Going low-carb makes a lot of sense to me. I would really like to do it, so I have been doing research on the different low-carb diets. I have found information on HOW to do several types, but Fred Pescatore really intrigues me. I can't find any websites with instructions on how to do his plan. Has anyone come across any sites with good info. I'm looking for specifics, not just general info. Also, what is this Fit Day that I have seen mentioned on threads. Is it a journal, book or site? Please help me. Does low-carb seem too restrictive? Thank you.

Well, I'm no expert, since I just started low carb this week (Atkins induction, at the moment)....but I do know an answer to one of your questions. Fitday is a website (www.fitday.com). It requires registration, but it's free and you can keep track of your food activity, custom set nutrition goals, etc. It's great. I looked for a website for Fred Pescatore, but couldn't find it. Good luck with that!

Do you like Atkins? I found a lot of information about his plan, but I'm afraid I can't stay with such a low carb count. Are all the programs basically that low. I looked at Carbohydrate Addicts, but I'm not sure pigging out for an hour a day makes sense either. I'll definitely try fitday.com. I really appreciate the help anyone can give me. I've got two kids and want to be around to watch them grow up. I'm 243 right now and that is definitely not a good thing. I never thought I would reach the day that I needed to lose 100 pounds. *sigh*

Well, I won't lie, it hasn't been easy this week. I'm supposed to be staying at 20 or fewer grams of carbs this week....and I am managing, but it just seems so odd to eat so much meat and eggs and cheese! I lost about 40 pounds two years ago and I did it by counting calories, and adding exercise to my routine. When I decided I wanted to start losing again, naturally I started by cutting back on calories...so I'm very conscious of calorie counts and nutrition numbers. It just seems so strange to be on a plan that doesn't allow fruit, but allows pork skins as a snack! I literally cringe as I record my food in fitday! But it does seem to be working. Generally, I eat 2 eggs and bkfst meat for bkfst, salad and meat for lunch, and then salad and meat or seafood again for dinner. Mozarella string cheese, pork skins, or an egg for a snack if I have to eat between meals. Lots and lots of water! I'm only on my 4th day, so I'm not a pro or anything--I can only give my impressions as a newbie...but I hope it helps!

I think the ladies here are on all different kinds of plans, so I'm sure they can give better advice. I guess the most important thing is to take that first step (which you have, cuz you're here!) and take it one day at a time... We're here with you, kayecee!

Jane, I'm in a position almost exactly opposite to yours. I'm trying to switch from low carb to low cal/low fat. Like you, I'm not convinced it will work because in the past I've had great success with low carb. Lately it hasn't worked for me, possibly due to the meds I'm on. It's very difficult to switch one's way of thinking and it takes a while, but it can be done...AND..it can be fun too. Sometimes just switching diets can give a person a weight loss jump start. At the moment, I'm rather enjoying being able to eat a bit of fruit and bread again. I was getting kinda sick of bacon and eggs. LOL

I have been doing Atkins for almost two weeks now. Although the scales haven't shown a huge loss, I can definitely tell that I've lost weight. My face is much thinner in just 12 days! I am also wearing "pleatless" pants that I haven't worn in a couple of years. I haven't had a single Pepcid (which I took often) and only 1 afternoon nap, (which I also required everyday!) If you can start the induction and get through the first couple of days.....I had a carb addiction headache.....I think you will be pleasantly surprised by your results. Buy the Atkins for Life, book and you will find that fruit does not stay forever out of your life. Give it a try! Good luck.

VirginiaGirl

Hi Kayecee... I am also new to this forum. These ladies have a really good understanding of actually living a low carb lifestyle. It is a huge adjustment to switch to low carb. I found that there were some amazing positive changes within the first few days. I also stopped using tums or pepcid on a daily basis. I lost my in -between meal cravings. I started to have much more energy. You do need to plan your shopping and meals. I cook a huge pot-roast and use it for salads and hot meals. I also have been using some low carb products such as the shakes and even the odd low carb chocolate bar. Some of these products are wonderful.
I've read several of the books but basically have adapted what I can live with. I don't believe low carb is for everyone, but so far I love it... good luck Lori

Hi Ladies ~ I discovered this site a few days ago and have devoted all my online-time to it ever since! I am brand new to forums, message-posting, etc., so please bear with me.......I'm an "easily confused" kinda girl
I found you guys while researching Dr. Atkin's plan. I've been fortunate to find TONS of info. about it on the internet, and last night I went to Wal-Mart and got his book, some Splenda, decaf coffee, herb tea, heavy cream, eggs, and some cheeses. I began Induction today. I just wanted to say, I'm very excited about this, but I'm also kind of scared. I mean, I LOVE sugar, absolutely love love LOVE it. I am a sweets-junkie, constant cravings. I've also become quite accustomed to my caffeine, which I've consumed in mass quantities for my entire adult life! I've read posts from some ladies who've chosen not to forgo theirs, and that may be what I end up doing, but I wanted to try from the beginning to do it just as Dr. A has prescribed and cut it completely out. So far today I've had 2 cups of the decaf, 2 large eggs scrambled with a sprinkle of cheddar and about an oz. of ham & bacon, and am on my 2nd glass of water. I'm feeling pretty good, but have a headache coming on....I have daily headaches though, so I'm not going to attribute it to lack of caffeine just yet. Sorry, I guess I really didn't have any advice or good tips to add, just thought I'd stop lurking and jump in and share a little. (Been DYING to say SOMETHING, lol) I look forward to "meeting" you all and I'm SO glad to have found this forum!

Hey! Welcome! I'm a newbie too so don't sweat it. I'm like you- I absolutely adore caffeine and sugar. I started cutting way down on my carbs last week and I don't feel too bad. I'm not exactly doing induction yet- (we've had a power play at work and the stress is REALLY bad right now) I didn't feel that I could handle a drastic diet change until the dust settles in a few weeks. The Splenda is wonderful. It doesn't leave that nasty after taste that you get with the other stuff. Decaf coffee and tea hasn't bothered me. It's the CHOCOLATE! *sniff* lol Good luck.

Welcome to the new gals ( from a new gal ). I also have really learned a lot from these ladies. I've been doing my own version of low carb and trying to stay around the induction level. I'm not keeping a food diary. I know that this has to be a life style for me not a diet. I also crave sweets and indulge in my desire for chocolate every evening. I either have a cup of low carb hot cocoa with a dash of real cream or a low carb chocolate bar ( the ross brand is awesome and available in most drugstores). So far I am down 21 lbs but have another 43 to go So I'm just going to hang in there and figure it out as I go. As a newbie myself I really appreciate your concerns. The one peice of advice that gets me through the rough patches is just concentrate on today. Sometimes I can just make it from hour to hour. But I am thrilled that somedays are really easy now Don't be afraid to ask for help. This is the place to be.. Welcome Lori

Grin, I am so glad that someone else has admitted to the daily chocolate indulgence! I just LOVE IT! DH bought me all kinds of Lo Carb Chocolate goodies for Valentines day. You must try Pure De-lite brand! OMG! Just as good as the real thing!!!!! You can find them at www.netrition.com!
G

Another really really really excellent chocolate bar (I only know about the DARK chocolate one - cause that's my addiction!!) is Carbolite..... I gotta tell ya, to me they taste just like the Hershey's "Special Dark" chocolate bar!...... they are just WOW! They are 1 net carb for a 1oz bar.... and believe me, if you nibble on it (it is in 4 breakable sections).... it can really satisfy the chocolate craving....... and I should know, cause "My name is Meryl and I am a Chocoholic"!!!

Oops, GM, I've also been informed by a friend that the pur delight chocolate is available at CVS drug stores!

I'm in desperate need of losing weight. I've gained up to 255 and am bigger than I've ever been. I lost my mom at Thanksgiving and broke my left arm and ankle first of January! Let me say that I've not watched what I've eaten at all! I've always gone the low cal/ low fat route but I can't seem to stick with it for the last year or so. Duh! That's why I'm up to 255!

My question is: Is this an easy plan to stick with? I'm trying to decide as well. I did LA Weightloss for a while and lost 25# fairly easily. It was very restrictive though. I've tried everything out there and here I sit! I can't imagine eating low carb/high protien/high fat and losing weight! Tell me, tell me is it true?!!!

Janie

Like I said- I haven't started the Induction with all the stress at work, but it hasn't been too bad to give up a lot of the carbs. It does seem to get easier.

The Atkins website has a lot of good information on it (I think I like it better than his book). I have also started using FitDay. It is an awesome site. There is also a great article in this week's Woman's World on pages 18-21. I haven't had much luck with low fat so I hope this will work. I know a LOT of people have had good success with it. I'm sorry to hear about your mom. I lost my baby brother a few years ago and I know about the emotional eating. My weight is close to yours. If you need to talk, let me know.

Hey Grin! Congratulations on the 21 pounds!!!!! How long did it take you? (Please tell me 2 days- Maybe I could stick with a diet that long- lol) Hope you continue and do well!

I will DEFINITELY try some of the chocolate you guys have mentioned. Thanks sooooo much!

I did the Atkins plan and it is in my opinion, very restrictive. I did not like it at all. Some people lose weight, but it is mostly water weight. I have a friend that did Atkins and lost 25 lbs in a month. She was sick of what little she could eat so started back on low cal. She gained the weight back and was sorry she ever went on Atkins. Some people will tell you they have success with it. I have done alot of research on it and am still NOT convinced it is healthy or safe, but again, only my opinion. I myself prefer the low calorie diet since you can have whatever you want, just watch what you eat and don't overdo it. If I want icecream with my kids, I will have it, but only a serving. And if I want my bran/nut muffin, I will have it too, just not 6 at once. Atkins might work for you. Goodluck..............Iowasweet