Hi!

I am still quite new to Low-carbing and this wonderful site, but I have found that my one cup of organic coffee in the AM suits me fine.

I have been losing weight and I haven't even been strict with induction; I am still trying to figure it out. In fact I'll be posting a couple questions here in the Newbie area in hopes to get some clarity and to really start induction.

But I wanted to share a couple things with you. According to the blood-type diet my blood-type, TYPE A, benefits from a small amount of coffee daily. I find that when I keep my coffee to a reasonable amount (I only drink a large mug or less in the morning) I feel good. I rarely have anything else that has caffine except for a Yogi tea once-in-a-while that has a small amount of caffine, I just don't overdo it. But I give myself a little of this thing (coffee) that I like. Having been a vegan in the past and presently still a healthnut, I have lived easily without coffee and caffine, but I just enjoy life better with a little java.

I think the most important part of making a long term change with results is finding ways that make it easy for me stay on my path. I want to feel good, I want to look good and I want to do what is best for my overall health & well being. I feel like I am in a period of learning what works for me. Choosing to eat low carb removes a lot of comfort foods from ones life. Coffee seems to be the one that most people have a hard time letting go of because it seems so insignificant and still yummy and nurturing. It helps me get running in the morning which I think is so important to a healthy lifestyle, and for this and other reasons, I wasn't ready to let go of it.

I have never been a big meat, fat or creamy salad dressing eater. But since I started this WOE, I have introduced more chicken into my diet including the skin, as well as creamy dressings (which I have to admit I am still fearful of), and cream cheeses. (I still choose organic and minimally processed ingredients.) I have been drinking my morning cup of coffee, increased my protein and fat consumption and have yet to be in the Induction phase. The interesting thing is that I am losing weight.

You mentioned that Atkins might be to restrictive for you. With that I encourage you to create an eating plan that works for you using the guidelines from Atkins and Protein power or any other low-carb plan that appeals to you without worrying so much about breaking rules just yet. Get comfortable eating low carb and then you can start tightening the reigns a bit so you can see some impressive results. When we put strict rules on ourselves we make it easy to disappoint ourselves which leads to failure and self judgement. Make this something wonderful, something that you have choices with. Empower yourself, you're worth it! If you say, today I am going to choose to eat much less carbs and choose more proteins and heathy fats you have started taking care of yourself. Start developing trust in the process and when you are ready to fully commit it won't be so demanding or scary. That's how I started doing low carb.

The one thing I would suggest to avoid are the low carb candys, sweets and meal replacement bars etc... They can be misleading and quite addictive.

Don't forget, there are so many wonderful knowledgable people on this site that will support you and share with you the many gifts that they have received from taking charge of their lives.

I wish you all the best on your journey.

peace & joy