Watch out! Half and half does have carbs - 10.4 grams per cup, almost as much as whole milk which has 11.4 grams. A better alternative is whipping cream at 6.6 grams per cup.

By eating the sugar-free chocolate pudding you're flirting with danger. There are 11 grams of carbohydrates in 1/2 cup of prepared mix when made with milk.

Too many legal treats can set off cravings the same way sugar does.

I would be very sad to see anyones progress and all the hard work that has been put into their new way of eating sabotaged.

Karen

good advice. i guess i didn't read the information as carefully as i thought.

any suggestions for something sweet that is low in carbs and sugar that doesn't require me making it from scratch???

Sugar-free Jell-o, and the same warning still applies!

Karen

Acouple of ideas come to mind--I've always been told that if you are going to weigh regularly it must be the same time each day you choose to get on the scale. It also could be water weight--you'd be surprised how much your body does weight does vary and not just during the time of your cycle. Ofcourse Im a person who didn't go near a scale for 18 years and always judged by how my clothes fit. It was the doctor tricking me to get on the scale that sent me into a panic and a need to make some changes. I have been low carbing since July 26th--not long and won't weigh until the end of summer, I think. I think if you decide to use the scale on a regular basis, I would do it weekly same day, same time and I think you'll see a steady loss---I really think it all evens out ~~bella

You are right I am sure. I am going home at lunch time and hiding my scales for a few weeks!

Whatever the case, do not let it get you down. You will lose the weight! Just keep focused and try interesting new foods. I think just prowling around the store looking at the carb content can be an adventure. Just discovered sugar free jello but used the carb free flavored sparkeling water instead of the cold water and then regular hot water as required. Delish! Ended up with orange-strawberry-kiwi jello!! Also tried the melted cheese and sour cream over pork rinds for breakfast--like nachos. Just find foods to keep this eating plan interesting. They are out there!!!~~bella

I have tried pork rinds with sour cream. It is pretty good but I will have to try the nachos style pork rinds.

I don't have a 100 lbs to lose but I was most definitely headed that way. That surely means I qualify LOL

This is a great forum. A very unique atmosphere. Haven't dared click on it before but felt naughty today.

I haven't read half of it but in one of the earlier messages Andy was surprised to see so few men. Men are not under the same pressures as women to be slim. Their conditioning (by Society) is very different, hence their attitudes to weight problems are different.

{Bella: I've always been told that if you are going to weigh regularly it must be the same time each day you choose to get on the scale. It also could be water weight} What a lovely name, Bella. It is true. I was scale obsessed when I started. Then I discovered that first thing in the morning before I eat or drink anything my weight is lowest. After breakfast it goes up a bit. After 2 litres of water it goes up even further. If I haven't "been" for 2-3 days it goes up. Time of the month - goes up: possibly water retention. So I decided only ever to weigh myself when I first wake up. Usually I am so dopey then that I forget and then it's too late. It was a good way of getting past the scale obsession for me. I don't think it matters when u weigh yourself so long as it is the SAME TIME SAME DAY every week. Best way to compare you today to you yesterday.

Anyway that's enough. Can't have you guys banning me before I'm accepted. LOL

Take care.

welcome, Fiona! I'm new here also and new to low carbing as well. And i hate scales although my hubby says I need to get over the scale phobia. lol. But the doctor tricked me into getting on one and then came to check out my "ballpark" estimate of my weight. I hadn't been to a doctor or a scale in 18 years until a bad car accident in June which forced the previously healthy me to have to start visiting them. But it did propell me on to a different eating plan--so much for getting on the scale with my eyeglasses off. Thanks for saying you like my name actually it is the name of my very fat cat--bella(godiva). It is a beautiful name though. She's fat from dry cat food and shredded wheat biscuits! I have to agree that the preception of a heavy man is alot different than a heavy woman. Heavy men are often fondly thought of as John Goodman types or he-man types. Heavy women--well, I think people just assume we are all watching soaps and eating chocolates all day. That assumption is insulting as our lives involve so much more~~~~bella

Well, it's been two weeks and the official count is down 12 pounds. Not bad. I was good about following the induction plan ... now I have to carefully increase my carbs to a healthy amount for weight reduction. How have you all done with that?

I also joined a health club (for women only -- very comfortable even for someone as big as me). I found out when I got there that I was entitled to free membership -- WOW! The routine should be 30-45 minutes 4 times a week. I plan to go as soon as I drop off my daughter at school, then come home, shower and get to work ... should be very doable. What I like about the gym is that it's air-conditioned! I could never get myself to walk on these hot and humid days. (I'm on the Gulf coast of Texas)

If I include the weight I lost just before starting Atkins, I'm down just about 20 pounds and lighter than I've been in years!

Hi Bella

{I think people just assume we are all watching soaps and eating chocolates all day. That assumption is insulting as our lives involve so much more} I know and it makes me so sad. People are people regardless of size, colour, sex, race. But the alienation and segregation throughout the world is something that really makes me sad.

That what I love about this forum. This is one place where anyone and everyone is welcome and supported and .... well ... just accepted for who they are.

Take care.

To Bailey WS

Congatulations. 20 lbs is a significant amount, and a great start.

Get her low-carbing with you!

Karen

I think your success so far is wonderful! When I reached 280 I knew I had better do something or the pain in my joints and the stress on my heart was going to kill me. I have no idea how I've avoided diabetes. Like many others, I've gained, lost, gained and lost until I can't remember how many diets I've been on. I'm not looking at this as a diet but as a way of life. Since I started June 28th of this year I have lost all the joint pain and gained so much energy I can't believe I haven't woken up in someone else's body. I still have days where I struggle with temptation, but I'm determined to not give in. I know carbohydrates will eventually kill me if I keep on living the way I have been - so into the dumpster they go!

Lynne

Good for you Lynne! I, also had lots of joint pain. Mine hasn't gone away yet, but it's much better. I began Atkins 4 weeks ago and an excercize program 2 weeks ago. I'm down 17 pounds since the beginning of the diet -- 25 since June.

The other night, i found myself chasing my 11 y0 daughter around the house -- playing! We hadn't done that in years! I hadn't noticed that I was feeling much better on the plans, but I knew I must be when I realized I had been running after her -- and I wasn't out of breath or anything! It was fun.

I have 13 pounds to go to reach my first goal -- 250 -- 30 something pounds. In a month we'll be taking a trip to our old home in Michigan -- I am hoping to reach my first goal by then.

Wendy