Hello - I'm new (5th day on Atkins)

[Kimmala]

Hello everyone. I'm new. Have been reading your boards for months. (felt shy to come on and say anything).....and reading all the posts (and loving the before and after pics) - and I had every intention of starting Atkins but never quite got round to it. I have a list of excuses *grin*. Had a wonderful Christmas day this year, but when I got on the scale on the 26th, it was so high and I think...."that was the moment". I decided to start Atkins there and then. So, with a houseful of guests and a fridge full of food and chocolates and drinks galore, I didnt' tell a soul - but just..."started". Had bacon and eggs for breakfast, and actually found I didn't even have to tell anyone. Turkey left overs with salad etc etc. I was so depressed that morning - my clothes tight and I felt so awful but I just didn't want to discuss it with anyone. Anyhow - I did eventually sign in here but couldn't access the boards because I had to be checked or something. So - have stuck to Induction 100% - haven't deviated at all (still haven't told anyone and no-one has noticed). And - I FEEL FANTASTIC. oh my goodness - so I have been on it for ....well, inclusive of today it will be 5 days. I went back to work yesterday and took my lunch - (instead of buying fast food) and I have also Walked 30 minutes every day. pant pant. But just said I need a walk and off I go and it's freezing outside (I live in England) but I feel so great when I come home. Anyhow, this morning, I stood on the scale. And I have lost LOTS. 3.8 kilos...... I was shaking and could nearly cry with happiness - can't believe it. It's everything that the book says and more. I also feel like my brain can suddenly "think" - almost kind of clearer?? Anyhow, I am so happy - very enthusiastic, and I know I have a long way to go but feel very excited. I have created a ticker, but have no idea if it will come up when I post this so might have to ask for some help. I know that my appetite suddenly felt under control about midday yesterday (so that would be day 4) and today I've had no cravings - but the only thing I can't get hold of are the Ketostix, do I have to have them. Anyhow, to all the people who do post - Thank You. You have unknowingly been such an encouragement to me and finally here I am. I feel so excited. I just can't believe how well I feel and how quickly my scale has dropped.

[Kimmala]

oh and one more thing. I have quite a lot to lose (think that's maybe why the scale has dropped so much) and also, the ticker obviously didn't work? will have to see what I can do. Thanks and have a lovely day.

[Chef Kevin]

great job!!!
Welcome!!!

The brain fog is lifting, isn't that a great feeling!?!?!
I think so fast, I can finish people's sentences now. It's like I am sitting there waiting for them!!
Ketostix are not necessary, just a tool. Any pharmacy will have them, mostly behind the counter. Just ask, no prescription needed. They are often stolen, so around here they have been moved behind the counter. My pharmasist just moved them recently, I was like "wassup?". She couldn't keep them in stock, they were stolen faster than she could get them. Probably why they are on ebay all the time!
Bless you! Have a great journey here!!

[AOT]

Dear Kimmala,

You are doing great. Keep at it and the weight will continue to come off. As for the Ketosis sticks, as chef Kevin mentions they are only a tool. I don't know how easy it is to get them in England (I recently moved to Europe and lots of things I can't get) but in any case they are not necessary. I lived in Africa for seven years before moving to Europe this year and I did Atkins while I was there and was quite successful (but i fell off the wagon) and I could not get the strips there to save my life! So I continued doing it without. The scale showed me my progress. But if you can get them, they are a good tool because as they turn purple and the darker they turn it tells you that the diet is working and it encourages you more.

Good luck and happy new year!