Hey everyone!

[currentOBSESSlON]

Hi everyone, my name is Jen and this is my second time going on Atkins. My fiance's mom turned me onto this diet and she's been on it since I've been with him (Almost 5 years) so I've seen the results and I know that it works. The first time I went on Atkins I was a senior in high school, and I had gained a lot of weight, I went from 150 to 220. Me and my Fiance had both gained weight and I guess we didn't realize it at first because we were happy, hah. Once I realized how big I had gotten I tried to diet and nothing worked so then I started Atkins and fell in love with it, I saw results so quick and I didn't feel like I was being restricted from anything (Though muffins and bagels are my favorite, that was the only thing that killed me! =P). I started around the first week on February 2007 and went from 220 to 185 by May. I wanted to lose the weight for my senior prom and I did. I was so happy.

Well, to say the least, I didn't stick with it and I went to college and gained almost all of the weight back. I go to school for art and have atleast 3 six hour long studio classes a week along with a few 3 hour classes and I work which leaves little to no time to prep anything for the day. Even this past semester I tried Atkins again and I havent seen the same results as I did before and I keep getting discouraged. But as of last week I'm trying again and I'm trying to stick with it for good!

Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated and I'll help anyone else as much as I can!! =)

[niko772]

On the weekends, why not make up several "on the go" bags to snatch while you're headed out the door? I'm busy and always on the go, and the snack bags are a lifesaver.

[blueberrylady]

Welcome to the board, Jen!

I'm glad you found us! With your busy schedule, you will have to get creative in preparing your meals. Be sure to check out the Recipe and Food forum for ideas for people on the go.

Good luck to you!

[imagood1]

hi and welcome Jen -- you probably won't have the same type of success this time you have had in the past - your body isn't the same, your schedule isn't the same, heck, everything is different that before. Be happy with the loss you are having this time and stick with it. This isn't a quick fix, it's a lifestyle change.

whatever day you have enough time cook meals ahead - the crock pot is my lifesaver because I can make something in it, it's ready when I walk in the door and there are always leftovers for several meals.

here are some links that helped when I first started - hopefully they will help you also. Good luck!

Rules of Induction:
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...ead.php?t=6782
Induction Acceptable Foods List:
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...ead.php?t=6781

Recipe Sites
http://www.genaw.com/lowcarb/menus.html
(Never ending induction recipes)http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-diet-14-day-induction/58513-never-ending-induction-recipes.html
(Induction Recipe Basics--More recipes added)http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-diet-14-day-induction/6807-induction-recipe-basics-more-recipes-added.html
http://www.sugarfreesheila.com/RecipesPage.html

Exercise is not an option – it is mandatory ….. don’t say you can’t find a way and start today!

Atkins bars and shakes are NOT acceptable during induction – they are made with non-induction ingredients and cause stalling in many people. Just remember - if it’s not on the acceptable food list – it doesn’t go in your mouth!

This is from the "Read before you start" thread in the 14 day Induction area:
Drink a minimum of 64 ounces of water each day, including:
Filtered water
Mineral water
Spring water
Tap water

Additionally (after your 64 ounces daily), you can have the following:
Clear broth/bouillon (not all brands; read the label)
Club soda
Cream, heavy or light (limit to two to three Tablespoons a day; note carb content)
Decaffeinated coffee or tea*
Diet soda made with sucralose (Splenda); be sure to count the carbs (may cause a stall in weight loss)
Essence-flavored seltzer (must say "no calories" and should not contain aspartame)
Herb tea (without barley or any fruit sugar added)
Lemon juice or lime juice (note that each contains 2.8 grams carbohydrate per ounce); limit to two to three Tablespoons

*Excessive caffeine may cause unstable blood sugar and should be avoided by those who suspect they are caffeine dependent. Everyone should try to avoid caffeine.
Grain beverages (coffee substitutes) are not allowed. Alcoholic beverages are also not permitted during Induction; those low in carbohydrates are an option, in moderation, in later phases.

[currentOBSESSlON]

Thank you all for the great advice! I really appreciate it! I'll check all of that out and hopefully it'll work out for me. =)