Atkins *proper* Newbie

[Webcazadora]

Hi, my name is Judy and it's been SIX days since I've had a sandwich

I'm 34 years old and I've been steadily gaining weight since I was 28. I love to cook, I love to eat, and I love to entertain. I don't, however, love the extra eighty pounds I've put on. So I have a plan of attack to get rid of them. On January 1st, I dedicated 2009 to my "weight loss plan".

My father always told me that I need a "game plan" for everything I do. Naturally, since that came from my father, I am very anti-game-plan. The inner teenager in me still rebels (even though he's been right about absolutely everything else over the years). But this year, I took his advice to heart.

First, my plan was to cut calories and keep a food diary. I found that I am much too disorganized for that and promptly fell off of the diary wagon. In the back of my mind, there was a whisper that said "try Atkins, try Atkins". Given that each of the other three times I tried Atkins I gave in on day two while in the throws of what I now know is "the Atkins flu", I ignored the whisper.

My second plan of attack was to exercise the weight away. I would wake up early and cut my hours at work (I work fifty to sixty hours a week) so I could squeeze in HOURS of exercise a day (this from someone who exercises very little already). This lasted about three days until I was done with this method of weight loss. The little voice kept whispering.

My third plan was diet pills. From past experience I know that the prescription "curb your hunger" pills make me a raving Witch for the first five days, so I instead opted for the OTC Alli pills. Three days later I was flushing them down the toilet after a mortifying incident I don't care to document. Again, the whisper.

I searched my book cases for my Atkins books - I bought both at some point. I re-read the new one (although I saw it pointed out in one of the forums that the old one is better?), and set about my plan: I would begin my diet the day before my two days off - that way I could legitimately lay in bed and be miserable without the guilt of calling in sick to work. I went shopping and bought the things I can eat during the induction phase, and I separated the pantries - one for my family, one for me. I warned my children and my fiance that I was going on a diet, I would be extremely sick on day 2, and they were not to bother me or cook brownies. And then I started induction.

Six days later, I'm down nine pounds. While I'm still a little tired and go through dizzy spells, I'm feeling better every day. I'm drinking copious amounts of water (with those Crystal Light flavorings, is that against the diet? I didn't find it written anywhere that I couldn't), and I think I have sufficiently slayed the cravings dragon. Last night was my first test: a family birthday party with not one but TWO homemade cakes and I didn't even consider a piece. I did, however, have to step outside after the happy birthday song and stare at the stars for a good five minutes - but regardless, I made it.

It's day six and I'm on my way. Who knows, maybe I'll even start exercising soon . Wish me luck!

[Sunny_0ne]

Welcome, Judy. Atkins works when other diets fail, so I'm glad you are here.

It took me about 3 weeks to get past the faint feelings, so hand in there!

You owe yourself a HUGE pat on the back for passing on the birthday cake. WOO HOO -- the choice of a winner!!!

Do start exercising... it makes all the difference in how good you feel and look. And Dr. Atkins says you are not doing Atkins if you are not exercising.

About the Crystal Light... I'll let someone else answer who has fact to offer you. I have read that it's not legal for induction -- probably due to the fillers (dextrose or maltodextrin?).

[Chicklady]

Hi Judy You're off to a great start!!
We are limited to 3 servings of artificial sweetener a day, so you're probably over the edge on that. If it's keeping you on your diet however, I'll nag less
This board uses the 2002 version of the Atkins books. I did the '80'd version the first time around, and I really believe this ine is going to be better to stick with for life.

[imagood1]

Here is the answer to your question about Crystal Lite drinks:

on page 230 of the DANDR book

9. You must drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of pure water daily. This can be filtered, mineral or spring water (not seltzer). You may also have unlimited amounts of herbal tea (without sugar), but these do not count toward your total of eight glasses.

Plain water is the only water that is acceptable - not flavored waters. If you need "flavor" in your water try slicing a thin slice of lemon or lime and floating that on top.

[creamsoda]

Well done hunni!! tbh I think if you're finding those flavorings help you drink the water snd you still lose then carry on - unless it stalls your loss x

seriously, well done xx

[planetclaire]

Well done Judy!!! Nine pounds in 6 days is wonderful! About the crystal lite...I allow myself one packet per day...after I have had my 64 oz of pure water. And I water that crystal lite down as well, use 1 single serving pkg in 1 litre of water, otherwise its too sweet for me. Oh and BRAVO on the cake! I am having my youngest son's birthday party on Saturday along with homemade red velvet cake, but that will be day 6 for me so the cravings should be gone...I might have to step outside as well

[Webcazadora]

Thank you all for your words of encouragement! Nine days in, 12 pounds gone! I am diluting the crystal light packages now...I am using one per every 32 ounces (and still drinking about 80 ounces a day). Baby steps, baby steps. . On Monday of this week (two days ago), I woke up and felt like a fog had been lifted. My concentration is incredible (two months ago I had been prescribed medicine for ADHD, although I haven't taken any yet), my energy levels are through the roof and I am getting things done in record time. THAT ALONE would make this WOE a true blessing.

I felt so good Monday, I even managed to crank out a mile on the treadmill. Yesterday, I spent the afternoon de-mulching my flower beds (after not touching my yard at all in the past year - hired someone else to do it because I never had the energy). I used to fall asleep as soon as I sat down in the evenings (8:30 or 9:00), now I'm having to force myself to lie down at midnight because if I didn't I would keep going.

Thank you guys again for the advice about the Crystal Light. I'm cutting it out, just have to do it gradually - "pure" water still makes me gag, even with lemon or lime in it. Sad, but true...

[blueberrylady]

Congratulations on your 12 lb. loss. You are definitely on your way. Keep up the good work!

[heavenly rose08]

hey judy welcome to the atkins forum!congrats on the weight you have lost so far,keep up the good work! good luck with your diet! and double for passing up on the birthday cake!