I have come there are three things that will make you successful at the WOE.

1. You need to be ready to change your life. (if you decided to do this, you are)
2. You need support (if you found this websight you have it!}
3. You need knowledge

We all know that knowledge is power. It really is! The more you understand something, no matter what it is, the better you will be at it.
The same is true of our bodies and what we do to our bodies. Would you go to get surgery with a doctor who had never read about that particular surgery? Yes, this is more extreme than changing how you eat, but it is the same concept.

By reading one of the books, you learn how your life will change. You understand why a low carb diet works, how it is done properly, and so much more. Reading the book got me excited. The more I understood how this WOE worked the more I wanted to do it.

I hope I don't sound preachy. Im not writing this to preach, but in hopes it will help someone new to this.

I have noticed that many people jump into this without thinking about it or understanding it fully. From reading many posts it seems this often times causes them not to do it correctly and be on the verge of quitting.

Take it from me, someone who has tried this both ways, Read the book (or get the tapes if your opposed to reading). You'll be glad you did. You'll be an expert on your new WOL.

Good luck all!!
Seesko


starting date 1/5/04

242/234/135

"What my mind can envision; my body can master!"

So very true!

My experience, I bought the book for my Wife and me last year, but I never read it, she skimmed it, and we both tryed, and failed, I had trouble getting into eating meats without bread, and I felt I missed my rice and pasta as well, so I was gonna do my own type of variation instead, obviously it didn't work! I figured eating fat free popcorn would be a good low calorie filler food to get me thourgh the night, and I did try going with out bread and pasta and rice and potatoes, but I ate some crackers with my tuna or cold cuts, but I didn't really lose anything.

Well, I have been heavy most of my life, with an exception of when I was in the military and afterwards in my 20's when I was a gym rat, but of course the weight always came back.

I have been hearing too many success stories about Atkins that I figured I will HAVE to do it and do it RIGHT this time! so I made up my mind, went to the grocery store and bought only allowed foods for my Induction, and planned out my menu for the week, I came online and did a Low Card search and found THIS web site, and the knowledge I got from here and goin to links from here was incredible, along with the motivitaion this board has given me!

Well, I did need to learn a few things so I went hunting for my Atkins book and found it, and I am happy I did!

I am doing great so far, I am in my second week, I have lost about 7 pounds, and I am getting myself ready to go onto OWL, I will need to do more reading and planning to do this, but I know that no matter what happens, I know I can always go back into Induction and get back on track!

I feel like I have a new lease on life, I have not lost much yet, but for once I feel I really can! I have found the path I have been looking for for years, it was there, I just needed to open my eyes and see it!

Thanks for being there and helping me!

TMan....I totally agree with you. I feel I can do it this time!

I, too, have been mostly overweight since I had my kids....um..20 years ago.
A few times I got on a bicycling kick and would lose a lot of weight, but I always put it back and more.
I promised myself I would never weigh 200, but after another fad diet I lost some weight, and when I put it all back before I knew it, I was 220. In the last seven years, I have gained over 100 pounds.

I again promised myself I would never weigh 300. At 299, I said it is either now or never.

At first, I was afraid that I would fail again. I mean, what's to make me think I would be successful? ...I never have been before.

The strange thing is that I am a strong person. I quit smoking. I went back and put myself through college as a single mom. I got through my son's diagnosis of leukemia at 2 years old, and his relapse at the age of six. I teach eighth grade for gosh sakes!!LOL
But, I can't seem to conquer the weight issue.

Anyway, so at first, I was afraid that I would not be able to lose weight, or even more afraid, that I would lose, but I would regain only adding more weight. Now, I think differently!! This is a way of life. It was like something clicked in my head. This is it for me! And if I stumble, I will just pick myself up, and continue on my way of life.

I, also, would like to thank everyone here! You are my angels!!

And I hope to give back a little of what you all have given me........friendship, knowledge, empathy, and above all...hope and faith..
(With a little bit of humor) Smiles

Peace, Joanna
Atkins since 12/3/03
299/272/130

hi seesko,

I just want to say that you hit the nail on the head. I don't think your preaching at all! I understand that some times ppl can not afford to get the book..but they often times over look the fact that they can go to there local librarys to check it out and read it. It they don't have it then they more than likely have the resources to get it at NO cost for them. And of course if all else fails.. then ppl can always go to the Atkins web site. It gives a great foundation and a ton of usefull information.




"No more looking back and saying "what if", now I look forward and see success!"

Tanya
Member since Jan 2002
Way of Life since Jan 2003!
272/175/172<--(next goal)

Seesko,

You are singing my song!
I couldn't agree more.

And preach away!

Summer


www.herstorygirl.com

You guys have all brought tears to my eyes. It is so gratifying to read posts from people who "get it." You are inspirations to me!!!!!

EVERY PERSON HERE makes this all matter, is an inspiration in their own right. You all are what keep me coming back here, over and over.



You are all my HEROES!!!!

Barb - 30 lbs gone FOREVER!
www.iwsgroupinc.com - website design and development


Atkins-3/14/03
174/144/135 5'2"
"A little knowledge is a dangerous thing."
Knowledge is POWER

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>You'll be an expert on your new WOL.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I couldn't have said it better myself.

I learn something from this site daily with hopes of becoming an expert in this way of life and to find what works for ME.

Thank you for your posts. I couldn't make it without them.

April
352/210/180
Down 142 pounds
30 to go...
http://www.geocities.com/aprilwyatt/beforeandafter

Seesko, bless you!

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>1. You need to be ready to change your life. (if you decided to do this, you are)
2. You need support (if you found this websight you have it!}
3. You need knowledge <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

That is IT, right there.

Like Summer said, preach away!! What you've said needs to be heard. Thank you.

Cooking is at once child's play and adult joy.
And cooking done with care is an act of love.
- Craig Claiborne

I'm glad others feel the same way. I learn new stuff from all of you daily.
I hope that one person reads this and it helps them understand how important it is to their sucess to read a book.

In re-reading my post I see I should have proof read better! sorry!

Good luck all!!
Seesko


starting date 1/5/04

242/234/135

"What my mind can envision; my body can master!"

Even after a year on the program, I depend upon daily refreshers--reading parts of the book, seeking out "success stories," and, most of all, checking in with the supportive group on this Board.

While my commitment remains in force, and many aspects of the plan are second nature by now, my future health and maintenance depend upon continuing awareness--continuing education!

Best wishes everyone!

Barb L.
Started Atkins January 2003
162/137/130

A couple of weeks ago when I was home sick with the flu I was watching Dr Phil (we are 6mths behind down here), and I saw a show on weight loss. Basically he said we put barriers up to stop ourselves losing weight - that includes not starting the diet properly. You are setting yourself up to fail. And you're not failing anyone but yourself. And when you 'sneak' that chocolate bar, you're cheating yourself too..
I figured out my block (I was sexually assaulted when 'skinny' so associated being fat with being safe), read the book again, took my first ever lot of (awful) motivational photos and hey I'm doing ok. I even carry my Atkins book in my bag to work as my diet bible.

The Cantab from the land of the Hobbits...
Previously 188 pounds.. Now 175 pounds. Goal weight 145 pounds.

Liza, you are doing great!!!

Barb - 30 lbs gone FOREVER!
www.iwsgroupinc.com - website design and development


Atkins-3/14/03
174/144/135 5'2"
"A little knowledge is a dangerous thing."
Knowledge is POWER