Hi, everyone,
I am so glad I find this website.... yahoo!!!!
I am not sure if I belong to specifically this forum, but I am sure that I need and I want to loose some weight.
I was and I am big for all 38 years of my life, and I would like to loose at least 30-40 pounds...
I am 5.8, weight 220.0 - and this is down from 243.0 -started Aug.1, 2005.
I am NOT very complaint in my diet, but I am trying.
I am NOT going to lie that I lost 23 pounds by walking or dieting.
I took adipex for two months, and this is how I done it.
But, - NOT ANYMORE!
I am going to do it the REAL WAY.
I need support and that's why I am here.
I love all foods, and I cannot stand to be hungry.
I would like to know about other new members of the club and to see how is everyone doing in regards to cravings and their food choices.
I am not excercising at present, but thinking about it all the time.
Please, comment on me or you, I would like to meet more people online that will help to loose weight.
I believe that I started to make the right choices of food- oat meal for breakfast, low fat meals, and splenda for sugar..
Hope to hear from everyone here!!!
Best wishes,
Rafaella.
Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Welcome, Rafaella.

As you may have noticed from the forum name, we are generally oriented toward low carb eating. Oatmeal for breakfast and low fat meals, are not usually part of a low carb program.

You're welcome here in any event, but I think you'll find most folks here are following one low carb eating plan or another.

I hope you'll consider adopting a low carb nutritional approach. In my experience, it is the easiest way to normalize your weight over time, and maintain it, without being hungry.

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Maggie,
Thanks for your posting...
I apploud your weight loss 50+! pounds.
I am looking forward to do the same, or at least as much as I can...
You are right, oat meal is NOT a very low carb, yet, it is healthy and I was thinking that may be "7 % " of daily carb intake in one package is not too bad... Considering that I am NOT eating any breads and other carb-reach starches...
I was wondering how do make yourself to start and adjust to new low-carb diet.
I be honest with you, I would like to continue some simple sugars and carbs ( again, speaking of LOW carb diet not totaly carb free diet), such as salads, some fruits, and juices ( I know ! juices are very high in sugar, but I dont consume but about one juice per week).
Is it possible for me to acchieve a weight loss if I have some fruits and some juices? ( again, on ocasion)
P.S. Maggie, if you would not mind to tell me, please, what is the best way to approach this low carb diet - what is the best to read or start learning from...?

Thanks,
Have a blessed night,
Rafaella

Maggie,
Why am I unable to see the photos of the members?
It shows the frames but the pictures are not there...Am I not doing something right?
Thanks again,
Rafaella.

rafaella- the photo area can be funny. try logging on again on that page--that usually does it.

if you are interested in low carb, get one of the books on it. some people recommend johnny bowden's book on selecting the right low-carb plan for you. many people here do atkins, which you can find in the book "dr. atkins new diet revolution." well worth the small investment. from your comments, it appears you're not very familiar with low-carb plans beyond what you might have heard in the media. unfortunately, there are many misconceptions and the best way to understand them and see if they're right for you is to research them directly. (you may start by exploring this site: lots of great info!)

but rather than try to make a list of what you can eat and when, which nobody else could possibly decide for you anyway, i'll give you advice that's much more helpful: you need to choose a plan, buy the book for it, read the whole thing, and follow the plan. THAT will make the difference.


good luck.

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EatSmart Nutritional Scale Review

Welcome to a helpful place. As goddess says, the best place to start is the library (or bookstore). Most of us do much better following a plan than trying to invent one as we go along. Jonny Bowden is a good read--I think the book you're looking for is "Living the Low Carb Life."

To be successful, low-carb is not a "diet" but a way of life. There's lots to learn about changing your way of eating. And to really change (that includes your way of thinking about food) is the only way to get where you want to go...and stay there.

Low-carb eating isn't just about foods that are "good for you." Carrots and apples can be "good for you"--but they are restricted (for a time anyway) as part of a low-carb plan. You can't fudge on it (if you'll pardon the expression) and get the results you want.

Read up!
Best wishes.

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Barb L.
Atkins since Jan 2003
Maintenance as of 4/05


My Fitday Journal

Welcome! Great advice as always from the veterans here on this board. I hope you will enjoy your stay and post often. This is the friendliness and most knowlegeable board that I have found. Good luck on your new chosen journey into healthful eating!

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196/135-135

Thanks, guys!!!
I sincerely appreciate your responses. I believe that your opinios are important and I will check out the suggested book ASAP...
I will review the website for more info too; the only concern I have with this low carb diet is I am afraid of getting too much fat in my diet - and I think, I am pretty aware of low-fat meat choices, such as turkey,lean meats, chicken without skin and others.. I just don't imagine what else is there (speaking from my heart) if most of the carbs are gone....
I am fanatic of fruits and veggies, and I know that Atkin's plan based on phases and some period of time without any carbs at all...
Well, let me look and browse the website more, I will post as I go and learn...
Thanks everyone, again.. Nice to meet such as great group of dedicated people.
Hope, I can stick to the plan.
Rafaella.

That is actually a common misconception. At no point in the diet does Atkins recomend no carbs at all.

During your first two weeks you go down to 20 g of carbs a day. Dr. Atkins recomended either 3 salads or 2 salads and vegetables for the first two weeks of induction. Unofficially, people at this forum usually have the oppinion that no one ever got fat from too many veggies. Just make sure that they are low in starch (i.e. potatoes are off limits).

After that, you are recomended to add in more veggies, salads and some fruit.

That is just one reason that everyone is advising you to get the book for whichever plan you choose.

BTW, a good alternative to oatmeal is Maggies cereal. It is a hot low carb cereal that contains a lot of fiber plus omega 3's, which are essentail fats that have been shown to improve your cholesterol levels, and brain function. Plus it tastes great with stevia and DaVinci's syrup.

Good Luck.

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Started Atkins on 9/20/03
235-->190; 150 goal

thanks, Paladin,
I am not a huge fan of a common salad, but I love veggies.
I guess, the problem is that I need to experement with all different veggies and salads as far as combination goes. I always make a traditional green leaf lattice/romane lattice/romana lattice salad with tomatoes and onions - my dressing is just an olive oil... I will try to see which PLAN is the best for me.
So far, I am limiting myself on starches, bread and sweets.. I don't eat potatoes ( and if I do - very small pieces in soups) or none at all. I don't eat corn or other yellow veggies. I started using sugar-free ocasional candies, and sugar substitude.
Well, my goal is right now to commite to plan A and stick to it.
Atkins?

Hi, Rafaella, and WELCOME! That's a wise choice.

You posted in the low carb newbies forum, and entitled your thread "Ok, one [more] newbee has arrived!!!"...so I think it's a fair assumption that you want to follow a low carb way of eating (WOE).

You aren't, however.

If you WANT to follow a low carb WOE, then you've simply got to forget all about the low fat WOE. The two won't jive. You've asked about following Atkins' plan. Yes, I would suggest you get his book and read it before beginning. Once you've read it and understand it, then proceed.

Know this, however.....if you follow a plan of "cutting out breads and starches but continue to eat low fat products and stuff that's 'good' for you like oatmeal, sugar-laden juices, and low fat meals," and then you don't lose weight, don't blame your failure of not losing weight on "Low Carb Didn't Work for Me." Because low carb does work, but you have to work the plan.

You mention a concern about following a "totaly carb free diet" and "getting too much fat in your diet". Neither of those are a concern when following a precise plan. Low carb means exactly that -- low carb, NOT carb-free.

So, stay with your wise decision to choose a plan, read the plan, then follow the plan to a tee. Come here often to gain and lend support, and you will find success.

My two cents...

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April

The face of a child can say a lot -- especially the mouth part of the face.

My Blog

Rafaella, please notice April's post carefully.

Switching to LOW-CARB if you've been dieting low-fat all your life messes with your head. You MUST consume fat on a low-carb diet in order to get the necessary calories (for energy) and nutrient benefits of fat.

In addition to the olive oil you enjoy, add butter to your veggies, cream to your beverages (real cream--no powder substitutes), and go ahead and eat the skin on chicken. Use real mayonnaise for tuna or chicken salads (NOT low-fat alternatives). You can use real full-fat salad dressings to dip fresh vegetables, like green peppers and celery.

Again, do not skimp on the fat, or you will feel hungry. That will undermine your determination to switch to the low-carb benefit.

Also, do not eat sweets or snacks with sugar substitutes, even if they say low-carb on the label. These will seriously interfere with your low-carb success in several ways. Better to stick with real food, now and forever.

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Barb L.
Atkins since Jan 2003
Maintenance as of 4/05


My Fitday Journal

Rafaella,

Everything we've said is true for the Atkins Nutritional Approach. Obviously that's the program many of us have adopted. And the advice to avoid "low carb" sweets & snacks, is true no matter what your way of eating.

However, it occurs to me that you might want to investigate the South Beach diet. We have some members who have adopted that plan, so I presume it's working for them.

As I recall, that plan provides for a higher intake of carbs, in the form of fruits, whole grains, and starchy vegetables, starting in phase II (which starts after the first two weeks), and is really big on fake (low fat) dairy foods. I found this about phase II:

Now, this would be a recipe for disaster for me. Except for the cantaloupe and pumpkin, even in maintenance, I wouldn't eat most of the stuff on that list. I hate fake dairy foods and besides, they're too high in carbs for me. My blood sugars would go out of sight, I'd be hungry (I looked at the portions) and I'd probably manage to gain weight with the BGL's involved. However, it is somewhat lower in carbs than the usual western diet, and might be just the thing for you. Everyone has to eat to their own metabolism.

Maybe some of our South Beach members can share their experiences?

So think about adding South Beach to your reading list.

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Thanks, guys,
I am looking at two books to get right now: Atkins and The South Beach Diet.
I too would like to hear from some members of South Beach Diet, how is the weight loss on this kind of program?
I don't think I concern abot HOW FAST WOULD I LOOSE THE WEIGHT as much as would I keep it off and would I really enjoy having this kind of diet. Sounds, like it was mentioned above, that South Beach Diet is less restrictive than Atkins ; in both cases, I will review and read both books.
The only thing I disagree with Atkins diet ( please, don't shot me over what I am about to say) is the fact that I need to eat that much fat.
My cholesterol is already 189, and I am getting there..
You, guys, with all my respect, have a big knowledge on the subject of "Atkins diet", but as a nurse, I found it somewhat strange for me to consider this type of diet for myself... Chicken skin,......hm, I am not sure about this one.
I like cheese, milk, meats, nuts.... But, again, it is very hard to think about all the fat food without concertrating on the importancy of health.... Hope, the Atkins book will provide me with helpful information on this type of diet.
I will update everyone on my "dieting" status as I go...
BTW, I did use very low carb meals for the past 2 weeks, and lost about 3 lbs. But, again, I used Adipex for 2 month( I know, I know.... Don't tell me, I know it was wrong), and my weight loss could be still contributed to this matter.
Again, I enjoy everyone's comments.. Just remember, I am newbee, yet, I am a professional nurse, I might don't know a lot about the low carb diet, yet I am not very far away from it.
It is a matter of acceptance and commitment , don't you think?
Best wishes,
Talk to you soon,
Rafaella.

I'm a nurse, too, Rafaella. As I'm sure you know, a total cholesterol number isn't much information about your lipid profile since it's only the fractions (HDL, LDL and triglycerides) and the ratios between them that have any kind of predictive value with respect to cardiac risk.

You'd be helping yourself both personally and professionally to get up to date on current research on low carb eating and its effects on cholesterol. The latest information is that metabolic syndrome (which includes abnormal lipid profile) can best be addressed by a low carb diet. Fats (other than trans-fats) do not make one fat, nor do they raise cholesterol in the absence of a high carbohydrate diet. Like many members here, my own lipid profile has improved from dangerous (risk ratio over 5) to fantastic (2.3) over the years while my total cholesterol has remained in the neighborhood of 200. My dr's are thrilled with my weight loss, my completely normal A1c 's, my lipid profile and other markers of improved health.

Most of us are in this for the health benefits.

Just some food for thought.

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