Advice for getting started on Atkins

[noel]

Hi there. I don't think I've ever posted over here before and thought I'd see if anyone would be willing to help give me some ideas on getting started on the Atkins diet. I acn see from many of the WISH signatures that Atkins has been a successful way to lose weight and get healthy for many of you!

Is there a book or something else I can buy or website that outlines everything on how to get started?

I am ready, willing and able to give this a shot and know the basic idea of the diet, I just don't know all the ins and outs.

Thanks so much, I really appreciate any help/advice that I can get.

 

[LisaTx]

You can go to www.atkins.com for information, but I recommend getting the book. It's easier to follow. I use DANDR or Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution. $8 in any grocery, drug or book store.

Don't believe what you see and hear in the media about Atkins. Most of it comes from the Physicians Commitee for Responsible Medicine who are a group of vegans associated with PETA. Talk about alterior motives.

Good luck on your journey for a new healthier you, Noel!

 

[gshoemate]

I would highly recommend reading the book also before you get started. Some of the things in there will blow your mind. Like the yearly average consumption of sugar compared to the 1800's....wow. I am 3 days cheat free on Atkins and can't wait to see some results.

 

[TerriP]

I agree with the other posters, nothing will help you as much as DANDR will. I got a new copy for Christmas because mine is all tattered and worn. Needless to say, I refer to it a LOT!!

Another great website is www.lowcarbfriends.com

This site has tons of information and recipes. But even better, it has discussion boards filled with literally thousands of people who are doing this way of eating (WOE). I can't think of a better resource for help then people who have already had success with this WOE.

Good Luck...you can do it!!

 

[RUDisney]

For starters, buy the book. You can get used copies on ebay and half.com. I kept the book opened to the induction pages and on my kitchen counter for the first few weeks so I'd know what was ok and what wasn't.

Also, print out the carb counter that is on www.atkins.com and carry it around with you. We used to always pull ours out in restaurants to see what was ok and what wasn't. Now, we have a greater knowledge of what is good and bad, so we don't reference it anymore.... but it's still in my purse.

Good luck on your lifestyle change!

 

[noel]

Thank you all for your suggestions!!! I knew I could come here and get some good advice. I will definitely be purchasing the diet revolution book and checking out the Atkins website.

Hopefully I'll be posting some more questions and my success as I go along.

I'm the matron of honor for my best friend's wedding this July (they just started planning it) and really want to drop weight and lots of inches. Actually my goal by them is to get to a dress size under a 20...which I never thought I'd ever say because until I was about 25 or so I was under a size 10. But I can't beat myself up over it and need to stay focused and commit to getting on a healthy exercise and eating plan that I can realistically stick with for GOOD.

Thanks again!

 

[RUDisney]

I don't know from where you are starting, size-wise, but I can tell you that I've lost a little over 30 pounds in 4 months and 3 sizes.... well, I can zip my newest size, but the pants are still a little too snug to wear... but not for long! You have 3 more months to chalk up your success stories before July.

You can do anything you set your mind to do. You WILL succeed with Atkins!

I hope you are one sexy, hoochy for your friend's wedding!

 

[noel]

Ok I am going to take one giant leap and post what size I wear in pants/dresses. I guess maybe if I start admitting where I really am at it'll help give me the motivation to get started!
I just feel so ashamed of my size which as of today is a 28.

WOW - I never thought I'd get the courage up to admit that to anyone (besides DH) let alone post it here. It's not like I could fool anyone into thinking I'm a size 12 anyways so I'm not sure what my hangup is.

Fortunately my best friend is just that - a best friend. I told her I am committed to losing weight before her wedding and she said she doesn't care what my size is as long as I'm healthy and happy. The other good thing is that I don't have to worry about wearing a stapless or sleeveless dress - she's doing the seperates thing so I can pick my own dress that I'll feel comfortable in!

I better get back to work, but just this little bit of encouragement really means a lot. I'm glad I came here!
Thank you!

 

[RUDisney]

I wasn't trying to get you to *say* it out loud, but you're right... admitting that you want something is the first step.

Come back here whenever you need encouragement. You'll need it alot during induction because you'll feel like you were run over by a truck for a few days (for me it was 5 days of torture.) Then, you wake up one morning and you're not hungry. Can you believe that would ever be true? You'll be full of energy and won't go through those yawny periods during the day since your blood sugar won't be fluctuating.

Wait til you start getting comments and compliments from your friends and coworkers... or you see a picture that was taken during these past holidays and one of you in 3 months. You'll wonder who that stranger was.

We're all in this together with a common goal.

Also, make sure to check out the eating healthy board for lots of good recipes.

 

[disboo]

I was a size 28 when I started on Atkins a year ago. I am now a size 16 / 18, and I have lost over 80 pounds! I lost most of it in the first six months, then had surgery (boo) and a 3 week vacation (yay!), and still lost - just more slowly. I find Atkins to be very easy to stay on, and I consider it a life long plan now. It is easy to stay on, even in restaurants.

You can do it!

 

[mum4jenn]

You can do this!! You can also check the book out at your library at first to see what all it is about. When I started in June I was at 246 pounds. By T'giving I had lost around 50 pounds. I took the holidays off and gained a little back but I am back on plan and going to curves. I started out wearing 22/24 and I can now wear some 14s!!! If you get help from your dh it will help a bunch. I was on Atkins for a month before my dh went on it too and it was a real blessing because we were then eating the same things and I was not having to cook two different meals. You CAN do this!!I still want to lose about 30 pounds but I am happy with the way I am now but I need to tone and firm.

 

[cuterlt]

Thank you thank you thank you! I had planned on asking this same question soon - just hadn't gotten the nerve up yet. Thanks guys. I've got lots to lose and will be joining WISH soon. You are all quite an inspiration.

 

[perfectmatch300]

I agree completely with the advice about reading the book. The other thing that I would suggest is that once you make the commitment to start Atkins you stock up on acceptable foods & have them ready to eat so they will be the easiest things in your house to reach for. I made DH hide away all his high carb snacks so I wouldn't be tempted by them & put my low carb goodies where they would be the first things I saw when I opened the fridge or cabinet. It was a big help to me when I was first starting, & I still do it now with a lot of my stuff, for example, I will buy a big hunk of cheese for the week, come home & cut it up & measure it out so it will be really easy to grab the right amount when I want something to eat.
I started Atkins in July & have gone from a size 22 to being able to fit into some size 14's. We do all lose lbs & inches at different rates so don't compare to what I have done so far because you may lose at a different rate. Just stick with the plan & you will be fine, the weight & inches will come off. Good luck to you in getting started.

 

[luvmydogs]

Hi noel and welcome to WISH! I didn't lose my weight (110 lbs.) on Atkins, but I wanted to wish you all the best as you begin your journey to a healthier lifestyle! I've read about all the Atkins successes here, and I know YOU CAN DO IT, TOO! Come here often for support and motivation, or if you just need a hug! I'm here to keep myself in line so I can maintain my loss, and I'm constantly inspired by those like you who wish to better their health (and drop some dress sizes along the way!). I'll be looking forward to hearing all about your progress!