I'm not terribly savvy on this here computer thang...use it mostly to surf, write e-mail and job hunt. But I am glad to know this group is here, cuz I am a "newbie" and have somehow plateaued at my current weight (we won't tawk about the specifics) and am STUCK! I did decide to drag the tread mill outta the garage (well, actually, my girlfriend did it) and have started using it, but too soon to tell.
Am on the South Beach and adore it. Often forget I'm "dieting". But lost 8 lbs. and got stuck. Maybe I added too many carbs too fast (whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, sweet potatoes). Am very open to feedback!

Thanks.

It's funny, I am not sure what to tell you about myself. I spent the last ten years as a mental health therapist, got tired and am seeking new career. Feel sorta lost. Decided to begin volunteering with The American Red Cross next week, just to provide some planned activity. I'm a Leo, a Buddhist philosophically, a reading addict and film adorer. And I love to cook. Just got the South Beach cookbook and it looks scrumptious. I also love wine, and long walks, although not necessarily in that order!

Well, I reckon I've said a plenty this first here check-in (I'm a New Yorker who lives in the south and I love the way they talk!)

Later!

Cindy

to the forum.

Welcome Cindy. Perhaps you can post some of your menus and we'll provide the feedback.
Best of luck to you!

Hmmm...most of the menus are based on proteins (fish, poultry, lean pork & beef, eggs) along with tons-o-veggies. There is no fruit or starch for the first two weeks, during which time I lost 8 lbs. As soon as fruit and whole wheat starch was included (minimally, as in one piece of fruit per day, and starch 1-2x week), I plateaued!
I did decide to cut all starches a bit longer, but continue with my fruit. I also may have mentioned that I have begun to sweat on the treadmill, and am anxious to see what a couple of weeks on that thang can do.

It is nice to know other folks are out there to chat with!

Well that sounds good - I was curious as to wether you were including "frankenfoods" as well. A lot of folks begin eating the low carb bars, shakes, candies, etc. right off the bat and these can cause stalls. Some other "stallers" may be coffee and aspartame. This is a very individual thing - others consume coffee and aspartame and it has no effect. ????

"frankenfoods"! Now that is definitely a new word for me. From your description, I assume it means the "snacks" that are all over the place, promising low carbs and are made with artificial sweeteners. There is actually a "Low Carb Pantry" - an entire store that opened in the foo-foo part of town, that sells bread at $5.00 a loaf and pasta at $6.00 for 8 ounces! (Whole wheat, of course!) Sometimes this feels like a craze to me, and I don't want to admit that I'm on a diet! But there IS a local chain (you may have it where you live, too) called Ruby Tuesday's that does actually serve low carb meals now. With an amazing salad bar. So we eat there when I want a break in the kitchen.
Part of my problem is, I'm unemployed and not as active as I usually am. I decided to start doing volunteer work, so maybe that will also help.
How is your diet going?

Thanks for your reply.

I am doing well, thanks. I will have been low carbing for 3 years this summer. Hard to believe! As most people will attest, there is so much more to this than weight loss. I look better, feel better, have more energy, etc.

I've had the lc breads, in fact Atkins makes bagels and they are soooooo good. Too good. I find myself wanting one every day. Some people can eat the frankenfoods and have no problems. Others find it leads them right back to where they came from - eating breads, pastas, sweets, etc. I can take SOME - it really is a process to figure out what works for you.