New to the board, back on Atkins after success in 2003! And loving it!

[WaterBaby]

Greetings fellow Atkins devotees! After losing my college weight in 2003 and keeping it off for several years, the pounds started creeping back up when I met my fiancee! We traveled a lot and always ate like we were on vacation; plus I started eating what HE was eating, and it was a recipe for disaster!

Now I'm back on Atkins, and I've already lost about 7 pounds since starting to get back on the program a few weeks ago. At first, I just did the program from memory. I wasn't losing any weight, but I immediately noticed my gut getting smaller (most likely from bloating related to sugar intake and alcohol intake). I officially went on the program - repurchased the book and started being very strict - about a week and a half ago.

I've also ramped up my exercise program by going to an aerobics class everyday. Yesterday I did Power Pilates and it nearly killed me!

But overall I feel great. My one downfall is learning to give up my usual glass of wine with dinner in the evening. My fiancee and I are wine enthusiasts, so it is very hard to say "no" when we have found a great new bottle of wine.

Thanks for all of your support! I look forward to becoming a regular here!

-------------

Age: 27
Returned to Atkins: September 14, 2008

Starting/Current/Goal
157 /150 /130

[Barb1965]

Welcome to the board, and keep up the good work. No advice about the wine, except to tell you to move through the rungs so that when you reach the alcohol level you will know if it is going to agree with your woe or not. Good luck!

[FLdoodette]

Welcome back to the fold ... sounds like you're off to a great start!

[WaterBaby]

Thank you! I'm very excited about the possibilities. I wish more people would get on the bandwagon!

[IrishSarahHB]

Good job on the 7 lbs so far ... This board really helps .. Its just noce to be able to talk to people that are in the same boat with you ..

[WaterBaby]

I agree. So many people have negative stereotypes about this diet. In fact, I've been telling everyone in my pilates classes about its benefits - how I lost my college weight back in 2003 and kept it off. Now I'm getting ready for my wedding and the weight is dropping again. The best part is that it is non-restrictive. You can be as creative as you want. I'm an avid cook and I've never felt limited. (Right now I'm enjoying the Ancho Macho Chili and it's delicious!

[WaterBaby]

And whoo-hoo!!!!! I didn't think this warranted posting on the celebration forum, but I have reached my first mini-goal and I am finally down to 145. For some reason, once I hit 147 I couldn't get the scale to move AT ALL. It was so frustrating. I know it's only two more pounds, but for some reason reaching certain numbers is really important. I can't remember the last time I was at 145. This feels so good.

I have to admit that OWL has been very difficult... I've started to cut back on those high fat/high protein meals and start eating more truly lean meat and veggies that are too high on the glycemic index. (Onions are one of my weaknesses - nothing better than grilled or caramelized onions. Delish!)

One thing that helped me tip the scale in my favor was really ramping up my exercise, specifically weight-lifting and resistance exercises. I take a killer power pilates class that makes us do a million sit-ups and push-ups and lots of moves using our own bodies as resistance. On the days that I don't take this class, I hit it hard in the gym lifting weights and doing "supersets".

I have so much more muscle tone and definition. I just feel lighter and tighter! I wish I could show pics but I don't have anything very good. I'll work on that...

Here is a look at my daily diet now. (Keep in mind that although some protein shakes have carbs, I'm sticking to low-carb powders and I'm also doing a LOT of muscle work, so I need a few extra carbs to give me energy.)

Breakfast:

1 cup decaf coffee with Stevia
4 eggs whites with one whole egg
Leftover veggies (clean out the fridge!)

Mid-morning/Pre-workout Snack:
1 protein shake

Lunch:
Mixed greens
Mixed veggies
Tuna salad or chicken salad
Red pepper slices

Afternoon snack:
Protein shake

Dinner:
Roasted chicken breasts (skin on)
Sauteed broccoli

Treat:
Cup of decaf coffee with cream, sweetened with Stevia.

AND LOTS OF WATER.

I'm so excited. My next goal is 140!!!!


Here's what my daily diet looks like now: