Let me start with I'm a guy. I hope it's okay that I registered here. I went through the rules and reg's and didn't see any problem with it, so hopefully my presence doesn't bother anyone.

I wanted to first of all say hello to everyone and congratulate those who have found their way to losing pounds. I know what it's like. I'm 31, and stand at just under 5'09''. For some time now I got up to (and stayed at) 231 pounds. In my late teens/early 20's I was high 170's, maybe low 180's. The extra 50 some-odd pounds sure made their presence known, not just in looks but in physical strain on my body, and even my (ex) relationship.

Well....about 5 months ago I decided enough was enough and it was time to change. I had no idea where to start but somehow stumbled on to the Atkins diet. I read up about it, thought "hey I can do this...I think"....and long story short, had some success (and still going). As I said, I started at 231 pounds, and as of yesterday morning, I was 202. This loss of 29 pounds came without exercise. What changed was my way of eating and what I ate. The hardest part was no longer being able to have pasta, potato's, rice, chocolate/candy, regular milk, etc. But surprisingly enough, it wasn't all "that hard". I buy those shakes and bars they sell (prices aren't bad if you know where to shop) and basically do not strave or deprieve myself. There's lots that I can eat, steak, chicken, fish, deli meats and cheeses, peanuts, certain ice creams, low-carb milk, certain cereals, (there's quite a few low carb foods out there I've come to find). One thing I should mention....the first 20 of the 29 pounds felt like they came off quicker than the last 9, . Now, this doesn't mean the first 20 came off in the first month; that would be too much too fast and would seem like a "fake" loss that would potentially be put back on. But what once was about 1.6 pounds a week, has now slowed to maybe a pound. Maybe its time for some exercise.

Anyway, this is just me introducing myself to you all, ...glad to be here!

hey, welcome :] you've done a really good job so far! I just started the diet atkins as well. I'm not as strict as I should be, but I'm exercising more than ever. I'm getting stricter on myself as days pass though (grilled chicken instead of fried.. u know) so we're kind of in opposite positions. well, good luck, I'm glad you joined :] and no, there's no problem with the fact that you're a guy. other guys have joined, too

Hi!!! Guys are definitely welcome!!! There's even a men's thread somewhere around here, but I couldn't find it. Congratulations on your weight loss!!! From what I hear, it's easier to lose the weight at the beginning, so it's normal and healthy for you to be losing 1 or 2 pounds a week now. Exercise sounds like a great idea!!! I hope you make yourself right at home here! This is a great place for friendship and support! Here is the Atkins forum:
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/foru...ysprune=&f=226

We have a few guys around here, and they are GREAT! Congrats on your loss so far!

I hope you will come back often, 3FC is a great resource on your journey!

Hi and welcome! Congrats on your success thus far. I think lots of "losers" focus on diet in the beginning, then exercise later on. My 1st 20 came off relatively quick too. Sometimes now I'll only see 1/2 pound loss in a week, and a few weeks, nada! As long as you have realistic expectations, and hang in there through the journey, you will do AWESOME! You are doing great, keep up the good work!

Welcome and on your success thus far.

You did a good job! Cograts!