Hello Everyone,
I'm new to this board, but not to Atkins. My doctor introduced me to Atkins WOE back around 2000. At that time I was a lacto-ovo vegetarian who was pre-diabetic despite having a very good BMI, and I was struggling with chronic pain issues resulting from a couple of back-to-back injuries I'd received.I had good results following the Atkins WOE, which along with some complementary therapies, resolved my pain issues.Eventually, my lackadaisical attitude in a house full of junk carb addicts resulted in me falling off the wagon.
When I started to gain weight while in nursing school, I switched to a non-Atkins low carb regime (that was similar to Atkins Maintenance phase). I was able lose a little weight, then maintained my weight at my high recommended BMI. I knew that at that point, with the intense studying I had to do, I just couldn't do Induction.I remember sitting in nutrition class, listening to the instructor tell us how unhealthy Atkins was (as yet again, the focus was only on the short-term induction, and not the ENTIRE Atkins WOE), and I smiled, as I was often complemented on my eating habits, and told by my fellow students that they were envious that I was not gaining weight like many of them were.
I have since graduated from nursing school, passed my boards, and have my practical nursing license, but family circumstances have convinced me that for the next couple of years, I am most needed at home to care for our teen sons. I have decided that this is the opportune time to pay better attention to my health.
I attempted to try vegetarianism again recently, with some rather dire results. I gained seven pounds within two weeks, and am now at a BMI that actually puts me in the overweight catagory.I found I was experiencing extreme emotional mood swings, an extreme increase in appetite, and out of control eating. Despite all of those extra calories, I felt drained of energy.
I have decided that vegetarianism is definitely NOT for me, and I suspect that my carb sensitivity may have something to do with my pre-diabetic condition I had for all those years, or vice versa (my glucose levels tested totally normal when I was doing the Atkins WOE).I am very concerned about being pre-diabetic, as my father has developed diabetes, and my grandfather also had it.I am also worried about my knees, which are not adjusting well to my excess weight.
I originally started Induction, then changed my mind and decided to wait until November 3rd, after Halloween and my son's birthday (kinda wise to do in a house full of junk carb addicts, lol). I am currently eating a moderate amount of carbs (mostly low glycemic), and have continued working out. The voracious appetite has not returned, I am happy to say.
I noticed some interesting things after three days of Induction. In that short time span, I was already beginning to think clearer, and my energy really increased. My sinuses started to clear up after months of trouble. When I decided to try a diet soda after being without, I found that diet soda gives me stomach cramps-a problem I'd been trying to pin point for awhile!
I know that I am sensitive to dairy in general (can't drink milk AT ALL), so I know my Induction can't include even the allowed amount of cheese and cream (waaaahhh). So far, I have cut my caffeine intake down by mixing my pot of coffee 1 part caffeinated to 7 parts non-caffeinated. I share this pot with my son, and he hasn't even noticed the difference
My eventual goal is a cup or two of decaf in the morning, and no more coffee in the day.
My first goal is to get back down to 148 pounds, which is the highest weight allowable for a healthy BMI for me. I don't tend to use scales much-I am more prone to measuring inches, as I lift weights. I was healthiest and felt my best at about a size 8.After being much smaller (and feeling rotten), then gaining UP to that size, I maintained size 8 for many years, until I hit my forties.I understand about midlife, though, so if I can't get to an 8, I would be happy with a 10, which I know is doable. When I can figure out how to use the site tools, I will add my other goals.
I look forward to meeting everyone here, and wish you all the very best in your efforts to incorporate the Atkins WOE in your lifestyle
October 29th, 2008, 07:02 PM
good job. and in a couple more days, you'll feel fantastic!! 
I am happy to say I have made it through day 2 without cheating. 
Atkins Slacker 
how's it going? 
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