penpal wanted

[cyjake]

Hi my name is sam, I have been on the atkins for 3 weeks now, and lost 14lbs . Like most of you I have tried other diets and nothing has worked. I love Atkins because i am such a big meat eater, and I love it when I can have a fry up and my husband cant because he his doing slimming world.
If anyone from anywhere would like to chat, share experiences and have a laugh. Then I would love to hear from you.

[katelynsmom]

Hello, my name is LeAnne. I started Atkins 3 weeks ago and I have lost approx. 15 lbs. My last week I seemed to stop losing, so I incorporated exercise. I am staying in induction for awhile as I have more weight to lose. Any inspiration or advise is always welcome.

[cyjake]

hi, what a fantastic loss in ur first few weeks. I have not started doing any exercise yet, maybe I should but I always seem too busy with the kids.
I am still on the induction and I think I will be for quite sometime, as I have 84lbs still to lose. Then maybe I might feel more comfortable with myself.
Any tips for exercise with a busy lifestyle let me know.
Thanks for replying hope to chat with u again soon...
TTFN and keep up the good work.

Sam

[TRACY2]

Hi ladies-
can I join? I am looking for a pen pal too. I keep responding to posts for pen pals and people don't write back but a few times.
I live in Florida and am doing Atkins, but the maintenance phase because my DH and I are trying to concieve. We just got married 3 weeks ago and each have a little girl from a previous marriage. The whole house is on Atkins and it has become a way of life without thinking. I initially lost about 9 lbs just cutting way down and have been stalled for some time now, but I did quit smoking and haven't gain (thank the lord!). I exercise 5-7 times a week and need to lose about 8-9 lbs to reach my goal.

So, I am anxious to hear from you guys-
hey don't leave me hangin'

Tracy

[katelynsmom]

Congrats on your marriage ! My hubby hasn't started the program yet, he is becomming more interested as I lose the weight with little effort ! Amazing isn't it ? My 12 year old daughter has even noticed the difference in just 3 weeks. It was so encouraging to hear that from her. I have been staying at 15 carbs a day. I actually have a difficult time getting that many in. Maybe I am being to nit-pickey. I dunno. All I know is it is working. I bought some Ketostix last night. I am only slight pink, does that mean I am not burning very much fat. Should I be a darker color ? I guess some is better than none. Anyway, it's nice to have this kind of support. I never had that before on any other diet. Hope to hear from you soon -



LeAnne
240/220/150

[Starry]

I have been staying at 15 carbs a day. I actually have a difficult time getting that many in. Maybe I am being to nit-pickey.

I too have a hard time eating 20 carbs a day. Lately, it seems like my appetite is gone! I still drink plenty of water, and excercise regularly. I actually decided to try Atkins because my fiancee was, and it would be easier on the both of us if we work on it together. Hopefully we can all keep eachother posted on our success, and share tips. My only tip is to see carbs as not something you can't have, but something you don't want. I don't miss mashed potatoes and pasta in the least, although I do miss my fruit
Anyhoo, keep on posting, and good luck to all!!!

-Starry

[leslie29]

i would like to join y'all too. i was staying w/in 20 carbs, but was using atkins bars. i recently found out that they may contain glycerin (which some bodies treat like carbs). i'm finding them hard to give up....
keep up the good race!

leslie
joined: yesterday
started atkins: 6/24/03
174/161/135
age: 29

email: lesliehgp@yahoo.com

[TRACY2]

Hi Leanne- how in the world do you find it hard to get in 15 grams a day?? I’m confused. I eat very, very little and am consuming at least 30-40. I am stuck on eggs, bacon, salads, raw vegetables and sugar free koolaid. I also eat frozen broccoli and cauliflower a lot with cheese sauce. Plus cheese slices and slim jims. I was hooked on raisen bran before. Have you seen the carb count???!!! I have given up sooo much. I am convinced I must really push up my exercise! I joined a gym yesterday and have no intentions on letting the membership go to waste. I am also having a full thyroid panel done in a few weeks.

Leslie- you are smart to wise up to the bars quickly- they cause stalls. Try jello with heavy whipping cream or cheese cake made with spenda, no fruit.

Starry- you don’t miss pasta? Man I do. Talk about a seek and devour mission!! I love pasta and it is hard for me. I just wanna get below 150. I have been stuck here forever. Do any of you drink alcohol? I am positive that’s my problem. Hey anybody miss Krispy Kreme doughnuts??

Well, keep writing ladies and have a great day!

Tracy

[tindiselma]

Hi ladies...

I am from DC.

It is such a pleasure speaking to others fighting the bulge the low-carb way. Thanks Sam! I am still having a hard time trying to fight off the skeptics. Fortunately I am confident that they will see the results in time!

I have been on Atkins for 3 weeks. I am happy with the results... Leslie, I too am a little mad with myself because I found out the hard way about the bars stalling the weight progress.

I have lost 13 lbs so far and have 71 lbs to loose. I know it took a while gettin it on... but it is killing me that I can not just get it off, you know... oh well... patience is a virtue....

keeping the carb count was not hard at first, but now that I am getting a little creative, it is getting a little harder. Tracy, how many carbs in those slim jims?? Do you have a recipie on that cheese cake with Splenda?

I do not crave any one food I can no longer eat... yet... but I do miss eating a banana or a bar before my work outs.... ANY IDEAS??

Leanne and Starry, what is a typical menu for you that you have difficulty doing more than 20 carbs/day? Any hints to get through this journey will be appreciated!!

Thanks!
Hope to hear from one of you...cheers!

[katelynsmom]

Pasta wasn't too hard for me either, although I will miss Olive Garden. I bought some of the bars and was at a halt for a few days too. I was quick to give those up.

Alcohol on the other hand was tricky for me. I am a social butterfly, and weekends are usually spent at a Sports Bar or Pub of some sort. I did try Thin Ice. It's pretty darn good. It only has 1 carb and 90 calories. I am not a heavy drinker, so it works out for me.

I too have a membership, it's to the YMCA, and have had for a couple of years. I haven't been recently, but I plan to utilize it. I walk on my lunch ( approx a mile ) everyday. I am a wimp though, I don't like to go to the gym alone.

I think the hardest part for me is having to cook for my family, and then cook a separate meal for myself. I am so used to tasting my food while I cook, and I have to catch my self when I am cooking something that is "forbidden". My husband tries
( bless his heart ) to help, but his best dish is Macaroni & Cheese.

Well, back to work for me !!! ( Sadly, work is the only place I have free time ) Talk at you all later-

LeAnne

[tindiselma]

I have never been a big drinker... in fact in college I was called "tipsy-t" I had just enough .... but in the fight against the bulge I have had to lay off the stuff in order to have a successful workout. However, on ocassion, like this weekend, I go winetasting at various vinyards. 2 glasses max of red or white... I think no more than 2 carbs each.

LeAnne - wow! cooking for the family and then for yourself? That must be hard. It is hard enough to cook for myself. My boyfriend will eat most anything I cook... How do youplan the meals? Can you cook for yourself a week's worth of food and only cook one meal for the family...?

[TRACY2]

Ok I am mad
I just wrote the longest post ever and it went bye bye in cyber space. Dohhhh. Technology!
Tindiselma- slim jims are very low in carbs and are a great snack with cheese cubes. As for cheesecake- it's 1 cup sour cream, 3 eggs, 2 tsp vanilla extract, 2 tsp of butter and 30 packs of splenda. Mix all with a blender and bake in pyrex dish for 30 minutes until the egg mixture is all brown and puffy. Yumm. Then you can use heavy whipping cream and a few fresh strawberries on top. Or you can have a protein shake with banana extract. Very good!

Leann- you are a better person than me to cook two separate meals. My family all eats low carb. My girls are 5 and 9 and breakfast went from pancakes and waffes, or sweetened cereal to kix, cheerios and plain oatmeal. Maybe scrambled eggs. Dinner is the same as us, baked meat of some kind and veggies. About once a month we splurge and have lasagne or something. Your family needs to know how unhealthy high carb diets are for them too. My daughter has ADHD and is on meds to slow her down. Go figure. Look at her prior diet. Terrible! You can sway your family hopefully someday soon. I don't have the willpower to leave "their" foods alone- so we don't have it. If I have to do without- so do they. he he ha ha. Even my hubby has put on a few lbs around the middle. He is supportive.
Till tomorrow ladies,
good night,
Tracy

[Starry]

Leanne and Starry, what is a typical menu for you that you have difficulty doing more than 20 carbs/day? Any hints to get through this journey will be appreciated!!

I wouldn't really recommend what I am doing right now...even to "write it out loud" sounds unhealthy. I don't eat breakfast and I usually don't eat lunch. Once in a while, I will eat some hot & spicy pork rinds to help me drink lots of water (those suckers are HOT!!) I have never been much of a breakfast person, and I like to save my carbs for dinnertime when my appetite makes it's grand entrance. Being on the diet only a little over a week, dinnertime has been either chicken breast, pork steak or ribs, and boiled cauliflower with cheese or a small salad. I make deviled eggs for my fiancee to take to work with him, and I may have one sometime during the afternoon, but for the most part, I am not hungry, just thirsty! I am not starving myself, I am just not up to forcing myself to eat when I don't feel the need for it. Again, I DO NOT recommend this to you, or anyone, this is just how I find it hard to eat 20 carbs a day. I usually eat 10 max. Not the healthies thing to do, and I don't suggest it at all, but it is working so far for me!

[TRACY2]

Good morning ladies-
how is everyone? Working probably, like me? Would love to ditch work and hit the beach!

Starry- you lost 20 lbs in 2 weeks eating that way??!! I have to be perfectly honest- I'd almost be willing to try it to lose the 10-15 lbs I want to lose. I know it's unhealthy, I would probably have a mid morning and mid afternoon snack of slim jims and cheese cubes or raw cucumbers to hold me till dinner- because I'd get shaky otherwise. Of course that does mess up your metabolism eating that way and makes it harder for the weight to come off when you try again to lose. But congrats on your loss!

As for drinking- I never had to think about losing weight until I started drinking a little over a year ago. Just casually- but rum and coke never-the-less. After a few months of that- well, I literally gained 10 lbs over night. So after doing research I learned that when you drink, your body burns alcohol first and won't burn fat until the alcohol is out of your system. It slows down your metabolism and makes it harder to lose weight. I am now drinking 1/4 of what I was and it's diet coke and vodka. (o carbs)


Tracy

[katelynsmom]

I have actually cut my family's diet back on carbs, like one - two servings of starches a day. They drink the Hawiian punch with Splenda, only 11 carbs, instead of 90 million . I lalso et them know that once the "high carb foods" are gone, (i.e. chips, soda, margerine, etc. ) I won't buy anymore. So they can enjoy while it lasts.

My diet varies from day to day. ( Depending on how lazy I am ) I work 9-5 so I try to make something easy to warm up in the microwave and I prepare everything the night before. I will usually eat eggs and bacon/sausage for breakfast. Sometimes grilled chicken and green beens for lunch, or Chicken Salad
( made with : chicken in the can and mayo mixed with Splenda )
and a tossed salad. I usually bring cheese ( w/ no carbs ) for snack if I need it. For dinner I cook Pork Chops, Steak or Hamburgers with broccoli. green beans, or spinich. The green beans only have 2 carbs per serving and the frozen spinich I buy has ZERO. None of my meat has carbs, and I don't get alot of Carbs from my Veggies either. And of course, water, water, water. That is why I usually don't make it to 20 Carbs in a day.
I am going to check into those Slim Jims -- yumm !

I only weigh my self once a week, usually Saturday morning. It is much less discouraging for me. I would like to lose another 20lbs by my youngest daughters Birthday on August 22 and give my family and friends who haven't seen me in awhile a SHOCK ! That would be awesome.

Keep the snack food and other great foods coming. I would have never looked at slim jims, just assumed they were no-no's.

[TRACY2]

My average day is:
B- 3 scrambled eggs with 3 pieces of turkey bacon. (never changes)
L- chef salad with ranch or chicken/ turkey salad (made with canned meat) and mayo, relish (dill) and mustard. Usually have sliced cucumbers or tomatoes with the chicken salad.
D- baked, broiled or grilled fish, chicken or hamburger (pork occasionally) frozen mixed veggies with cheese sauce or another salad (I love salad) or green beans. We also like steamed caulifower or brocolli with ranch.
Snack if I even have it is usually a little bit of SF pudding or jello or homemade cheesecake. I figure I am averaging around 40-50 grams a day. Plus I have 1 cup of decaf coffee with sugar substitute in the morning. I lost about 6-7 lbs right away when I started this and haven't lost anymore. I have been a little lax on exercising lately because I am discouraged. I usually get 30-45 minutes daily of power walking or using the ellipticals at the gym. Not big on strength training. I suspect I may have a thyroid problem and am having blood work done next month. Already got treated for Candida, that didn't help. Only thing I can think of otherwise is occasional drinking 2-3 times a week after work. I am cutting that out now though because DH and I are trying to conceive.

How much have you lost and how much do you want to lose?
Tracy

[katelynsmom]

I began on 07-07-03 and when I weighed last Saturday (26th, 3 weeks later ) I have lost 20lbs. However, I still have 50lbs to go. After my first week or so I began to walk everyday ( rain or shine ) on my lunch hour, so that I hope is helping me even more. I'm not into weight training just yet. When I do make it to the gym I usually spend in on the treadmill. I read somewhere that Nutri-sweet can slow down weight loss, so I strictly drink water, oh, and my Thin Ice on the weekend. ( 1 or 2 ). I met a lady at Sam's Club the other day who had lost 70lbs in less than a year and has been maintaining for about a year. It is inspiring to actually meet someone who has succeeded on this program.

I am excited that I will now have to buy a size smaller in my pants. I put my khakis ( which is part of my work apparel ) and they are just about too big ! I keep telling myself I don't want to buy new clothes in hopes that I will be losing more weight and it would then be a waste of money. I suppose if they start falling off, I will have to break down and get some that fit, huh ?

LeAnne
240/220/150

[TRACY2]

Thats awesome- 20 lbs in 3 weeks! You most defiently can't walk around with your pants falling off! Go buy some new ones as a reward!
I feel I am doing everything right, so my thyroid could be a problem and so could the little bit of drinking I am doing. Maybe it's the nutrasweet in the diet cokes? I don't know. How old are you and and your kids? Where do you live and what do you do for a living?

Tracy

[katelynsmom]

I honestly dropped more weight without the soda, but it could be something different with you. I had a really difficult time with caffeine W/D. Eventually I will drink soda again, but only in moderation. I don't want to become addicted again.

I am 34 years old. I have 2 daughters, 11yrs and 2yrs and a step-son who is 5. I live in Topeka KS. ( and no, I don't have a dog named To- To ) I work for a bank here. I have worked here almost 8 years. I deal mostly with Online Banking and handle all incoming inquiries for Bill Payment Service we offer. I really like the people I work with, it is almost like an extended family. I am married. My husband is only 26 though. So I feel like I have 4 kids !! He is unemployed right now. He was one of the hundreds that Sprint laid off. I am hoping something happens for him before the unemployment runs out !


What about you ?

[tindiselma]

Hello ladies....

I was in meetings this morning... didn't realize that there were so many replies to read...

Well, TRACY, thanks so much for the recipie... I will try it this weekend. By the way, I doubt it is the alcohol as much as it may be the carb count. 40-50 carbs a day may be more than your body can use and loose at the same time. It is those pesky hidden carbs that get you. Like the relish is going to have some carbs in it. Other than that, sounds like you are doing everything right, especially your 45min/day exercise.

I have 71 lbs to go... I am trying to kinda log everything I eat until I can really get a hold on the system. Like LeAnne, I can only weigh myself once a week. I was so dissapointed last week because of the bars that stalled me. I was depressed a little too, almost didn't want to go out for my daily AM walk... but I did because I realized that it makes me feel good... you know? I have a new appreciation for exercise... thanks to Atkins...

STARRY, I too used to not eat breakfast. It wasn't until nearly a year and a half ago when it was explained to me that your metablolism needs that fuel in the AM in order to start it's engine, so to speak. Otherwise, it thinks you are in starvation mode, which means your metabolism slows down considerably. Are you energized yet since you started the Atkins?? I had to start slow... you know, eating a peice of something... anything ... in our case, a low-carb-food... in the AM and every 3 - 4 hours. Try it, I bet you will loose more and you will have more energy than you can handle... a sign your furnace is burning those extra pounds!

Currently I have breakfast at 8 AM, snack at 11 AM, lunch at 1 PM, snack again at 4 PM and dinner by 8 PM...

LeANNE, treat yourself to some new pants... it'll motivate you to continue on... I read a before & after story about some lady that literally dropped tons of sizes in less than five months (16 to a 4) on Atkins and got her clothes from a consignment store... less expensive. She then spent the big bucks on the good stuff once she was at the size she wanted to be at.

Snacks? Pork rinds (can't handle the spicy ones ); celery and creamcheese; smoked salmon and cream cheese rool-ups; sausage bites... LeANNE, what is the name of the cheese you get that has no carbs?

STARRY, what is your recipie for the deviled eggs?? Never made 'em but love to eat them.

ok... I guess I have said enough...
Have a great day....

T


PS: I am 30, from DC... no kids... I have a cat named Alto (adopted name).... I have been working in a law firm for the last 9 years....

Where is everyone else from??

[TRACY2]

You go girl!! A younger man- I seriously admire that! And 3 kids- wow. I am aiming for that. You hubby is my age almost. I am 27, live in Pensacola, FL. I have a 9 year old daughter ( i know, i know) she was a blessed surprise at 18. Wouldn't trade her for all the tea in china! I was married for 7 years. Divorced that loser December 2000, met Phill June 2001 and we were married 3 weeks ago in a military wedding. Took a weeks cruise to the carribean islands. He is a SMGst in the AF and a Flight Instructor. (he flies) He is 42! Howz about a you go girl in my direction. . He has a five year old I am in the process of adopting. His daughter calls me mom and my daughter calls him dad. Neither absent parent pays any support or sees these children. Sad huh?

Phill is wonderful and a really great partner and father. Takes good care of us girls. Very protective. We are currently trying for a boy. I am not doing induction because it isn't safe while trying, I don't think. I work for a bankruptcy law firm as a legal secretary. My co-workers are great too. Big family here. Small firm.

I live on the Florida panhandle near the beaches. Glad to have made several good friends here on this board. I lurk on several other threads, but don't always post. I'll send you a couple of pics if you can give me your personal address.

Take care and I hope your DH finds work soon- keeping my fingers crossed.

[TRACY2]

Hi Tindiselma!
Glad your here. No kids huh? How long have you been LC'ing? Exercising makes all the difference doesn't it? Everyday I dread it, but once I get started I feel great. I work for a bankruptcy law firm and have been here for 5 years. What do you do? I honestly am looking for a change of pace soon. Something in the medical field.
I think I may be stalling because of the sodas like Leann said. The nutrasweet may be the culprit. I really hate diet coke, I only drink it when I am drinking. Ya know, a little coke with that vodka? I just know I am terribly frustrated right now. I can't imagine it being this hard. I have given up everything except the drinks. Must be that.
How much weight have you lost and when did you start?

Tracy

[katelynsmom]

I found that most pepper jack cheese ( which unfortunately is a little spicey ) has no carbs. Also Muenster, Swiss and some Sharp cheddar. I compare everything. I noticed that the bargain brands end up having less Carbs than say, Kraft, even though it is the same product. Go - figure.

How do you make the Salmon and cheese roll-ups. Sounds delicious !

[tindiselma]

LeANNE - as for those wonderful smoked salmon roll-ups... I literally spread the cream chesse on a strip and roll em! Use whatever cream cheese you like... I prefer the one will dill and onion.

TRACY- nope... no kids...I can't have any... it's cool, I have come to terms with it. Anyway... I am an office manager in a four-attorney law firm... very small... very family oriented. A general practise.

Well, I started Atkins on the 9th of this month... I lost 15 pounds then gained 2-3 pounds... I weigh again on Friday morning... cross-your-fingers! I have 71 lbs to go.... God willing!

[leslie29]

good afternoon all! mind if i join?
i'm a stay-at-home mom to three children: abigail will turn 6 on sunday, lucas is 4, and elizabeth (we call her elli) is 2 and a half. all three just woke up from naps, so there's lots of playing right behind my chair. i'm 29, married, and we live in northern indiana (boy was it hot today!).

i also wanted to add a big YAHOO! to everyone for all the pounds lost so far.