Hello from Northern Indiana

[kaylinsmom]

Hi all,
I am a graduate of Indiana University in Political Science and will be moving to Maine this summer for grad school. I HAVE TO LOSE WEIGHT! The idea of not being able to go hiking or kayaking with my family is horrifying.

I am 44 years old, 5'5" tall, and weigh 303.5 pounds. I had gastric band and stapling in 2000 (obviously didn't work) and now have all sorts of problems eating good foods. They get stuck at the band. No health insurance, so for now, I'm stuck (in more ways than one).

I am not new to Atkins, I've tried it in the past, only to fall off and not get back on. But, I started again on Tuesday. Seems as if I've already blown it. I bought and have eaten some of the bars and shakes from Atkins. From what I've read, that was a no-no. Ah well, into the cupboard they will go for later.

I am here for help, advice, and encouragement. I seem to lose motivation quickly but am willing to try very hard this time.

Thank you all for being here. The pictures are fantastic motivators!

Sincerely,
Robin

[imagood1]

hi and welcome Robin -- yes the shakes and bars are off limits especially during induction.

We have all been in the place you are today and are here to help with whatever you need. One of the best things you can do is purchase the 2002 Dr Atkins New Diet Revolution book (DANDR) – if you can’t find one locally www.half.com and www.Amazon.com have them pretty inexpensively.

Good luck on your journey. Here are links that will help get you started. Make sure you are eating induction recipes only until you are ready to move onto OWL.

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

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.

[chinadoll]

Welcome Robin. The key is commitment. I am keeping my fingers crossed that you will be able to stick with us all the way to goal.

[kaylinsmom]

Thank you for your encouragement and information. I have back shelved my bars and shakes for another time.

You are all beautiful people.

I am off to the Induction Forum!

[Goodbyefat27]

Hi! I just wanted to welcome you to the board and wish you great success in reaching your goal. This site is abundant in information and support and it will be a great tool, so utilize it as much as you can. Good luck with your new way of WOL; I hope you can find the strength and motivation to make it a permenant change!!

[balletlover]

Hello kaylinsmom! Welcome! am new here to w/ 2nd day of induction. Know what you mean about wanting to fully participate in life & in career (looking & feeling best). Am going to externship this summer as Medical Assistant (this is last quarter of community college) & if no change, will be poor example of health. Look forward to getting to know you better! balletlover ;0)