Hello all!

[Ramses]

Heya,

My name's Gregory and this is Day 13 on Atkins... for some reason it seems much easier than previous times I've tried it in earnest. I think perhaps it's the time of year (I began on December 30th) and that I have a 20 year High School reunion coming up in September this year. Most of all I think it's just I've reached "that point" where I'm ready for the change.

I live in Washington DC downtown and going out to the bars with my friends after work has been such a regular social outlet -- that's the part that's most difficult for me. But I know it's not forever and I'm imagining the looks on everybody's faces when I go to happy hour in however many months it takes... it'll all be worth it I'm sure. Tomorrow will be two weeks doing the Induction thing (which I plan to continue for a while) and I've lost 8 lbs as of this morning at the gym. I've got a lot of energy and really not much of an appetite. For instance, it's 2pm now and I would've been dying for lunch around noon in my former lifestyle (and had I been out with the guys the night before I'd have to have something really greasy and foul to settle me). As for the energy, I'm waking up naturally ten minutes before my alarm even goes off in the morning. Then I take a quick shower and walk to the gym when they open. I read that working out in the morning before eating burns 300% more calories -- that's from the book "Body for Life" which I read just for the workout tips and the inspirational stories.

This really seems to be working well this time around -- of course, this coming weekend is Inauguration Weekend which looks like it's going to be a 96 hour PARTY in DC... that's gonna be rough. I've been telling myself there's ALWAYS going to be some event or some party that threatens to derail me, so I've just gotta suck it up and look forward to this Spring when I've hopefully reached my goal and can have some REAL fun.

Anyway, good luck to everyone else! I've read some really amazing stories already and it's really inspired me.

Thanks,

Gregory M.

[sallyseachange]

Hi Gregory and welcome to the board! Nice to have you here with us.
You're so right... there is always going to be some event or other just designed to knock you off course, so it pays to have a strategy to meet those events head on and stick to your guns. You can do it though, I know!

Here's to you reaching your goal by the spring when you want to have some "real" fun. I bet that when you get there, that "real" fun won't involve falling off the wagon. By that time, if you've followed the plan to the letter, you probably won't even want to. The fun will be in everything else!

Happy Atkineering!

[imagood1]

Hi Gregory - good name, same as my hubby!! Keep your resolve - learn how not to let certain things bother you like they did in the past. Before you go out, try eating some good old celery w/cream cheese, rolled up meat with mayo or cream cheese, etc...get some fats in you and you will be less compelled to go overboard when you are out. You don't mention how much you are planning to loose but I'm sure you'll look great when you get there.

A few suggestions: Instead of a beer or mixed drink order water w/lemon or lime. I bartended years ago, and you wouldn't believe the number of people who would order "water w/a twist" ask for it in a "rocks glass" - no one was the wiser that it wasn't a mixed drink! Besides, what difference does it make if they do know? You can be the designated driver (or walker if you don't drive). When you get away from the bars for awhile you'll be surprised how the smell isn't the most pleasant. (Don't forget to tip your waitress/waiter or bartender...LOL)

Don't sit home alone, you can still eat out, watch what and how your order and enjoy yourself and being with your friends. When you are out with your friends, let them know that you are making yourself healthier....and watch the ladies start noticing you also!! Good luck at your class reunion!! I'll watch for your progress!! Keep up the great work.

Carole

[appleshake]

Originally Posted by Ramses

Heya,

My name's Gregory and this is Day 13 on Atkins... for some reason it seems much easier than previous times I've tried it in earnest. I think perhaps it's the time of year (I began on December 30th) and that I have a 20 year High School reunion coming up in September this year. Most of all I think it's just I've reached "that point" where I'm ready for the change.

I live in Washington DC downtown and going out to the bars with my friends after work has been such a regular social outlet -- that's the part that's most difficult for me. But I know it's not forever and I'm imagining the looks on everybody's faces when I go to happy hour in however many months it takes... it'll all be worth it I'm sure. Tomorrow will be two weeks doing the Induction thing (which I plan to continue for a while) and I've lost 8 lbs as of this morning at the gym. I've got a lot of energy and really not much of an appetite. For instance, it's 2pm now and I would've been dying for lunch around noon in my former lifestyle (and had I been out with the guys the night before I'd have to have something really greasy and foul to settle me). As for the energy, I'm waking up naturally ten minutes before my alarm even goes off in the morning. Then I take a quick shower and walk to the gym when they open. I read that working out in the morning before eating burns 300% more calories -- that's from the book "Body for Life" which I read just for the workout tips and the inspirational stories.

This really seems to be working well this time around -- of course, this coming weekend is Inauguration Weekend which looks like it's going to be a 96 hour PARTY in DC... that's gonna be rough. I've been telling myself there's ALWAYS going to be some event or some party that threatens to derail me, so I've just gotta suck it up and look forward to this Spring when I've hopefully reached my goal and can have some REAL fun.

Anyway, good luck to everyone else! I've read some really amazing stories already and it's really inspired me.

Thanks,

Gregory M.

hiya!! i've done well tried to atkins before but seem to be doing quite well this time too!!! well done on your weight loss!! x

[carbless_in_seattle]

make sure and eat protein after you workout in the mornings, especially if you're strength training, this will rebuild damage done to muscle tissue, and keep you from burning lean muscle mass.