I know I should be in OWL, should have been quite a few weeks ago (read the book). But...I find myself daily looking at carb items (along with sugar items) and thinking, "no way". Actually, often do not get in 20 carbs because it feels so great to do less than 20.

On the other hand, would like to add something different, not that I'm bored with carb free because I'm not. Have always been a HUGE meat eater, bring it on I say! It's just moreso that....adversity is the key to life..yes?

Losing weight feels so great. Everytime I see the scale one pound lower I think YAYYYY, that's the last time I saw that number! Not to mention, the daily feeling of just, well, feeling thinner and healthier and in control, (still purposely wear my big pants 'cause they're too big, makes me giddy).

So, to summify (is that a word?) I'd guess what I'm askin is this...Did anyone else find it difficult to go into OWL?

Thanks ya'all,
Smiles, Candace

Sure, Candace. There's a sticky thread on the top of this forum about Unreasonable Fear of Owls. There's also a thread on where to get your next 5 gms per day.

The thing is this: OWL is your "college education" on your individual metabolism. It's where you get your "PhD in Me".

By adding different foods, you begin to learn which foods and in what amounts work well for YOU. It assures that you don't become bored at some point and teaches you how to choose from a wide variety of foods, while still being able to lose at a slow rate. The idea is that, by the time you approach your normalized weight, you'll have mastered the skills and habits necessary to maintain it.

The danger is that if you start to get the mindset of "race to goal", you won't really know how to live a normal life and maintain it.

Just some food for thought.

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maggie hit it right on the head: with owl, you learn to maintain your losses for life. part of it, to me at least, is learning control. induction is regimented; owl is more free. you are looking for a permanent eating change, as you know. it's like learning to operate in the "real world" and maintain your losses in all situations.and you're getting bored, which really means it's time to move on!

i think this is very common, yes. for me, i had been overweight sooooooo long, having tried so many things that didn't work, i always had that little nagging doubt, in the back of my mind, that lc was gonna give out on me. of course, it didn't. but i think many if not most of us have had some version of that nervousness. the only way to get past it is to move on and prove to yourself it still works for you. for what it's worth: i think you've got a great attitude, which seems to be one of the best predictors of success! good luck!

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Yes, the pleasure of being in control--and seeing results--really feels good. The best way to sustain that feeling is by following the program into each next phase, and continue to educate yourself on the nutritional needs and responses of your very own self.

What "carb items" are you looking at? There's nothing scary about green vegetables, and you can add lots and lots of those. Berries are a good choice to add a little fruit variety--I use the frozen mixed kind or frozen blueberries. I get them at Costco. I measure those goodies so as not to overdo the daily amount. You can add some nuts. Again--in measured quantities. That keeps your control feeling activated.

I've found that my carb range for maintenance isn't that high. But you can eat a lot of variety with a target of 30-50 net carbs. I encourage you to move into OWL, and (if you don't already) keep a food diary. This isn't etched in stone. Things happen a little differently for each of us.

Best wishes.

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


My Fitday Journal

Maggie, Goddess and Barb

Thank you very much for your help. I took your insights, along with re-reading about OWL and I think I get it now. It is not about suddenly jumping up from 15-20 carbs to 50 carbs immediately, it's a slow process wherein one learns what one can take in and still maintain a slow weight loss. My problem is that I want to do everything now and know everything now. Hate the learning......love the knowing!

*Sigh* But that's the way it has to be so I've printed a bunch of 5 cb items and will take it slow...and...learn.

Smiles, Candace

candace! welcome!
i cant think of anything to add to what maggie dixie and barb said.. and since you read and re-read the part about OWL i dont think you will have any problems..

everything has a different effect on us.... so its important to monitor what changes YOU see in your progress from adding different foods to your diet... also exercise has different effects on everyone too.. some seem to have a slight rise in their weight when they add alot of muscle..

just keep in tune to how you FEEL when you go on this journey... thats the secret!

the book has a great ladder for what to add and when...

again.. WELCOME! good to meet you!

kim

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