hello! New member. I live near Grand Rapids, MI - any other michiganders out there? I'm 58, female, married with a blended family of five grown children and nine grandkids I love with my whole heart. I need to lose forty five to fifty pounds and get lean and healthy for the first time in 8-10 years. I used to be lean and was a runner. I hope to get back to both. On and off low carb for five years. Convinced it is the right way for me, I just need to stick to it once and for all.

Welcome cat
You have found a great forum for LC information and support. If you are looking for a buddy, also consider joining a daily buddy or challenge thread or journal where you are checking with your virtual friends here. http://forum.lowcarber.org/forumdisplay.php?f=106
I would make one suggestion for your "restart" to help you stay on LC this time forever. That is to pick and follow one plan. It is so easy to fall off a plan when you do not have a specific plan. "Doing you own thing" makes it too easy to add those dicey LC foods like nuts and large portions of cheese if "your no specific plan" doesn't have limits.
With the new year upon us, consider starting an Atkins 72, 2002 induction or DietDoctor's Two Week Challenge (Duke clinic ) plan to have structure to a strict LC meal plan. https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb
Dr Eades explains the problems of "Low Carb Second Time Around" and how to overcome them:
https://proteinpower.com/drmike/201...w-carb-dieters/
All the best,

Thanks Janet!!! I will try to download the book and read it today.

The 2002 Induction plan is right at top of Atkins section: http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?t=236482
or the challenge on DietDoctor: http://www.kostdoktorn.se/wp-conten...starch_diet.pdf
Free Welcome Kit at HealClinic has complete plan too: https://healclinics.com

Yesterday I had the most awesome steak for dinner! I needed to reassure myself that low carb doesn't mean no flavor. It was PERFECT!

Hi Cat, we live in Newawgo Co in Michigan. I too have forty pounds to lose, will be starting the Aktins way of life after the new year. Would love to keep in touch, if you'd like?

I would LOVE that!!! You are not far from me, I'm in Kent Co, Gowen. Let's do this together!!!!

Not sure how to contact you , sorry. Email addresses aren't allowed ? I'm still trying to figure this website out.

You can private message each other after you each have 25 posts, exchange emails then. Or donate to this website and can message to your hearts content, no limits and even better the ads go away!

Dkadams55 lets get 25 posts in so we can stay in touch! We are close! Do you have and use a fitbit?

OK, let's do. No I don't have a Fitbit thingy.today is my last day to not watch carbs!

Good for you! I started on 12/18 so been low carb about two weeks. Only down 5 lbs but not watching fat or calories right now. Will start that more when I am sure I'm over the carb cravings!!!!

Carbs counts are the main thing you need to track.
Just make sure the carbs you do eat come from cream, cheese, and veggies if you eat them, not from any starches whatsoever.

My biggy will be a sugar withdrawl I'm sure. Love my cookies and coffee first thing in the morning.

Yes, sugar goes without saying....
Stock up on fatty protein for the first meal and that will set your mood for the day.