Hey, everyone I have a few questions. First of all, how important is calorie counting? I'm a few days into my diet, and have thus far been going for 1000 calories daily, zero grams of carbs. Is that ok? How long will it take me to lose about ten pounds doing that? (I'm 5'4, at about 145, would like to hit about 125) And how much difference will sugarless chewing gum make? Any ideas? I appreciate any help anyone can offer! Thanks!

First - what plan are you following??

Second - calorie counting is usually something you don't need to do when following a low carb plan until much later into it. Once you have lost alot of weight and have stalled out. But you don't have ALOT of weight to loss.

Third - you don't want to be 0 carbs, your body need carbs as it does fat. You don't want to go on a starvation diet.

Fourth - No one can tell you when you will lose 10 pounds. Some people loss 10 pounds or more the first week. Every body is different. Are you also exercising?

Fifth - the gum chewing, again it depends on what plan you are following. The reason for a 2 week induction is to rid the body of graving sugar. Some people are unable to chew gum because the taste is still sweet and the body will react to the taste not to the calorie content.

I hope this doesn't sound to discouraging. Following a low carb plan is the best and easiest way to start feeling better and get more energy not to mention the weight loss.

Good Luck

From my experiences with dieting (and there have been many experiences, believe me!), even on a "traditional" diet, 1,000 calories a day is too low, and zero carbs on any diet is dangerous. These low levels can throw your body into starvation mode and instead of losing fat, you can lose muscle. The beauty of the lc way of life is that you don't need to count anything but carbs. I would recommend that you decide on a plan that fits you best, buy the book, and read it. I am personally doing Atkins, which I believe is one of the strictest eating plans as far as carb counting, and during the first two weeks of the diet you have 20 carbs per day, primarily from vegetables. So please, do your body a favor and study up! Best of luck to you!

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Eddie
President and Founder of the Intergalactic Order of Brussels Sprouts Haters

I have to agree with Eddie and R & R. You have to read up and chose a plan that is best for you. These are low carb diets and not no carb diets. Like Eddie stated you need your veggies! Veggies are your brain food!

Take care....

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Anik

Stats
198/183/115
"My metabolism isn't low, it's just hibernating!"

What they said.

And two cents more...

With Atkins especially, you're aiming to meet your daily energy requirements (calories) with protein and fat instead of carbohydrates. If you've read Dr. Atkins' book (which you must, if that's the plan you choose), then you know about the so-called low-carb advantage. Simply put, you can eat more calories and still lose weight than you can on traditional low-fat/low-cal programs.

Sooner or later, if you stay on the program, your own body will tell you what works and what doesn't. It's important to keep a food diary so you'll be able to track that "feedback" for yourself.

I agree with the general advice of eating NO LESS than 1200 calories. AT LEAST 20 carbs is the lowest you should go for Atkins--with an increase after two weeks of induction.

Best wishes.

P. S. At 145 you are actually quite close to a reasonable weight for your height. You may expect to lose more slowly than someone much heavier. Also, if you reach your goal and return to your former "normal" eating (non low-carb) you will almost immediately begin to regain the weight you've lost. Low-carb is a lifestyle, not a diet or a quick fix. As you may have read about Atkins, "people who go off the diet regain everything." That would be true of any weight management program, but somehow it sounds sinister when applied to low-carb. Don't be a yo-yo. Make the commitment.

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


My Fitday Journal

Welcome, DaytonChica.

Ditto all of the above.

Hope you'll make yourself at home.

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