Hello there! Let me start my intro by saying my name is Derek, I'm 6'4, 250 lbs, BMI 30. I'm 20 years young and very intrigued by the idea of low carb eating. I played sports all through high school, I have an athletic frame but have put on quite a bit since I graduated and looking to get back in shape. My questions are:

1) What is induction?
2) What is owl?
3) My girlfriend is 5'7, 130ish, BMI 21, is interested in low carbing to tone up. Is this reasonable for a person of her stature? I sure hope so because having a partner in crime sure would make this easier.

I am very motivated to stick with it. Also, my roots are a bit blue collar so when I read steak and eggs was accepted in low carbing, I was overjoyed! I would really like to be lean and toned like I was in the football and baseball days. I'm glad I found this message board, seems to be a substantial amount of info here.

-Derek

Welcome, Derek.

The terms induction and owl (ongoing weight loss) refer to two phases of the Atkins nutritional plan. I hope you'll pick up the book (Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution) and read it before you start in. There's no reason your girlfriend can't eat the way you do. This is a healthy program, although she can probably "afford" a higher carb count since she doesn't really need to lose weight.

Yeah, steak and eggs are both ok.

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welcome dereck! congrats on your decision to make some changes and feel better.

maggie's right (of course!)-getting the atkins book will be one of the best investments you can make in terms of your overall success with low-carbing. and low-carbing is one of the easiest eating plans i've ever found-you don't have to be hungry, you eat lots of meat and veggies, and later on, fruit and other great stuff. once you get past any inital adjustments, you usually have more energy than you've had in years. add a little exercise to the mix, and you've got an unbeatable combination for losing weight.

spend some time reading around here and preparing. start cutting down on your sugar and white flour consumption now, and upping your water intake, which will make the adjustment easier when you start. get yourself a good mutlivitamin if you don't take one now, and begin clearing the house of sugared tempations and you'll be ready to start after you do your homework.

good luck and check back in here often. the people here are a huge help!

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Welcome Derek. I am 6'5'' but have never had an athletic build. However, before I chose to try the Atkins approach, I read the book and did a lot of research. I did not know if low/controlled carb would work, but what I quickly realized was that if it worked, it would have to be something I did for the rest of my life. In other words, I looked at it as a permanent change in my eating habits and made a conscious decision to find substitutes and alternatives so that I could continue eating a variety of good tasting food. I believe that if you are going to be successful with this WOE (Way Of Eating), you have to understand why and how it works and then follow the principles. I encourage you to read Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution and do some research so that you position yourself to succeed. One thing to keep in mind is that low/controlled carb eating is all about healthy eating, not just steak and eggs, though you can certainly have both of those. Do not be afraid to ask questions, that is how you learn. Good luck.

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Henry

Low carb eating isn't a new topic for me. My stepfather does it and was quite successful but I couldn't get ahold of him easily. I picked up Dr. Atkin's book and was really impressed. I've looked up a few dozen recipe's, rid the house of all the junk, and I feel it is a needed change. The fast food was really a large part of my diet while I was in college. Also, I've just moved from Houston to Phoenix early this month. The weather here is great, makes me want to get out there and jog! Yesterday I bought a few tire tubes for my bike, I missed riding it. Of course I know it's not JUST steak and eggs, just crackin' some humor. Went to whole foods, did a bookoo load of shopping and got some great stuff. I'm really motivated to stick to it this time. I believe I'll be sticking around here for a while. Thanks for the welcome everyone!

Derek, Welcome! I am a newbie as well! One thing I think you have going for you is your age! In 20 years, you have not been able to do the damage to your body with your eating lifestyle that I did in 47 years! I commend you as a young person for doing this...you are all you got! Take care of yourself!!! You sound like you are off to a great start!!!

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Debbie G. - I CAN DO THIS! :butterfly

Well, third day into it. So far so good. My stepfather called and suggested I go ahead and test for ketosis. I thought it would be too soon but I'm already in large ketosis. Also, I do feel a little different, almost as though the day is brighter or something. I don't know if it's just my subconsious or what, it doesn't matter, it's a great feeling!

Thanks for the kind words Debbie. Good Luck!

Great job, Derek! I miss the Whole Foods! I moved from Austin, TX to Germany. No Whole Foods here! :-(

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Heather

Oh how I love Whole Foods (don't mean to rub it in). 8 days into induction and I'm down 10 pounds. My face looks slimmer (is that a word :0) ). I couldn't believe what I saw on the scale because this was my first weigh-in since my starting weight. 30 more to go. I think I'm going to go ahead and move on to OWL. I'm feeling amazing!

Edit: Had a funny dream last night, went to burger king and ordered a texas double whopper with extra carbs, lol.

WTG, Derek! It's funny how you notice weight loss in your face, and feet! Don't be surprised if your shoes get looser, too!

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Nita

Funny you say that, I wear a size 14 mens! I would be ecstatic if I could fit a 13 because then the selection will be huge!!

I noticed the weight loss everywhere but my feet. At 13 EEEE, my shoes could pass for water skis but the selection is not very good at that size either.

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Henry

i lost half a shoe size, which was nice.

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I am 5'4, 40 year old female who weighed 139 before the start of Induction 2 days ago. This morning (morning of my second day) I got on the scale to find I had gained a pound. My first reaction was YIPES! but then I remembered reading that it takes about 48 hours to kick start the fat-burning benefits. When can I expect to see any weight loss? I am sticking to my Induction religiously, except possibly not getting enough carbs in veggies. I'm hanging in there; I have heard too many success stories! I just wondered when I can expect to notice something.

I feel my best at around 119-120 when I'm well-toned, but, as I said, I'm at 140. Right now I need to get rid of my very flabby belly and butt!

Definately kick up the non-starchy veggies. To tell the truth, I've never eaten so many veggies since starting. Stick with it though, you'll notice some changes soon in the next two weeks or so.