Me and my husband found out today that I must start LCE ... This will help with my Insulin Resistance. Prior to us getting pregnant.. So I figured that this was a major Wake up call. We want a family and want to be heather! I am 31 years old weighing 294 at 5'8.. To much on me.. I can use all and first timer tips anyone may have. Please....

Welcome, Nicole.

The first tip I can give you is to pick a plan and get the book that goes with it. It really helps to have a "road map" for your journey.

Hope you'll make yourself at home here.

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Welcome, Nicole.

Maggie's right, you need to understand how and why low carb works, and your best bet is to get a book, for whatever plan looks good to you, and read it thoroughly. Most of us have Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution (DANDR), and some of us also have Drs. Mike & Mary Dan Eades' Protein Power books, which explain the science behind low carb very well.

Some people have spectacular losses, others not so spectacular, but nearly all of us have experienced some really outstanding improvements in our health, some just generally feeling better, some having specific problems partially or totally alleviated. For example, I have arthritic knees, but since doing low carb, they are a lot better, with fewer flare-ups than I used to have. Some have found that their heartburn is now gone, some who used to have problems with gas and bloating now no longer suffer from those problems, and there are many who control their blood sugar levels with diet, who were told that they were on the road to diabetes, and who have normalized their blood sugars, as long as they stick to their low carb plan.

It's a great way to improve your health, regardless of how much or how little you lose.

I wish you much success!

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Nita

Thanks.... Today was my first day and It was very tough.... I was very grouchy at work.... so we will see what happens... Think I am going to look into that book along with what the Dr. gave me . I went shopping last night and for the first time looking at the labels and boy are they eye openers... man... this is going to be a very helpful site.

Nicole - Welcome. The others have steer you right: getting the book for the plan is a HUGE help and makes a big difference in people's success. Read in the meantime whatever you can find, and start getting educated.

Understand that if you've been eating a lot of carbs prior, the first few days of cutting them back dramatically can leave you feeling crummy. That's normal. For most people, it lasts less than a week. After than, it gets much easier and you start to get that LC buzz and feel better than you have in a good long while.

Learn, learn, learn. It will serve.

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Hi Nicole! I'm in the same boat. I lost once 40 lbs using Atkins LCE and then fell off the wagon with my first. I gained 60lbs and now need to lose it before getting PG again. Soo... a little 411 about why LCE helps. To make it VERY simple when we eat food our body first begins to digest carbs. We only need about 4-5 grams of sugar in our blood at any given time. So when we digest the carbs, we'll take any sugar we need and then the rest gets saved. The next thing to be digested is any excess protein (this is rare since we don't usually have too much protein in our bodies). Lastly, we digest (burn) fat. So, if you don't have carbs to digest or extra protein your body goes into ketosis which is just a fancy word for fat burning mode. It's completely safe and works very well. The problem is getting started. If you can make it the first couple weeks and you see good results, it's quite addicting. I wish you the best of luck.

Hi Liz
I will have to say that it is getting a little easier and I really think that I can do this. My husband and family are all very supportive. Which makes a big difference. Also this website has some great tips and recipes. Thank you for your encourging words. That helps when someone else that is doing it talks to you. I stil have to buy a book. But have been doing lots of reading. Reading more labels then I would have ever in my life and it makes a big difference !

I have also started a five day a weekworkout progam. for at least 30 mins a day on the tredmill and 50 sit ups... so hopefully I am on the right track

Congrats on the excercise program. I currently work from home during the day and have a two year old and go to school 2-4 times a week in the evenings. Sooo... I am pooped and truthfully, just plain lazy to work out. But, I did lose my first 40 a few years ago with 0 workouts, so imagine how much more toned and excellerated your weight loss will be. Good for you!

I am also doing something called EFT to help me when I have cravings. I have a program for weight loss that I can email you off the board. If you want to send me your address. My address is emily@mbsawakening.com (liz is from my middle name). Anyhow, I started the EFT and it involves tapping on different energy meridians. I swear it works! I did it a few weeks ago while in line at Jack In the Box. I was dying for a milkshake and nothing and no one could stop me. I did the tapping routine and by the time I got to the box to order the craving totally went away and I ordered a burger wrapped in lettuce. Woo hoo for me. I would definately check out some books from the library with the different plans and then choose what's best for you. I lost very quickly on Atkins, but can't seem to get back into the strict induction phase. I am also tracking my food intake online for free at www.thedailyplate.com. It tracks calories, carbs, etc. Yesterday I ate a whopping 80 carbs and about 1600 calories. Still less than the RDA amount by far, but I fear it's not low enough to lose weight. I would love to be your buddy since we have about the same goals. =) How have you done so far? Any questions?