Jean- Delighted to have your join us! Speaking as someone who spent the better part of my life "dieting," I sure don't miss it. The delightful thing about Atkins is that, although you may start out dieting, by the time you're done, you've found a new way to eat.

I assume from what you're saying that you've got the book and are following the program that way? Which is the way to go-it makes it so much easier! The only caveat I'd suggest to you: newer versions of the book allow Atkins bars and other types of speciality foods. It's been my experience that the bars in particular create lots of problems for people, and are best avoided, especially during induction. You can't go wrong eating real, natural foods!

Do make sure to drink lots of water, and get a bit of exercise when you can. If you've been eating lots of sugar and carbs, you might feel yucky for a few days, which is entirely normal. Once that passes, though, hold on to your socks and get ready to feel better than you have in years!

Do keep us updated on your progress, and congratuations on your new plan. Peace out.

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Fat Baggage- Is Yours Packed?

Welcome, Jean.

Hope you'll make yourself at home.

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welcome jean

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Great to have you here!
Ditto to everything Goddess said. Your biggest challenge in this diet will be accepting that everything you can eat tastes SO GOOD! You'll feel like you're cheating, but you're not!
Enjoy the journey and visit here often.

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Mada
221.6/193.8 <--- ONEderland! /sz 8

Thank you all for the welcome and advice! It is now Day 3 and I'm still keeping to the Induction program. I'm tempted to get on the scales, but have decided to wait a couple of weeks. Old habits/weight programs have me a little worried about eating red meats (I love steak), not to mention bacon and cheese. Should I maybe limit these during the Induction period? I would have a steak every night for supper if I could. Also, one more question, it was mentioned that I might want to stay away from the Advantage Bars during Induction, but how about the Atkin Shakes? I just bought the Strawberry flavored ones and really like them. I am thinking about drinking these as a snack during my afternoon break at work. If someone could please give me advice on this I would so much appreciate it. Thanks!

Jean, welcome!

There is no need to limit your red meats during induction. You need to eat enough to be satisfied, but not stuffed. A steak every night would be lovely. Wish I could afford it! The only thing you limit on induction is carbs, period. And don't forget to get in the habit of drinking lots of water every day. Get your 8 glasses a day.

I'd stay away from the bars even when you advance to ongoing weight loss (owl). Have them for the occasional treat, or the Morning Start bars for the occasional meal replacement, but make it once in a blue moon, not a regular thing. They can really stall your loss. There are so many real foods out there to choose from! Make them the basis of your plan.

As for the shakes, again, they are ok for the occasional snack, but I wouldn't rely heavily on them. They aren't as much of a problem as the bars because they don't have stuff like sugar alcohols or glycerin in them, as a rule. I prefer to make my own shakes with whey protein powder and a little real fruit. Well, I did until my blender broke!

Wishing you much success on your lc journey.

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Nita

Jean-It sure is hard to get used to eating this well on a "diet," huh? Nita has given you some fine advice.

Do monitor how the shakes impact your progress. In general, they do tend to be less problemmatic than the bars, but again, it's best done in moderation if you choose to use 'em.

I do think that Aktins suggests a daily limit for cheese at up to 4oz, if I recall correctly. Review your book, and if you're following the "rules" there, you're probably doing just fine.

Keep us posted!

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Fat Baggage- Is Yours Packed?

Jean, congrats on your wise decision to give this a shot. This is a great forum. I haven't done a lot of posting but I read it everyday and appreciate all of the support and wisdom.

I started about 10 weeks ago and have went from 229 to 211 (I'm 6'2") as of this morning. I know you mentioned being afraid of the scale but, for me, the scale has been important to my success. It's never a surprise because I know if I didn't eat so well the day before, I may be 1-2 pounds heavier. No big deal though. Easily correctable in a day or two.

Be patient. For me the initial weight loss of about 8 pounds was very quick. After that it has been slow but steady. I would hit a little plateau for several days or even a week and then I'd drop 3-4 pounds in a few days. I'm extremely confident that I'll hit my target weight of 190 by summer. No doubt.

Good luck!!!!