In article <[email hidden]>,
[email hidden] says...
Quoted message said:Hi,
I am new to the group.
Hi MO3, welcome to the group!
Quoted message said:I have just begun atkins yesterday (first day
of induction). I am hoping to gain some control over my weight and energy
level thru this new WOE.
Congratulations on making a WISE choice! Keep in mind that during the
first week or so you may experience a LACK of energy as your body
adjusts to burning fat for fuel instead of carbs. Then one day you will
probably experience a sudden burst of energy that's almost like a HIGH!
Quoted message said:I am looking for a way to gain a
more permenant feeling of control, and to get the weight off completely and
permenantly.
I have been doing this for over 2 years and plan to continue doing it
for the rest of my life, at least for as long as *I* have control over
what I eat. I do this not only to lose weight, but to feel better. The
feeling better part is MUCH more motivating to me than the losing weight
part (or I wouldn't have let myself gain so much in the first place) --
besides, I lose very slowly. Once you get a good handle on low-carb
eating and develop better habits, you are much more likely to stick with
it for the long term. Do NOT go into this thinking you will go back to
eating the "normal" way once you lose the weight -- that's a sure recipe
for regain.
Quoted message said:This is my day two of induction, and I would appreciate any ideas at
all on things to eat to help curb the cravings and feelings of not being
satisfied. I look forward to your insight on this list.
I post a long list of tips each Sunday. You can find it now by Googling
"Saffire's Weekly Low-Carb Tips". Off the top of my head, though, my
very first recommendation would be to cook up a mess of hard-boiled eggs
and keep them handy in the fridge so that when you open the door, you
have that quick choice. It will help stave off hunger AND it's
nutritious (plus you'll feel righteous about it :-). I just had one a
little while ago, not so much because I was hungry, but because I wanted
to eat something so I could take some Ibuprofen. Eggs are VERY
versatile and nutritious. If you crave crunchy/salty, pork rinds are
good (make sure you have water handy, though, because they are very
drying on the tongue). If you crave sweet, mix some Splenda with some
cream cheese and maybe a little flavoring of some kind (cocoa powder is
good). This was a real lifesaver for me during the first couple of
weeks. I could go into the fridge and swipe a dollop of it when I
wanted something sweet, and be satisified with THAT. Sugar-free jello
is good, too. If you want to avoid Aspartame (aka Nutrisweet/Equal),
which make contribute to cravings, you can make your own out of 2
packets of gelatine, 4 quarts of water (two of them icy cold, 2 of them
boiling hot), Splenda and unsweetened Kool-Aid.
For the first couple of days, your body will be fairly SCREAMING for
more carbs, so a great deal of willpower is involved. By the 3rd (or
possibly 4th) day, however, you should notice a distinct decrease in
these cravings, making it MUCH easier to plan and make better choices.
That's the beauty of low-carb -- it makes it MUCH easier to break free
from that vicious cycle of craving carbs, resulting in you eating carbs,
resulting in you craving even MORE carbs. I swear, between feeling
better and being able to control your appetite for carbs, it's like
finding religion :-)
Quoted message said:Also, please give me some ideas of how to order at restraunts (what to
look for and aim for being still on the induction phase). My husband has
his vacation starting tomorrow, and we are planning some outings with the
kids. I really want to stay with the program thruout his vacation. Thanks
for your insight and responses.
I seldom eat at restaurants, but as long as you stick to protein, fat
and veggies and avoid sugar, you should be fine. Avoid low-fat
dressings -- they often contain a lot of sugar. Ranch, Italian, blue
cheese, or just oil & vinegar usually works well. Avoid fries at all
costs :-) If they include rice or potatoes with your meal, ask them to
substitute low-carb veggies (zucchini seems to be a favorite of
restaurants) -- most places are very accommodating about this. If they
insist, just don't eat that part. Don't be afraid to ask for more
butter or any other allowed condiment if that's what you want. Avoid
omelets, though, as many people find that restaurants tend to add carby
fillers and sometimes sugar to them.
Remember, if WE can do it, so can YOU! For more inspiration, check out
people's progress photos (usually in the sig if they have one). I need
to update mine, but I'm only 2 lbs from goal, so I'm now waiting until I
reach it before updating -- I now weigh about 15 lbs less than the
current one that's up. I NEVER thought I would get to this weight again
-- I truly think Atkins has saved my LIFE.
--
Saffire
205/127/125
Atkins since 6/14/03
Progress photo: http://photos.yahoo.com/saffire333
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