Hi all — or should I just wave at Leanne? Thought I’d check in with an update. I’ve lost track of my P2G, but the hubster and I started Atkins (again) two and a half weeks ago, and so far, I’m down 10lbs and he’s down 16lbs. I know that Atkins isn’t for everyone, but it works very well for us. Neither of us are ever hungry and, so far, we haven’t missed the bread, potatoes, and other starches. We stayed on the initial “Induction Stage” for an extra week, and then this weekend will start adding a few more carbs in the form of berries, nuts, and some different veggies.

The huge thing is that neither of us has wavered, or really even given it much thought. Our energy levels always go UP (contrary to what people think), we sleep well, and personally, I feel 100% better off the bread, though it was never a problem for hubby. I also ran it past my doctor, who had good things to say about it, based on the weight loss AND lab results from some of his patients who’ve done Atkins.

So, we’re going to stay on this plan for as long as it keeps working. How’s everyone else doing? You should stop by occasionally and fill us in.

I believe I’m down close to 20lbs total, but I’ll start a new P2G goal as of this posting:

P2G summer goal: 28lbs

Myth 1: Skipping meals helps you lose weight

Fact: Skipping meals will create cravings and cause
you to overeat. But most importantly, skipping
meals causes your body to slow and not burn fat
as quickly as it would if you were eating a several
low-calorie, high-protein meals a day.

Myth 2: Carbohydrates cause weight gain

Fact: Carbohydrates are your body’s premier
source of fuel. If you don’t eat carbohydrates you
will be sluggish and irritable. There are two types
of Carbs: The good and bad carbs. So instead of
munching on sweets and cookies (bad carbs) find
an alternative among fruits, vegetables, whole
grain brown rice and cereal.

Myth 3: No snacks

Fact: If you observed your eating habits and
noticed that you eat at least only three times a
day, then it is probably best to have a snack. The
benefits of snacks is that it helps you to stop over
eating, and plus it gives you more energy and
keeps your metabolism working at its peak!

Myth 4: Fat is bad for you

Fact: This is a common misconception of people
undergoing a diet. What we should strive to get
rid of is the bad cholesterol, and retain the good
cholesterol. Fats are essential for human beings to
be healthy, good cholesterol lowers risk of certain
diseases. The healthy fats are actually called
“essential fatty acids” which is required for overall
health and lowers the risk of heart disease.

Myth 5: Dairy products make you fat

Fact: if combined with calorie control, dairy can be
beneficial for you. This is because they contain the
hormone Calcitriol, that conserves calcium for
stronger bones while sending a message to fat cells
to convert less sugar to fat and burn more body fat.

Myth 6: Lose weight is hard and a chore

Fact: All diets require dedication, but no diet is
impossible. Instead of seeing your diet as a chore
or punishment, try to think of it as a way to feel
good about yourself. Imagine yourself walking into
a room with your confidence soaring, turning heads
as you go every time you start to feel discouraged.
It will help you to realize that your not punishing
yourself, your rewarding yourself.

(Received in e-mail from SHC, the Wu-Long Tea People.)