[outofshapemom]

Hi,
My name is Clara. I am a stay at home mom with 3 children--ages 8, 5, & 3. I currently weigh about 184. I started the Atkins diet on Monday 11/11. That Monday morning that I started this WOE I weighed in at 190--my all time high, non pregnant weight(actually only 1 lb. from my all time high pregnancy weight ). I have tried this WOE before a couple of time and each time only stuck to it for a couple of days. I am very proud of myself for sticking to it this long(today is day 11).

I was hoping my energy level would have increased by more than it has. I have a little more energy, but still not much. I have done very well on keeping the carbs under 20g for the induction period. And I am drinking alot more water than I ever have before(guess the low carb WOE increases thirst ?), but am still not drinking as much as I should be.

I can't believe that I ever let myself get so out of control about my eating and weight. And I am so tired of food and my weight controlling my life! I will be 30 years old in March, and it makes me very sad to think of how many years I have wasted feeling so bad about myself.

Anyway, I guess that's me in a nutshell!

I look forward to joining in here at the low carb board and at 3FC's in general.

Clara
started low carbing 11/11
starting weight--190
current--184
goal--140 ??(maybe 130)

[Tilly]

Congrats on finding the site and making a commitment to change your life. Everyone here is very supportive. And congratulations on losing six pounds - that is great.

Did you give up caffiene when you started Induction? That could account for not seeing much increase in energy. When your body adjusts you'll have more energy. Also, water really helps too. It's really important to drink as much as they recommend, it helps the weight come off faster.

Maybe post on the food logs thread to get feedback and also, I love to read about what other people are eating!!

[Meowna]

Welcome Clara!

You will find lots of support and ideas, and some very nice ladies too boot on this site!
Post often, let us know how you are doing. I up my protein intake when I start feeling sluggish and cut my carbs a bit more, that works for me.

[dyan_q]

Welcome to the board Clara!

[ChrissyB]

Clara,

Welcome ! Looking forward to having you here with us.

As far as the energy goes...I dont have the extra energy that everyone talks about either. This is my second time around on the low carb wagon and I didn't have it the first time. I do however feel better and dont have the ups and downs that the sugar monster use to take me on.

If you did kick the caffeine monster good for you. This is something that I've yet to do and really should because I think it would make this a whole lot easier.

Best wishes, ChirssyB

[Pooky]

Welcome to the board Clara!

I have a few thoughts that will probably help you with Atkins. I find that I have sore joints on the WOE so to combat this problem, I take a magnesium/potassium supplement everyday.

I would also watch your intake of salt--cooking with or even sprinkling on food--you'd be surprised how much you lose when you control salt intake!

Congrats on the 6 lost so far--you'll love the WOE in the long run and then you'll start to wonder why you didn't do it sooner!

[RobinW]

Welcome Clara!!
Im doing atkins as well, and I cant add to what the ladies have already mentioned except...i just remembered, I use www.fitday.com to keep track of my carbs and calories. Its been great.

Post often, it helps keep you on track.

Robin

[debkay]

Welcome Clara!

Debbie

[jiffypop]

we're glad to have you clara... and don't give up!!! drink water. and ask lots of questions. the ladies around here know SOOO MUCH STUFF!!!! and they know how to make all kinds of wonderful crafty things too.

it'll be fun. and be sure to post on the daily. that's where most of the action seems to start.

[MamaJ]

Welcome Clara! You've already been given some great advice from these chicks!

I'm looking forward to getting to know you!

Janice

[SuGeorgia]

Hi Clara!

Welcome!! I'm glad to meet you.

I was very tired at first on the WOE. For one thing, I did lose a lot the first two weeks. Then, I realized that my previously worrisome blood pressure had gone back down! So, the fatigue was in a good cause.

We had a vitamin post not long ago. Very slowly, I added in Vit B (all) and just last week a multivitamin. I do think both helped. There were some good ideas in the old post.

Talk with you soon.

[outofshapemom]

Thank you to everyone for your welcomes and suggestions! It's great that there are so many of you out there ready and willing to help out. I look forward to getting to know you all better in the future!

Clara

[Ruthxxx]

A belated welcome, Clara. You will love it here.
I found the supplement post and pulled it up to the top - supplements do help the energy level.
Be sure to post on the daily - lots of good stuff there - most of it non-diet-related.

[busdriver]

I too just started Atkins. Have lots of energy but do have lots of questions. During induction do I have to have 2 cups of lettuce? I've been eating canned green beans. I have been have to run to the bathroom a lot since I started this woe. Had to buy amodium ad. I'm a school bus driver and can't have a "bathroom"problem. Also drink decaf. coffee mixed with regular coffee. 50-50. My constant hunger has gone away for which I am very grateful. According to my scale I only lost 5 pds. Was hoping for the big loss. Thanks for listening.

[Ruthxxx]

Hey Other Ruth - 5 pounds in how many days? 5 pounds sounds great to me. Hang in there.
Potty probs are sometimes a bit of a drag in the beginning but things do settle down. Fat seems to be the culprit so maybe cut back on that.