If you need a pen pal.. pick me!

[mylovly]

I started Atkins in July 2002 after I turned 39 because I didn't want to be "Fat and 40"!! I also have a son who will gradute in May 2003 and I want him to be proud when I make a fool of myself yelling with joy! I lost 14 pounds and two pant sizes in two and a half months. And like most people the ole self esteem soared and I actually began dating! But the guy I started dating always wanted to go EAT!! Well to make a long story short, I no longer date him and now I'M BACK!

I didn't join the 100 day challenge, but I think the star is cool so I'm using it to boost my morale. I'm on day two and am already in ketosis so I'm excited. I've found that exercise puts me in ketosis alot faster so I've been walking three miles each morning.

I said all that to say this.... I love to email and I love to encourage people, so if you need a pen pal.. message me!!

[Suzeeq]

I would love a pen pal. My name is Susan and I started Induction almost two weeks ago. Feeling great! Over the last siz weeks, I have lost 14 lbs and gone done two dress sizes so there is no stopping me. My email address is Susan_Adam@hotmail.com and my AOL messenger is Susan0819.

Email me back if you would like a buddy through this awesome journey!

Namaste,
Susan

[Jlo5]

I am glad to hear that you are doing well! I was wondering if maybe you had some advice for a "Rookie"? Thanks!!

Lisa

[Jlo5]

I am glad to hear that you are doing well! I was wondering if maybe you had some advice for a "Rookie"? Thanks!!

Lisa

[Suzeeq]

Hi Lisa,

Boy, where do I start! OK, first, a must have is Atkins New Diet Revolution book. Read it front to back to fully understand the Atkins approach if you haven't already. There were many things I was not aware of. Great resource and tons of recipes. Second, register on is website. It's a blast! You can download tons of recipes. Keep a daily journal to track your progress and count yor carbs. It's easy and fun! You log day to day, put in feelings and everything in regards to your day. I love it and find it's great down-time to sit and do it. I see it as taking time for me. Your profile is the most fun. You put your starting stats in and chart it week to week. Check it out, you will love it if you haven't done so already.

When I started, this is what I did. First, I rid my home of all high carb products. No temptation. But, now that I am almost through week two of Induction, no cravings anyway. Prepare Prepare Prepare. I made a shopping list of everything I needed to get started from spices to kitchen items I needed to prepare the food. This way, you never get stuck when preparing an Atkins meal. I find meals are easier to prepare and alot of fun. My husband told me the other night that I am turning into a gourmet cook! The food is AWESOME!

The first 2 days may be alittle tough. Your cleansing your body of sugar and carbs. I felt fine, but you may have some cravings. RESIST! What I did was to start a modified version of ATkins a month before I started Induction. I cut my carbs to about 50 a day. Almost like I was in OWL but not really. Then, full Induction. When you start, if you haven't already, purchase all the supplements you need. A good multi-vitamin, Dieter's Advantage by Atkins. (increases your metabolisim) Essential Oils (a must as we are eating a high cholestrol diet) The oils help to reduce your cholestrol. I also take an additional calcium supplement and additional fiber. I have a glass of Psyllium Husk, orange flavored as it tastes like Tang! Remember that stuff! A typical day is a 2 egg meal in the morning with shredded cheese. Coffee and water, all my supplements. I am so full I think I may bust. I do not get hungry through the morning and for lunch, 2 cups of salad topped with chiz, beef or some other high protein source topping. (Atkins Bleu Cheese dressing is to die for if you like that kind and the recipe is in the new book)or leftovers from the fabulous meals I make for dinner. Doesn't sound like much but trust me, with all the sugar out of your system, you do not get hungry. WATER WATER WATER. Drink at least 8 8oz glasses a day. Hard for some people and if you struggle, squeeze alittle lemon juice in the glass!

What I did for variety and again to make things easy is to download and print all finds of recipes and actually made a book! It's my Atkins Recipe book and it is now a permanent fixture in my kitchen.

KETONES: Buy the sticks at your local pharmacy. Tell them you are starting Atkins and they will tell you which ones to purchase. My Ketones are in the "Medium" range so this is working and as always, check with your doctor before starting any diet! If you have certain conditions, Atkins may not be as effective and if you take any daily medications, especially hormones.

You cannot fail at this. It's too easy and I love it. This is for life. Not a short-term fix.

Any additional advise I can give you just let me know!

OH, and exercise!! JUST DO IT. I do 50 minutes of Yoga a day. Great for the mind/body connection and walk my dogs in the morning. Again, great downtime and it's for you! Don't forget that!

Take care,
Namaste,
Susan

[Jlo5]

Suzeeq-

THANK U SO MUCH FOR YOUR REPLY!

First of all I am very greatful for you help! I am very excited to start the Atkins WOE. There were many things I was not aware of!!! As of today I have raided my kitchen cabinets and gave away everything I couldn't have. Just like you said getting rid of the temptation!!! I am looking forward to looking and feeling better! My official start date is for Monday January 13th.

I am so excited to have found this site!! This is just the thing I needed! Great advice and support! I was wondering if maybe you had some great recepies you could share with me? I was also wondering about the carb content in jalapenos, lettuce and cabbage? Do you have any idea on the carb content? What about the salad, you know the 3 cups of salad. What is considered to be a salad vegetable? And how much of it are we allowed? If you don't mind me asking, how much did you lose in the first two weeks? And the Keto stix, where can i purchase those?

I am sorry for bombarding you with all these questions! I hope to hear from you soon! Have a wonderful evening!!

Thanks again!!!

[Suzeeq]

OK girl,

Listen up! You are off to a great start. Now, if you are starting the 13th, this gives you plenty of time to prepare. I am so excited for you!!!!

Register on AktinsCenter.com. Create your profile and away you go! From the Atkins website, you can download all their recipes. 25 at a time. From there, you can click on create a shopping list, and it makes one for you and tells you what to buy. It breaks it out by recipe so there will be repeated items on it, so just mark off the ones you need! The site also has a carb counter. You can find out the "Net Carbs" opposed to full carbs. Very important. The more fiber, the lower the carb content. Pay close attention to that. You may think you are eating more then you really are but it will tell you what the carb content is for about anything.

So here is your mission, (if you choose to accept and I know you will!!!)

Tomorrow, purchase Atkins New Diet Revolution. READ IT! If anything, skip to the GETTING STARTED. Chapter 10 I think. Go back and read the first chapters when you can but it is to your benefit to read it first. You will have knowledge and POWER!

At the website, download all recipes that sound good to you. Create your list and get to the store this weekend and get everything you need. This will be well worth it. A must have is a George Forman Grill. Great for chix, steaks, pork chops, etc.. I got one for Christmas and it is great. You are going to be amazed at what you start cooking.

KETONES! You can get them at your local pharmacy. I purchased strips that are called, Ketostix. Reagent Strips for Urinalysis. Critical. You want to monitor them because if you hit that pretty purple color, Atkins is working for you.

Now, if you want to communicate daily, I would love it! Let's go with my other email as it will be easier for me and I can access it all day at work if need be. It is Susan_Adam@hotmail.com. This way, I can cut and paste recipes, ideas, all kinds of things! You have a buddy if you need it. I am in the healthcare industry and love helping people! Sound good?

Namaste,
Susan

[mylovly]

Hi guys! Thanks for your responses!!

Jlo -- You go girl! Welcome to a better way of life! I have to agree with Susan, knowledge is power! Read everything you get your hands on!

The greatest thing I've done since I started this diet is join this group!! The support is amazing! Plus it gives you accountability, and for me, that's a big plus!

The Ketostix are a must! I found that was a great motivator for me to turn that stick purple was was I lived for! haha

Susan, what a wonderful affirmation you've written! I hope you put your profile in the faces section, you're a true inspiration!! Here I started this thread to inspire others with my enthusiasm and you've inspired me!! Amazing how this network works! Thank you and I'm so proud for you!

This program (I hate the word diet) has changed my life! I used to be clinically depressed, yet once my body rid itself of all the junk, I'm now amazingly happy and no longer have to take meds to be able to face the day! My self esteem is amazing! My energy levels almost scare me! I can't tell you how happy you're going to be. But what I can tell you is this.... DO NOT let every slip get you down! I've found that as soon as you "cheat" start over from that moment! Smile all the time.... it releases natural "feel good" chemicals and you will soar!

You guys are so excited and I know we'll become great friends!! I look forward to your postings!

Hugs and stuff!!

[mylovly]

PS..... the Metabostix are more expensive than the Ketostix! I go to Eckerds and get them, you may have to ask the pharmasist, but they're not prescription. You get 50 sticks of Ketostix for the same price as 25 of the Metabostix.



By the way..... Is my cool star working?? It's just showing a url address on my end!!

[Suzeeq]

Hi everyone!

This site is new to me as well but I am so glad I found it. A bounty of support.

Mylovly, I haven't created anything in the "faces" part but will if you can assist. I haven't researched this website to its full potential yet as I just registered last night.

I will take sometime and get that done! You are so right. With this site, the support and experiences will be priceless! Let's make the most of it and plow ahead on our new journey's.

Low Carb = Healthy = Stable = I am woman hear me ROAR! No stopping us now!

Namaste,

Susan

The meaning of Namaste:

"I honor that place in you where the whole Universe resides. And when I am in that place in me and you are in that place in you, there is only one of us."

[Jlo5]

I LOVE IT I LOVE IT I LOVE IT!

i love this site! I can not believe how motivated i am to start this program! thank you both for all the great advice! i have already gone to the grocery store and got what i needed. all i need to do now is buy the ketostix. oh by the way I did pick up a copy of the book! i am so excited!

OKAY...girls, Monday morning i start~ when i get home from work that day i will give you all my menu for that day. so you can tell me if i am on the right track!!! i just cant wait til i see my weight come off and especially cant wait to start feeling better! finding you all and this site is one of the best things to happen to me because i know that now i have some motivation and support! you may also reach me at my e-mail address jerrynlisa@hotmail.com or at home which is jlbp5@aol.com do any of you have msn messenger? if you do you can make me a buddy or if you have aol msng. that will also work!! i am so happy to have this support !

enough of my rambling on! what about you guys?!?! how are you all doing? how long have you all been low carbing?? let me in on your experiences! by the way, i will post my starting weight monday. what time are you all usually at this site? i try to get on after work, but sometimes i am stuck working some crazy hours! i really should only be there 8am to 5pm , that i dont get on til late at night, or try to find some time to do so at work! now that i have pen pals i will most definately be on more often and be cheking my email at work! i know i had something to ask but now i just cant remember what that was!?!?!? hmmm oh well i guess i am just too excited!

well, thats all for now! I hope tp hear from you all soon! take care and thanks again! i will be back online tonight!

Lisa

[Suzeeq]

I just sent a very long winded email to both of your email accounts. Take a peak! I am so very proud of you Lisa! I can feel your excitment!

I can't wait for you to start Induction. Your entire universe is going to change!

I have added you to my address book and sent them to my work. WE are all here for you!

READY SET GO! But read the first 11 chapters in the book! Mandatory woman!

Hugs to you!
Namaste,
Susan

[mylovly]

OMG Lisa you've definately got the fever! I just can't wait for you to feel the lift after you've only been on for the first week and have already lost weight, you're going to be amazed!

I won't lie, the first few days will be hard, but just keep reminding yourself that any headaches, or sluggishness is your body getting rid of the sugar and toxins. WATER WATER WATER makes this process go by faster. The headaches are caused by the fact that your brain thinks it needs sugar to function and the sluggishness is caused by your body giving up its sugar to the brain. But fat is so much cleaner a fuel for our bodies, that once you get past the first few days, your head will feel so clear you'll wonder how you ever lived eating all that sugar! After you've done this program for a while, you'll be able to tell, by gaging how you feel, if you've had something with too much sugar or carbs.

I've been back on Induction since Monday, but I've been using this WOL since July 2002. Bye the way.... I've lost 6 pounds this week!! Ya hoo!! My goal is to be in a size 9 by May (when my son graduates) no matter what the weight. But my end goal is to be 135 pounds.

Hey Susan, you just need to check out the Faces Gallery, and click where is says to add your picture, and the direction are there how to do it. You can add a bit of your story there too. Also the Atkins page has a section to add your story too. You're a true inspiration, you should do these things!!

Well I guess I better work!!

I look forward to your postings!!

[Suzeeq]

I registered in the faces section. Added alittle story and a picture. Did this last night. Guess it takes about 5 days to be online.

CONGRATS on this weeks weightloss! AWESOME! Lisa, see, see what will be happening with you! I cannot wait for you to start. This is by far the greatest adventure I have every been on.

Well, must get back to work! Till we meet again!

Skinny day to all!

Namaste,
Susan

[mylovly]

Good Monday Morning Girlfriends!

Well I had to remove the cool star! I blew it this weekend! I gained a couple of pounds back, but I feel that's water weight because my rings are really tight this morning. I got a little too far into Ketosis and got the craving for carbs, so I had some breakfast Kolaches on Sunday morning. But I'm back on track this morning! Couldn't walk this morning though, too wet and cold, so I'll make it up this evening!

How are you girlies doing?

Weekends are my toughest times to stay focused. How about you? I even went out to eat this weekend and didn't cheat until Sunday morning!! I think I'm letting myself get too hungry in between meals on the weekends, so I printed off all the sample menus this morning and I'm going to start preparing some snacks for myself for the weekends to avoid those crashes. I also printed all the recipes that go with them so I'll have them close.

Do you guys have strategies that you use to stay strong on the weekends?

Hoping to hear from you guys!

d'cai

[Suzeeq]

D,

Sorry to hear about the little set back but so glad to hear you are back on track! How do you get that gold star anyway?

OK, for the weekends. I find them just as easy as during the week. I am actually more focused. What I do is alot of research and reading and also expand my recipe collection and experiment with new items. Variety is the key. I found some great sites this weekend with some fantastic recipes. So I find that makes it alot easier. Sunday mornings are also my weigh and measure day so that makes it even more exciting. I lost another 4lbs and 4 inches last week, so the motivation is just incredible. And our Lisa, YOU GO GIRL! She started Induction today! I am so proud of her!

To me, this is all the mindset. We have been raised in a society that feeds on high sugar, high carb food. I am breaking the cycle from my perspective. I don't need it to live. Anything can be modified to stay within the threshold of how we have chosen to eat moving forward. So much emphasis has been put on the female body and the double standard of how we should all look, that's bull. You want to stay focused on your goals and that should help you when you feel that deprived urge coming on. Like I said to Lisa this morning, I was confronted by a co-worker at 8:30 this morning with a tray of double fudge brownies. Sabatage I ask? Yes! Before, I would have grabbed one. Now, I simply tell people its not on my food plan and don't offer it to me again please. That's shut's them right up and when their chins drop to my response, stuff that double fudge brownie down your gizzard and we shall see how you are feeling in about an hour!

You can do this D! You have seen the results and know how you feel when you hit goals! March ahead with no looking back except to see a healthier, thinner you in the mirror!

Namaste,
Susan

[edardeno]

Wow! All I have to say is thank you to those of you on this thread! I started a lax version of the Atkins Diet yesterday, just to basically get the feel for it and to give me a chance to get the lower fat stuff out of the house before jumping right into the real strict induction part of it. Well, I was doing ok until this afternoon and then I blew it. I have been feeling really really bad about myself since then and am almost ready to throw in the towel altogether. But after reading this thread I am totally motived again! I am not going to give up! I know I can do this, just have to get in the right mindset. I am a former WW member, and am having a hard time telling my self that fat is OK. I have figured out something about me recently though...I am a snacker. I like food, I like to eat so I tend to snack a lot. I need to be better prepared for these snack attacks. Maybe by planning them into my day it will help keep me on track. I need to lose about 120lbs, and I know it is not going to happen overnight, but it just seems like such an unreachable goal. I've told myself to take it 40lbs at a time, break it into thirds so it doesn't seem so scary!

I hope you don't mind me jumping into the middle of your thread like this but I just had to thank you Susan, Lisa, and D, for helping to get me remotivated like you have!! I KNOW I can do this, I just need to get on the right track. I am going to go to the Atkins site after I put my children to bed and register there and check out all of the cool stuff you mentioned Susan! Tomorrow is a whole new day right My email is edardeno@twcny.rr.com. I would love to be pen pals with you all if you are interested!

Thanks again,
Erin

[Suzeeq]

Erin,

You have come to the right place. You have three, count um, three motivated people here! We can help. I am going to forward you an email I sent to Lisa to get her ready for her Induction! She is the cutest thing! I am so proud of her! I have no doubt she will succeed and you can too! Look at D, fondered for a moment, and right back on track! That's the ticket! My email address is Susan_Adam@hotmail.com so look for that email and any assistance we can give you! We are all in this together!

With Atkins, your snacking will become a thing of the past. With the high protein food you will consume, you are not hungry. Sugar out of your system so the cravings are gone! We can help. We are all in Induction here so you are good to go!

Namaste,
Susan

[Jlo5]

I did it! I got through my first day of Induction!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so excited about what is in store for me!!

D', don't get so discouraged!!!!! Pick yourself up and just get back on track!!!!! We know you can do it!!! I am glad to have you girls to share this with! It's so motivating!! D', if you need some support during work here's my e-mail address jerrynlisa@hotmail.com or at home jlbp5@aol.com

Erin- Come on girl you can do it!!! Just look at me!! Thanks to Susana and D, I was prepared and I am so informed about this lifestyle change!!! Let me tell you the best thing you have done was joining this thread!! This is where I find all my motivation and support! I am happy to say that I got through my first day. As I was telling Susan, I was surrounded by temptation!! So, all I did was kindly refused the offers of the "bad yucky stuff"!!!!, and would get up off my hiney and walk to get me some water!! Whenever I thought I felt a craving coming on, I would just drink, drink and drink! I would also walk to the farthest water cooler! Hey why not get a little exercise while doing so, right?? Erin, you can do it! Just say that to yourself! Repeat it in your head over and over, I CAN DO IT! Then believe it!!! Once you do that you are o n your way! I know I am just starting out but now I just cant wait to see the results! Next Monday will be a greeaaat day for me! I will have lost weight as well as inches! I would love for you to feel that satisfaction as well! Listen, if you would like to e-mail me here's my info: jerrynlisa@hotmail.com I can ck. this one at work all day or at home jlbp5@aol.com Now if you feel that you need some support or just want to talk then by all means e-mail me ! WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER! WE ARE HERE FOR YOU AND WE WILL HELP YOU! whatever you do always ck. in to this site! Its a great motivator and Susan and D' are the best!

Hugs--
Lisa

[edardeno]

Lisa!!!! I am so excited for you! And I am proud of you! You give me hope girl! I am glad your day went so well and congrats on passing up all the yucky stuff!!

Thank you for your kind words, I am so glad to have found you girls. Susan has been such a great help to me already. I was so lost this afternoon, but now I am sitting here with this list in front of me of things I need to get and do to be successful with this lifestyel change and it feels so good It actually feels really really do-able (is that a word?!) I will take you up on your offer to email you and will do so in the morning. Right now I need to get to bed so I'll be able to drag my butt out of it in the morning!! I've been checking out the Atkinscenter site and getting really excited about this whole thing

Good luck to you ALL tomorrow~~ Be strong, we CAN do this!!

Erin

[Suzeeq]

Good morning to my low-carb buddies,

You know, I have to say, I have read other threads on this website and have not found any to be as touching and motivating as ours! There is so much passion and energy. You can feel it.

Lisa, so proud of you. Just a week ago, you were in the process of preparing, alittle scared and confused on the process and look at you now! Unreal. The mindset is strong and the determination is unstoppable!!!!

D, one small weak moment and she is back on track. Temptation got her for one moment, but her mind got her back on track.

Erin, feeling lost and ready to throw in the towel. Contiplating living a lifestyle she knows is not good but now, ready, willing and able to charge forward with a whole new outlook.

Susan, feeling touched and priviledged to assist these wonderful new friends. Just reading your entries keeps me strong and motivated 24 hours per day. I am not superwomen, just a women who takes charge of things when I feel the need to and hope I can help my new friends through their weightloss journey to obtain their goals as you all with mine.

So, here's to another day of low carb eating and feeling good!

Have a wonderful day ladies, and we will connect through the day and tonight.

Namaste,
Susan

[mylovly]

OMG!! Hi Erin!! Welcome welcome!! Should I say.... welcome "home"!? Good for you! You're on your path, I promise! Is Susan amazing or what? I started this thread to be in inspiration, and I'm constantly in awe of Susan and her enthusiasm, but even more at my luck to have made such wonderful friends!!

Lisa.... {{{{dance of joy}}}} I'm so proud proud of you!! You go girlie!!

I wish I had prepared like you guys have, but I'm doing that now! I feel like I've missed out on this letter from Susan!! Please forward this to me? mylovly@yahoo.com

Also, feel free to write any time! I can check that address from work and from home and will write you back ASAP!! We should all exchange pics so we'll have faces to go with the hearts we see on here! I have to agree with Susan, our little thread is so full of heart that I find I come and re-read the entries because of the inspiration!!

You girlies are my life line now.... and I know without a doubt I can make this!! Even when we fall, there's no negativity or shame and that makes us stronger!

I'll be checking in..... {{{Huggs!!}}} to all!

d'cai

[Suzeeq]

D,

I will forward you the emails with key components broken out tonight. You know the program pretty good but there maybe some some pieces that you are missing.

Wish I could write more but I am at work and need to get some done!

Till tonight ladies!
Namaste,
Susan