Okay,

This is changing directions but I have to add this information.

I find it hard to believe (or I guess I should say understand why) Atkins doesn't want us to add nuts (specifically Almonds) into the diet for so long.

Thanks to my newfound "freedom" in OWL, I went and bought a bag of Roasted Almonds from Trader Joes. And, was amazed at what I found.

For 1/4 cup (about one ounce) I only have to count ONE carb and I get 7 grams of protein!! It's a snack I can keep in my desk and plan to have every afternoon. Talk about making it easy for me to not have to bring an afternoon snack every day.

They have enough "power" that they will last me all afternoon and then I don't have to think about anything even related to food!!

It doesn't take me very long to eat them but the idea behind Atkins is to teach me to eat when I need to, not just because I can.

Okay, just my $.02!!

Oh, by contrast, Macadamia nuts count TWO carbs per ounce, BUT they only net you 2 grams of protein, too, and slightly more fat. The Almonds are a little more "proportional" to our needs even if the Macadamia's are to DIE for.

Speaking of nuts - here I am...ha ha. So I now have a can of macadamia nuts in my desk at work - and today was hungry so I had some - and I EVEN COUNTED THEM OUT! How amazing is that?

Usually I dip my hand in a few times, and a few more times and then figure oops I probably had too many. Today I counted out about 14 kernels which is about one ounce, CLOSED THE CAN AND PUT THEM AWAY. This actually made me feel good!

So yes, nuts are good and a great snack - but beware if you have trouble counting!

Froufie

OK... I have to confess! I cheated. My first time since I've been on Atkins, and I'm not sure what possessed me. I ate dinner -- very tasty Buffalo chicken strips -- and then I went right for some Reese's peanut butter cups, without much hesitation whatsoever. I ate two peanut butter cups and was hoping to feel sick or not want them or realize I made a mistake. I didn't feel that way. Instead my old attitude came back... I already messed up, so why not just binge. So, I had my third cup of coffee for the day with a ton of cream. Then, I was looking for what was next. I started to feel depressed and think that I could never lose weight. But, somehow I got ahold of myself. I started looking at a Victoria's Secret catalog and realized I was never going to look like one of the models unless I quit eating (and had a few minor plastic surgeries... ) Anyway, that did the trick. I hopped on my glider and worked out for 40 minutes on it. I feel great and know I can lose weight and know I can stay on track!! It's such a great feeling!! I've never had this response before, and it's amazing!! Hopefully, I sweat out all that sugar and carbs. So, I guess the moral of the story is, whenever you feel like cheating, look at a Victoria's Secret catalog!!! I've got to always keep one handy!

I also knew I had to confess here, and I knew that was part of what was keeping me from bingeing. I didn't want to have to tell all of you that I ate half the refrigerator -- so thanks!!!

Take care,
Jina

Well gee Jina - you're no fun - now we don't even get to tell you to get back in control and don't worry you'll do better tomorrow. Nor can we suggest you exercise to burn off some of those bad carbs you ate.....and what about that catalog? Now you don't even need us to help you and will resort to some shiny pages filled with barbie doll images of impossible womanly figures!

I protest!

Anyone else done any cheating they wish to discuss? We're always here to help!

Froufie

I haven't cheated, but I'll give it a go if it will make you feel better, Froufie. I'm just that kind of giving person.

Froufie: Sorry... I kind of self-diagnosed and self-treated, huh?? Next time I will bring my issues to the experts instead of the shiny pages of huge-boobed, skinny-everywhere-else ladies. They're probably stupid, anyway!!!

Jina