Only been here about a week, but you all have me Atkins curious!

[Disney_1derland]

I started this journey intending to count fat grams and cut way back, but reading all the posts from you Atkins success stories has me very curious. Add to that the fact that dh thinks Atkins is something he can handle and I'm thinking about making the move. I read the Atkins website yesterday but am still not really sure where to start. I have ordered the book and will have it by Thursday but other than that, where do I start? Also, I can't find anywhere anything that talks about what might be average for losses when starting Atkins, is this going to be steady weight/inches losses, is it fast loss or slow loss, I don't have any expectations and I'm in this for the long haul so it doesn't really matter, I just would like to know. We are looking for a lifestyle change, not just a diet.

Any advice, tips, pointers in the right direction would be helpful and most welcome.

thanks, I'm feeling very excited about this for some reason.

 

[mum4jenn]

Welcome!! Atkins has been a big help for me and especially for my dh. I was successful on WW over 20 years ago but since the program changes in the last few years I can't stick with it. My dh is doing very well on Atkins because he can have real mayo,real butter,etc!!!

Some places to look for info: www.atkins.com www.lowcarbfriends.com

These two sites as well as right here on the boards are excellent for getting you questions answered.

I don't think there is an average loss for a week because everyone is so different. Mine started out very fast and some otheres that started when I did were slower but we are now about even as far as weight loss. As for my dh and I ...I lost 13 pounds the first week but I have a LOT to lose.I have lost 23.5 pounds since June 6th. My dh lost 11 pounds his first week and has lost 18 pounds since July 7th.

 

[dizneegirl]

Since the book is on it's way, that's the BEST way to start. Read it... all of it... when it comes. It explains how and why and what.

My best advice... follow it to the LETTER for the first 2 weeks. After that, you can toy around a little. But those first two weeks are strict for a reason... it's to get your body switched over to a different fuel source.

When you do start, you may or may not feel absolutely awful for the first 3-5 days. It's perfectly normal, and won't last.

A good rule of thumb for losing is about 10% of what you need to lose during the 2 week induction. And 1-2 pounds per week after that if you're fairly strict to the program. Of course, everyone's different, but those are fairly good guidelines. Sometimes you'll not lose weight, but you'll find your clothes are looser. Sometimes the scale will show losses, but you won't feel it anywhere. Generally, after a good induction (or other) loss, you'll stop losing for a few days to a week while your body catches up, and gets used to the loss.

Other good advice... get rid of any junk food sitting around, including crackers, bread, cookies, sweets, potatos, rice, orange juice, milk... If it's not around, you won't be too tempted. Drink lots of water, and skip caffeine.

Really, the science behind it makes a lot of sense, once you start reading about it. And with the variety of food you can eat, it's not hard to do.

Good luck!

edited to add:

Also be sure to EAT YOUR VEGGIES! Atkins is NOT a meat, eggs & fat diet.

AND... Redi Whip is NOT Atkins legal... much better to make your own whipped cream.

 

[Lisa96]

I would recommend that you take the test to see whether you have a sugar addiction - if you do then Atkins will probably be a good bet for you. The test is right on the Atkins website. Not every diet works for every person since metabolisms vary widely. I would encourage you though, to try Atkins because it is fairly easy to follow and it seems most people see results quickly enough to stick with it. I have never been able to stay with a big change in diet for very long; I always felt deprived and craved things I couldn't have - sometimes things I didn't really want! With Atkins I don't feel that - I'm not hungry (I'm actually refusing seconds!) and even though I sometimes want something like ice cream I don't feel the same overwhelming urge to have it. I'd still LIKE it but I'm not snatching one away from a small child because I feel that desperate, if you know what I mean! Seriously though, I do feel overall differences in my health like less swelling in my legs/ankles and fewer upset stomachs and bouts of heartburn and gas and I'm not as tired as I used to be.

Do not skip drinking lots of water - it makes a big difference in how you feel. Good luck and let us all know how you progress!

 

[geetey]

Hi Lori!
I don't know anything about Atkins but I read your request for scale information. I recommend getting a Tanita scale! I love mine and found it at Sports Authority.
Good luck and welcome to WISH!

 

[Disney_1derland]

and Terry, I see that you are using Winsor Pilates. I've been thinking about purchasing it and would love to hear your thoughts on it! Will look for the scale as well, I believe we have a sports authority here in town somewhere!

 

[Beastlover]

I am on Atkins, too--I lost 11 pounds the first 2 weeks, felt like crud day 3-4...then the energy came!! So far, I have lost 22.5 lbs since 6/16/03.
I have been very religious about my food! I don't and haven't cheated at all!! I love the program, and even my DH swears by it!! He didn't have that much to lose, but he lost 15 lbs., also. He has excellent willpower for exercising! (I don't- but manage to get 3-4 days a week in)
You can register at atkins.com to keep track of how you are doing, eating, weight, etc. also, I have enjoyed fitday.com.
ALSO----measure yourself!!! Every week, because I have had a few weeks where I haven't lost pounds, but have lost an inch or two!! Atkins also has a 120 day log book at the book stores--I have that , and that is cool, too. (Borders)
I am rambling, but I very much believe in the program, read the book, and come here for questions-it is awesome!!!

 

[jjarman]

I started Atkins about this time last year and lost 18 pounds with no problem. After that I started fudging a little and have kept most of it off. The thing I like about Atkins is it is so easy and you really see that weight come off pretty quick. That just encourages you even more. Also, I have found for me at least that I can cheat (after the 2 week induction) and still keep my weight off. I also feel better when I am on Atkins. I have much more energy.

I am planning on getting religious about it August 1. I want to drop about 15 more pounds. I will be really happy if I can do that.

 

[wdwnutze]

Make sure you have plenty of food on hand that is allowed on induction. It is awful to be hungry but not have the right food on hand and that could lead to eating the wrong thing. Make sure you follow induction and also take a multi vitamin and drink tons of water. When you think you can't drink anymore water, drink some more! There really aren't any averages for weight loss. As was already said, everyone loses at their own pace. Some start fast and then slow down and some do the reverse. I can tell you that in the 8 wks that I have been doing Atkins, I have lost 30lbs and 23in. I find following the program very easy and it fits my lifestyle. I am very dedicated to doing this and have not cheated at all in 8 wks. The best part is, I do not feel deprived at all. This will be a way of life for me.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

I really can't say anything more than what everyone else has said- and dizneegirl said everything I planned to say after reading the first post on this thread! LOL

The only thing I could add is that if you want to get started before you get the book (and I admit that even though I have the book- I didn't get it until 3mo into Atkins and lots of lbs/inches lost and still haven't read the entire thing. I know... bad bad LOL) go to atkinscenter.com and put in induction foods in the search function. Then when you go to the page that shows all the foods/etc of induction- do not stray from that list AT ALL for atleast the first 2wks.
If it's not on the list- don't have it. Period. That seems to work the best for everyone I know online and in real life... and many stray and start over on induction again and do much better when they do not stray from that list while on induction.

Good luck! You'll do great!

 

[Mom2Princesses]

Hello...

I started Atkins 7/2/03 and have really got it down to a science now. I am probably repeating others, but the first thing to do it DEFINITELY get rid of any and all foods in the house that are not Atkins friendly.

Print out the Acceptable Foods list for Induction from Atkins.com

Next, figure out how you are going to keep track of carbs---paper and pen, an Atkins Journal (Walmart sells it with a carb counter for $10 or so) or www.fitday.com or any other website. If it is paper and pen, make sure to get the Atkins carb counter book, it gives you the net carb count!

Next, I would look around for recipes that you think sound appealing to you and print them out/write them down. They MUST be Induction friendly, don't forget!

Now, go SHOPPING with your Atkins friendly list and your recipes

Measure & weigh yourself and start...and don't wait for a Monday or specific day of the week, they are all equally acceptable days--LOL!

Okay, that is all for the Atkins portion (oh, and read the book, although I admit I have NOT read it quite yet!)

But, no diet (or lifestyle change) is complete without activity....
Make yourself a one week, or two or three etc exercise plan. Everyday that you are exercising, write down EXACTLY what you will be doing for that day, in advance. Give yourself rewards for each week you complete (and once you complete the first week, grab a minnie mouse clippie) You must include some kind of exercise, it curbs the appetite, it gets you motivated and it gives you something to do besides thinking about food! Don't overwhelm yourself, I did not make my plan until 2 weeks into Atkins, but I started exercising on day 1.

Good luck, we are all here to support each other. I keep a daily journal on the WISH journal boards, titled Nancy' Weight Loss Journal, you are MORE than welcome to check it out to see how I did my first few weeks.

The first few days are the hardest----don't give up!