Newcomer

[bellamore]

Hi all,

I have struggled with being overweight my entire life. There are a few things I know for sure. First, I know that I feel much better and lighter and less bloated when I eat low carb. Avoiding grains in general makes me feel better. I know that eating carbs excessively weakens my immune system, and as a teacher, I know that when I give in I am susceptible to all the germs lingering around my classroom. I know that daily exercise makes me more energetic and confident.

What I cannot for the life of me figure out is why I cannot lose weight. I have gone on diets, and even stuck with them for months. I feel thinner after just a few days on the Atkins diet. It is certainly my most favorite way of eating. But I know that anytime I succumb to a piece of cake or french fries, I will "gain" back every pound that I lost within a week. The only explanation I have left is that I have a set point. I weighed in the 160s most of high school, 170s in college, and now that I'm married and have a career- mostly 180s. I am not losing permanent weight, it all just bounces back!

I guess what I need/want is a bit of inspiration after that bit of venting... Hi everyone, and have a great evening!

[Georgiana]

Welcome to ADBB, Bella!

Atkins is not a diet (i.e. something you go "off"), but a way of eating for life. If you go back to eating cakes and fries, then you will gain weight back, of course. This is why Atkins has four phases: Induction, Ongoing Weight Loss, Pre-Maintenance and Maintenance. You progress through all of them, so that by the time you reach your goal, you know how to maintain it.

Do you have a copy of Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution (2002)?

[bellamore]

Thank you for your response. Yes I do have a copy of the book, and I have read it several times. I have all the faith in the world in the Atkins diet. What is so frustrating to me is this (and I'm not blaming the way of eating): I did the induction phase for 2 weeks prior to Halloween. I lost approximately 7 pounds (started at 186, ended induction at 179). It's all back now, due to some poor food choices that I made over the past couple of days-

Let me vent some more!

My husband and I were married this summer, his job was transfered to the area where my parents live, we are living in the basement until we can finally afford to buy a place in the area (which is very expensive), i am working as a 5th grade teacher in a high poverty area with a very challenging group of students, we had parent teacher conferences all night this past week. My husband and I share a car- his commute is 2 hours each way. I miss our old home terribly.

I am just exhausted and don't have a lot of people to talk to about this! I wish more than anything that my eating could always be under control, but there is sometimes no time for cooking. These are no excuses- I am just looking for a little encouragement.

[Georgiana]

Okay, I got it now... Sorry for the misunderstanding.

Did you try cooking in advance? For example, making quiches and frittatas... and heating a slice in the microwave when you're on the run or don't have time to cook something? They keep well in the fridge.

Or maybe make things like muffins or mini quiches... to have for a quick meal?

Just trying to come up with suggestions here... for those days when you can't find the time to cook.

[bellamore]

Those are great suggestions! Do you know if quiches and frittatas heat up well in a microwave? For some reason, I thought that eggs could not be microwaved!

[Georgiana]

Originally Posted by bellamore

Do you know if quiches and frittatas heat up well in a microwave?

Yes, they heat up really well.

Did you check out Linda's page?
Linda's Low Carb Menus & Recipes - Recipes

For some reason, I thought that eggs could not be microwaved!

You can actually use the microwave to make scrambled eggs, poached eggs, mock danish...

But if you cook a whole egg (like poached egg... obviously not boiled ) in the microwave, use a fork to pierce the yolk or else it will explode.

[imagood1]

Welcome back to Atkins --

Don't forget to eat enough vegetables - 2 cups from the first list and 1 cup from the 2nd list daily. The recipe sites will help keep you from eating the same thing over and over -- check them out! Keep a few snacks (veggies cut up, rolled up meat w/cream cheese, chicken strips, etc) in your purse for those times you're on the go. I made egg muffins and reheat them in the microwave - it only takes 30 seconds and you have a nutritious hot meal.

Recipe Sites

http://www.genaw.com/lowcarb/menus.html (Linda’s)
(Never ending induction recipes)(Never ending induction recipes)(Never ending induction recipes)http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-diet-14-day-induction/58513-never-ending-induction-recipes.html (induction recipes)
(Never ending induction recipes)(Never ending induction recipes)(Never ending induction recipes)http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-diet-14-day-induction/58513-never-ending-induction-recipes.html# (additional induction recipes)

If you need anything we’re here to help you!! Good luck.