---Thought I'd start a new thread, since we were already on 2 pages in the last one...

---Hello everyone. I have to agree with a previous poster who said planning is everything. Planning will be the thing that either gets us to our weight goal, or derails us from it. I'm sick of being derailed, so I will plan every time.

---So far so good on the smoking. I am going to play BINGO tonight, and it is a HUGE habit to smoke while playing. I enjoy smoking while playing BINGO. It is like 2 releases in one. I look forward to it..... Boy am I going to miss it. I will try to make myself sit in the NON-Smoking section, but all my friends sit in the smoking section. What am I going to do. I know that if I sit there in the smoking section, I will surely smoke. AHHHHHHHHH! I want to quit, but I am not ready to. I really wish smoking were beneficial to my health. But it is not. It is especially hard to quit smoking, AND try to quit caffine, AND try to quit carbs. So, I have allowed myself some diet soda whnever my nicottene fits go into overdrive. I'd rather quit smoking first, and worry about caffine later. Sorry for rambling.

---As someone suggested in this group, I am restarting Induction today. A fresh start, no soy to mess me up, and no peanut butter pie with all the hidden carbs. I am getting a little tired of eggs and bacon for breakfast, especially since I am not an egg person to begin with. Hmmmmm. I am going to the grocery store today to load up on steak and chicken, and some cheese and other Atkins authorized foods. Any suggestions...?

--- Thanks to everyone for being here whenever we need to vent, brag, mope, cry, laugh, or just "talk". It also is the key to success.
You are all wonderful people, and WHEN we all get to our goal, we should schedule an Atkins Losers Festival, or something where we all meet, and do something great like white water rafting. I got the idea from a previous group I was a part of on another board, but I left that to join here...

---Bye Bye everyone...
---------------------------------------------Christy

Hello All!
Duct tape is ready for any and all who need it! NOBODY LEAVES THE WAGON!!! Here we are on #6 already!!! How wonderful!! I am off to work and just wanted to check in real quick. I have read all your posts and they inspire me as always. Some of us have a longer road to travel before reaching our goal........but we will all get there if we try!

Success is up to each one of us...but we can certainly count on help from this group as we continue on the journey!

I will check in with EACH of you next time as I GOTTA GET TO WORK!!!! (Got my water, tuna and veggie ready to go!) I must stay prepared! (Can't build a house without the right tools!)

Have a great day!

I have lost!!!!!!!!

YES, YES, YIPEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Hallo everyone.

I weighed myself last night on my friend electronic scale and I have lost 6.6lbs since the last time I weighed myself on her scale (1½ weeks ago) I started with Atkins last Thursday that means in a weeks time I have lost 6.6lb’s My weight now is 208lbs

I am so excited and motivated to go on. I have set a goal for myself to be 132lb’s next year on my birthday (12 May) do you think it’ possible? That means I must loose 84lbs in total.

My electronic scale is still not showing any lost, so I am going to put it aside and only use my old scale.

Last night was okay. I told her but she is not showing any emotions I think she doesn’t want to encourage met because she does not believe it is a healthy way of eating….
Well, I am going to continue and show them all that I can do it and I am going to do it.

With all the support I am getting on this thread I think the journey is going to be a breeze.

Sue – I am a buyer for a big company in South Africa, some days I enjoy my work and some days I don’t, but I guess that is life. If you say I must drink 5 to 6 litters water a day do you really mean it. Currently I am consuming about 3½ litter’s water a day and I don’t think I can drink any more. I guess I will try…….

Joanne – well done in resisting that fudge that’s the spirit! I agree with everything that you said we are living in a world full of CARBS (easy food – breads, pies, cookies ect.... Our ancestors did live a much healthier life without all the extra stuff… I am going to limit the carbs.. for REALLY special occasions and then have a limited amount.

All of you who are trying to quit smoking I am thinking of you. GOOD LUCK.

Must go, will check in later.

Well, I did it. I went to BINGO, and didn't smoke a single one. I am very proud. The urge to light up was SOOOOOOO strong, but I promised myself I was quitting for good... and if you can't keep a promise to yourself, then something is really wrong. My self promise is the ONLY thing that kept my urge from overpowering my desire to quit. I now know that I am done with smokes for good. Ahhhh. I can finally exhale.
Just wanted all to know. Sorry to be so short, but it is VERY late, and I must sleep.
Oh, and GREAT news Hensa! That is so AWESOME! Keep it up. You are officially on your way. Start dreaming of tiny clothes, and fitted shirts! Are you a native of S. Africa?

Christy

Good evening!

First, to all you Nonsmokers-to-be . . . YES!!! Your body will thank you, your family will thank you, and I, and all the other nonsmokers who have been sucking up your second-hand smoke, thank you! (Sincerely - not be sarcastic in the least.) Please send some of your willpower vibes this way. Hubby is trying to quit (for about the 15th time).

Sue -- Nope, hubby (John) does not have a clone. He does, however, have a twin brother. Of course, he's happily married (the goods ones usually are (or gay)) and he and his wife just had twin girls 2 months ago.

Kirei -- Do you have a Shop 'n Save grocery store near you? Our local store has recently renovated and brought itself into the 21st century. They have two complete aisle of "natural" foods. That includes an entire section of bins where you can buy organic items in bulk. One of these items is soy flour (an item I've been trying to locate for over 6 weeks). This can be used in place of Atkins Baking Mix (which is VERY expensive) for just a gram or two more of carbs. Our local store is selling it for $1.59 a pound. I'll be trying some out on the Atkins Protein Bread this weekend (unless we get another heat wave). In the mean time, I've been using 13 grams of my allotted 25 daily grams on a piece of wheat toast with 3 slices of American or sharp cheddar cheese for breakfast. It's actually very filling. Washed down with some herbal tea or decaf coffee it makes a quick meal that I can take to work. (Although I can't wait until they finish installing the cafeteria at our new location. I do miss the chef's omelets and fresh bacon. )

Has anyone tried the Super Dieters Tea as a source of relief from constipation? WARNING! One tea bag makes TWO cups of tea and you shouldn't let it steep for more than 3 minutes. I forgot this (I had read the directions) and made one cup and let it sit for about 7 minutes while I talked to hubby. Then I drank it and went to bed. I spent the next day running for the bathroom everytime I put anything in my stomach. It all just went right through me! Seriously, this is a great, natural way to relieve constipation (and it tastes good hot or iced). Just remember to follow the directions!

Gotta go. It's 9:45 here and time to make sure everyone is asleep.

Just one more thing . . .

What's with all the notes about DUCT TAPE?

I tried rereading some of the past posts but can't quite figure it out.

Anyone care to explain to a very confused group member?

Dduct tape is the handymans cure all for everything it is very strong and most everything can be repaired with duct tape. it has been used to hold cars toghther, and repairs many pipes. well with it being so sticky and strong we felt that it would be great to hold loose buts to the wagon hense the duct tape threats I laughed when i saw yor post on the tea, what a moving experience. OOPPPs did not mean to make a sick punn (still giggling)

Hensa great news. stick to your guns about the diet. the proof is in the blood. i have had such dramatic improvement in my blood work the dr is impressed. It is not an unhealthy way of eating, but many minds are stuck in the old way of thinking. when i say more water i am sorry but i do mean more. i drink about 1 1/2 - 2 gallons daily. about 6-8 l daily. it is needed to flush out the waste products from the fat burning. the more you dring the more you want to drink. is is wonderful. what kind of things do you buy for the company??

kerei any food is good for any meal, there does not have to be just eggs for breakfast, what about cottage cheese with somr fresh bluberries? make it into fake rice pudding. (add a bit if cinamon, dribble of vanilla, heavy cream dribble, and several sugar (fake) packets) almost rice pudding. the venting and bragging is shared by all, we all feel eachothers pain and joy, and share the excitement. but mainlly that is the reason we all are here. by the way i belong to another board as well as this one, why did you quit the other? and the idea of getting toghether sounds lke a great one. it is a must!!! hey kudos for the holding out on the smoking. whoooo hooooo

Terri comon grab a hold i will pull you up uuuggggghhhhh OK now lets get the roll of tape out!!1 ok common lets get this good and tight. great job. now start the wagon rolling



rolling rolling rollllliiiinnnngggg lets keep the wagon rolling!!! (A little off key)

Pat???

I just wanted to say i did fair. i think well i knw i over did the carbs a bit, but in the most part i did fine. the chineese did my in, it was beef and broccoli with NO rice. i can just imangine what they are thinking but the sauce is the killer.

25???? and the rest???

do not forget to post on the exercise thread, and there is a great daily chatt for all just to become more aware of who we all are.

I have a question: What does OP mean?

Kirei- good job on not smoking! I must admit I didn't think you'd make it thru BINGO. WOW...I gotta tell you, years ago my husband had a cocaine problem and when he gave up smoking (about 10 yrs ago) he said it was harder than the coke was. He doesn't ever want drugs anymore but even as a TERRIBLE ex-smoker (you know, can't stand people that smoke ) he still has an urge every now and then. Socongrats on holding out and keep it up!
Oh, I don't know if Atkins allows it, but one breakfast thing my plan reccomends is PLAIN yogurt with strawberries, bluberries, or raspberries(fresh of course). I smash them up and put some Equal with it. It's really yummie!

Barb- good idea about being strict for a couple days before the parties. I will try it. I did figure out one of my triggers today (very hard for me to do) I was helping a friend get ready to open her Curves club and we worked through my lunch time. She had a box of Dunkin donuts sitting there and all it took was one look inside...magically half a chocolate coverd chocolate one disappeared! So I guess skipping meals is a trigger, right?

Hey everyone, how about chinese food? Is it ok as long as we don't eat the rice? I ate it like that tonight (but I'm pretty sure I shouldn't have eaten the eggroll

Well, nite evryone!

--Thanks everyone for the kudos on quitting smoking. I feel good.

--I stopped posting on the other board (not on this site) because it was a total different way of eating, and they did not like Atkins. They always criticized it, so I just didn't tell them I started it, and I left. It was a great group, but just not fitting to the Atkins dieter.

--I live in Okinawa, Japan, so we don't have any grocery stores. We have a military commisary, and Japanese markets off the military base. Besides, I am allergic to soy. I do have the Atkins bake mix, but I haven't used it yet. I will have to check and see if it has soy in it first.

--Gotta run. Take care everyone.

Christy

Good Morning all
It sounds like we are all doing OK..

I am still OP.

Please check out the daily thread as well. Nice way to connect with the other very friendly and helpful member of this board.

It's Been really nice, I have been able to calm myself or talk my self into staying Op when I am really stressed. I think that the low acrb thing has helped in that respect. And this months PMS symtoms were minor in compared to the past.

Christy- Way to go girl. I admit I had my doubts w/ the bingo thing but you are obviously a rock!!!
M25- OP stands for being on program or on plan. Planning does help. You might also drink some water and have a protein snack before you go the party.

Sue- Well summer is winding down. It's funny to here that some peoples kids are already in school. How are you doing? Cabana Boys are my weakness .
25H How are you woman? Strong as a rock I bet!!!

Hensa- Isn't the sight of the scale going down wonderful? It's so motivating?
jdoneil1- Sorry about the tea experience . at least you were home coping w/ that. I ahve been to many web sites to check out low carb cooking. I have been wanting to bake soemthing. Let me kno who wit goes for you. There are some things I used to love and if I could find a decent recipe it would be great. We only have a small health food store very pricey.

You all have a great day, evening depending on your international time zone LOL
Pat

Oh my, I just wanted to share a special moment I had today...
Here is the story...

--I went to visit my husband at work, he is a Firefighter. My husband doesn't smoke, but lots of the Firefighters smoke (especially the Japanese ones). The cravings were coming fullforce, and I broke down and asked my husband to ask one of the guys if I could have a cigarette. My husband was reluctant, but he knew I had a REALLY stressfull day with the kids, so he did. He came back to me with a cigarette, and I went outside to the smoking area benches. I layed the cigarette down on the table top, and stared at it. I tried making excuses as to why I should smoke it. I tried rationalizing it. I sat there imagining what it would be like to smoke it. I sat there staring at this cigarette for 10 LONG minutes. It was like Chinese torture. I was litteraly waiting for MYSELF to convince MYSELF to smoke it. I finally picked it up, walked back inside to my husband, and gave him the ciagarette to give back to the other guy. Needless to say, he was shocked, and so proud. And that made me feel like I was Invinsible. I felt like I could do anything. And it finally hit me.... I CAN do anything, but it will be HARD. People think that once they finally get a clue about whatever they are trying to overcome, that it will be a piece of cake from there on out. But it isn't. It WILL be hard. And there will be times when I, we, are hanging on by a thread... but having faith in yourself means knowing you are going to perservere, eventhough you are hanging on by a thread. All we can do, is hang on to that thread, and know that we will still make it. Why?... because we can doing anything. Especcially the hard stuff.

Sorry to write a book here. I just got on an roll. I am feeling good, and I hope and pray that you all are too!
We can do this! Heck, we are WOMEN!!!! Need I say more?

Christy

Hello!

Kieri - WAY TO GO!! You are so awesome for not giving in to that cigarette.

Hensa - Congrats on your loss. I'm really happy for you.

Hi to everybody. Sorry I haven't posted lately but I've been extremely busy both at home and the office. Hope to have more time soon to "chat"

Take care

Jennifer

Hi guys not much time to post, i am too tired. but kudos for you keiri for passing on the cigg. wow.


WE ARE WOMAN! we can do anything we chose to do!!!!

remember we have the choice of what we put in our mouth.

m25 chinese os not to bad but the sauces are made with starches (carbs)

I will chek in tomorow I am to tired to think now

have a good day!!!

Good Morning All.
It is Friday and I am anticipating an extremely stressful day at work. But I also don't want to make that happen either. DId my morning routine to get the endorphins going. will plan and take my meals and drink plenty of water. ANd stay focused. I am still Op and have'nt experienced any cravings came to the conclusion that last weeks pizza cravings were PMS. Feel back in control. I took my new swim toy to the beach yseterday. What fun. It's like an inflatable chaise. This swim thing has had me pondering on the number of things in life that I don't pursue because of my weight. We have a dream thread over on teh 100#club and one thing I would like to do is white water rafting. I would also like to ballroom dance. Life is too short to gather regrets.

Anyway, Kieri. You are a GODDESS . I was worried that you were overwhelming yourself with so many life changes. But I stand corrected. Make suer you give yourself a great big pat on the back!!

Sue - You take care of yourself, don't get over tired!!

JHP
Where is everybody? Check in and let us know how you are doing

Pat

Hello Princesses!

I have not been able to post for a bit...I blew my back out vacuuming and had to use my arms to balance myself in the chair. I've had to go back on my pain medication and have been pretty zombiefied. I have been checking in, though, and today am better able to move around. More bad news (and I hate writing this, but I have to get it out)...I didn't stop smoking. I won't make any excuses, but am going to try to remember to put the patch on tonight (after 38 years of smoking, I need a bit of help) before I take my medications. Here's praying that I remember and that I do it!!!

Christy: I am so proud for you, your committment and your accomplishment!!! I will most definitely be accompanying you soon on the non-smoking trail!!! If you are starting on the induction phase again, try to hold off on eating anything other than the natural foods (meat, veggies, etc.) until you've completed your first two weeks. It will surely give you a good jump start on the program.

Hensa: Way to go on your weight loss. You are well on your way to your goal! You stay on program, and I'd be willing to bet that you make it before your birthday!

jd: Maybe your tea excursion will be reflected in your next weigh-in...That's some way of cleaningout your system!!! J/K

nasus: What a motivator you are!!! Yes, as women, we can do anything we chose to do (will be putting the patch on the nightstand as soon as I get out of this chair).

mum2five: (OP = On Program/Plan) I am on Atkins, and fruit is loaded with carbs. I believe that it is only allowed once in the maintenance phase, but most definitely not on the induction program.

You're right about not eating being a major trigger. If I start to get hungry while I am out, I usually make a beeline for GNC or the grocery store (whichever is closest) and buy one of the Atkins bars. They're very filling and good to have only occasionally in case of emergencies.

Pat: Good job staying OP. I recently spent a day on the lounge in my pool. I also did some reflecting. My dreams help to keep me OP...and having hubby on the program with me helps to keep me motivated...he isn't going to look better than me at any time!!! LOL

JHP: While being so busy, remember to try to find SOME time for yourself!

I'm not looking forward to my Monday weigh in. This medication I have been taking either makes me gain weight, or stops my weight loss. Either way, I have been OP for over 7 weeks, so I am hoping that it won't be too bad.

I'm having a real problem with getting my water this week. It's hard to drink while you are sleeping. I'm thinking I need to have an IV hooked to my arm!!! (just kidding)

Hubby and I are planning a trip to upstate New York next month for about 8 days. We discussed going off program while there and we both decided that neither one of us really wanted to do so. Fortunately for both of us, his mother is also doing the Atkins program, so it will be easier for us. I know that we will be eating dinner out quite a bit, so I am hoping that the restaurants there will be as accommodating with our program as they are here.

I'm going to force myself to get out of the house and get my hair done now (or as soon as I put the patch on the nightstand). I think it might help to lift my spirits a bit.

You all take care of yourselves and keep with it. We are going to triumph over this hurdle!!!

Lee