Good morning!
May I join you nice folks? I just (re)started my low-carb plan. It's a modified version of the Atkins diet that my doctor and I worked out. Basically it's Dr. Atkins' plan but with lower amounts of fat (no, I can not eat all the bacon I want) and allowances for "some" complex carbohydrates (like 100% whole grain breads and occasional treats like baked sweet potato). I had tried the Atkins' plan in it's truest form last year. Lost 19 pounds in 9 weeks! However, my bloodpressure skyrocketed for the first time in my life. Since heart problems run rampant in my family, my doctor was concerned -- especially when she reviewed my food journal and saw the quantities of bacon, cheese, and real mayo I was consuming.
This time I'm being smarter about it. Bacon is allowed -- in moderation. So is butter, mayo and salad dressing. I just have to be sensible about it. She also wanted me to include the complex carbohydrates (again in moderation). So now I can eat 2 slices of 100% whole grain bread or one small baked sweet potato or 1 cup of wheat pasta each day along with one small piece of raw whole fruit (like an apple, orange, nectarine, etc.). This combined with the higher levels of lean proteins (more chicken and fish than beef) and raw or steamed low-carb vegies should help me get the 100+ pounds off (finally) without jeopardizing my health.
So. I got on the scale Monday morning for the first time since Christmas. OUCH! 265!
OK. That's just a starting point -- don't panic, Jo! (It helps to laugh at yourself -- or so I've heard).
Hope you all have a great week!