~~~color Me Beautiful Sistahs--on Atkins Challenge
 

The information that I've posted comes from a friend of mine. I liked the challenge that she started so I decided to bring it to this bb.



Hello all!
I am starting a new challenge group for us 'sistahs' to come and chat about our low carb lifestyles and challenges. Professionals, non-professionals, stay-at-home moms, single, married, divorced, widowed, tall, short, or whatever...come on in!!!

Being a woman of color, I grew up eating the high-fat high-carb foods that the family ate. If I had only know about Atkins then, I wouldn't have had to give up all of the good things I liked about our eating choices. I could have cut back on the breads and sugars and sweets and still had the rest of the foods that I love and I now eat today.

Also, we have the weightloss issue as far as our body type is concerned. Since most of us have been 'blessed' with ample hips and rears, most of the clothes in the stores, even the large and plus sized ones, are not made for our shapes. I know if I go into Lane Bryant, I wear a size 18, I can not fit into their 18's. If I go a size larger, large enough to fit my hips and rear, then it is too big in the waist. So you see, we have a bit more to lose than most women due to the way we are 'built'. (...she's a brick....house!)

Anyway, I just thought this would be a place to keep in touch with each other's lc-ing progress, talk about current events that affect us and just life in general as women of color.

Hi red1cutie, welcome.

Red1Cutie: I seem to have missed your entire message when I responded. For some reason it didn't show up. The letter that you are reading was posted by a friend of mine in another board. You should visit us there. I decided to start the group up here b/c I haven't seen a challenge for us.
I am 5'1. I'm wearing 14's but some of them are a little big. I rarely see 13's here.

I sent you a pm

Hello to the 2 of you!

I also have from the commonly known "child bearing hips" and always end up buying pants that have huge waists so that the butt and hips can fit into them.

Again, like you, I have grown up eating all that's "bad" now, but was "good" then. I'm originally from the Caribbean and they are known for the fats, stews, fried things, fattening desserts, dumplings (my favorite).....etc........

It's nice to know I'm not the only one with these hips!!

Good luck to you all!!!!

Hi. Include me too.
 

Hi everyone. I've been on this plan since Feb. 2003 and have lost over 50 pounds. But the most important thing is that I went from a size 26/28 jean to size 20. Now that's what I'm talking about! :agree:

I like my hips and rear. In fact, I like my body. I just wish there was much less of it, in the same proportion. I'm not a young fly thing like you ladies seem to be, but I know that we as Black women have health issues that are more prominent in our race. And many of these issues are exacerbated by obesity. Diabetes, hypertension, fibroids, heart disease...the list goes on. But by starting to take care of your body at an early age and maintaining a healthy life style, you will not only be fine for life, but be able to strut your stuff without breaking a hip, lol.

I think I eat more "soul" food than I did any other time in my life. I eat a lot of collard greens, green beans, kale and okra. I've also figured out some ways to work around carbs and still enjoy the food.

I wish more of us would adopt this woe. Visit my journal any time or PM me. Glad to be on board.

Congratulations on your weight loss!! You are doing so well, keep it up! :thup: :roll: :wiggle:

I know what you mean about a lot less of your body. I too love my shape, but with the weight it's an extended "Coca-Cola bottle shape". Last April, I gained 45 lbs in 6 wks studying for my bar exams. I went from size 10 to size 16 in 6 wks. So now I've decided enough is enough - time for me to get back to size 10. So here I am!

A lot of my family has lost weight using Atkins (even those still living in the Caribbean) so that's why I started with Atkins.

Good luck - and feel free to PM me anytime!! :)

Hi Harley! Hey KetoDiva! Thanks Amiee, I got your PM!
Nice to meet you guys too. We can all do this! :D

I have lost 30 pounds and I started on February 19, 2003. I am from the Caribbean too so I know they type of food you are talking about. Yummy but extremely fattening.

Amiee, Harley & KetoDiva, Let's share!
What is the most challenging thing about this WOL?
How much water do you drink?
What types of veggies do you consume most?
What are your avg. percentages (Fat/Prot/Carbs)?
What's your favourite thing about this WOL?
How much did you lose on Induction?
What do you most look forward to when you reach your goal?

Hey how about we see how much we can lose by Christmas? Countdown to Christmas....

Peace
red

hhhhhmmmmmmmm....

Most challenging? I was a carbaholic (pre Atkins). now the hardest is trying to find stuff that's carb free. All the sugar free stuff is usually full of carbs - not to mention the bbq sauces etc.

Water? About 2-4 litres a day

Veggies? My favorite (pre Atkins) was corn. Now, I eat salads (I love cucumbers), cabbage, snow peas, bean sprouts (higher carbs for veggies). I don't like traditional veggies ie broccoli, cauliflower, celery, mushrooms etc.

Favorite thing about WOL? That I'm not hungry! I was on Slim Fast a few yrs ago and I was always hungry! Now I'm not - so that's great!

Induction? I'm still in induction. I started on 21 July, 2003 and had a cheat day yesterday so it's back to day 1 of induction for me! Also too, I HATE scales so I haven't weighed myself yet. I bought one last Tues, but have yet to use it.

Goal? Well, when I do reach it, I'm going to burn all my plus size clothes. Then I'm probably going to treat myself to a new wardrobe (well, some new clothes at least!!) And probably a nice vacation to a beach in the Caribbean so I can show off my new bod.

And boy will I be strutting when I reach my goal!!!!!!! :wiggle: :agree: :dazzle:

I would love to start a countdown to Christmas! Hopefully I'll be down to a size 12 by then (I'm at a 16/18 now!)

Fingers and toes crossed!!!!!!!!!

Good luck everyone - and I look forward to hearing from you all!!!!!

I am glad to see so many beautiful women in here. When I posted this I didn't think anyone would see it.

I haven't had a chance to read the messages so I will have to catch up tomorrow. I am helping a friend so I am tired. I will talk to you ladies tomorrow.

Hello Ladies of Color!
 

It is nice to see women of color losing weight. I live in Ohio and it seems like there are no ethnic women here who are doing Atkins. I've been looking for a diet partner in this area but I have given up. I know now that I can't wait around but I have to "Just Do It" even though I don't have any support.
I'm 5'1 and I currently weigh 225lbs, my heaviest weight was 250 but I lost weight when I was sick and in the hospital for gallbladder surgery. It was nice because for a while, I couldn't stand anything with sugar in it and I could barely eat because I was never hungry. I got down to 204 pounds in February of this year but then I got better and my old sugar cravings came back and I re-gained my appetite.
I've realized that I am out of control and I need to do something, so I'm starting Atkins again. I know inorder to stick with it, I'm going to have to start actually planning my meals. I also will begin exercising. The hardest part is getting started but I have to do this for my husband and myself. Thanks for listening. :)

Welcome ketodee, harleydee, and Frodo2001!


We are going to have a great time sharing our experiences and losing weight. I'm going to add you ladies to my buddy list.

I want us to try to post everyday. I know that there are some days that you won't me able to and that's ok. I don't want you to feel that b/c you had a cheat day that you can't post. We are in this together.

What is the most challenging thing about this WOL? The most challenging thing for me was giving up all of that southern food that I enjoy to eat.

How much water do you drink? 64-80 oz.

What types of veggies do you consume most? greens, okra, green beans, asparagus, and cabbage

What are your avg. percentages (Fat/Prot/Carbs)? I honestly don't know

What's your favourite thing about this WOL? With this wol I rarely get hungry

How much did you lose on Induction? 10 lbs.
What do you most look forward to when you reach your goal? When I complete my goal, I think I will just be relieved to have the weight off. I will probably go on a big shopping spree.

Hey how about we see how much we can lose by Christmas? The Christmas challenge is great. I also think we need to add an exercise challenge to that.

I think an exercise challenge is a great idea. I haven't done any exercises yet, but I'll start to soon. And by Christmas, I would love to be back down to a size 12! Fingers (and toes) crossed for that!

Well, I'm back on strict Induction as of Wed. I had a cheat day on Tues, and when I cheat, I go ALL the way!!

I had movie popcorn with extra butter, cream filled doughnut, sugar glazed doughnut, sugar covered doughnut centers (about 10) and then went to a mexican restaurant for dinner. There I had flour tortillas (3 soft tacos), refried beans, corn, salsa, chips....all the trimmings, not to mention the deep-fried ice-cream with chocolate sauce for dessert!!

I thought I would have been craving carbs yesterday (Wed), but the cheat day made me even more determined to lose the weight! So I've started back a strict induction until I lose more.

I'm kinda scared to weigh myself just in case I haven't lost any weight. Since starting the Induction 2 1/2 wks ago, I'm feeling really good about myself even if there are no drastic changes to my body!

So now I feel great about this WOE, so that's enough for me now. Eventually I'll get on the scale, but not any time soon!!

When I began induction on 21 July, I was not very strict. Most days I went over my 20g of carbs and drank aspartame drinks. Now, I'm limiting myself to 20g of carbs.

Wed 6 Aug, 2003 - Day 1 Induction (again!!)
- 3 chix drumsticks that I made
- baked meatloaf
- cheese
- 1 litre of water
- 1 1/2 litres of watery crystal lite

Have you ladies heard of the Walk away the pounds tape. They are great. I walked 2 miles today in 30 min.

Thanks for the greeting, Amiee!

You are a beautiful women. I wish I was that cute, but back to low-carb.
Most challenging thing about this WOL? I think for me, it's planning meals (Cooking :lol: ) and not letting people discourage me from doing Atkins.

How much water do you drink? I usually drink about 72ounces a day but I plan on drinking more once I start induction on Monday.

What types of veggies do you consume the most? My favorite veggies are broccoli and spinach.

What are your percentages (Fat/Prot/Carbs)? I didn't track my progress in the past but I will be more dilligent now that I'm starting over.

What's your favorite thing about this WOL? I have to agree with Amiee, that you lose your appetite- which makes it easier to say no to "Carbs"

How much did you lose on Induction? The first time that I did it, I lost about 7-10lbs but I probably won't lose as much this time around.

I wouldn't mind joining the Christmas Challenge because it might be the fuel that I need to stay focused.

Monday, August 11, 2003 - Day 1 Induction (Again!- Me too Harleydee!)

I've heard of the Walk away the pounds tapes. I have a few of Lesley Sansones tapes but not those. I don't think I will buy any new ones until I start using the other walking tapes that I have of hers.

This thread is absolutely wonderful!!!!! Great idea amiee3377!!! I would love to join. I have been on this plan for 5 weeks now. I have not lost like I thought I would. My problem, of course, is the same that most women of color face, our hips, thighs, and buttocks!! :) I would like to tone and shape it up.. I was in pretty good a shape 4 months ago pre-wed(about 10lbs lighter), now, it's getting a little jiggy.

I enjoy this thread already.
 

Hello Frodo, Aimee, Harley, 20b and Red. It's good to be a part of a group of Black women doing positive things for our body and spirit.

Here goes:

1.The most challenging thing for me in this WOE is exercising consistently. I get into a groove and then just stop. But it's like deciding to change my woe, when I'm ready to really go for it exercise wise, I'll do it 100%. Maybe you guys will inspire me to keep it up.

2.I drink between 100 and 125 oz of water a day. If I don't, I retain water. And now it's becoming my favorite drink (except martinis).

3. I eat a lot of veggies. Most days I eat a huge salad for dinner with different lettuces, cucumber, avocado, tomato, green pepper and a good creamy lc dressing. I sometimes add a tbs of flaxseed oil. If I don't have salad, I sometimes make coleslaw with either shredded cabbage or broccoli, a tiny bit of carrot, 1 packet of splenda and mayo. I add salt and pepper and it's great. But sometimes I want something southern style. I make collards or kale with a ham hock and I cut up a turnip or two. I might add okra when it's almost done and that's a great meal. I also make green beans with onion, turnips and ham. I also make eggplant parmesan when I want an italian flavor or I sometimes make spaghetti squash.

4. I try to keep my percentages near the following: 70% fat, 25% protein and 3-5 % carbs.

5. I like this way of eating because it is so easily incorporated in my lifestyle. I can entertain, go out, have an occasional drink and my energy is through the roof.

6. I think I lost about 20 lbs on induction. But I stayed on induction for about 5-6 weeks. I still try to stay between 20-40 carb grams now. Maybe about once a month I'll have a high carb dessert when we go out, but I make sure the rest of the meal is lc and I'm right back on the wagon when I put my fork down.

7. I love clothes and I'm looking forward to a new wardrobe. But I'm also looking forward to being able to go anywhere and do anything without worrying about my weight hampering me. I can take small planes and helicopters without being self conscious about my weight, all seat belts will fit, dancing all night and being an elegant, svelte woman.

8. I lose rather slowly. About a pound a week or so. I'm going on a cruise for Christmas and New years and I'd like to be at 250 or at least a size 18 (a 16 would be better). Right now I'm a 20, sometimes 22 down from a 26/28.

I think including an exercise challenge for Christmas is also a good idea.

As I told red1cutie, I am a member of another bb and I decided to bring our excitement over here. I got the idea for this thread from that board. Both threads are named the same exact thing. So I don't want to take any credit for creating this one. If you all would like to visit the other board then pm me and I will give you the link to it.

Frodo: Thanks for the compliment. I don't think God created any ugly people. Some are a little challenged but we are all beautiful. I'm sure you are too. I bought the WATP tape from Walmart for 9.00. I love it. It has 4 miles on it that you can do in 60min. I haven't built up the strength to do 4 miles yet. I did 2 miles today. When I first started, I did one mile a day. One mile is 15 min.

20b430: Welcome!! The more the merrier. Your wedding picture is beautiful. When is your b-day? I'm sure that you will lose those pounds. Just stay focused.

Red1cutie: Looks like you will be great in the exercise challenge.

On the other board, our challenge is to work together to get 200 mile and 2000 minutes worth of exercise in by labor day. I think that that may be too much for us since our group needs to grow some more. I am going to ask that we try 50 miles and 500 minutes by labor day. How does that sound? So you would either count your minutes or measure your distance. I know that we can do it.

Hello Everyone!!!!!

Let me take a little time to answer your questions Red......
Hmmm let me see......

Working out!!!!
That's an easy one for me.. I work out 3-4x a week.
I normally do 3 miles at the track on Tues and Thurs and 2 miles on the Treadmill on Mons. If I have time I will work out on Fridays.

I only drink 68- 85 oz of water a day.

When I do eat veggies, I consume broccoli, romaine lettuce, greens, cabbage,mushrooms, and maybe a tomatoe every now and then.

I don't really keep up w/ the fat% nor calorie intake, the only thing, I count are the carbs. My intake is normally 12-15g a day,,,,I know that's low, but w/ a meat eating hubby it's hard. Especially since he does all the cooking.

My favorite thing is the fullness I have, and the fact that I don't miss BREAD!!!!! :)

Only lost 4lb on induction.

I will be 30 on the 30th, I hate to say this,,,but this will be my first and only planned cheat day! I don't plan to go over board, just have a cheat dinner you know some steak, a few potatoes and some cheesecake for dessert then after I'm sick the next day jump back on the wagon,,,,so basically I'm hoping to lose enough weight, so when I turn 30 I can enjoy it and thank God I lived to see it!!!..... :)

By Christmas Excellent plan!!!!!!! I'm in for the long run

Thank you for the compliment Amiee, You're a doll yourself.
20lbs, well 18lbs now, might be pushing it.....My birthday is the 30th of this month!
I seem to only lose .5 - 1lb a week, so that's why I've picked up the intensity of the workout,,,,but we'll see. I'm up for any challenge. Just name, and I'm with it! :yay:

Sista's...hello
 

Hey guys I stumbled upon this group somehow.... Glad to see and meet other women who are struggling with the hip, waist, thigh thing...lol I started Atkiins June 13th, but switched to Protein Power about two weeks ago because I can't seem to lose any more weight... Anyway...been at 200 for the past two weeks after switching to PP... I enjoy eating this way sometimes...bacon, and some of my other fat foods that I didn't eat before... However it is getting a little boring for me and I need to switch it up.... I did notice that adding fruits gave me more energy...

I drink about 48 oz of water a day... My favorite vegetables are collard greens, cabbage, broccoli, spinach, and creamed cauliflower... I don't get enough vegetables unless I cook a huge pot of something once a week and eat on it all week.... I hate to cook, otherwise...my problem with this diet.

I've gained a lot of weight using antidepressants...and trying to get back in my 9's....long way to go...

Challenges are adding variety to my foods , exercising (step aerobics 3x week and walking when I feel it lol), and keeping my energy levels up which means about 30 gm carbs a day...

Right now I have been trying to break my stall by using a Protein Fast, limiting carbs as much as possible....hasn't worked as of today though... Will weigh myself Friday and if I'm not down I will try the REFEEDING technique that others have discussed... It sounds like it might work...it's where you eat what you want one day of the week all day and go back to induction levels for the rest of the week... It's supposed to reset your metabolism... Usually, they suggest on the weekend....

Anyway...nice thread and look forward to getting to know you guys more....

Welcome skeeweeaka!! I think you will enjoy it here. I can give you some information about fasting. Just pm me.

Hello there everyone!!!!! Welcome to those I'm now meeting.

I'm definitely up for the exercise challenge and the Christmas goal! I have not set any mini goals for myself as I would prefer to let it happen rather than be disappointed when it doesn't. However, I'm determined to get into a size 12 by Christmas (even if the pants have a bit of stretch it still counts once the tag says 12!!) Thank God they decided to start putting spandex into jeans!! Now they're actually comfortable!!

It's good to know I'm not the only one that can't get her butt and hips into a normal sized pair of pants!

Actually, I quite like J-Lo's brand of pants. I have about 4 pairs of jeans/pants of her pants and they fit a lot better than the popular Levis or Gap jeans! The waist is still a bit big, but it's smaller than the other pants I have.

Unfortunately, that's the only brand that seems to fit well. All the other brands of pants have a huge waist when the hips and butt fit! Oh well, the joys of "Child Bearing Hips" (CBH)!!

I did well yesterday (Day 1 of Induction - Again).

So far today, Thurs (Day 2 of Induction) I've had:
- 2 Mini Babybel cheeses
- salad (w/ dressing)
- avocado
- 1 litre of water
- 1.5 litres of Crystal Lite
- 1/4 cucumber

I'm determined to stick to a max of 20 g carbs per day on this Induction (I wasn't this strict when i started 2 wks ago!)

How is everyone doing today?

I think the cheat day on Tues made me even more "gung-ho" about sticking to this diet. I have to do this - not for my friends, not for my family, not even for my hubby.....rather I have to do this for MYSELF! And I will (with all your help of course)!!

Hello ladies,

I would love to be an active member of this board. I can relate to many of the things already discussed in just this 1st day. The thigh issue for one, it seems like I should wear a 6 but my thighs are like "No way baby girl, get those 11's" and because I am only 5'2 I have all this extra bunched up at my legs (which are short and thick).

Now for my introduction....I am 28, live in Texas and today is the start of my second week of induction. 5.6 pounds lost in week 1 :yay: :yay: :yay: . I am aiming for abot 3-4 pounds in week 2. I am going to go back and find those questions and answer. Very happy to be here.