First time dieter: newbie

[jennashaped]

Well, this is my first diet ever! I've never really had a problem with my weight until the past two years. After kicking a very bad drug habit, I managed to pack on the pounds, and it's really a downer in my life. I'm getting married in November, and my doctor recommended the Atkins diet. I asked, "Isn't that just some fad?" But she swears by it and says it'll do wonders for me.

I'm starting out now on Day 1, but I REALLY want to take this seriously, and this looks like a great network of people. So hi, everyone! I'm Jenn, and one of your newest members.

[planetclaire]

Welcome Jenn! I'm really impressed your doctor recommended it. Do you have the book? Read it from cover to cover...everytime I read it I learn something new.

[jennashaped]

Originally Posted by planetclaire

Welcome Jenn! I'm really impressed your doctor recommended it. Do you have the book? Read it from cover to cover...everytime I read it I learn something new.

I sure don't! I should pick it up pretty soon, but I went ahead and started today. It's about lunch time, and I'm having a grilled chicken breast. (I haven't had a chance to go to the grocery store.) For breakfast, I had three small pieces of turkey sausage. (2 carbs only in 3 of them.)

Also, I checked out a thread on here that mentioned some great items to get, and I'm actually pretty excited to try this all out. Everyone here seems to be very supportive.

I weighed in at 206 at the doc, and that's just not gonna cut it for me! So hopefully with this and 30 mins a day on my elliptical machine, I should see some great results!

[imagood1]

Welcome Jenna -- You need to eat more than just meat and cheese -- Veggies are a huge part of this plan. Also drink plenty of water (at least 64 ounces per day) and exercise. We use the 2002 Dr Atkins New Diet Revolution edition (we call it DANDR for short). You need to know why the plan works before you get too far into it - the first 14 days will get your started on your journey. Make sure you are following it to the letter.

Here are some links to help until you can get and read the book. Also some recipe sites so you don't get tired of the same thing over and over. Make sure you are eating induction only recipes to begin with....once you go on to OWL (ongoing weight loss) at the end of your 2 week induction you can add more foods and more recipes.

Good luck.

Rules of Induction:
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...ead.php?t=6782 (What are the Rules of Induction?)
Induction Acceptable Foods:
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...ead.php?t=6781 (What foods can be eaten on Induction?)

Linda's Low Carb Menus & Recipes - Daily Menus
Sheila's Low Carb, Atkins & Induction Friendly *ORIGINAL* Recipes Page!
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...n-recipes.html (Never ending induction recipes)
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...pes-added.html (Induction Recipe Basics--More recipes added)

[jennashaped]

Originally Posted by imagood1

Welcome Jenna -- You need to eat more than just meat and cheese -- Veggies are a huge part of this plan. Also drink plenty of water (at least 64 ounces per day) and exercise. We use the 2002 Dr Atkins New Diet Revolution edition (we call it DANDR for short). You need to know why the plan works before you get too far into it - the first 14 days will get your started on your journey. Make sure you are following it to the letter.

Here are some links to help until you can get and read the book. Also some recipe sites so you don't get tired of the same thing over and over. Make sure you are eating induction only recipes to begin with....once you go on to OWL (ongoing weight loss) at the end of your 2 week induction you can add more foods and more recipes.

Good luck.

Rules of Induction:
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...ead.php?t=6782 (What are the Rules of Induction?)
Induction Acceptable Foods:
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...ead.php?t=6781 (What foods can be eaten on Induction?)

Linda's Low Carb Menus & Recipes - Daily Menus
Sheila's Low Carb, Atkins & Induction Friendly *ORIGINAL* Recipes Page!
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...n-recipes.html (Never ending induction recipes)
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...pes-added.html (Induction Recipe Basics--More recipes added)

Wow, thanks so much for all that info! I'll definitely be looking that up.

From what I've read on the site and what I saw over the weekend, it looks like there are still quite a few options as far as food goes. I printed out recipes and grocery lists so I could go to the store after work. Beside me, I have a 12oz. bottle of Dasani, and I've been drinking those all day. Also, like I said earlier, my elliptical will help me get started with my cardio, and I plan to start playing racquetball with a friend of mine.

Good thing veggies are a part of the plan, because I adore broccoli, cauliflower, and green beans, which are some of the ones I saw on some members' grocery lists. I'm sure fruits and veggies are part of any good diet.

I also got some ketostix under the recommendation of my doctor. Has anyone here had a lot of success tracking themselves with those? She says it's a good way to know you're not cheating.

Edit: Just read that several people have mixed feelings on ketostix. I already bought them, so I'll try them out, but I know they're not the end all-be all of the Atkins diet.

[imagood1]

I have to keotsis sticks but rarely have any discernable color. I can tell I'm good by a sweet taste in my mouth and a fruity smell in my urine. Fruit is not allowed until further up the rungs but there are so many veggies you can eat until you get there. It's good you like veggies because it's so important to get your carbs everyday from them.

Make sure you drink at least 64 ounces of pure water (yea I seem to say that over and over...). It looks like your eliptical will come in very handy also!

Good luck again! If you need anything all you have to do is ask!

[jennashaped]

Originally Posted by imagood1

I have to keotsis sticks but rarely have any discernable color. I can tell I'm good by a sweet taste in my mouth and a fruity smell in my urine. Fruit is not allowed until further up the rungs but there are so many veggies you can eat until you get there. It's good you like veggies because it's so important to get your carbs everyday from them.

Make sure you drink at least 64 ounces of pure water (yea I seem to say that over and over...). It looks like your eliptical will come in very handy also!

Good luck again! If you need anything all you have to do is ask!

Definitely! Thanks for the encouragement! And yeah, the water part is actually really easy for me because I don't like soft drinks at all, and already today I've had well over my recommended amount of water. Can't wait to see where I am after two weeks, but more importantly, after a few months! I have read that some people don't get instant results, so I will do my best not to get discouraged if that is the case with me. (My doc just started me on Birth Control and a diuretic, so we'll see how that goes along with my new diet.)

[Sunny_0ne]

Welcome, Jenn!

CONGRATULATIONS ON KICKING THE DRUG HABIT! YAY for you!!!!

You've gotten some excellent advice, and with your grocery planning, you should do great!

I'm glad you joined us, and I will love following your progress!

[jennashaped]

Originally Posted by Sunny_0ne

Welcome, Jenn!

CONGRATULATIONS ON KICKING THE DRUG HABIT! YAY for you!!!!

You've gotten some excellent advice, and with your grocery planning, you should do great!

I'm glad you joined us, and I will love following your progress!

Thanks so much!! I feel like I've come a long way in that department, but now it's time to take control back in all aspects of my life. With encouragement like this, it's hard to imagine failing.