I started on Atkins January 7th and despite the little voices from my husband's cornbread saying "Eat me, eat me", I persevered and did well for about seven weeks. Then I started eating too many carbs. Not sugar or bread, but too much lettuce, and too many raspberries and pecans. Therefore I had a stalling out of the weight loss and had to go back to square one two days ago. Already I can feel the energy returning.
I quit a 32 year, major smoking habit about 3 1/2 years ago so I know I can do this too. But, you can live without cigarets and you do have to eat. It is the moderation thing that is so difficult for me. That, and the fact that I am a foodie. I love cookbooks, I love to cook, I can vegetables, make pickles, make and can fruit pie fillings, make preserves, conserves, and even my own mincemeat. I love (loved) making and eating new desserts and all kinds of breads. So, I not only have given up food I love but have had to give up a hobby that I have loved for thirty years. I know that later I can learn new low carb ways of cooking and can develope new recipes - but that will have to come later when I have a better handle on this thing.
Okay - no more whining!
I want to thank all of you for the invaluable information I have picked up here by lurking around. Fitday was especially helpful as it made me see just how many carbs I was eating with the nuts and raspberries. Nothing like seeing it in black and white to drive a point home. And, I have begun to redouble my efforts on the water drinking. That, too, is a tremendous help.
Thanks, everybody!
nopie (stands for no pie!)

Welcome to the forum, Nopie

I'm sure that once you've got a handle on your new WOL you'll rediscover your joy of cooking. Prior to LC I hardly ever cooked - now I find myself trying new ways to roast and bake chicken, pork and beef. We spend a lot of quality time in our kitchen since LCing. Have a look around the site - especially the kitchen subforum. There are some great ideas and recipes when you feel ready to tackle that.

Nat

p.s. There's a recipe under "Low Carb Recipes" above for the best cheesecake I have ever tasted (Karen's NoBake Vancouver Cheesecake)