Low Carb & Atkins Diet

nickkiwick · Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2010 3:22 am Post subject: My start weight

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1. Starting weight: 175

2. Target Weight: 135

3. Other relevant information including:

a. Medical conditions - McArdle's Disease (metabolic disorder of muscle)
b. Medications - nothing except digestive enzymes
c. Previous weight loss attempts. - one time lost around 25 lbs on atkins - attempted several more times but could not stick to it. I've tried WW, Fit for life, Low Glycemic index and Carb Addicts diet. I never put my all into it though. Only once. I am dedicated this time. I have put on so much weight since the birth of my 4th child and she just turned 10mo old, so now I need to get serious because it's too easy to just not do a dang thing! I need to stay motivated:) BTW a cool website you all might like is sparkspeople.com it's a free weight loss site with lots of tools you may like!

Thursday - been on Atkins since Sunday night so today is my 4th day! I feel real good. I don't have cravings and I feel pretty good. The first and second day I had a headache, but I feel good now. I have been busy at work so it's been easy to not think about food. I had to cook for the kiddos when I got home. I want to start to walk by next week to accelerate my loss, but this week I can't I'm glad I found this forum!!!

(Added by SiteAdmin at the request of nickkiwick)
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I don't own a scale:) lol but last I weighed about 174 I am 5 "6" and for me that's overweight. My healthy weight should be about 140. I am almost 40 (next yr!) and have 4 kids. 19yr old, 13yr old, 4yr old, and 10mo old. Only three live at home so I cook for them, but I'm being real good about not eating sugar or breads.

I will invest in a good scale this weekend and also some ketostix to see how I'm doing. Already I feel lighter I can tell I've lost a bunch of water already which is good because normally I retain a lot. Rolling Eyes

Nik@Night · Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2010 5:53 am Post subject:

Way to go!! Nickkiwick keep up the good work. A good scale is nice to have but not completely neccesary. I think it's almost better feeling to have to wear smaller clothes than watch the numbers roll down. But anyways welcome.

Nik

nickkiwick · Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2010 12:02 am Post subject:

Thanks Nik I think so too! I have been going strong since Monday (not cheated) and am in active ketosis based on my strips so hopefully I can make it through the weekend and one more week! Smile

merlot · Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2010 4:15 am Post subject:

Welcome from me!

34 pounds IS an achievable goal and I know you can love the journey to get there!

My best to you!

Toni

nickkiwick · Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2010 5:54 pm Post subject: nickkiwick

thanks everyone! I am still doing good. So far I have stuck to it and been in active ketosis. I have been on this induction for a full week. I can tell I lost weight but I still did not weigh in. I feel great and have no food cravings. I think I miss things and desire them, but my body is not craving them so that's good!!! Thanks for the support here!

nickkiwick · Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2010 12:10 am Post subject:

Just got back from the "Hawaiian fesitival" in Tempe, AZ! Took the whole family and we had such a nice time! We packed a cooler and good thing cause food is outrageous. $6 for a burger of normal size! I got some Atkins bars for a snack, diet cherry coke and hot pork skins:) Not the healthiest food but something to keep my tummy happy. I am having grilled burgers and fish for dinner, with a salad and broccoli. So far I've had a good day, now going to the recipe section! Razz

merlot · Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2010 12:37 am Post subject:

I used to live in Tempe...that whole waterfront was NOT there when I moved away in 1973!

Good thinking to plan ahead with some approved food...I fly a couple of times a year and carry ham rollups with creamed cheese, flax crackers, chunks of cheddar, celery sticks, and some nuts etc....not a "meal" but sure beats paying the exorbitant price for airline food or being forced to eat their high-carb "snacks."

Good luck!! Sounds like you are doing great!

Toni

nickkiwick · Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2010 1:01 am Post subject:

Tempe is nice! The waterfront is also very nice. We did the JDRF walk last year and walked around the whole lake it was a good time. Hope to do it again this yr.

I am still in ketosis although I did go down a bit in color. Must have been the ketchup I ate with my eggs. I am not giving up though I made me some fried Tilapia and have a beef roast in the oven with onions yummy!

I feel like I am hanging in pretty well my 2nd week! I am going to weigh in tomorrow hopefully it will be good news! I will keep you posted

nickkiwick · Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2010 2:00 am Post subject: Progress!

Progress! I weighed in today at 164! That's 11lbs and I've been on the diet for appox 1week and two days! Woo hoo! I'm happy and gonna stick it out for my total loss of 20 more lbs! Now it's time to exersize!

Oliveoil · Senior Member Joined: 15 Apr 2009 Posts: 345

Wow! You are doing great - but don't get discourage if slows down. Many people hit a small stall after the first few weeks. Keep your head up and celebrate your success with some exercise (or something not food related!) GREAT JOB!!!

nickkiwick · Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2010 10:34 pm Post subject:

Thanks Olive Oil Smile

I am doing good today I really felt like eating some sugar but I will hang in there cause I want to be successful and I know it's the only way I will loose the extra 20-25 lbs Cool

Oliveoil · Senior Member Joined: 15 Apr 2009 Posts: 345

It's good to name those cravings...sometimes just saying what you are dying to eat helps....hope you make it through the day without the sugar...

nickkiwick · Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2010 3:40 am Post subject:

Thanks OO I did! It's bedtime and I am still doing good, although I am in very very low ketosis must be all the sugarfree gum today! lol I am eating chicken breast that I fried and then poured hot sauce over it that I use to make buffalo wings it's good! Well have a good night! I will weigh in next week hopefully I will still be losing:)

Oliveoil · Senior Member Joined: 15 Apr 2009 Posts: 345

Wow I am impressed - weighing in only once a week. I have a tendency to switch my food addiction energy to a scale addiction (lol)! I have been known to weigh myself up to three times in one day!! Kudos to you! You have a lot of will power!!!

nickkiwick · Posted: Sat Mar 20, 2010 6:39 pm Post subject:

lol I know if I actually had a scale I would be just the same! So, I use many Ketostix however if that makes you feel any better! Smile

I use a lot to see if I'm still in Ketosis so I can balance what I eat. Shocked

nickkiwick · Posted: Sat Mar 20, 2010 7:29 pm Post subject:

lol I know if I actually had a scale I would be just the same! So, I use many Ketostix however if that makes you feel any better! Smile

I use a lot to see if I'm still in Ketosis so I can balance what I eat. Shocked

merlot · Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2010 1:54 am Post subject:

I LOVE your success! Keep it up! I lost about 30 pounds in 6 months, with only 35 to lose, so stay vigilant! It WILL slow down...it's been a year and I still have a pound or two to lose, but I LOVE the plan so much, I do not care one whit how long it may take!

Toni

nickkiwick · Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 3:59 am Post subject:

Thanks Toni I love my success as well! It feels good to be so in control of what I'm eating and also knowing I am burning stored fat! No other diet helps get rid of the cellulite (stored fat) I've seen so many skinny people with so much cellulite and they eat low-fat! I think it's best to burn that first and then switch to low fat if that's what you like in the end to keep your weight loss. I hope I can continue as long as you have!

OllieEddie · Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 10:27 pm Post subject:

Great job so far! It's nice to feel the weight start to melt off like that!

Out of curiosity, how tall are you, and how did you decide on your goal weight?

nickkiwick · Posted: Wed Mar 24, 2010 2:19 am Post subject:

I am 5 "6" I chose my goal weight based on my size after my 2nd child where I felt very comfortable and did not look too skinny. I actually wore a size 7/8 when I was between 135-140lbs. I have heavy muscle (athletic) so I weigh a little more than others that wear the same clothes. Shocked

merlot · Posted: Thu Mar 25, 2010 2:57 am Post subject:

Things OK so far? BTW, I think your goal is reasonable, sensible and attainable. You will be VERY lean at that weight!

Toni

nickkiwick · Posted: Sat Mar 27, 2010 8:48 pm Post subject:

Ya going good Toni! Thanks for thinkin' of me:) I kinda got discouraged Friday because I weighed in and I was still 164~ Sad

I had a cheat day yesterday but hopefully did not go too overboard (the pizza did it) lol I am back with it today and I noticed the more carbs I eat the more gassy and bloated I feel really uncomfortable! I feel much better when I eat protein and low low carbs! I just also have to mention I loooove Crystal Light! ha ha It is a life saver for me! Very Happy

Soooo, I am back in business:) I love Atkins more than I ever did I am very positive I will stay with this for the long haul!

merlot · Posted: Sun Mar 28, 2010 2:37 am Post subject:

My advice...on Induction there ARE NO CHEAT DAYS! Do you want to lose weight? Do not cheat! "Cheat day" sounds like something "OK"...it is NOT, IMHO!

Later on, AFTER you reach at least "pre-maintenance", I have mixed emotions over "cheat days." I can see the appeal.

I don't do them. Not sure you can have continued success with them. Especially in the early phases.

BUT, sounds like something to discuss...just because I don't do them does NOT mean this is NOT a tool for some to "stay" on plan.

For me, it might be the "slippery slope" that befalls so many who gain ALL their weight back! I don't want to EVER be the "fat old grandma" I was becoming.

Toni

nickkiwick · Posted: Sun Mar 28, 2010 5:15 pm Post subject:

ya your right about the cheat day, actually it was more of I ran out of food day~ lol I know it happens, but I need to prepare better:) I appreciate your encouragement and know your absolutely right!!! I am back in Ketosis today because yesterday I did really well. I don't plan on cheating again because I know it will only slow my progress. I have been doing good since March 8th so I know I will continue on. I feel great! Thanks Toni for the point in the right direction I needed it:) BTW I think I am out of the induction period though! I have been following Atkins longer than two weeks:)

OllieEddie · Posted: Sun Mar 28, 2010 11:05 pm Post subject:

I agree that your goal weight does sound very sensible. And you've got to love that athletic build. It always throws this BMI indexes for a loop. Smile

Do you participate in any sports still or run? (besides after the little ones?) I used to HATE even the idea of athleticism, but now that the hub and I have a regimen I'm getting more and more into it. I find myself more
tired and grumpy on days when we don't go run than on days we do, even if it involves early mornings.

Smile

nickkiwick · Posted: Mon Mar 29, 2010 9:33 pm Post subject:

Hi OE! I don't do much right now I've been busy with a sick family and now I'm sick with the flu. I enjoy hiking but not uphill unless it's a lower incline. While I have an athletic muscle type, I have a disease of the muscle so it's like a two edged sword. I have (McArdle's) it means I am either missing an enzyme that metabolizes glucose or it's inactive..when I do anything to give stress to my muscles (pull my muscles) It will cause my liver to shut down due to a condition that is called rabdomylosis so I am not active in sports, but I love them and like to play volleyball and tennis and love to hike and ride my bike I just have to limit what I do. My husband is going to order the P90-X videos so we can all do the workouts. I think some parts will be difficult for me, but I can modify it. I have four kids and my last one was the most difficult to carry. I still have pain in my back and right hip it sucks but I deal with it the best I can.

OllieEddie · Posted: Mon Mar 29, 2010 10:08 pm Post subject:

sorry to hear about the nasty flu. We've been lucky this year and haven't been hit with any nasty bugs in my area.

Sounds like you have a hard time with the exercise. I can imagine how difficult it must be for you to lose weight without being able to really push yourself super hard. Thank goodness that low carb diets will still peel the pounds off even without a huge exercise commitment.

Get feeling better soon!!!

merlot · Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 2:24 am Post subject:

Thanks for not taking my post wrong...following this plan takes a lot of planning and decisions, BUT, staying with it WORKS!

So glad you are still with us, and my best to you.

Keep posting...love to hear success stories!

Toni

nickkiwick · Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2010 5:23 pm Post subject:

Good morning pals Happy Sunday!!! It is just gorgeous here in Sunny Phoenix! Beautiful day:) I am doing very well and am getting compliments and people noticing the weight loss. I am going to buy a scale for the first time possibly today. Today we are supposed to go to Encanto park and grill with friends. I have prepared a yummy chicken breast dish which you have to marinate chicken in equal parts oil, soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce. It is very tasty and moist! It should be yummy! Hope everyone has had a very successful week and weekend and I will see ya back during the week for a weigh in:)

tracyred · Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2010 11:38 am Post subject:

yooo-hooo, we're baaack!

Smile