Would anyone be up to a low carb challenge?

[Enchantmt]

I plan on starting the Atkins induction the 1st of July... Yeah I know..right before the big July 4th BBQ http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif . I was wondering if anyone else would be interested in doing what I guess would be called a challenge to support and encourage each other. I know not everyone agrees with low carb but for those that do, or those thinking of going low carb, perhaps this would be a good way to get started. It doesnt have to be Atkins as it is more strict than some of the other low carb plans. I did Atkins once before with good results but I failed because I failed to plan. I didnt coordinate menus and got bored and also I wasnt ready for some of the hostility other folx have when you really start to lose weight. We could have goals/mini challenges like putting together recipes so you always have something quick and easy to cook, exercise goals, etc... and since its almost 2 weeks away if you dont have any information on lowcarbing I could provide links or you would have time to purchase and receive a book from Amazon for the diet of your choice.

Here are links to consider if this may be right for you:

This one has detailed reviews of diets on the left:
http://www.healthyweightforum.org/eng/diets/atkins_diet/

http://www.lowcarb.ca/atkins-diet-and-low-carb-plans/
http://users.smartlite.it/diva/quizzes/low_carb.asp
http://www.3fatchicks.com/diet-toolbox/diet-plans/low-carb-guide.html

Here is a link that has links for several low carb resources:

http://www.lowcarbsuccess.net/links.htm

I used to have a comprehensive list of links I liked but when my pc crashed I lost all of them http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif .

I'm not exactly clear on how you do the challenges and things around here. If you have any advice I would love to hear it. Let me know if you would be interested.

[chanou]

hey I'll take the challenge with you- I already have the book- I did Atkins about 3 months ago lost aboput 20 lbs and haven;t gaine dit back- I started eating carbs again more like white floor again and I feel so slugglish lately- I'll do phase one for 2 weeks and then just a dd a cup of brown rice on the 2nd phase.

I will challenge with you too, but I have too start on the fourth... the third is the last day of my cruise.

[Enchantmt]

Thanx. We can change the date. I have a friend here that wanted to to it after the 9th when she could shop for groceries. Whatever works best for everyone I am ok with.

[chanou]

okay ladies- I started today- My period ended today and is the best time for me to start a new way of life- I guess, the two of you can join me on july 4th-

[Tracy]

I'd like to start too....

I HAVE to modify (I can't do Atkin induction. I've tried it a million times) but I'd like to try it as well....

[keni5]

Im game, Im going to do the summer hydro challenge too. only 32 oz of water, thats not too hard.
I am on day one of this south beach diet and its already kickin my ***. phase one is a biatch. Anyone tried this...all I see when I close my eyes is carbs. phase two reintroduces the "good" carbs. then phase three you limit or eliminate bad carbs forever. I wonder if I can even last the rest of the day. I weighed myself today too. Guys I love carbs I dont know if I can cope...but here goes!!

[chanou]

Keni5, be strong, the first 3 days are the hardest.

I started today and I'm missing carbs too. I will post my menu here everyday and how I feel-
Breakfast: broccoli quiche (crustless)
Lunch- steak and 1 cup of broccoli
Dinner: 1 cup of lettuce and I filet of Tilapia (fish)
1 cup of coffee this morning-
Total carbs: 13

[Lisa]

Sure. I'm already doing Atkins and I will take all the support I can get. What's the challenge? Are we keeping are Carb intake below a certain number or are we just staying in ketosis?

[Dolce_Dawn]

I would love to join, but I know this wil be a hard one for me. Like everyone else, I love carbs!!! I need a menu to adhere to while on this challenge, otherwise, I am going to fail (I just know it.).

I know I'm being a baby about this, but could someone maybe post a menu of what we should/can eat per wk (breakfast, lunch and dinner)? If not, then I will just ape what Chanou is doing as far as meals are concerned b/c I have no idea what to eat/what not to eat.

After all that being said, count me in! http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[Michelle79]

I would like to join also. I done Atkins on and off for the past year & I have been successful when I followed the plan.

[Enchantmt]

I was planning on just staying in ketosis. I'm horrible at counting anything. If I get a lull in work I will post some info on setting goals. I also have several low carb cook books and I am planning to go though them and jot down some easy to do meals. If I have time I will put them in an email and send them out if you like. If you want to cut down on red meat anything that requires ground beef you can usually substitute ground chicken or turkey for it.

[chanou]

I use www.fitday.com (http://www.fitday.com) to count carbs

[keni5]

Thanx chanou, I needed that.

I wake late, 2 pm. I work graveyard

Today I had 1 filet catfish, green beans...so far 16 oz of water
BTW does anyone take flinstone vitamins...I need something chewable. Horse sized pills make me want to choke.
I will check out fitday.com.
How much starch is too much?

[keni5]

Dolce Dawn, this lady has her menu set out from months ago. Daily entries. Her menu looks good too and interesting. check it out. Click menu!!
http://users3.ev1.net/~fontlady/index.html

[keni5]

Enchantment, if you have time and you find things simple recipes with fish or tuna ( seafood) send me a couple!! you guys are great. I am also going to walk around the track a few times today. Might as well do it right. Starting my second bottle of water now.

[Dolce_Dawn]

Thx, keni5! http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[Enchantmt]

TIPS

Set Your Diet Goals

Its important to set specific and realistic goals. Try not to set vague goals like "I want to lose weight." Make the goals specific, such as "I want to weigh xxx lbs" or I want to fit into size x clothes."

Write A Contract

Losing weight is about making a commitment to change your habits and replace them with new, healthier ones. Take a moment to ask yourself if you're ready to go on a diet and get focused for success. When people formally commit to reaching their weight-loss goals they succeed at a higher rate. Make a contract with yourself and write down what you are willing to do to achieve your healthier lifestyle, such as "no snacking at night" or "exercise x minutes every day."

Start A Journal

One tool that can help you lose weight is a journal. You may include you before picture, starting weight, goals, a copy of your contract, etc. Once you start your diet you can also use it to keep track of what you are eating and your moods. A good way to start your journal is to take a photo of yourself and document starting measurements. The pictures and your beginning stats will help you create your goals and adjust your timeline for when you want to achieve them. After you lose weight you'll be able to look back at the journal and see how you over came daily diet obstacles and inspire yourself all over again.

Create A Winning Environment

Boost your success by cleaning out your fridge, pantry and secret stach of foods at home that will hinder your diet. You cant eat what you dont have. Dont forget to do the same at the office, car or other places. Replace the bad snacks with healthy ones in line with your diet plan.

Create Your Circle of Support

Don't think that you're on your own for meeting your goals. Increase your support circle by making new friends who share the same goals to lose weight. People are more likely to reach their goals when they have help from their friends. You are not alone on your journey.

[/i] Work it Gurl! [/i]

Changing your eating habits is a bit step but you will boost your results once you start exercising. As little as 15-30 mins a day can make a huge difference in how fast you meet your goal. You don't need a gym membership. Walk more, do yardwork , energetic house cleaning and home work outs.

Plan Your Meals

Plan for success by planning your meals. This keeps you on track and eating properly. This will make shopping easier and eating a no brainer when stress hits.

Reward Your Efforts

All work and no play makes Jane a very dull girl! Take time to reward the effort you've put into making yourself healthier. This can be a small item...movie, CD's, clothhing. If you choose a food reward don't over do it, you want to reward yourself not punish your diet.

Stay on Track

Once you've reached your goal dont resort back to all your bad habits. Keep your commitment to a healthier you. Look at this as a lifestyle change and develop habits that will stay with you even after you've met your goals.

GOOD LUCK!!

[Enchantmt]

Challenge Stats Suggestions

This is what I propose we document for the challenge, but I am open to suggestions...

1.Goal: ie Stay in ketosis, eat x number of carbs, lose x number of inches, lose x number of lbs, goal weight etc
2.Duration, 1 month, 2 months, 2 months and date 00/00/00-00/00/00
3. Plan...ie Atkins, Zone, South Beach, Protein Power, or a modified version
4. Method of Measurement: Ketone stix, lbs, inches etc
5. Link to a Journal...if you have one you are comfortable sharing.

[Enchantmt]

[ QUOTE ]
keni5 said:
Enchantment, if you have time and you find things simple recipes with fish or tuna ( seafood) send me a couple!! you guys are great. I am also going to walk around the track a few times today. Might as well do it right. Starting my second bottle of water now.

[/ QUOTE ]

Will do.

I started a weight loss journal and I will make it public after a couple of months when I have something to put in it http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif. My digital camera died and I dont have a way to take pics right now. I dont know how well my webcam would perform. The tips I posted I got from some site and I condensed them slightly. 60 lbs may seem like a lot to some people but the first time I did Atkins I lost 30 lbs the first month so it actually isnt as outrageous as it sounds. I've never done a challenge here before so if anyone thinks I'm missing something or has a suggestion please feel free to post it. This will be very flexible, you can measure your success however is best for you which is why I gave different suggestions for the Challenge Stats. Feel free to add something to it.

Thanx for the recipe link.