California's Gold

[Joyce Pari]

Near San Fran-Where in Cal are you?:cool:

[goingfor60]

I am in Los Angeles - I hate to use this phrase but it makes everyone immediately understand my location. "Like totally- the Valley"

I'm always around if support is needed.

Shannon

[Joyce Pari]

Except for it being to dry ,I use to love southern Cal until I moved north.in 1970 we had a place on the beach in Ventura .We now live in Sonoma county and LOVE it.We can go into the city for theature and great food,take a scenic drive down coast hwy 1 to Bodega bay which is 40 miles away on a warm afternooon for the best chowder,then drive through the giant redwood forests on the way back.Or spend an afternoon at a local whinery for cheese and local fare.

Have you been further north than L.A?

How long have you been on the Atkins low carb plan? Me, just 16 days.Have lost 6 1/2 pounds so far,and going strong.

Take care,Joyce Paris

[goingfor60]

Hi Joyce -

That's awesome Joyce keep up the good work - whats your goal?I live in Woodland Hills and have been LCing for almost 5 months now and I have lost a total of 25 pounds. My doctor said I had 2 choices, eat as I was and he would treat me for my upcoming diabetes. Or change my life and become as sugar free as possible and be healthy - I choose health!

This has been the best experience for me because I chose this diet and it works for me. I workout with a trainer and on my own and to not be constantly eating or sitting and watching TV has been great.

I have a huge disadvantage I believe over most people on this site except for Karen. My family has been in the catering business for 35 years and I was raised on whole milk, butter, fried foods and eating the best of everything. I still only use our microwave to melt butter, heat up a few left overs and cook bacon.

As far a No Cal I use to spend my summers in Capitola, half moon bay and Santa Cruz. I love the northern part of the state, it is absolutely gorgeous. Although I havent been north in hmmm 10 years- wow its been a long time.

Do you have a journal? If so I will check it out and if you wish to see mine its under A thru G entitled No I dont want fries or to Supersize it!

Have a great day :)
Shannon

[sage]

Hi Cal,
Had to write, I'm previously from the bay area as well. Used to live in Danville, in the east bay. Love your neck of the woods though, course could have something to do with being a wine lover.
Bodega Bay used to be one of our favorite places too, love that ocean cool, could use some of it living here in AZ. Well good luck to all of us.

[Joyce Pari]

Well hi there!

We lived in Concord for a while so I know that area also.Actually we have lived or been to just about all cities in Calif.WE love it here.

Where in Az are you?I have a daughter in Glendale.We fly over about every 3 months to see family.My daughter is a manager for Raley's Rest.Also have a son in the nursing field.

Have a great holiday week end.

Joyce:cool:

[sage]

Hi Joyce,
We live in Scottsdale, so Glendale isnt to far. My x-sister-inlaw, who is still like my sister lives in Concord, and was a Jazzersize instructor for years, her name is Lani Hayes. You just never know it is a small world.
Take care and you have a great weekend too.:)

[LCasa90125]

Hi Joyce... I live in Hayward and work in Pleasanton. I buy a lot of my LC products at a store in San Ramon. Just wondering if you've ever been there?

Laurie

[Joyce Pari]

Laurie-Hi

We have passed through Hayword but have not made any stops that I can recall.We don't get through that way to often.We mainly go to San Fran when we want to get out of our area.

Thanks for contacting me-have a good to yourself day.

Grammy Joyce:wave:

[Shonnee]

Hi Everyone,
I'm in Sacramento. Just wanted to say hi to all of my fellow California LC friends out there. Hope everyone is doing great.
Shondel

[itsjoyful]

Laurie -

Hi. I'm pretty new to lc eating and noticed you used to bet stuff in San Ramon. I live in Alameda, and have not found a place that has a lot of lc choices. Do you remember the name of the store? I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks
Brenda

[Debster]

Hi there!

I live in Southern California, in a little town called Tustin. It is in Orange County, about 60 miles south of Los Angeles and about 5 miles from Disneyland.

We were up in Grass Valley visiting friends in the spring and it was so pretty. My husband would love for us to move up there. Maybe someday when we retire. .... sigh.

[Kathie36]

:wave:

Hello to all my fellow Californians, I am in Sacramento. I am glad I found this site. Wishing you all well on your journey.

Kathie

[Victoria]

Hi there everyone!! I live in the Central Valley-Modesto. But I grew up in Concord in the Bay Area. Enjoyed reading your posts. Question? What kind of low carb products are you guys talking about? I just eat real food: eggs, meat(mostly chicken) and lots of vegies. So what kind of special store are we talking about and why? Oh, and nuts...I eat nuts when the kids are eating candy. :rolleyes: Take care everyone!!! One day at a time. Victoria :wave:

[Cheryl R]

I'm in California....between SF and Sacramento
I'm new to low-carb. I have lots of questions. :daze:
1. What does everyone snack on when you're at parties or other social engagements when everone else is eating chips.
2. How long does it take for that little nagging headache to go away. Everything else healthwise feels good since I started...a whopping 7 days ago. I can already tell this is right for me. I lost 4.25 pounds in the 1st week.

[essjay]

Another checking in from Contra Costa county. I'm a transplanted Nor'easter.

:)

[essjay]

Cheryl,

It took me about 2 weeks for the headache (a sign of detoxing from sugar and white flour) to go away.

Hang in there, as you go along, it gets better.

[Cheryl R]

:spin: Thanks, I'm glad someone answered about the heaches. I still have it a little bit, I'ts been about a week. :confused: At least I'm not so confused now.

I'm fighting that urge to want to see a pound drop on the scale everyday. I keep telling myself to only weigh once a week..but every morning, I can't fight the temptation to weigh in 1st thing in the morning.
Cheryl

[Kathie36]

One thing you might try if you want to weigh everyday is to average your weight after 7 days and then every week you will have an average weekly weight and you will see your lost pounds.

Keep up the good work.

Kathie36

[regoddess]

We live in Sunnyvale. :) We used to live in Sonoma County..Guernville to be exact. Also lived in Occidental, and Rohnert Park. We miss it. I've been LCing for um..2 weeks, but have yet to complete induction. I'll make it! :)

[Victoria]

Hi there neighbors!
So far haven't seen too many from my area. But I grew up in Concord and my grandmother lives in Pittsburg, so I know the bay area. Gee, regoddess, you used to live in Occidental, what a lovely place. How are you enjoying Sunnyvale? It's so much more city-fied.

Are you all just doing this all by yourself, or do you have friends doing this way of eating as well? My aunt is the one who introduced me to this WOL by giving me her book. But other than that, I've been figuring this out on my own. This forum and books I'm reading have been a great help. Regoddess--how are you doing just beginning during the holidays? It must be a hard time to start. But low carbing really takes away the terrible cravings, that come with binging on carbs and sweets. God bless you all. :wave: Victoria

[Kathie36]

Hope everyone had a great holiday season. I am looking forward to the new year. Keep up the good work and thanks for all the support.

Kathie36

[Cheryl R]

I had a great new years eve....I didn't break my diet...I'm now on day #7. Today is the day I start puting a little exercise in the plan...YUCK...
I can't wait for the California spring weather to go walking and bike riding...Our bikes haven't been ridden on 2 years so we have to get them tuned up.
Happy New year to all you Californians

Victoria...are you still in California? Your post almost makes it sound like you used to live here???

[Victoria]

Yes Cheryl, I am still here. I used to live in the Bay Area but now live in the Central Valley. I also used to live in Sonora, what a beautiful place. But now I'm in FOG land. I love it here tho. Well, at least I'm used to it. :rolleyes:

I got sick two days ago, so my New Year's was a bit quiet. My kids stayed up later than I did. But that is usually the case anyway, when they are on vacation. I can't believe it's already 2002. It seems like it was just a little while ago that we were wondering about the millenium. Hope all is well and peaceful in our great nation this year. Since Sept. 11th, life seems so much more precious, but also fragile. We watched the Rose Parade today. It seemed like such a wonderful celebration of our people and nation. Much more patriotic than ever before.

Well, have a wonderful new year!!! I feel so much hope because I have finally figured out a way to lose all this weight. I figure it will take me all this year, but by next new year, I should be closer to being my normal size. That will be something to celebrate!!! :dazzle: Victoria

[barbie]

Hello fellow Californians. I am here in Southern California also...Riverside to be exact. Over here in the smog...yuk! I was brought up in Huntington Beach then after marriage moved to Orange then to Riverside. Who knows where we'll move next. Hopefully somewhere with a little less 91 freeway, and less smog. Take Care...D

[Cheryl R]

welcome to the lowcarb forum.
You've already made great progress, I'm curious...did you do it lc'ing..or on some other plan.

[starchile]

Hey all!

Just thought I'd pop in and say HOWDY!! I'm originally from the Bay area...born and raised in Oakland...but I'm currently living and working in Humboldt county. For those who aren't familiar it's about 276 miles north of San Francisco, so the REAL Northern California!

I hope everyone's having a great day and not freezing half to death like I am!!!

Actually I heard the bay area had it's coldest night in history on Tuesday...anyone get unusual snow??

Peace and blessings,
Tesia

[bsayne]

Yea, doncha ya' know its been cooooold over here! At least for us Sunny Californians! I'm in the Eastbay, San Leandro area.

Tried to run water on the windshield to clear the frost and all it did was refreeze! The grass has been frozen every day this week and it looks like snow (frost) on the roof tops all around! I am wearing gloves and hat and all to the gym and just about everywhere till noon or so!

Stay warm...I warm up my water so I drink more that way and it keeps me a little warmer...Typing with gloves...I tried that the other night makes me an even worse typist/speller!!

How you doing with your program?

Beth :wave:

[starchile]

I love your screen name , btw!

I'm doing well on my program. I have cut down on the LC bread that I was eating all too regularly. And per all the latest bad talk about cheese, I've decided to cut back on that as well. Not TOO much b/c I've been eating it all along and haven't had any problems, but this is my first real stall and so I guess I'm panicking. The GOOD thing though is that I'm exercising 3x a week instead of just 1. And I LOVE LOVE LOVE my aeroboxing class!

With all the new changes I hope to see some progress on the scale when I weigh in on Monday. I've been absolutely dying to jump on there today but I'm gonna hold out.

How about you?? I've noticed that you have lost a SIGNIFICANT amount of weight. Do you mind me asking what size you started at and where you are now??

[bsayne]

Hard to believe because I actually stopped buying clothes and just kept squeezing into the ones I had, but I was buying 3X in mens t-shirts for a comfy fit and 24-26 in ladies sizes...I am on the verge of my 16 new black jeans that I had bought a year ago...maybe 2-3" when I just started the BFL program 3 1/2 wks ago so that was one of my 12 week goals...not only fit the 16's but make em loose! I was gonna wait for shopping and sizing but snuck a peak at the store about a week and a half ago and the 18's were loose but the 16 were still too small...soon though very soon!

I will be posting my 4 week progress in my journal by 1st of next week and see how much I have done on my new program...I get so caged when I don't get to exercise 1st thing in the morning! I'm glad your loving your exercise!

My mistake...I found your journal! Was gonna give you a hard time bout it!

Bsayne!

[gqudsi]

I noticed that Goingfor60 lived in Woodland Hills. I live in Reseda and was wondering if maybe you are looking for a walking partner. Anyone else in this area I would love to hear from you too. Have a great day!
Gina

[jenthenerd]

Joyce Pari,
I'm new to this (7 days today) and was curious to see what stores in San Francisco were your favorite for LC shopping.
Thanks!
Jennifer

[bsayne]

Most staple items can be had at any good grocery store...I like Whole Foods and Trader Joe's for good produce and specialty items...The health food store (Eastbay) is where I go for the organic produce and supplements. Pavel's is a good yogurt brand...made in Oakland, Russina yogurt with multiple live cultures...use full fat, very good in shakes.

Label reading will tell you whether or not any item will fit your LC LIFE! I also use the online sources here for LC items I can't find in the stores...like Flax-O-Meal and LC tortillas....Atkins has some great products if you aren't put off by the prices...bread, cheesecakes, I've also tried their quiches...small but good, except for the mediterranian cheese...too much rosemary for me...the souffle's are a bit spongie...some sugar free or low sugar sausages can be found at Safeway...mine even stocks Atkins pancake syrup now...

Happy LC shopping!

Bsayne

[jenthenerd]

thanks bsayne!
I'll try some of your suggestions. i'm not even through week 2 of the induction and i'm already climbing the walls.
hey, one more question. dr. atkins says that ham is permitted, but i know that it contains sugar, at the very least from the curing process. is there some that is better(as in sugar-free) that I'm not finding? the butcher that I spoke to was diebetic and she said that all ham has sugar.
just wondering.....

thanks again!
jen
:confused:

[rainlover]

Hi everyone!! I'm not necessarily new to the low carb lifestyle. I was successfully on this WOL for about two months before family problems and the stress of school took me down for the count. So, I'm kinda re-starting with new purpose!
When I did this a few months ago I was relying on online sites for my carb products. It was a hassle. While I never had any real complaints, I always found I was running out of something or needed to order something, and the lag time btw order and delivery was killing me. Are there any stores in the area that sell low carb products (outside of Trader Joe's)? I'm in the South Bay, but wouldn't mind travelling...
Thanks!

[shannonlee]

Hi everybody!

I'm just checking in from Concord, CA. Are there any locals that need a walking partner. I need outside help for motivation.

Let me know!!!!!!!!

-Shannon

[bsayne]

Yes, some sugar is in most ham curing process...average carbs seem to be 1 per oz...check the labels the best you can and use the least processed and not the honey baked (obviously). Make ham a treat and focus on other good quality proteins that you know don't have sugar the rest of the time.

Stores....Safeway even carries Atkins products..check out the pancake syrup...check your health food stores...I have found Atkins products and even their frozen bread at mine in San Leandro. I use online for ordering too and haven't found some items locally. I just buy in qty and reorder before I run out...sometimes it works...sometimes I order more next time. Otherwise I'd do a back to basics as everything you really need is at your local grocery store or food mill.

Concord's a little far to walk..but LC lunch maybe!

Cheers!

Beth

[EmmaG]

Hi everyone. I live in Pleasant Hill (near Concord). I grew up in Berkeley. GNC stores carry some Atkins products. Our Albertons' carries a few bars and shakes. Havent found low carb bread. Is it found in the frozen section at Safeway? Have a wonderful day everyone :D

[shannonlee]

:wave: hi neighbor!

I just moved to N. Cal a year ago. I grew up in So. Cal Orange County).

I'm not very formilure with the area, but I do know where Pleasant Hill is. You're right next door...lol.

Anyway, I have not tried the Atkins shake, how is it? How many carbs?

I haven't tried the bread either, but how is that?

Off the subject, I have a great quote from my desk calendar today

"When you blame others, you give up your power to change"
-Dr. Robert Anthony

Have a great day everybody!!!!!!! :dazzle:

[charleneta]

Hi, fellow Californian's - I just wanted to introduce myself. I just started Atkins about 2 weeks ago. I have lost 4 pounds with 16 left to go for my goal weight. I know it will be slow with just a little to loose, but I hope that I see some kind of a loss every week. I have a question, how do you change your weight on the little thing that is to the left of your name? Also, does anyone know of any stores in my area that sell low-carb foods? I ordered some of the Keto products, haven't received them yet. I am a little concerned that the breads won't taste very good, anybody tried them? Only problem so far is constipation, any suggestions for this? Thanks for the support!

[Roe]

Hello,
I am in Tracy but I work in Fremont. I've been doing this since October 2001. I stopped in November due to my daughter's birthday, but attempted to follow a LC plan. I was pretty lucky I only gained 5 pounds thru the holiday. I started back and have lost a total of 18 pounds. Seems like I have hit a major stall. I now workout 4 days aweek and love it. I use to do this many years ago. I can not wait until I get my biceps and triceps to pop out.
Someone asked the question about a special store. The name of the store is Green Beanz. http://www.greenbeanz.com is the website address. They have 2 locations a store in San Ramon and a new store in Fremont. You can get many of the things you see online. They also do a Atkins workshop in both locations. I have never attended the classes, but my girlfriend who started me on this has. May I recommend if you have not already tried Judy's carmels. This is the first thing to purchase there. But also let me warn you. It is not a cheap place. But then again what is in the Bay area.
For the person in Modesto, I have had pretty good luck at Village Health Foodstore in McHenery Village for a couple of items. Because I bake my own bread this is a great place for flours.
I look forward to talking to each of you. :p

[Victoria]

Hello Roe,
I live just a few blocks from McHenry Village, so yes I have visited the Village Heathfood store. I get my flax meal there as well as a few other things. But truthfully, I usually just buy meats and eggs, cheese, and vegetables. Mostly just what you can find in any store. Sometimes I splurge and get the low carb tortillas at Trader Joe's. But I've never been big on low carb "products".

Shannon, I grew up in Concord. I was there with my brother this Tuesday to visit our Grandma. We went all over Concord, visiting our old haunts....showing the kids where we went to school and our old houses. We had great fun!

Well, greetings to all the other Northern Californians. :wave: Good to see you all here! Victoria

[rainsimar]

Hello Californians! I'm new here - completed two weeks of LC.

I'm from Berkeley - just thought I'd check in.

Rain

[Cheryl R]

Rain..
how did you do on your first week? I live only an hour away from you...you are closer to the bay...I assume you're getting all of this beautiful weather too.

[rainsimar]

Hi,

It's been two weeks now, and I've lost nearly 5 pounds. Never in my life have I had a diet that I looked forward to. This is fantastic!

Yes, the weather is nice, but it's freezing in my office!

Rain

[sugarfree1]

HI!! :wave:

I'm in Burbank, but I usually just say LA!! It's right over the hill from me.

I've been lc'ing for a couple of years, but I still have a ways to go to get to my goal. I am still the only one of my group of friends and family that eats low carb. I would love to be able to go to a restauant and not be the only one giving the waitress a hard time!! :D

I'm surprised there aren't more people from LA! :( Everyone is so far away!!

Off to get more water.............

[Roe]

Just wanted to stop in and say Hi again. I've been under the weather for the past 3 weeks and it has effecting my breathing and my ability to workout. I was just on a roll hitting the gym 5 days a week built up to 35 minutes on elipitical glider and feeling good. Then this cold hit me, turned into bronchitis and now I have a persistent cough. I know it is my seasonal asthma. Only gained 3 pounds back but I just hate not being able to workout.

Determined to get in the gym tomorrow. Even if I'm huffing puffing and coughing. :p

[katiehall1]

hi ive been on the diet off and on for 2 years now and am new to this forum. i saw the questions about lc stores. Im origionally from the bay area and right now im living in chico (nor cal) the stores ive found are called juice etc in roseville, ca. www.juiceetc.com and greenbeanz in san ramon and fremont www.greenbeanz.com both stores carry a ton of low carb products.

[yeksac]

I live in Redondo Beach, California. I am interested in a cooking co-op in this southern LA area. A cooking co-op is a group of people who prepare meals for one another on a rotating basis. You don't eat together, rather, one day a week you simply fix enough dinner for everyone in your co-op. The other days you rest and meals are delivered to you. I would like to do it from the Zone Diet. Interested?

[Jeffiner]

Hi there I didn't realize there was a CA thread untill today! WHO KNEW!? I go to Green Beanz alot in Fremont and also there is a low carb store in San Leandro with cheaper prices. Walmart in Pleasanton has some stuff and its cheaper then the one in Union City. Safeway is carrying the ice cream now :yum: (Atkins). It is 4.99 and in the case by the Klondike bars and such in a box. GNC also carries products but you have to get it when its on sale to get a deal. I'm a pretty frugal shopper and also don't do a lot of the low carb foods but when I do I know where to get it for the cheapest price! ;) I live in the Fremont area, my girlfriend and I both attended a workshop at GreenBeanz/Catus after we started Atkins. It was informative but not by much if you read the entire book, and for some reason when we took the class in Fremont it was cheaper then in San Ramon... go figure this was in Jan. though so that could have changed. Anyway hello to all the other bay area folks! :)

[MsVrcaSlt]

Hey everyone. :D Im new to this forum. I live in Hayward California! Im pretty close to some of you. Ive just recently found the greenbeanz store in Fremont. I havent had a chance to stop in but im very excited about it! Ive been off and on the atkins diet for about 2 years. Im getting alittle tired :daze: off eggs and steak so I cant wait to buy some atkins bread, shakes, chocolate, etc!!! Ive had to start induction over again and im at day 2. Can anyone give me some head up on good tasting low carb products???? it would be greatly appreciated!! thank you! :roll:

[catlinc]

Hi there Folks :wave:

I'm in LA, in the valley like Shannon, but I happen to know the name of the store.

It is Greenbeenz and there are two, one in San Ramon and one in Hayward.

[satihap]

hey msvrca!

i'm in san jose and i've been to greenbeanz- lots of low carb stuff but PRICEY! anyways, if you're every up to a lc get together..lemme know!

[MsVrcaSlt]

Wow, thanks!! That sounds like a good idea. Do you get together with other lc'ers often? that sounds like it would be alot of fun :spin:
Ive heard that greenbeanz is kind of expensive. Thats a bummer because im on a buget for lc foods :(
I found atkins shake mix at vitamin world. They also have some bars. So im stocking up on those. Thanks again. :)

[Jeffiner]

Green Beanz is overpriced on some stuffbut pretty good on other stuff if you get it on sale. Also they have a frequent shopper card and every month they mail you a check for 5% rebate on what you spent the previous month that you can use towards anything in the store. So far Wal-Mart is the cheapest I have found around the area and GNC you have to check weekly I got two boxes of indulde bars about a month ago for 12 dollars a box because they had coupons and they had them on sale. They are 27 dollars a box at Green Beanz. So its just a matter of shopping around for the things you like and knowing the prices. Wal-Mart is the cheapest for the shakes and some lc bars and candy. Green Beanz usually puts the bread on sale every month as well.

[satihap]

msvrca-

walmart is definitely the cheapest around. you might also wanna try vitaglo and netrition (.coms) those are also good.

no, i've never gotten together with any of the bay area lcbrs but it seems like a good idea.

you and i are actually very close in age- i think you're a year younger... i would love to finally have someone to talk to who understands the lc way of life. lemme know if you ever wanna hang out sometime!

[Nat490]

Hello to all my fellow Californians, Ridgecrest, Ca here
pleased to meet y'all.

Yes a bit of a Southern accent here, Was born in the South.
:wave: hello

[catlinc]

I am up for any get togethers in the LA County area. I tried one once with some folks in the LA/O.C. area, but we were too far apart to make a habit of it. I am in Van Nuys and have been lc for about a year and half. I don't have a lot of weight to lose, but I have been on a stall for a long time.

MsVrcaSlt-
As far as lc foods go, you just have to jump in and start trying stuff. There seem to be a lot of sales all the time on-line and off, plus a lot of the stores offer samples along with min. orders.

Jeffiner-
Did they provide samples to taste at Greenbeanz's Atkins presentation? Or do you get stuff in a bag to take with you? I looked at the page, and it is not a cheap class.

I'm having really good success with weight training. I started it abuot 6 weeks ago to try to break this stall. 3 days a week and then three days of cardio. It has been really great for my shape, and you get the added bonus of raising your base metabolism, so that you burn more calories even when you are at rest, naturally. So far I don't think I have lost much weight, but I look much slimmer, due just to being trim.

So lets hook up! I have free time in the next two weeks, does anyone want to meet for lunch somewhere? There is a sandwich shop in Van Nuys that has low carb grocery products, and I think they serve low carb bread sandwiches too. It is called Humphrey Yogurt's on Van Nuys Blvd...

Any takers?

[Jeffiner]

Hi there! To answer your question. GreenBeanz/Catus does offer some samples and always has something open on the counter to try especially when they get new products. Some stuff I would have never bought if they hadn't had a sample out on the counter. At the class we took they offered samples of pork rinds, some candy and I think a few other items. They also offered a huge bag full of goodies for $150.00. It had 15-20 different bars, some candy bars, a can of shake mix, 1 can of ready shakes, some supplements, a muffin mix and some coupons and I think some other stuff. I bought the bag but this was back in January so I'm not sure if they still offer it for the $150.00 price. The class was informative and helpful but only reinforced what you read in the book. I can't say there was a lot of "new learning". I like green beanz because I can get some LC items I can't get elsewhere but a lot of their stuff is overpriced compared to other places. There was a coupon in the Sunday paper for Atkins ice cream fifty cents off and I have also seen a lot of print ads for Atkins as well as Russle Stovers claiming they now have a candy for low carbers... I haven't seen it in the stores so I haven't read the label yet to see how true the claim is. ;) It will be interesting to see if the food industry takes off with the LC way of eating like they did with the low fat. Would be nice. :) Anyway take care and have a great day!

:wave:

[catlinc]

Thanks for the info about Greenbeanz. I am opening a shop in West LA for Low carb groceries. I am going to try to post the dates when I open, if that is ok with this site. email me if you want to get something directly.

[Catgross]

Hi,

I am looking for a Medical Doctor, either M.D. or Gynecologist or both that understands Low-carb eating as a way of life. I also need the doctor who has an understanding in Menopause, and will have other solutions, besides HRT. Through process of elimination, I have found that Soy is not a good product for me personally, becuase it helps to mess up my estrogen levels, creating some of the migrane headaches I have had. Besides just stomach disorders. I am a new person on the adkins diet, and I have lost two dress sizes so far, and I am enjoying eating good foods. Not the Low fat garbage. YUCK! I work out 3 to four times a week, and the local gym, and swimming pool. I am also looking for good tasting bread, with low carbs, without the soy. . . . .

Thanks for the help,
Sincerely,
Catgross

PS. I live in Ventura County, CA - Thats where I need to find a good doctor. . . .

[IdahoSpud]

Hi!

I live in Bakersfield, by way of Ridgecrest, and San Diego (ex-navy).

Raised in Idaho, but since it was a job-free state, had to leave it for beautiful, sunny, warm economically vibrant California. Bummer, huh? :)

[Cheryl R]

Only a bummer if you want it to be.

[IdahoSpud]

Hi Cheryl,

I think you missed the intended irony there. I like my adopted state!

[Indigo_]

Hi, I live in beautiful San Luis Obispo county, about midway between LA & SF.

[cls923]

I live in Riverside!

[Softy]

Santa Cruz, Calif here!

[Cheryl R]

ANy new Californian's here.

[TXAimee]

I'm still sort of a new Californian. I've lived in LA for 18 months, been low carbing for almost that long.

[Cheryl R]

Welcome to California and low carbing.

[_MommyOf2]

Hello my fellow Californians! This is my 3rd day using this website although I've been LC'ing for 9 months now. :) I love this website and am glad I found this section of the site.

I'm a San Francisco native but just moved out to the East Bay (Pittsburg). I love having the warm summers out here, it's different than what I'm used to.

Anyhow, I'm glad to meet you all and I wish everyone the best of luck in their low carb journey.

Maybe we can do a yearly low carb get together?? Just a thought. :cool:

[Cheryl R]

Hi Mommy of 2 welcom... if you are serious about low carb, you will love this place to pieces. These forums are my right hand.

Most on this thread are from so cal.. but there are a few of us northerners here. If I was to take hwy 12 to 4 I'm just about 30 miles from you give or take a few.

Cheryl

[_MommyOf2]

Hello everyone! Cheryl R - Yes, you are about 30 minutes or less(depending on how fast you drive) away from me. :)

I really enjoy looking at everyone's before/in progress/after pictures, support forums, recipes, etc. This is such a great website!

Just today I started my own journal (julia's journal - the rest of my life) and you're all welcome to read it.

I'm feeling great today.. and I hope you all have a good day!!

[Cheryl R]

Yeah Mommyof2... you started a journal... I just posted in it.. then I read it.
I had the same experience at Marine world with a ride.. the only difference is I didn't want to go on it in the first place, but I lost a bet and was supposed to ... but darn, I didn't fit.

And about almost getting to 200....I felt that too back when I was in my 20's. Did traditional dieting... and gained more and more. No this last December I hit 291.75.. and what a scare I had then... but things of the past, we found what works and it's down hill from here...

[MsTwacky]

Hi!!!!!!!!!

I'm from the San Fernando Valley!!!!!!!!

Anyone else???????

[maximus76]

San Francisco, East Bay area LCers unite! Anyone around? Let's let each other know,
thanks!

[Cheryl R]

I'm still here, I'm 1/2 way between SF and Sacto.

[Stutz101]

I'm here in Sacramento - Nice to see other Nor-Cal folks!

Christy

[PlayDoh]

hi there :D we're in northern california right between sacramento and san francisco not too far from jelly belly factory. we used to live in southern california, san diego to be exact, and liked it there much better.

[NoBadCarbs]

Hi, :wave:

Another here from Sunny So. California. I live in Long Beach, more specifically on the Los Alamitos Bay Peninsula with the sand right out my front walk.

Anyone else from Long Beach?

Sheryl

[Cheryl R]

Wow, Play doh.. I live just a few miles from Jelly Belly...like 2 miles or less.

Yeah... more Ca folks here.
We all gotta get to know each other here and then some day we can have a low carb meeting in person (at a salad bar restaurant or a steak house).

Cheryl

[AboutAGirl]

I'm here in Berkeley (aka Hippyville ;) )

[PlayDoh]

cheryl! we're VERY CLOSE neighbors! :wave:

[Linell2005]

Hi, I'm living in Chico. I'm new to forums, having tried one before and never did really figure it out. This one is more interesting to me because my life has been pretty much one big diet since about age 28, trying to learn what works for me. Half my lifetime ago (I'm almost 67), a smart Dr. told me to just eat meat, if I'm hungry buy a hamburger and eat all but the bun. I did that for awhile, didn't lose any weight but felt better, and since then I have experimented with all kinds of things, ending with low carb, moving toward no carb (almost), to no carb (almost) plus counting calories. This works. I'm happy, not hungry, and I DO live in California :) I've lived here since '65, starting in San Bernardino, then San Gabriel, Redwood City, Boonville and other places in Mendocino County, 20 months of bliss in San Francisco, and finally to Chico for the second time. I'm wondering what wonderful things I will pick up on this forum site as I am practicing an Eskimo diet?

[Terranova]

Howdy neighbors!

I'm on the north-western end of SF peninsula just above Pacifica.

*cheers*

[MyJourney]

I am in San Jose, so south of you guys, but I did see signs for the Jelly Belly factory when I drive up to Davis.

[Alicatspjz]

Hi everyone. I just enjoyed reading all these familair city names. I was born and raised in San Jose, lived in San Ramon for a few years and now live in Hollister.

Been LCing for 12 days and so far so good! Still not tired of the basic foods yet. Not craving carbs yet. I think I am so determined this time to make it work I have changed my mindset. Snacks aren't non-WOE things to me anymore. A snack is a food that is LC. I make my kids meals and don't have the urge any more to even lick the spoons.

How did the rest of you do this weekend?

[Alicatspjz]

I am in San Jose, so south of you guys, but I did see signs for the Jelly Belly factory when I drive up to Davis.

Hi MJ, I am a native to SJ. My hubby still commutes to SJ or SC every day and I am SO glad I don't have to. I work at home and get to spend more time with my two boys (3 and 8).

What area are you in? I was in South SJ; the Blossom Hill/Santa Teresa area.

[MyJourney]

Willow Glen area. I think its West San Jose. I have been looking for a local person around here to go to the gym with and I cant find any. I think I am the only Low Carber around lol.

[Cheryl R]

Hi all you Californians!!!!
I've been away for awhile. Health issues. My hubby has been policing me and keeping me off the computer (for good reasons)
I don't want to dwell on the last 6 weeks of health issues, but I'm back.
I was calling out sick a lot and one week actually called out 3 days in a row. So I finally started listening to my doc (since my husband was at the last few appointments/ER visits with me). He put his foot down and got on my case if I got on the phone or computer in the evenings. For the last 2 weeks, I have made it through full work weeks and with a little energy left over. I'm not 100% better yet, but with lots of R and R for another month or so, my doc says by June I should be my old self again.

Anyway... I will be on the comuter only 1 night a week and sometime Saturday mornings for the next week. (I have to go to bed by 8 at night for a few more weeks) I'm up at about 5 am, before getting sick bed time was 10 or so.

Anyway... getting back on low carb has been rough for me. I need go get it down to a science again, where it all becomes habit.

I'm still hoping we all get to meet sometime in the near future. It would be so fun!!!! I always here of some of the East Coasters doing it each year and they have a great time.

Everyone have a great week.

Cheryl

[Cheryl R]

PlayDoh,

I was going to post in your journal... but you don't have one????

[Alicatspjz]

Willow Glen area. I think its West San Jose. I have been looking for a local person around here to go to the gym with and I cant find any. I think I am the only Low Carber around lol.


Hey Journey, I spent a lot of time in WG. My grandparents used to own the very last house on Lincoln before San Carlos. A beautiful white Hacienda. But they sold it and the new people put up a wall and it turned to crap.

I don't get to SJ often these days. Now that I live in a little town and work at home everything else seems to far away. Even when I want to go to the mall or big-time shoppin it's usually to Salinas instead of Oakridge.

Good luck on finding a LC buddy. I am glad this website is here. I don't know anyone within 50 miles of me doing LC personally. Maybe you can make a friend at the gym. I heard some ladies talking at my gym about doing Atkins and think I will approach them next time.

[loates]

Hi everyone! I live in the Central Valley area - Lemoore, (which is about 30 miles south of Fresno), but grew up in the Bay Area, (Benicia), and then married, lived in the San Pablo/El Sobrante area for 10 years and then moved to Stockton and Manteca for a couple of years. I did a brief stint in Colorado before moving to Lemoore, where I've been for about 9 years.

I've been doing CAD for about 12 years now, (off and on, as needed). I was watching an afternoon talk show about 9 months after my daughter was born in 1992, and heard Dr. Rachel Heller describing her diet plan. It piqued my interest, and I went out and purchased the book. The rest, as they say, is history. I remember soooooo many people looking at me in disbelief when I described the diet way back then. I kept telling everyone that carb controlled diets were the way of the future. Nobody believed me, they were still skeptical, even after they saw how well the plan worked on me. I guess I had the last laugh though, huh? Now we're seeing "Carb this" and "Carb that", everywhere. Ha!

Anyway, I always follow CAD when I feel the clothes starting to pull. I don't weigh because it causes too much mental stress for me. I've found it's just easier to "listen" and "watch" my body. I don't need the scale to tell me if what I'm eating is on plan or not, I know this WOL so well I could do it in my sleep. I don't always like to follow the plan, though, so whenever I feel comfortable with the size I am, (based on my clothing fit and the mirror), I will allow myself to go off-plan until it is needed again.

Well, sorry, I really didn't mean for this to be so long. I just planned to say "hi from Lemoore". I certainly can go on and on, sorry.

So, hello fellow Californians, and I'm happy to hear so many success stories. Keep up the good work.

loates

[Cheryl R]

OMG... I was born and raised in Benicia.

Just by looking at the years you moved around I would lay odds that we know each other. Did you see by my name that it said Fairfield with Benicia in paranthesis.

Who are you.. I've got to know. You can see my first name and I graduated in the mid 70s not too many people in Benicia back then who had my 1st name.

[loates]

Cheryl R, I did notice Benicia under your name and wondered if I knew you. I graduated in 1982 though, so I've been wracking my brain trying to remember anyone from town, who was older than me, named Cheryl.

I did have a cousin who might have graduated around the time of your class, Gary Smith, I think he graduated in 1978, do you know him? Oh, and my name was Lisa Smith. My mother was pretty well known in Benicia, you mght have known her. She worked at the Tia Theresa for years, Betty Smith? And maybe you know her best friend, Cheena, who also worked there. Her niece, Kim Melendez dated my brother, Danny Cullen for a while. Another brother worked as a bartender around town in the late 70's, Kevin Cullen. I have nieces and an ex-sister-on-law who still live around there, and several cousins. My ex SIL's name is Lynn Musante, my nieces are Kelly and Amy Cullen (although they've both married and have different last names now, and Kelly is living in Napa, these days). My aunt, Jackie Smith, (now Presley), owned the old Driftwood Hotel, (I don't know the current name of the place), on West J Street, in 1976 +/-. Another aunt and uncle were the cooks at the Tia Theresa, and several cousins worked there in the kitchen also, Martha and Gary Smith, Mike, Laura and Cindy Smith. I have two younger siblings, Sherry Smith and Sean Smith, but I don't know what the chances are that you know them. Sherry did work at the Tia Theresa for a while and then at the Bronze Seal. Do any of these names sound familiar?

I miss Benicia, it is such a wonderful little town - sadly, I totally didn't appreciate it while I was growing up. Older and wiser now, I only wish I still lived up there.

Anyway, it's nice to meet a fellow Benician.

[scthgharpy]

Hey SF/Bay Area Low Carbers-there is a yahoo group designed to support folks in N calif! check out:

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Low_Carb_SF_Bay_Area/

Personally, I would love to hook up with some of you folks regularly for conversation, maybe potlucks, maybe even exercise partners. Walk around lake merritt, anyone??

[misscali]

Near San Fran-Where in Cal are you?:cool:

Im in sacramento ,CA

[Cheryl R]

H everyone. I've been away from the site for awhile. Any californian's still here?
I wish I could have come on sooner to talk to loates. I do know cheena if you come back on. I see you only posted 2 times so you might not be on anymore.

[loates]

Cheryl R. - I am still here, I'm just not much of a poster.

I was hoping you'd know Cheena, seems everyone does/did. She and my mother were best friends for years. Everytime I get to Benicia I make a point to stop by and see her. Unfortunately, I haven't been up there in quite a while now. Do you know how she's doing? I'm really terrible about calling, so I never really keep up with anyone up there. I just love loved Cheena to death, she was such a riot!

I'm glad to see you're back on, I was wondering what happened to you after my post. I've haven't been watching what I eat all summer, but I'm getting ready to get back on the wagon. Soon, very soon......

[Cheryl R]

I know that Cheena went to their class reunion. My friend Mary told me that.

I knew Kim Melendes very well. I always though she was so adorable as a child. When I was a the swimming pool, she was younger and followed me around like a puppy dog. I'm 48 and graduated in 74 so your cousins are younger than me, and heck in high school you never paid attention to the jr high school kids.

But, I worked in Foster Freeze from 1974 until 1978 when I got pregnant with my daughter.

The only reletives I had that graduated in late 70's early 80's was nephews Steve Stanhope and Randy Kee. Not sure exactly what years though. My sister Dorothy Hall was class of 77 and my brother Ernest aka JR was class of 76.
I had nieces with the last name Frashik.

I grew up in the 700 block of West K street, accross from what used to be the old "tralor park". I lived in the pink house right in the middle of the block after the fields or gully. We had a big family so needed a big house. My parents had 10 kids. That's almost unheard of now.

Tia Teresas!!!! That place should have never closed. Of the people who worked there I only remember Cheena and one other lady who had long dark hair usually in a pony tail. I can see her face right now as sure as I'm sitting here. Memories.

Benicia being as small as it was back then, we must have run into each other before. But Smith... such a common name as was my name Hall.

I'm still trying to remember people about your age. Like Tracy Stoops, Lori Rahill I'm drawing a blank. Those were my babysitters and "younger" friends.

I went to Mary Farmar School it's still there.

[Bobi-p]

Anyone still here from Southern California. I thought I'd revive this thread since I am. In another thread I came across someone who had lived in my town. Actually, he found me.

[nawchem]

San Diego is my hometown but I moved in May to Denver. I think I'll always be a Californian. Maybe moving back someday. :cool:

[Nat490]

Yep, I am still lurkin around in the back ground here in RC, CA.

Nanc

[Cheryl R]

Hi everyone, just popping in to say hi.
How are all you CA people.

Let's all start a CA get togher. Maybe this summer, somewhere central CA. Maybe Fresno. I'm willing to go as far as LA.

[FriskyKid]

Hi I'm from Concord. I have lived with diabetes for awhile. Age 60. But now I have a new girlfriend in the Philippines. I found out that I have erectile dysfunction. Is there a natural way to treat this or do I have to use the expensive prescription drugs?

[Bobi-p]

I'm from Ridgecrest, just adjacent to the China Lake Naval Base and in the middle of somewhere and on the edge of nowhere as they say around here!
Hi all fellow Californians!

[Nat490]

Ms Bobi-p it is good to cya..
Been awhile and here I am stuck in Simi Valley yet again. But taking a side trip out there to our desert town in the morning.

hugs
and good to cya
nanc

[Bobi-p]

Hey, Nanc...! I was just wondering where you have been earlier this week. We should stop at Kristy's sometime when you're in town. How is your Dad doing?

[Nat490]

That would be fun Bobi-p.

He is holding his own but his vitals aren't steady. Today he looks very tired and worn out. The doctor is wanting to see him every 4 weeks now and he is about stopped eating. If it wasn't for the nutritional drinks we keep pushing I don't think he would be with us.

So for now we say put at the Simi house.

hugs
Nanc

[Bobi-p]

Sorry to hear that Nancy. It's always tough to stand by and watch. I have been there too many times.

[Cheryl R]

Why is that being posted here. This is about weight loss, and this particular thread is about people on low carb who live in California.
If you look back on many posts in this thread you would have seen were are all female, thus the little pink icon...

[Cheryl R]

Sorry about that, I was posting to a post on the previous page at the bottom. That guys question was not appropriate

[Nat490]

Hi Cheryl,
Glad you came back and let us know what was going on cause I began to wonder if we did something wrong.

Congrats on your weight loss todate. Great job....

Nanc

[Cheryl R]

I'm so silly. I sometimes forget there might be a next page.

Love your frog in your signature. I'm a frog collecter of 30+ years.

Cheryl