I want to be serious this time. I'm motivated.

[Trabuen]

In the past, I have flirted with the Atkins diet, but never stuck to it. Gradually over the years I have yoyo's up to over 300 pounds on a Five Foot Eight frame. That is not good and at age 60 (going on 61) I know it could be killing me.

Having found this site today, I hope to have found a support group that will help keep me motivated to stick on the diet. In the past, I would lose 20 pounds and then go out and buy a gallon of ice cream to celebrate my weight loss. Is there a secret to avoid nonsense behavior like mine?

I figure if I post my weight and my weight loss and progress towards my goal, a few fellow supporters might help me with encouragement.

Somewhere I saw something today that implied that diet soda's are bad for you. Is that bad from an Atkins diet standpoint or from a nutrition standpoint or both?

Any help would be appreciated.

[mitzimarie]

Hi, Trabuen

Welcome to ADBB!

First thing's first - there have been many studies showing that drinking diet sodas aren't good for weight loss. Oh sure, there are probably some people who can get away with it, but I've seen tons of posts here by members whose weight loss has stalled because of them. Also, we are only allowed up to 3 servings of sweetener a day, and most cans or bottles have more than 1 sweetener serving in them. And a lot of people drink sodas in lieu of water. Honestly, water is the best thing for health and weight loss. Yeah, I know... not a very exciting beverage... I had to train myself to drink it. But it's all that I drink now.

OK, about putting a stop to "nonsense" behavior. Well, it has been my experience that getting through a squeaky clean 2 week Induction (exactly by the book) will change your tastes and reduce cravings, making it easier to pass on the carbage.

If you haven't read the 2002 version of Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution, I would suggest picking it up. If you have read it in the past, I would still pick it up and review. (I've read it several times - I find it a great motivator). In the mean time, have you checked out this sticky yet? http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...-new-read.html (If you are NEW, READ THIS!) Give it look... there's some great info in there.

Good luck!

[milfit77]

Welcome to the site! This site is an awesome site for us newbies everyone is around to help out with questions that we encounter along the way.. I look forward to seeing your progress!

[Desertthorn]

Welcome, glad you found us. I truly believe diet sodas are the devil. Think about switching to water. You will be glad you did

[Trabuen]

I want to thank you all for the encouragement. As long as I keep on posting here, I know I will stick to the Atkins program. Now, I have people (at this site) who know what I am doing and are testimony to the fact that it works. I have tried to tell others about Atkins, and most of them treat you like you are slightly off balance. You probably know what I mean. At any rate I just needed to find a place like this where there is some group support.

I love some of the progressive photos that you guys have put up. You girls (When a man is 61, all you women are girls to me) look so good as you have progressed to your goal weights and below. I am really impressed.

Thanks, again, guys.

[Sunny_0ne]

Trabuen, welcome to the board!

I'm 60, too, and although I don't have as much weight as you do to lose, it is coming off slowly. But it IS coming off!

As MitziMarie said, the secret of getting rid of cravings is Don't Cheat. The Atkins way of eating is specifically designed to cut out cravings... but only if the rules are followed. One cheat can trigger irresistible cravings.

About the diet sodas, yes they are bad. Aspartame is the worst and is not legal on Atkins. I still cling to diet soda sweetened with Splenda, but I would do a lot better without it.

Good luck.

[blueberrylady]

Welcome to the board Trabuen!! You've come to the right place for support and encouragement. I know you can do this time because you seem to have the right attitude.

Now, if we can just keep you away from that darn ice cream!