My Atkins Plan

[Sunga]

Hi everyone,

I am writing at the end of my first day on Atkins. I have toyed with Atkins before, but it has taken a while for me to realize that Atkins is how I will be most happy eating in the LONG TERM. I am in pretty good shape - 6'3" 185lbs, with only about 12% body fat. However, I have for the past two years suffered from disordered eating... somewhere between bulimia and binge eating (it became "mere" binge eating when I realized how much worse it was to be both binge eating and bulimic). Quite simply, I am addicted to food, and what I like most about Atkins is that I don't think about food all day and can live the rest of my life more normally and happily.

I don't expect Atkins to work miracles, however I am hoping that it will let me be more present in my own life and not so concentrated on food, which only adds to any negative feelings I might have. For reasons of vanity rather than health, I'll admit that I also would be happy losing about 10 to 15 lbs of fat -- but I'll be satisfied if I just get back to a regular eating pattern without gaining weight. My concerns are staying on the bandwagon and maintaining my overall health (skin, circulatory system, digestive system, etc.) while balancing out my mental/dietary health.

I really appreciate having a forum to talk about this process. Thanks and best wishes for every other Atkins follower out there! Take care,

Alex

[Sunny_0ne]

Welcome, Alex.

If you faithfully follow induction as written, you should lose the cravings and the urge to binge.

However, as soon as your two weeks are up, I would definitely encourage you to move up the OWL rungs pretty quickly so you are eating a well rounded diet.

I really believe that Atkins will meet your unique needs. It will bring your blood sugar and cholesterol levels into the normal range, too, if they are not now.

I was anorexic when I was in my teens and twenties, so I do understand eating disorders. I just hope that you will not try to lose too much weight and get yourself in trouble.

The very best of luck to you.

[Chicklady]

Hi Sunga Welcome to ADBB. I agree with Sunny...you should move rather quickly up the rungs, but slow enough to keep cravings and binging mute. While we are all here for moral support, and Atkins will be great for your physical health, you may find outside help useful for your mental health. Meanwhile, check out the forum... there is a lot here....and join in a challenge or two. You sound very physically fit, and would be a great inspiration for others

[Sunga]

Thanks for your replies and your support! I will definitely think about not staying in induction for too long. First goal: make it to the end of induction day by day! My second day was really a breeze because I am recognizing how much easier it is not to think about food all the time. Plus, I have more energy.

Thanks again

[Sunny_0ne]

Appreciate the update, Sunga.

So glad yesterday went well for you!

[blueberrylady]

It sounds like you are well on your way so keep up the good work. Atkins is the best thing you can do for yourself. Keep us posted on your progress.

[keriann_forgoodthistime]

Originally Posted by Sunga

Quite simply, I am addicted to food, and what I like most about Atkins is that I don't think about food all day and can live the rest of my life more normally and happily.

Alex

wow - do i know EXACTLY what you're talking about...while I don't have a physical eating disorder of bulemia or anorexia...mine was more mental - being obsessed with diet and exercise for so long it seriously overtook my life at some points - I TOTALLY understand exactly what you're saying "I don't think about food all day and can life the rest of my lfie more normally and happily". I totally agree with that about Atkins. It's absolutely fabulous!!

Anyways - congrats on coming back and knowing what is healthy for you. You'll find AWESOME support here and I wish you all the luck and love!

[chinadoll]

Just keep your fat intake up around 65% so you don't get worn out and feel lousy.