Hello :)

[pokiedot]

Hi there

I'm Mitzi, and I live in AZ. I'm 37 and this is my second time on Atkins. My first time was in 1996-1997 when I successfully lost 115 pounds and kept it off till I got pregnant with my 2nd child. I gained it all back when I was pregnant, and since he was born (in 1999!) I haven't just kept the weight on, I gained more! GAH! I've been messing around with different diets ever since, never very seriously... but this time, It's for real.

I'm planning to go back to work in January 2010, after not really working outside the home since before my kids were born. I went back to school 2 years ago and will be graduating with my BS in Graphic Design in December, a mere 20 years after I graduated from high school. I work freelance now and usually, I never see my client, all of the work is done online or over the phone or fax. I need to get a *real* job, and so I'm faced with the reality that NOBODY is going to hire an almost-40-year-old fat girl, no matter how good my work is or what my GPA is. I know there are exceptions to that, but I'd rather go out with the best possible chance, know what I mean?

OK so Atkins... I know it works. In a year I lost 115 lbs and was able to keep it off. I never had any cravings, I have a literal arsenal of foods that I LOVE (mmm chicken salad!), and though it's harder now since my kids don't just eat baby food, they are super supportive of anything I want to do, including this... and so the junk food in the house has been reduced to things that don't tempt me at all. My husband is a great guy, you know the kind... whatever size you are blah blah blah... which I admit is nice BUT it hasn't really helped motivate me. SO while he isn't transformed into the diet police, he is aware that eating in restaurants can be complicated instead of a treat... and bringing home *junk* for treats for the kids isn't as nice as bringing them home sugarfree gum or beef jerky.

Oops got off topic... Back to the diet... I pretty much stuck to induction for the whole year I was losing weight. After I got to my goal, I went up to about 60g carbs a day, but still didn't eat bread or pasta. I could make a mean low-carb crustless cheesecake... gotta find that recipe it was like 3 eggs, 3 things of cream cheese and 3 sticks of butter or something ridiculous like that! I am fortunate to have great stores here where i can get a ton of good things to eat that are totally Atkins friendly. My current favorite is this shredded beef carne asada from Costco. It has 1g/serving but I find that I'm not particularly sensitive to carbs that come from seasoning, so it works really nicely for me. I also love chicken salad. I think I already mentioned that. I usually buy a couple of whole chickens, bake them with some salt and pepper, feed the family and then turn the leftovers into chicken salad.

OH... I also have PCOS, and I will post in that group later on.

That's probably enough from me. I'm glad to have found this board!

mitzi

p.s. Now that I've been on Atkins for about 3 1/2 weeks... I'm going to attempt to give up my Diet Pepsi habit as soon as I drink the stash I have here in the house. When I was on Atkins before, I stuck to water & crystal light so I feel like I should do that again!

[imagood1]

Welcome back to Atkins.
Make sure you drink at least 64 oz of pure water a day (tea, sodas, coffee, kool-aid don't count toward your total, only pure water) -- besides eating the 20 carbs daily during induction and exercising the water is what will help flush out the nasties, hydrate your organs and keep you feeling strong.

Good luck on your journey.

[pokiedot]

Thanks I actually take an arsenal of supplements 3x a day, 32oz of water accompanies each meal o' vitamins.

[mitzimarie]

Originally Posted by pokiedot

I'm Mitzi, and I live in AZ.

OMG! Another Mitzi!!

That's so cool... and I can really identify with a lot of your story. Thanks for sharing it. I'm glad that you have found us. There aren't words to describe how much I've gained from this board. I didn't have it on my first go-around with Atkins (see stats below), but I have had it since the beginning this time. It's been a key to my success.

I'm looking forward to traveling this journey with you.

[liv]

Two Mitzis - oh my!!!!
Welcome pokie - I already enjoyed some of your post on the board.

[pokiedot]

Thanks for the warm welcome.

Mitzi... there aren't many of us! Nice to meet you! I hope to match your results as well as your name.

The first time I was on Atkins, the "Zone" diet was really popular and Atkins was just catching on, so I hung around a Zone board feeling all smug because I was losing more and felt better than those people. heehee It was great to have the support and I look forward to enjoying that with this group.

Have a fabulous weekend!