Hello,
I've posted before, but I think it's time for me to really introduce myself. My name is Leah, and I'm 25 years old. I'm married (see my wedding pictures when I was 155 lb. ~ http://www.galaga6846leah.homestead.com/chuck.html )

Anyway, I've never been skinny-skinny, I've always been over 135, but as of the last three years (after I got married), my weight has gone up to almost 200 lb!!!!!!! I carry it well- most people can't believe how much I really weigh. I can't fit into anything though. My size 14s are starting to get tighter and tighter, and I'm developing a double chin.

I never thought in a million years I would be going on the Atkin's diet! I have always been a strong believer in the eat, drink and be merry concept. I always considered life too short to worry about the things I eat! HA! Life is too short to feel uncomfortable because your stomach protrudes over the waist of your pants! Life is too short to shop in the plus-size department (thankfully, I hadn't reached that point yet). Life is too short to feel tired. Life is too short to worry about how other's percieve you because you're overweight!
So, I'm about 5'8" tall, and about 182... and my goal is to be about 150!

It's been almost a week, and my clothes are already starting to fit looser!

Last night, I bought Ketostrips, because I wanted to have proof of my ketosis. HA! Not even a trace. I'm really bummed out about that one. Oh well, I'll keep you posted.

Thanks.

PS- My favorite low carb snack is beef sticks and pork rinds... but I LOVE the low carb chocolates. I'm going to have to cut down on those though.

hey, welcome!! And the wedding pictures were very cute. Are you on induction?? If so, you must forego the chocolate for at least the 2 weeks of induction.

The idea is to rid your body of its basic carb addiction and cut out those infrenal cravings!

Good luck as you go along-we're all with you!

P.S. I wouldn't worry about the sticks, they don't alway work. As long as you feel good, are following the plan, including water and exercise, and losing lbs and inches, just keep on truckin'!!

welcome and good luck!

welcome, good luck and have fun!

Sorry, some how I posted my reply twice?? I'm new to this also.

thanks you guys! This forum is really going to help me reach my goal.

Don't focus on the ketostix. There's a big split in the low-carb community about whether ketosis is even necessary for weight loss. Ketosis simply is the byproduct of incomplete fat burning. The more efficient your body gets at burning fat, the fewer ketones you excrete. Also, if you're drinking as much water as you ought to, that will dilute the concentration of ketones, making it appear as if you're not in heavy ketosis during a single test. Most of us who've lost weight have come to gauge our ketosis by our bad breath (fixable by drinking enough water, and taking parsley oil capsules) and the metallic taste in our mouths.