Hi

I'm just about to take the plunge into this new world. Have just bought the Atkins book and am working my way through it before I begin. I'm quite entusiastic about it but have a family full of doubters (its ok for them my kids are ok weight wise and my husband is only 133lbs!).

My biggest fear is being able to survive without the sweets and chocolates, I can live without chips, possibly struggle without pasta/rice but the empty cals will be my downfall.

The other problem I have is I hate cooking and eat out a lot, hopefully further along in the book it'll suggest how I can get round this.

Hi to everyone out there on the quest, keep the faith!

Welcome Whisky! Good that you are reading the book - it will answer many of your questions. What's left you can come and ask us.

I have some very good news for you! Once you get rolling with Atkins and go through a few days of induction, your blood sugar will flatten out. This will eliminate or greatly reduce cravings for carby foods, including sweets and chocolate. They will always tempt you to a degree, and you will probably always like the taste. But you won't be unable to resist once you break free of the carb cycle. Low-carb puts YOU in control of the cravings.

As far as eating out...it's getting better all the time!!!! More and more companies are responding to the surge in low-carb eating. It's better now that when I started less than two months ago!

Good luck to you!!!!!!!!!! We'll be here if you need us!