I am new to this forum ( or any forum) for that matter. I am having a ball. Every moment I get at work on break or at home, I am at your website!

I started the Atkins diet before I had my children, but was discouraged by my obgyn in 2000, not to do it because I was pregnant. (So I guess a higher cholestoral level and higher weight was healthier?? ) Anyway, I picked up the diet again in July of 2004.

I have 2 children. Daughter who is 4 and son who is 2.

What started the push was a bet or should I say goal that my DH and I wanted to achieve. 1. We both had to quit smoking. It's been almost 4 months for the both of us since we quit. We are officially non smokers. 2. He had to bench press 200 pounds (his idea) and I wanted to get into a size 12 (my idea). I haven't been into a size 12 since my senior year of highschool. (I'll be 35 years young this Thursday.) Of course, I'd love to get into a size 8 or dare I say say 6 some day. But whomever reaches their goal first, gets a prize.

His will be a fishing trip to Kentucky with his buddy.

Mine will be a weekend away at a hotel, and a trip to a day spa. I can see it now..... sleeping in in the a.m. and read a book undisturbed. aaaahhh.

Anyway, I'm in a size 14 and if I try really really hard, lol, a size 12 ( i can't breath of course....) .

I have read every success story at the Atkins site to keep me motivated. Alas, I found you, a bunch of spectacular, motivating, and wonderful group. I can't tell you how happy I am to have met such people.

I just wanted to share my story, I guess, to feel a bit part of this group.

Thank you so much for listening!!!

Kindest regards, Francine

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France
210/178/125 (or until I know I'm at the right #)

Francine - welcome! Congratulations on quitting smoking.

Good luck on the challenge with DH.

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my blog

Welcome, Francine!

Congrats on quitting smoking! A HUGE step in the healthy lifestyle direction. Glad you have found and enjoyed this web site. It's a lot of fun.

Hope you reach that goal of yours soon. Sounds like you've got a nice prize set up for yourself when you do. You can beat the hubby to it!

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Noël


Worry doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrows, it empties today of its strengths.

Making healthy lifestyle changes together with your husband sounds like a very good way to run a marriage. Congratulations! Your children are lucky to have parents who are more than ready to set a good example.

If you haven't already added a regular exercise routine to your Atkins project, that would be a fine way to enhance your progress--particularly as it relates to wearing smaller size clothing. Go to www.videofitness.com and find your way to another great forum for people (mostly women) who make home exercise a part of their daily lives.

Meanwhile, this is an excellent place to hang out, as you've already noticed. Staying in this conversation is, all by itself, a motivation for staying with the program.

Best wishes to you both.

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


My Fitday Journal

Welcome, Francine!!!

So glad you found us and are having fun! There is NOTHING like fitting into a new size to feel great! Congratulations. And, good for you for quitting smoking! That is a very hard thing to do; much harder, I think than Atkins .

Your bet with your DH (darling hubby) sounds absolutely wonderful. What a great incentive. I echo, Barb. You will find that the weight literally drops off with exercise. It is a great way to supplement the loss.

I'm rooting for YOU!

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"Live the questions and some day you will live along into the answers."
Rainer Marie Rilke

Atkins since 2003
5'8" 206.4/197/175
64-3/4 years young

Welcome! Congratulations on your weight loss thusfar..... this is a great community of caring and very well versed people on the Atkins lifestyle. Hope you will post often

Rhonda

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196/135-135

welcome francine!

the people here are the tops, ain't they? we're delighted to have you here to hang out and share experiences and encouragement with.

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EatSmart Nutritional Scale Review

Francine, congratulations on giving up the smoking! Welcome to the forum, make yourself at home here.

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Ozzie's Place

Francine....welcome to the forum!! It sounds like you are well on your way It is much more fun to do this journey with a life partner....my hubby is also doing LC with me and he savors every pound of my loss as much as I do his.

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LC Since January 04
Highest Weight: 340
Rededicated 1/1/07: 295/ /240

“Self-delusion is pulling in your stomach when you step on the scales”

Welcome...welcome...welcome! It sounds like you are well on your way to that day spa and weekend getaway! Keep working...you are doing fantastic!

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Lori

232/190/130
My other journal http://www.lowcarbeating.com/bb/showthread.php?t=1130

YIPPEE!!! Another FUN person joining the crew

Congrats on ditching the cancer sticks (they killed both my parents, so yes, I'm bitter!) and on working towards your goals. Ahh, sitting poolside after a nice massage, with a book.... jee I'd probably just fall asleep!

Glad to hear your story, and soon YOU'LL be one of the success stories!

THANKS to all of you!

(FYI - it bothered me after reading my own original post. I just have to say.... I never took a puff while pregnant or around my children. One habit broken that I'm ashamed of starting. Anway, .............................. )

I wish to bring all of you encouragment on losing weight as all of you have given to me. I've printed all of your replies and will read them during the tough moments. I know I have joined a great bunch. Thanks again!!

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France
210/178/125 (or until I know I'm at the right #)

Francine, you don't have to worry about being judged here. Most of us get plenty of that elsewhere in our lives. At LCE, we're in the encouragement biz.

It's true we'd all like to report triumphs and successes. But the time when we need friends (and maybe a little advice) the most is when things aren't going as well as we hoped, or we've taken a wrong turn.

Hope you'll be here a lot.

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


My Fitday Journal

welcome.... and if THIS is the THURSDAY of which you spoke....

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY 35th birthday....

and maaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnny MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORE!

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kims SECOND journal is HERE
kims new blog
KIMS BLOG !!
SUGARFREE BLOG

THANK YOU !!!!! I have a huge smile on my face! I'm at work, and all of my coworkers brought in low carb stuff!!! It's great!! I had breakfast in bed (my very first time), and my husband and two babes sang happy birthday to me.

I made another decision this morning. I usually make life alterating decisions on special days like this. I told him to put the scale away. Hide it. I've become obsessed with it. I read an article in this group that says the scale is a liar and a cheat. I believe, you all are right!!! It's gone baby! I'll check my weight in a few weeks and let you all know....

Sooo, I am having a piece of cake tonight. But, I'm not planning on cheating again until 2nd week in June on Vacation. I'm thinking one ice cream cone on vacation.

I know I'll be fine. I have a bunch of activities lined up this weekend. Gym, bicycling on a 6 mile trail.

Thanks again! I love being 35!!!!!!

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France
210/178/125 (or until I know I'm at the right #)