Hi, I wanted to introduce myself. I am a single mother of three - 19, 17 and 5 - and have been doing Atkins for 4 years now (April will make 5 years) I lost 60 lbs (20 on WW's and balance on Atkins) and have kept it off since. The last two weeks of 2005 I started cheating so yesterday I went back on induction. I have only gained a couple pounds but I thought I better nip this in the bud, lol. I really love this way of life and maintenance is a breeze. I don't know what triggered my cheating, but I am back on track! I have found so many recipes for thinks I like and try not to use the low carb bars except for treats. I do, however, keep low carb ice cream in the freezer at all times for my daily treat. LOL

I look forward to using this site for new ideas, you can never know everything about anything so I enjoy hearing how everyone makes low carbing there own.

Welcome to a great conversation. Sounds like you've been successfully committed to low-carb for quite a while, and we surely do like that kinda talk.

I achieved goal in April 05, so my maintenance track record is pretty short. But I know I'm a low-carber for life. Like you, I'm taking the New Year opportunity for an induction refresher, starting today (Monday). I'm actually looking forward to it.

Best wishes for a healthy 2006.

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


My Fitday Journal

Thanks for responding. Have you found any "tricks" to help you stay on track?

Tricks? Not really. I got discouraged after a long plateau a couple of years in, and took an LC vacation. Gained back about half the weight. Then I got back on track, and achieved my goal weight in a few months. The big change that occurred was in my head--realizing that low-carb had become a real life commitment, not just another "diet."

Thinking of myself as a "Low Carb Eater" (or, even better, as an "Atkid") eliminates the old "dieting" concepts of cheating, temptation, binging, etc. I have an occasional treat, like a fancy dessert at a restaurant, and it's just part of my life. LC is simply my normal.

Somewhere I've posted a thread about The Weight Creep. You've observed that catching that sneak before he slaps on more than a couple of pounds is essential. Best wishes while you restore yourself to normal.

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


My Fitday Journal

Good luck to you! I, too, along with Barb, am fairly new in the maintaining my ideal weight. However, for me, my carb intake is something I have to analyize routinely. There are days where I will have more than my traditional alloted amount of CCL carbs and I will watch the scale carefully the following days. However, I think keeping track on maintenance of what you do eat and how it effects your weight in the long run is the key to success. I hope to get to know you better and please feel welcomed to visit my journal at any time.

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196/135-135

Welcome, Mooch.

Hope you'll make yourself at home!

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welcome mooch! good to meet you. i won't give you the "be careful with the lc junk food" spiel 'cause i suspect you already know it.

the biggest "trick" i've found, by and large, is keeping my attitude positive. if i keep my thinking in a good place, other things fall together.

good luck to you!

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