That's a Side Effect I Didn't Expect

So, you 'member how I was bragging the other day about how I awesome I was doing on Atkins...and how I wasn't experiencing any of the "side effects" such as carb withdrawals, headaches, fatigue, etc?

Yeah.  Well, I apparently jinxed myself.

Except it was for none of those thing....except for a headache that started on Sunday and didn't go away until yesterday.

For a few days, I've started having this horrible itching on my feet, arms, neck, and under my boobs.

It has been so bad that I thought my house was infested by fleas from my cats - and put them through the ringer with flea treatments, furniture sprays, etc.

We do all of that, and I'm sitting on the couch last night scratching my skin off because I'm so itchy, and I truly believe that I'm infested with fleas....YUCK!!

Except, no one else in my house is having any problems.  I check my cats - no signs of problems on them either.  So, I go straight to the obvious cause of my itching.  Every flea that was in my house that we've tried to get rid of has now apparently moved on to me - and are eating me alive to get back at me.

The obvious.  Right?

Wrong-O!

While doing a little search on the Atkins forums I now frequent, I come across several threads all talking about an itching that occurred a couple weeks after starting Atkins.  Urm.  What?

No joke.

It seems as though many people, after starting Atkins or any low carb diet, start to develop a very itchy, uncomfortable rash over different parts of their body - most commonly their legs, arms, neck, stomach, and breasts.  This was NOT a side effect listed when I first signed up...and I had no idea that something like this was even possible.  Am I allergic to Atkins?

Well, no...I'm not.  But, I could possible be reacting to the stage of Ketosis (the burning of fat instead of carbs for energy) that's causing my body to develop a rash.  On one hand, it's a good indicator that my body is doing what it's supposed to be doing - burning fat.  On the other?  It sucks big rat balls!  I feel like I've taken some hallucinogenic drug that's causing me to feel like my whole body has been invaded with parasites that are eating me alive.

Several people also say it's a reaction to artificial sweeteners - but I'm not eating or drinking any....and I've drank diet soda for EVA and never had a problem.  It sounds a whole lot more likely that it's the reaction to the ketosis - even though I'm not a doctor and can't really diagnose myself.

What I do know is that as much as it sucks to be itching like crazy - it's not enough to make me jump ship and give up on what I've accomplished so far.  Yesterday, I received several compliments from people about how great I'm starting to look.  My feelings are matching those compliments - minus the itching.

The rash isn't supposed to last forever...and as long as I stick it out for another week or so - once my body gets used to the adjustment - it should go away.  I can live with that.  It's also another great reason to not sway one little bit... because if I take my body out of ketosis and then have to start all over again...the rash will start all over again.  No Thank You!

For the first time, I'm on a diet plan that I love.  Not so much the plan, but having to force myself to eat because I don't suffer from constant cravings and hunger.  Feeling my clothes get looser after only 2 weeks on the program.  And if I have to scratch and itch for a couple of weeks in order to increase those feelings?  So be it.

That's true determination, right there.

Oh, and sorry Kitties for making your last few days pure hell.  HA!

What Does the Scale Say Today?

I can't believe it's Monday again, already.  Once again, another weekend flew by and in a couple of hours I'll be walking back in to my classroom for another busy week.

Along with it being Monday, again, it's also weigh in day..again.  Which, I should more appropriately name "Official Weigh In Day"...because I step on the scale WAY too much.  I keep telling myself to stay off the thing during the week - but I like to have a little looksy at how I'm doing.  It's a mind game, no doubt about it.  If the scale goes down, I tell myself I'm on track and to keep doing what I'm doing.  If it goes up, I try to monitor and adjust - and take in consideration for water, and other areas of the stomach that could be holding on to some weight.

Take this weekend, for example.  I stood on the scale on Friday and hadn't lost a single ounce all week.  Stood on the scale yesterday, and saw a BIG loss - over a pound more lost than what I saw this morning.  But, I keep to my word and am only keeping my actual progress to what the scale tells me on Monday mornings.

So, wanna know what it is?

I'm down 1.6lbs.

Not a fantastic loss for an entire week, but a loss nonetheless.  That means, in two weeks, I've lost 7.4lbs.

Yesterday, I had lost close to 3lbs - which would have given me a loss of almost 10lbs... but, like I said... gotta go with what it says today.  It might mean that I have a bigger loss next week.... but I'm not going to get ahead of myself.

One thing I've learned this week is how important it is to track EVERYTHING.  I'll admit, I didn't track as much this week.  I'm not going to lie - I HATE logging my food.  But I've also learned how easy it is to think I'm staying on track, and then have absolutely no flippin' clue how many carbs I'm actually eating.  Those little buggers are in EVERYTHING! Almost.

So, if I want to have as much progress as I did in my first week - I'm going to have to keep track of what I'm eating.  Whether I like it or not.

One thing I do know is that I can't complain.  I've lost more in two weeks than I have in months.  When I was losing weight "back in the day" (HA!) it was common for me to lose about 1.6lbs in a week...and that was after spending a couple of hours in the gym and doing some running.  I don't even remember if I ever lost almost 8lbs in two weeks when I was doing all of that.

I've lost this weight by just eating.  I haven't exercised one bit.

Not to say that's a good thing... but it kinda is.  I know without a shadow of a doubt that I gave up on my weight loss progress in the past because I felt like I was working so hard - yet it was taking forever to see some good results.  Now, I'm hardly working and seeing great results.  No wonder I'm still giddy and excited to be on this plan.

Like my buddy, Drazil, told me yesterday.  I might...just might... be one of those people that low carb works for.  There are so many people out there that are living their lives - after having lost some serious amounts of weight - still on the Atkins diet.  Except, it's not a diet program for them anymore...it's just how they eat.  Period.  Through following all of the phases, they have been able to add complex carbs back in to their diet - but they know their bodies, now.  They know how many grams of carbs they can eat each day to maintain their weight.  Something inside of me tells me that I can be one of those people.

I know it's not going to happen overnight....but I already feel that it's happening fast enough.  And why would I not want that?

So, here I go with Week 3.  Tracking everything...doing what I'm supposed to do...and ready to see that scale go down even more.

Goodbye Carb Cravings!

So, I've been doing this Atkins thing for two weeks now.  I call the first two weeks of any new diet plan the "honeymoon stage", because that's about how long I try to convince myself that I like the program and that I can stick with it.  But, from experience, we all know how it really goes much past the two week mark.  I start to get crabby and fussy that I'm not allowed to eat this and that, start being a little rebellious, and it's Game Over.

And to be honest, two weeks ago, I didn't think it would take very long before carbs were softly calling my name back in to their lure...because, come on, who can really live without bread, pasta, chips, etc?

It's no secret that three weeks ago, I was a MAJOR carb addict.  Like, I couldn't go a couple of hours without wanting to stick my hand in to some bag of potato made something or other.  It wasn't possible for me to eat a meal without a side of pasta or rice and a half a loaf of whatever bread was being served.  Cupcakes, cookies, or donuts up for grabs?  Oh, yes please!

As much as I wanted to believe that I could take a swing at trying to live on nothing but meat, cheese, and vegetables - there was always this little alarm going off in the back of my brain wailing "YOU CAN'T DO IT! YOU CAN'T DO IT!"

But you know what?  I have done it.  Not only have I done it... but I'm not trying to convince myself anymore that I like it.  I actually really like it.  Seriously.  Stop laughing.  I'm not joking!

Don't get me wrong, I haven't been 100% perfect throughout these two weeks.  I ate a tiny piece of cake and a few crackers at a baby shower my first week.  On Thursday, I ate mini angel food cupcake.  And after eating both, I regretted it and wished I hadn't.

What has blown me out of the water with this whole experience, though, is the lack of carb cravings.

Everything I've read about Atkins has prepared me to wage war on my carb addiction.  I'd have to be strong, fight hard, possibly deal with nasty side effects from carb withdrawal.  I've been waiting for the headaches, the lack of energy, the crabbiness.  Waiting...waiting...waiting....and?  Still waiting.  They just haven't come.

I've sat back for two weeks watching those around me consume the foods I previously adored, and not a twinge of jealousy or rage has swept over me.  It's been very easy to replace the mashed potatoes with cauliflower florets or mac & cheese with broccoli and cheese.  I haven't felt like I'm missing out or being deprived.

Something else that has totally blown me away?  I actually LOVE the Atkins products.  The shakes, the bars, the frozen meals...all of them.

Now, as a self appointed diet plan professional, I have tried them all.  Slim Fast, South Beach, Lean Cuisine, Smart Balance, Healthy Choice, Special K....seriously, tried them all.  Every weight loss shake that has entered my mouth is like drinking milk mixed with sand.  Every bar is like eating granola dipped in protein powder.  Every frozen meal is like eating two bites of an OK meal and being done...because that's about how much food I was given.

But not with Atkins products.

The shakes are delicious, and don't have the slightest texture of sand or the after taste that I've grown so accustomed to with other diet shakes.  The bars are like eating my most favorite candy bars without the urge to eat 6 more when I'm done.  The frozen meals?  Oh Em Gee... Real food!  Great portion size!  Full when I'm finished!  Can this be?

And no, unfortunately there is no money coming my way to say what I'm saying.  I actually mean it!

So, tomorrow I step out of my honeymoon period.  I will be starting week three.  I've made it longer on other diet plans, but with some forcing.  The third and fourth weeks are usually the big test....will I still be as happy and content then?

I sure hope so.  Because the truth is, I'm enjoying the foods I'm eating, I'm enjoying not being coerced by carbs, and I'm enjoying this refreshing feeling that I'm not being restricted or restrained...even though I totally am.

I think it all comes down to my mind games that I'm playing with myself.  Rather than picturing myself eating a muffin and being told "STOP! PUT DOWN THE MUFFIN! EAT A PIECE OF CELERY INSTEAD!" I'm hearing "STOP! YOU DON'T WANT A MUFFIN BECAUSE YOU CAN EAT A PIECE OF BACON OR A HARD BOILED EGG!"  So much nicer to picture.  I'd never give up a muffin for a piece of celery... but I'll gladly give back the muffin for a piece of meat, a stick of cheese, or even a protein bar that's covered in chocolate and filled with coconut and actually tastes great and is good for me.

Every diet plan I've tried in the past hasn't necessarily taken whole food groups out of my diet, but the restrictions have always been there.  Cut down on the meat, cheese, and dairy.  Eat less complex carbs focusing only on whole grains.  Say no to sugar.

But, the problem is words like "cut down" and "eat less" just don't work for me.  I can eat only one piece of bread - but then I want more.  I can eat only 1/2 cup of whole grain pasta - but then I want more.  I can eat only one of something... but the fight comes from not wanting to eat more.  And it's a fight I always end up losing.  When the food doesn't enter my mouth AT ALL, somehow it's easier for me to stay away from it.

Call me weak or naive or whatever else you can think of.. but it works for me.  I have somehow managed to convince my naysaying brain that I can do without complex carbs - for the time being.  Of course, it's still so early in the game that I can't predict that I'll feel this way a month from now or even a week from now... but the honeymoon stage is over, and I'm still going strong with a sense of accomplishment and no sense of deprivation.  That's a win!

I can't wait to see what the scale says tomorrow morning.  If it's gone down? Great!  If it hasn't?  OK, time to monitor and adjust.  For the first time ever, I'm not depending on the scale to determine if I stay on this plan or not.  I'm actually enjoying it - and will stay with it as long as I keep enjoying it.

Too Much of a Good Thing?

I weighed myself this morning, and I wasn't very happy with what I saw.  I haven't lost a single ounce this week.  NOT ONE!

Do you know frustrating that is?  Eating nothing but protein and veggies and to see that I'm just maintaining the weight I lost last week.  It's just not right.

But then...I start to think about what I've eaten this week.  What's different from last week?

To start, I've eaten from the school salad bar every day.  I have a small serving of whatever meat is being served, and then load up on a salad...with no dressing.  And when I say "load up", I mean it.

I should have heard the warning when the school coach made the statement "you're doing Atkins, and you're allowed to eat that many vegetables?"

A statement like that is like an oxy-moron.  That many vegetables?  As in I'm eating too many?  Ridiculous!

But, then I think about my dinners I'm eating at night.  Small piece of meat - huge pile of veggies.

Just last night I ate 6ozs of chicken breast and a whole bag of steamed cauliflower.  The bag says it has 3 servings...so I ate 3 servings.  And I know that sounds a lot - but it's really not.  It's 1 1/2 cups of steamed cauliflower, being that a serving size is 1/2 a cup.

When I put the food in to my tracker, I realize that 3 servings of steamed cauliflower holds 12g of carbs.  That's below my 20-25g allowable amount, but not when it's paired with the veggies I ate at lunch and my breakfast and the carbs from the dairy products I eat (cheese).

I could chalk up my not losing any weight to the protein I'm eating.  But, that's not right... it can't be.  I've been so good at measuring my protein portions and keeping the fat content down to a minimum.

Could it be I'm really eating too many veggies?

I have to admit, this week has been somewhat of an eye opener.

My brain has been programmed to tell me that veggies are good, wholesome, and "free"...meaning I can eat as many as I want.  But, last week I portioned and controlled and lost 5lbs.  This week, I'm being more "free" with my veggie intake - and not losing anything.

Something to think about, right?

Especially when I'm supposed to be limiting my carb intake...and all my carbs at this point are coming from veggies.  Well, almost all of them.  You know it's impossible to find foods that aren't just meat that don't contain carbs, right?

I was so happy and excited, last week, when I was watching the weight disappear before my eyes.  And now I'm starting to feel a little deflated.  Not anywhere close to throwing in the towel, but definitely reevaluating my food choices.

Last week, I lost weight because I followed the program to the T.  This week, I got a little lax and figured there was no harm in eating more veggies if I was still hungry.  Hmmm... not really hard to see where I might of messed up.

Of course, there really isn't a belief with Atkins that you can eat "too many veggies".  Atkins promotes eating veggies as the main source of carbs.  After a quick read through some of the forums helped me discover that many people didn't lose weight the second week because that's when the body was adjusting to the changes.   I'm trying to train my body to burn fat instead of carbs, so some people on the plan found that the second week in, their bodies started to stall... because the body was waiting for carbs to burn.  Once the body realizes that the complex carbs aren't coming - it will start fast tracking to burning fat.

Maybe I should read more of the forums before getting worried.  

Oh well... all stuff to think about and keep in mind.

Truthful Tuesday

To be honest... I was so glad, last night, when I found out that I didn't have to work the concession stand at the ball game.  Not because I didn't want to, but because I was exhausted.  Full day of teaching, followed by an hour long in-service, followed by an hour long baby shower.... yeah, I was spent.

To be honest... I caved and ate some carbs at the baby shower.

To be honest... I am so stinkin' proud of how much restraint and control I had while choosing the carbs I ate - and how much I ate.  When the only choices are chips, chips, pita chips, chips, and crackers... I had just a couple of the Wheat Thins and the pita chips.  I had a couple slices of cheese and a small scoop of cheese dip to go with it.  BUT, that was my dinner.  The other option was a chili dog - so putting carbs and calories against each other... I think I did pretty darn well.

To be honest... I also ate a small scoop of fresh fruit, which is another no-no during the first phase of Atkins. I was very surprised at how much I enjoyed the fruit over the chips and crackers.  It's only been a week since I've eaten any fruit.. but to savor some fresh strawberries, grapes, and pineapple was heavenly.  If this is what is meant by "rediscovering my taste buds", then I'm going to be in for such a shock once I go a much longer length of time without eating stuff.

To be honest... Even though I ate a very small serving of carbs, my tummy didn't like it to much.  Not sure if it was, indeed, the crackers and chips - or other body issues I'm dealing with right now - but I felt a little bloated and uncomfortable after eating.  Enough so, that it calmed any desires I may have had for eating once I got home.

To be honest... I'm thinking about doing away with multiple choice questions from all work in my classroom until I can actually get them to do questions correctly. For some strange weird reason, many of my kids translate multiple choice to mean don't actually do any work, just pick the one that looks right.  No matter how much I explain or model or beg them not to do it - I just can't get my kids to actually figure out a problem or find an answer to a multiple choice question.  So.  Frustrating.

To be honest... I saw this video in a professional development training, and it goes right along with the multiple choice thing I was just talking about.  You have to watch it...it's hilarious.

To be honest... To go along with the "Ban Multiple Choice" attitude I've got, I think I'm also going to pass that along to the mounds of paper that collects in my room each week.  I can't stand sitting down at my desk and being surrounded by piles of papers.  It's never ending.  I grade, grade, and grade some more...and there's always a stack waiting for me by the time I'm done.  I am NOT a worksheet teacher - but I can't believe how much paper my kids go through in a day.  I'm going to try and come up with ways where I can eliminate so much paper.  Wishful thinking, I'm sure... but I'm going to at least try.

To be honest... I think that's all I have to share today.  I need to try and read a couple of blogs before it's time to get dressed.  So, enjoy your Tuesday, everyone!

First Official Progress Weigh-In of 2013!

Yeah, I know I've weighed myself LOTS of times since 2013 started... but didn't you notice that I said first OFFICIAL PROGRESS weigh-in?  That means that it doesn't matter how many times I've stood on the scale, I'm only plugging today's numbers in to my progress tracker on my Atkins app.  That's MUCH different.

And I'm trying something different this time around with reporting it on here.  I'm not disclosing my actual weight.. I'm just going to report how much I lose each week.  That's it.  I know, that's not as fun... but it's what I want to do.

I don't know why I'm changing it, I've been this weight before... but, it's just how I want to do things this time.

So....this week, I lost.....drum roll please....

5.6lbs!!!!

That's pretty awesome.  I'm so happy with that number, even with my minor panic attack from yesterday when there was a fluctuation on the scale I didn't like.

I also discovered why there was a fluctuation yesterday...and it had nothing to do with eating too much or anything silly like that.  Just a certain monthly visitor that I totally forgot was coming.  She arrived this morning.  So, I'm chalking it up to bloating.

To lose 5 1/2 pounds in a week just blows my mind.  It hasn't been near as hard as I thought it would be.  I haven't had to spend hours working out or eating portions comparable to that of my five year old.  It's amazing that just cutting out bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, etc. can have such a massive effect on my weight loss.

I have several obstacles waiting for me this week.

Tonight, I'm working the concession stand at the basketball game.  Which means I'll be surrounded by popcorn.  It will also mean that I won't get to eat until late... because right after school I have a meeting, followed by a baby shower, followed by the game.  Oh, and there's the baby shower.  You know there will be nibbles and cake at that.

Then there's the fact of my monthly visitor.  She always makes me want to eat...especially chocolate and carbs.

But you know what?  Seeing that I've lost over 5lbs in a week keeps me strong.  It makes me not want to sabotage my hard work.  It makes me want to keep going strong, to see how much I can lose by next week.

No matter how much I look at it, there's always going to be obstacles and temptations.  ALWAYS.  In fact, every single day last week I faced some form of temptation.  Every night my family ate some form of pasta or potato or carb side with their dinner.  I had the power to avoid that... why on earth couldn't I avoid stuff like popcorn and baby shower cake?

And a week in, I realize that it's pretty difficult to cut out carbs from everything but vegetables.  Difficult but not impossible.  I'm learning to rely more on the Atkins products, and partnering a protein with veggies that I really love for dinner.  And I also keep reminding myself that it's not forever.  The stronger I am with this phase, the quicker I'll lose the weight, and the quicker I'll be able to move in to the next phase - which opens up the door, slightly, for additional foods.

One thing I do know is that I'm not over my carb addiction.  Not by a long shot.  Even though I've found the strength to avoid them, I haven't stopped craving them.  I know that just a tiny bite will head me down a fast, slippery slope.  And I can't take that risk.  I'm not ready.  I might not be ready for weeks or even months.  But, I'm OK with that.  It will be a huge victory to overcome one of my biggest downfalls to my weight problems.

I just have to stay strong.  Keep my eyes on the prize.  And keep repeating every week like this last week.

Bring it on, Week 2!

Restrictions, Beschmictions

In case anyone is sitting there trying to figure out what the second word in my title is supposed to be... it's supposed to be be-sch-mik-tions.  You know, a totally nonsense word to rhyme with restrictions.  Not sure the sarcastic gesture carries as well through a computer screen as it does when it's coming out of my mouth.

So, I've been on Atkins for 4 days... starting day 5 today.  And even though my biggest challenge is yet to come (the weekend), I feel really good about how my week has gone...and how surprised I am about how easy it's been for me to avoid "restricted" foods.

Every day, I've watched those around me chow down on carbs.  Fries, mashed potatoes, pasta, pizza, cobbler, bread... you know, the really tempting ones.  I've sat, I've watched them eat it, it didn't get to me.  Not one single, teensy, tiny, bit.

This wasn't what I expected.

I expected horrible cravings, headaches, withdrawals, lack of energy, severe crankiness, hiding in my closet in a fetal position.  But?  Not a single one of those feelings have come over me.  Well, except some minor crankiness - that doesn't stem from my lack of eating carbs whatsoever.

Then, it kinda dawned on me why I might not be feeling those feelings.  Because I'm actually enjoying the foods that I'm eating - and I don't feel deprived of anything.  I've felt full every time I've eaten.  I've enjoyed the food I've eaten.  I haven't had to eat tiny portions that are gone in three bites.

The last part is what has stumped me the most.  My meals haven't been the size of a baby's fist.  They've been "normal" size... meaning they don't look lost on a normal sized dinner plate.

And what's even better is the fact that even though I'm not counting calories, my Atkins tracker does and I've been eating way less calories that I thought I was.  WAY less.  Craziness, right?

I've been tracking everything I eat.  Atkins makes it pretty simple.  I just have to scan my food, do a quick search, or choose from the list of allowed foods and then it calculates my carb intake, calories, and percentages.... you know all that stuff I hate to deal with.  It then charts it all for me so I can see the progress I'm making.

Monday, I consumed 25g of carbs (my target is to be within 20-25g).  I had 1585 calories.
Tuesday, I consumed 23.2g of carbs and 1731 calories.
Wednesday, 15g of carbs (a low day for me) with 1400 calories.
Yesterday, 22.8g of carbs and 1525 calories.

Looking at those numbers, I feel really proud of myself.  My caloric intake is actually a little low - according to all those number tests I did in the beginning that calculates height and weight and stuff.... but I'm not one to throw my full trust in to a small tracker... so I take it as a little "wiggle room".  Or margin of error.  Or whatever.  I just refuse to eat more just to please the computer.  The way I look at it, I'm satisfied, full, not craving anything... so I must be doing something right.

Last night I had one of my first eye opening experience to how "OK" Atkins is going to be for me.

I had to stop at the store on my way home to grab some frozen pizzas for the kids and Hubby to eat for dinner.  I wondered what on earth I was going to do because I definitely couldn't eat the pizza... but just had this horrible feeling that if I ate one of my frozen meals - I wouldn't feel happy about it, and would end up swiping a piece of the pizza.

So, as I walked past the dairy case in the store, I got an idea.

I grabbed what I needed and we headed home.  Got home, Hubby cooked the pizzas for all of them...and I started preparing my dinner.  While at the store, I had picked up turkey sausage crumbles, turkey bacon, and broccoli in cheese sauce.  I grabbed two eggs from the fridge, scrambled them up, added the turkey sausage crumbles, cooked a couple slices of the bacon, and had a cup of the broccoli in cheese sauce with it.

Totally the negative, stereotypical Atkins meal - prepared much healthier.

And you know what?  It was absolutely delicious!  In fact, my kids were jealous that I was eating what I was eating compared to their pizza.  I don't blame them... my plate looked fantastic.  I savored every, single bite of it...and was full and satisfied when I was done.

While at the store, I also picked up a box of Atkins Endulges (Atkins friendly candy bars).  Not that I've really had any cravings for chocolate.. but they looked good and I wanted to try them.  I picked up the coconut in dark chocolate variety...and you know what?  They taste JUST like Mound bars.

I fully expected to eat one and then be dying for another.  But, nope.  They were just the right size to nip my sweet tooth in the butt and leave me...once again... feeling totally satisfied.

Of course, I know that I'm only in to my first week.  I could just be experiencing that "new diet smell" and feeling so great because I'm trying so hard... but I have to admit, I feel pretty darn happy with the foods that I can eat.  I'm eating more vegetables than I have in a long time, I'm eating the proteins I love, and due to the fact that I pretty much always feel full - I don't feel like I'm being restricted from anything.

I just hope I'm feeling this great next week.

I'm also VERY curious to see what the scale says on Monday morning.

But, until then... I'll just keep doing what I'm doing.

Well, Hello Jell-O!

Say hello to my new best friend.

Oh yes.  Sugar Free Jell-O.

Up until yesterday, I hadn't eaten jell-o in quite some time.  So long, in fact, that I don't even remember the last time I put some of the squishy, semi liquid/ semi solid food in to my mouth.  It just never really appealed to me when I could just have a candy bar or cake or cookies to satisfy my sweet tooth.

This morning marks the beginning of Day 3 of Aktins.  I'm happy to report that I'm still going strong, and I haven't had the slightest craving for breads, pastas, or any other carb.  And I was tested, yesterday, believe me.

At lunch, I sat and ate my bowl of raw cauliflower, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and green peppers along with my 4ozs of roast beef.  All the while those around me were chowing down on on an array of yummy, carb loaded foods.  I even sat and watched as my favorite fruit salad was eaten by a member of my teaching team.  It's a fruit salad made with grapes, pineapple, apple, cottage cheese, pecans, and heavy whipping cream.  The ladies in the cafeteria make it for the teachers occasionally - and it's my most favorite thing that they make.  Yet, I didn't even drool as I sat there watching it disappear before my eyes.

Although, after I'd finished eating my lunch and seeing that fruit salad, I did get a little craving for something sweet.  Thankfully, I'd packed the one sweet treat I can have that's totally guilt free:  Sugar free jell-o.

I was stunned by how sweet and satisfying a small package of jell-o can be.

I was in a similar situation last night while I watched my family eat baked chicken and fries...followed by banana cake that Hubby had made on Sunday.  I got to have the chicken, but my side was garlic cauliflower.  The fries didn't bother me...it was the banana cake.  So, I reached for a jell-o pack.  Once again, sweet tooth satisfied.

I know that I've only been going at this for two days... but I kinda expected it to be a lot harder than it is.  I kinda expected to look at "forbidden foods" and want them more than anything...and would have to have an internal blow-up with myself in order to overcome the temptation.  Nothing like that so far - but I also haven't gotten through the first WEEK, which is supposed to be the hardest part.

I did break a cardinal rule this morning and stood on the scale.  I know better than to weigh in just two days after starting... but I'm kinda glad I did.  Just two days in and already down 3lbs.  The funny thing is, I was weighing myself every day last week - just to remind myself every morning that I needed to stop eating junk food.  My weight fluctuated within less than a pound each day... so seeing a change of 3lbs in two days is a big deal.  Definitely recharged my motivation level...even though it didn't really need recharging.

I've also decided to just accept that I'm going to run in to naysayers while being on Atkins.  And that it's OK and isn't going to affect me at all.

As my good friend, Jenn, said yesterday in her comment:

I think Atkins, when done the right way (the way you are planning on doing it), is just as good as any other diet option out there. I've dabbled in it before and found that people's criticism of it got old QUICK. I just told people I was low carbin' and they were much more accepting of that answer...

That's absolutely right.  It does get old quick... but I think any and all diet programs have their successes and their failures - it all depends on how it's done.

I've lost weight before by sticking to eating healthy, controlling my portion sizes, low-fat diets, "clean" diets.... but it all came down to my follow through.  I lost weight, went back to eating how I always had before, gained it right back.  I'm pretty sure that any diet plan is going to have the same effect.  The same will happen with Atkins - if I don't follow it through.

Yesterday, I was able to read several success stories who had been on Atkins for at least 5 years...and had kept all of their weight off.  They enjoy a piece of pizza now and then, have cake for their birthdays, and go out and eat meals with their family and friends.  But, because they've been through all 4 phases, and have trained their body and minds for the amount of carbs they can consume - it doesn't lead to a out of control spiral that ends up with them gaining all the weight back.

So, I know that it is possible to have great, long-lasting results with Atkins.  I just have to stick with it and give it the chance it deserves.  And, even though I'm only two days in, I see it being something I can totally do.  As long as there's Jell-O for me to enjoy.  HA!

The Misconceptions I Uncovered About Atkins

So, here I am on Day One of trying Atkins.  I mentioned yesterday that I was going to try it.  For years and years I have known about Atkins - but never dared go anywhere near it because of all the stuff I'd heard about it.

Then, I noticed on Facebook that someone I knew had been on it since January 1st and already lost 10lbs.  I chuckled to myself as I mumbled some of the comments I had about Atkins... but then it dawned on me that I had NEVER taken the time to look in to Atkins, I had always gone by what people had told me or what I'd heard about it.

Using yesterday as a very quick example - I made the comment that I was going to try Atkins, and my friend posted a comment that said "Atkins: lose weight fast gain right back, because you can't stay on that diet forever".  Nothing against Cathy...just 48 hours ago, I thought the very same thing.

I figured it best that I reveal some of the misconceptions I discovered while doing some research on Atkins, and what made me decide to try it.

Misconception #1:  Lose weight fast, gain it right back, because you can't stay on it forever.

Come to find out, that's not true AT ALL.  Atkins is broken up in to four phases.  The first phase is the phase used to break the addiction over carbs, train the body how to burn fat instead of carbs, and where you stay to lose the majority of the weight.  Phase 2 you move in to when you're ready to start slowly adding carbs back in to your diet - about 30lbs from goal weight.  Key word SLOWLY.  Phase 3 is when you're very close to goal weight - within 10lbs - and you need to learn how to introduce more carbs without over doing it.  Phase 4 is actually called Lifetime Phase.  Because it's the phase you can use for the rest of your life to help maintain the weight loss by identifying how many grams of carbs are needed to maintain - and from what sources.

The reason this misconception exists out there is apparently because a lot of people that try Atkins only ever stay in the first phase.  Once they lose all of their weight, they go back to regular eating...and then gain all the weight back.  The website informs you of that.  If you don't stay the course of the program, you will indeed gain all of the weight back because it's designed to help you control your carb intake...slowly weening you back to them.  If you skip steps, problems are going to occur.  As with all diet and healthy eating plans.

Misconception #2:  All you eat is bacon, steak, cheese, and eggs.

This was probably the reason I avoided Atkins like the plague, because I always thought that it was about eating nothing but meat and cheese.  I wondered how on earth anyone could lose weight by eating so much junk..and that a person's cholesterol level would sky rocket through the roof.

Come to find out, once again, that's not true.  The first phase of Atkins does cut out all complex carbs from your diet:  Grains, pasta, rice, etc.  You focus on eating 4-6 ozs of LEAN protein with each meal and get 20 grams of carbs from vegetables and dairy.  More vegetables than dairy.  I have to cut out any processed sugars, also.  Then, once I move in to phase 2, I start to slowly introduce come complex carbs like whole grains.  Phase 3 introduces more carbs, and so on.  It's to help train the body to burn fat instead of carbs...and also, again, to break the addiction that many people (ME) have with carbs.

Misconception #3:  It's dangerous to cut carbs from your diet.

I've been around the block a few times with diet plans and programs.  I've been told by many personal trainers that it's very dangerous to cut anything from your diet.  Heck, we all grew up with a food pyramid that held complex carbs as the lowest phase of the pyramid - meaning that complex carbs should make up the majority of our daily intake.  So, it's no surprise that I was very hesitant about the thought of cutting complex carbs out completely.

What I found out? Athletes and people that have high metabolisms burn complex carbs for energy.  Those people that are mostly sedentary end up consuming more carbs than their body burns - thus leading to the carbs being stored, eventually turning in to sugars, eventually turning into more weight gain.  It's true that the body DOES need carbs - but they don't have to come from complex carbs that turn in to sugar.  The body can process and use simple carbs - vegetables - for the purpose of hydration and energy... but they don't end up being stored.  The body, instead, starts to burn the fat that's already there for energy.

Once the fat supply starts to dwindle away, the body will need complex carbs for energy once again... but the body has to be trained on how much it needs to eat in order to burn...so that you don't gain weight again.  Once again, the reason for phases 2, 3, and 4 of the program.  You can't cut out carbs for a while and then just start eating them again without the proper steps.  I just have to make sure I follow the steps - and I should be OK.

Misconception #4:  Once I cut out complex carbs, I'll start craving them more and end up giving in.

Actually, this one isn't so much of a misconception.  It is true that once you cut out something from your diet - especially something you're addicted to - it will be hard to stay away.  This will all come from staying on plan, trusting it, and being strong.  The best thing I learned, though, is that protein fills you up and keeps you full longer.  Complex carbs fill you up and make you hungrier faster.  If I eat the right amount of protein with each meal, and the right amounts of simple carbs, I shouldn't have to worry about being hungry.  The cravings will be there for the first few days - but with any addiction... I'll just have to try and overcome the desire.

Misconception #5:  Like all diet plans, I'll have to buy a bunch of books, an online subscription, and spend all kinds of money to be on the program.

WRONG-O!  I was so surprised when I went to the Atkins website and found the plethora of information on the phases, food lists, mobile apps, etc. ALL FOR FREE!  Sure, there are books out there if you need them... but everything in those books are on their website - no subscription required.

Just for signing up on the website - for free - I am receiving a free welcome kit that includes sample bars, coupons, and a book about the program.  And, yes, I just said samples and coupons.  If I don't need to spend anything why do I need coupons and samples?  Well, Atkins has their own food line - but it's not required AT ALL in order to see results. Their meal bars, shakes, frozen meals, etc. are just there as another tool, if you want to use them.  I will be using some because all of the meals, bars, and shakes contain the protein I need without the carbs - and it's all nicely measured out for me.  They are great for a busy person like myself who tends to skip breakfast and eats cafeteria food for lunch.

Their mobile app comes with a food journal, weight loss progress tool, scanner to scan foods to check to make sure the foods are "Atkins friendly", and even a restaurant locator that will tell me of restaurants close to me that offer Atkins friendly meals.

For some reason, a program that doesn't require tons of money up front sits well with me.  I figure that I get to try it out without being out any money...what's the harm in that?
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So, there you have it.  The five major misconceptions I had about Atkins, and the truth once I actually spent some time to research it.

And, just so you know, I didn't just research Atkins on their website.  I perused blogs, medical websites, and other websites to get my answers.  Just Google "Atkins Misconceptions" and you'll be so surprised at the amounts of personal blogs that share success stories and doctors that actually support Atkins.

At the end of the day, it comes down to the fact that I have to put in what I get out.  I've tried diet plan after diet plan after diet plan and never had any luck keeping the weight off.  I've also tried the no diet plan approach of eating healthier, moving more....and I still gained back all of the weight.  It's going to happen if I don't change my behaviors for good.

The last time I lost weight - a large amount - I was eating clean, healthy, and working out like a crazy person.  But, then I just stopped.  And, of course, the weight crept back in no time.  The same thing will happen with Atkins unless I commit to staying the course and moving through all of the phases.  The proof will really rely in the pudding.  Do I have what it takes to stay the course?  I like to think I do... but time will tell, I suppose.