Hello new friends!

[Ann Louise]

I've been reading these posts for over a week and decided to take the plunge and register. This is my first forum and I'm not familiar with the abbreviations -- please bear with me! I'll learn them as time goes by.

I successfully lost weight with Atkins in the past. I looked and felt fantastic! I had more energy, I actually looked forward to my daily walk, and I didn't avoid cameras or mirrors. Like so many others, I fell off the low-carb wagon and gained it all back and then some. After reading these posts, I know I'm with people who are in the same boat. I'm now at my all-time high (187 lbs on a 5'1" body), and know I could very easily keep going higher. I've been on an eating frenzy since last summer, enjoying whatever I wanted because it tasted good. I'd buy a package of 4 huge fruit turnovers at the store and not even bother to kid myself that I'd save any for the next day. I couldn't wait to get home and eat all 4, one after the other. It made me feel good, and I didn't care about the calories. I had a lot going on and I just didn't want one more thing to have to think about.

But that was then, and now I'm ready. Atkins works for me. During Induction, I can eat foods that I like (dairy, meats, vegs). The first 3-4 days are tough but after that, the bread/pasta cravings diminish. I know that within a couple of weeks, I will look at a bread basket and not pounce.

I need to restock my refrigerator and cupboards with Atkins-friendly foods, which I will do today. I officially started yesterday (1-1-09) and did well -- stayed on program and drank the water. I did not exercise but will take a walk today. I've been down this road before and I know it works. I also know that I need help and support from my fellow Atkins followers, and I will support you, too.

You know what I won't miss? Every night telling myself "OK, maybe tomorrow I'll start...". Every stinking night! But I didn't say it last night. And that felt good.

[Zarabelle]

Hi! Welcome to ADBB! Well done for biting the bullet and getting started. x

[stillweighting]

Hello, I'm back online in the atkins forum for the first time in many years.

I got serious a few years ago and lost 110 lbs. Over the past 2 years I have let 20 lbs creep back on...so I'm back on for moral support...I know this works... it has been my way of life for several years now...I love it.

My problem is I stopped doing my yoga and almost never walk anymore....that is where I need to begin...but with my work schedule and trying to make time to have a life... I just let those very important things slip away.

I need some real motivation......

[Ann Louise]

Yup, I know that 20-lb Creep very well. He certainly gets around! It starts so innocently...what's one donut? Then I get defiant: Who says I can't have 2 donuts? This is America! Then the defeat: I already ate 2 so I might as well finish off the box and be done with it. I let the 5-lb Creep into my life, and he brings his 10- & 20-lb friends.

The good news is that we know Atkins works. If we did it once, we can do it again! I am not a fan of exercise but it does work, and it's non-negotiable. We have to do it in order to succeed. You probably felt great after doing yoga, right? I always felt better after taking a walk. So let's do some exercise today. I need the motivation, too. I need to get off my a** and go for a walk!