Joining the Ranks

[VidaDos]

Hello, everyone!

When I registered, I received the email asking me to "introduce" myself, so here goes...

I'm a 53 yr old single mom living in a suburb of Chicago. Never had any real problems with my weight until I had my son and later quit smoking (yes, I know, not done in the right order!) I used to explain my approach to food with this statement: some people eat to live; I live to eat. However, the day I stepped on the doctor's scale and saw 196 lbs, I knew I was going to be in big trouble if I didn't do something.

That was a couple of years ago, and in between spurts of extreme dieting (two rice cakes, an apple and an orange a day) and 'nary a care' eating (lots of pastas, breads, rice and baked goods) I ended up at 184 lbs, horrible acid reflux and my usual high cholestrol.

My co-worker lent me her copy of DANDR, which I read virtually from cover to cover. She also showed me the Atkins Best Recipes 2005 cookbook, and I was really impressed with the nutritious, delicious sounding recipes. About 24 years ago I'd tried Atkins, which I then referred to as the "you can eat like a pig, still lose weight, and after a few days even forget to eat" diet.

Now, of course, with older and hopefully wiser eyes, I see it for what it's meant to be -- an eating plan for life. More than anything, I think it's the elimination of sugar and refined/processed food stuffs that will ultimately change my life - and my son's - for good!

On July 5, 2008, I began the induction phase. Not much happened during the first week; didn't experience weight loss nor much color in the strips, but I also wasn't hungry and wasn't craving the carbs that way I thought I would. Since I had at least 50 lbs or better to lose, I decided to stay on extended induction.

I've lost just under 23 lbs in 9 weeks, and while that may not seem fantastic compared to some peoples' amazing induction results, I'm ecstatic! That works out to an average of 2-1/2 lbs a week, and I find that pretty amazing. I've lost inches (4 off my waist alone) and am down a size and half in my jeans (comfortably wearing a 12 now)! Also, I think carbs were the culprit for my acid reflux, for I no longer take my medicine for it and seldom suffer the symptoms. Before I couldn't miss a day, or else....

Now, I'm not doing a perfect version of induction. I'm not weighing foods, nor measuring, nor keeping a food diary. I couldn't/wouldn't give up coffee, and many of my lunches and snacks at work are pork rinds solo or pork rinds with cream cheese. I'm not exercising regularly either; just the occasional 1 mile walk or 20 minute bike ride.

When I had my cholesterol screened, it had shot up to 300 overall, with a 198 LDL which my doctor said was "very, very alarming", despite the fact the the HDL was 68 and the triglycerides were high. My cholesterol's always been on the high side, floating around 250. I sheepishly explained that I was doing what I call "lazy Atkins": cheap, easy foods with next to no planning involved. If it's on the induction list, that's all that mattered.

She gave me three months to improve it, or then we talk meds. I found these boards when I was searching for a "typical day's meal plan on the Atkins induction" that was properly balanced to fat/protein/carbs that would be light on the cholesterol levels. Haven't found that perfect menu yet, but I did find you folks, so it seems I've found a treasure trove of friendly voices, good advice, and generous encouragement.

Okay, seems I've written a novel here....sorry to get carried away. But thanks for 'listening'! I will be grateful for any suggestions, feedback, even finger-wagging (I have big shoulders) you can offer.

p.s. can someone tell me what are "tags" and "trackbacks"?

[boonie stomper]

Welcome to the ADBB, VidaDos, and warmest wishes to you in your quests. That weight loss so far should be impressing your doc - congratulations. Hopefully, you soon will also impress him/her with better cholesterol levels. How far into the diet were you at that last screening?

As for the balancing of menus, as well as a closer look at the types of fats composing your diet, take a look at www.fitday.com

[VidaDos]

Hi, Susan, and thank you for the warm welcome! I registered at Fitday; it sure looks like a great tool. I only hope I have the discipline to use it properly. Oh, in answer to your question, I was 7 weeks into induction when I did the screening.

And big congrats on your own journey -- very impressive!
Thanks again!

[frankenspine]

Welcome to the ADBB, VidaDos! This is a marvelous resource for support and advice. I myself started doing lazy induction. Let me tell you, in my experience it doesn't work. I am also participating in an 'extended' induction. You can do it! I completley agree with using FitDay. I would also urge you to get a pedometer and set a goal of over 3,000 steps per day. As Dr Atkins says, "Excercise is not optional". I find that the more I walk, the more I loose.

[VidaDos]

Thank you, Frankenspine. I will get a pedometer, and I promise to get moving. You keep it up too....stand tall!

[frankenspine]

Great! Have you considered joining the pedometer challenge?