I am trying the Atkins diet. Today is my 3rd day. I'm doing alright so far. This is really hard though. I would love to have any advice or success stories from anyone who has done this plan. I am now at the highest weight I have ever been and really want to get the weight off. I want to feel better physically and emotionally about myself. My husband is being supportive but I would love to find a "dieting support community" that will really understand my addiction with food. All comments are welcome.

Here are my reasons for sticking with Atkins -

1. Weight loss - 13 pounds in just over a month, would have been more but I keep making little mistakes here and there that hold me up (counting Splenda as 0 carbs, using the meal replacment bars - works for some, not for me). Still, that's no small loss and I'm very proud of it.

2. No heartburn or indigestion - both were near constants for me and I'm so glad I'm not dealing with them AT ALL anymore.

3. Energy. Sure, there was a drag in the middle of the first week but it got better. Now I can't sit still. I'm even working out five days a week.

4. My skin looks amazing.

5. I'm sleeping better. I'm not waking up several times a night.

6. I'm not hungry! I eat when I'm hungry, stop when I'm full - but the food is QUALITY and not junk so it stays forever and I feel satisfied.

7. No 3 pm slump! I have energy right through the day.

8. The food actually TASTES good. AND it's not as high fat as people might think. I would think anyone watching what *I* am eating would think I'm one heck of a healthy eater.

9. I don't have cravings anymore. Before, I would crave pasta, bread, popcicles, mac and cheese - I munched Trebor mints all day because I was always hungry and fighting it and always craving sugar. I really don't miss any of those things at this point.

10. I'm not afraid of being hungry. In the past, when I was relying more heavily on carbs (almost exclusivly) getting hunger meant getting light headed, a sharp drop in energy, stomach pains to the point of nausea, headaches, and serious irritability. Now I don't have to deal with that. When I'm hungry I'm simply - hungry. And when I eat, I'm full. There isn't that 20 - 30 minute delay of stomach cramps and fake hunger, while my gut is waiting to realize it's been fed.

I'm sure other people can add more, and I'll probably think of more to add later, but those are the benefits I'm enjoying right now.

Also, it's great that your husband is supportive. Mine is actually doing it with me (rat has lost more than I have!) and it's made SUCH a difference!

BEST of luck to you!

I have been on Atkins for 2 weeks now, and I have lost 8 pounds.
It's not hard for me, because I am motivated. I also was at my highest weight .I got tired of being fat, and not being able to fit into my clothes. My fat clothes were starting to fit me a little snug and I refused to buy any more new clothes.
Just dont give up , no matter how tough it gets. If you stick to it, you will get results.

I have been on the Atkin's diet now since 03/25/03 about 134 days.I have lost 80 lbs I went down 2 shirt sizes and my pant size also dropped.I walk alot and drink water like mad .My energy and self esteem are at a all time high Im glad Im doing the diet and that I found this forum.

Welcome!! I started atkins last monday, and I am down 8 lbs. I feel great, I can already see a huge difference in my stomach and I know that this is finally what is going to work for me. I would also recommend checking out Atkins.com for information on what you can eat during Induction and other questions you may have.

Hi Turtle and welcome

Ive been doing a low carb plan for about 3 yrs. Lost 100+ on my first attempt, then slipped off and gained back 40 of it. Now Im on Atkins, and have lost the 40 I put on, and working on another 45. Its the best plan for me, and its easy to incorporate into my life. I know its a life change for me, and I can do it. So can you.

I would have to echo everything that Nicole said, she is bang on with her list. I'm also getting up earlier in the morning, as in 6am early which a far cry from my 8:30, not even a month ago. I'm chalking it up to the better sleeps and more energy but for someone who only saw sunrise if she was up all night, this is amazing. As for the all important weight loss, it will be four weeks of low-carbing on Saturday, Aug. 9 and i'm down 17 pounds. Already lost a pants size and 3 inches off my waist. I started this after I reached my highest weight and the doctor found some troubling issues with my blood sugar, ie diabetes was a few years off at maximum.

Oh and Nicole I don't think I've heard of a better description of what it was like to be hungry before Atkins. I avoided it whenever possible and it actually hampered my functioning at my job, brain got very fuzzy, hard to think clearly, but now everything is crystal clear and I received a promotion yesterday! I'm not going to give the credit to the diet becuase I worked hard for that but a combination of the clarity, confidence and energy sure helped it along.

So the moral of the story is hang in there, that first week can be brutal but it's only 7 days and it goes away along with the thighs so what could be better motivation than that.

Tummy

Oh....Nicole is 100% on... I to had the Heart Burn and stomach problems EVERY DAY...now I do not. I slipped up for a week and everything was back, so it's definately the diet and that alone is motivation for me!! Just get in the mind set that you want and need to do this, it will make you heathier and you will feel better once you get over the hump of the first week. Your body gets rid of the bad (carbs) stuff and is ready for a fresh start of new good stuff!!! Your body will thank you!!!

Good luck and lean on the support of this board for anything you need... they are wonderful!!

Thanks so much for all of your great advice. I am feeling the withdrawal of the carbs and sugar today, but after reading your responses I am very encouraged. Some of your results are just amazing and now I am really excited. I haven't really been hungry, but have really had to fight the cravings. One of my co-workers brought donuts this morning and it has been hard to pass those by. I have been plagued and on medication for heartburn and I have already noticed a significant reduction in that problem. I never would have expected that change.

Again, thanks for your great words of support and I am hanging in. I think the weekend will be the hardest for me and I am glad that I found this board to turn to for support.

Glad to hear you're hanging in there Turtle and isn't it just grand when the heartburn leaves? Amazing motivation! Keep up the good work and you'll be so happy you did.

Tummy