member

[Thessalonian]

Hello everyone,

Just started the first day at Atkins Two Week Induction and I am happy to be here and share my news with you.

I don't know yet how tough it's going to be, but as they say, when there is a will, there is a way!

Any tips from people that just finished their induction programs would be ideal.

Thanks and keep up the good work!

Thessalonian

[momtomany1]

Tips? Eat only what's on the list! Don't weigh every day. It is only tough the first few days, then something magical happens, once you start burning fat for energy, you feel much more energetic. (Body says.. burning fat for energy? I have plenty of that woohoo!) For me, my head clears and I feel bright and cheerful and not 'foggyheaded' like I am when eating empty carbs.

Make sure you do eat your veggies. If I miss a day of veggie carbs (not on purpose mind you, but things happen) I feel cruddy the next day. The sample induction menus in the book are great guides to help you see this CAN be done.

Drink plenty of water, good rule, no less than 2 quarts and more is better. Keep a positive attitude, talk to yourself like you would a good friend. We never tell a good friend 'you can't' or 'you are going to fail' so never do it to yourself!

[Thessalonian]

Thanks momtomany1!

These are some encouraging words.

BTW, I didn't know that these were SAMPLE menus. I thought these were the menus and nothing else! Anyway, I sticked to them today (my first day) and will do so for the next 14 days to see what difference it can make for me.

One more question: Exercice-wise...How much or how little exercise is necessary? A good 1/2 hour walk daily is enough? or are we talking heavy-weight lifting and marathon jogging?

[momtomany1]

A good 1/2 hour walk is excellent! Those who are doing 'marathons' find low carbing to be rather a challenge, it is hard to get the sustained energy from fat burning for that sort of exertion.

If you can add in some weight training, you will find that to be a wonderful aid to strenthening your bones and body. But the walking will get your endorphins pumping and your blood full of oxygen, and is really ideal for this program.

I guess it is afternoon in Greece, have a lovely evening!

[Thessalonian]

Thanks for that!

I can do walks and some weight lifting, yes. I'll keep you posted.

Yes, it's afternoon here, I will have my tomato afternoon snack in a minute and go home to eat my roasted chicken and salad later in the evening. Pitty I can't find the Atkins products over here. But as I have a replacement in the sample menus, I do have a choice.

Enjoy the rest of your day.

Regards

[momtomany1]

Real food is better anyway. I have never bought an Atkins product.. well I might have tried one shake a few years back. You aren't missing anything. You are much better off with tomatoes and roast chicken! (By the way, if you take the skin off the chicken and 'crisp it in the oven, it is delicious.. what diet can you eat crispy chicken skin on, I ask you!)

[Thessalonian]

Indeed... I will try it tonight!

[pipee_pl]

Thess- don't worry about the atkins products or any other low carb products- you are so lucky to be in Greece and have such fresh local foods. I would love some tips on what to do with an eggplant- they intimidate me.
I live in Poland and we don't have any low carb foods either- but it is really teaching me to only eat whole foods, nothing from a box or any other prepackaged stuff.
Great success to you and feel free to pass on any lovely Greek recipes that could work atkins style- maybe grape leaves, hmmm, i wonder....

[momtomany1]

On another thread, someone mentioned broiled eggplant slices or portabello mushroom caps as 'pizza crusts.' It would be easy to brush a little oil on the eggplant, broil just a bit, then add a few toppings and cheese. Sounded great to me, I am going to try it!

[Thessalonian]

Actually grilled eggplant slices are a great substitute for bread to make a "sandwich-like" snack.

Yes, Greece is a blessed country. But mind you, not many people follow the "mediterranean way of life". We're getting more and more couch potatoes and Greece has now the largest rate of child obesity in Europe! Even in Crete, where the Mediterranean diet comes from, young people ignore the village life and eat filthy snacks, pizzas, beer and fast food. And this is a place where you can get the best and cheapest fish in Europe!

Anyway, let's stick to our plans... I am on my second day and I try to follow the diet to the letter, although trust me, I crave bread and sweets...