Newbie Topics

The little things do add up! When you're preparing to take the low-carb plunge, here is exactly how to get ready. (P.S. Most of these tips will work for just about any weight-loss plan, too!)

First off, you need to pick a plan and get the book for your plan. This is vital, because it gives you a roadmap to success, and it DOES make a huge difference. Many of the folks I know are on Atkins (so "the book" for that is Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution, aka DANDR), but whichever plan you pick is fine.

Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution, New and Revised Edition author: Robert C. Atkins asin: B000C4T48I

If you hang around low-carb communities for any length of time, you’ll hear the advice given emphatically to newbies: “Get the book! Get the book! Get the book!” You'd think the folks have some sort of stock in the publishing company, man.

I was thinking the other dayabout the actual process I’ve gone through to lose the weight. (And if the pop-tart queen can lose it, you can, too!)

It’s odd when you get down to it, considering how much people struggle to lose weight, because it's honestly NOT hard to lose weight. People struggle needlessly.

Just starting out? Thinking of low-carbing? Listen to the Goddess, Sparkster, and you'll find your path is much, much easier. Get the book (aka DANDR), get my advice, and get going! Here's a few thoughts on what to expect, and some pointers that will fast-track you to the winner's circle.

You've been thinking about it. And thinking about it. And thinking about it some more. You've mulled it, researched it, considered it, studied it and dissected it. You're ready to drop the flab. I know it can be challenging challenging undergoing a new project, because it really entails changing how you think.

Don't sabotage your low carb or low glycemic diet; avoid these mistakes and take control!

"I can't figure out whether I should eat products containing sugar alcohols or not? And how do I figure out how many carbs this stuff REALLY has???" Next to "How many carbs a day should I eat?" this is one of the most commonly asked questions here. It's confusing!

So, you're thinking about getting started on a low carb diet? Not sure which plan to pick? Not sure if you should tell your doctor what you're thinking? Just not sure if low carb is for you? Well, let's see if we can't help you a bit...

Living the Low Carb Life: Controlled Carbohydrate Eating for Long-Term Weight Loss author: Jonny Bowden asin: 1402718608

Many people wonder what sort of things they can eat on a low-carb plan. We've compiled a list of food that is low/lower in carbs for you to use as a rough guideline. For complete info, you MUST check with the plan you are following. 

Large portions of carbohydrates - or even small portions of the wrong carbs - can trigger excessive surges in that powerful hormone, insulin. Fortunately, there is a fabulous tool to illustrate which carbohydrates are likely to cause excess surges of insulin. Learn how to keep your Glycemic Index under control

If you're about ready to give up, it might help to read this:

1. Write down the carb content of everything you put into your mouth.

For those who keep asking for menu ideas during induction, here are some of mine:

Don't tell anyone but your doctor and your immediate family what you are doing.

Carbohydrate-Addicted Kids: Help Your Child or Teen Break Free of Junk Food and Sugar Cravings--for Life! author: Rachael F. Heller,Richard F. Heller asin: 0060929502

Feed Your Kids Well: How to Help Your Child Lose Weight and Get Healthy author: Fred, M.D. Pescatore asin: 0471349631

For those of you who are new to LCE (LowCarbEating), or for those of you who have embarked upon this type of diet without reading up on it (for shame!),we are providing the following information. This is not a scientific explanation. Nor is it a diet. It's our own personal understanding of how and why LCE'ing works. We strongly urge you to do more detailed reading and check out more about the world of LC.

You are obviously here because we share a common enemy: fat.