I found a great new site and I love it!

[angeleah76]

I have been low carbing for three weeks and one of the biggest problems I am having is lack of support and information. I have read Dr. Atkins Diet Revolution because it is the only one I can get my hands on. I think it is very outdated but has a lot of good information. I am not doing too bad though. I am sleeping better with more energy during the day. I AM losing slowly. I am confused because my weight yo-yo's all the time. For instance from morning to noon I have gained 3lbs just today! Can all that be water weight or do I need a new scale?

[LindaW]

Hi There. I have found that weighing yourself even once a day is too much. I weigh myself once a week and it seems to work well for me. If you are weighing yourself throughout the day there could be several factors such as the one you mentioned - the water you drank. Others have told me to toss the scales, but I can't do that. Good luck. Linda

[doreen T]

You've come to the right place for friendly encouragement, support and information. I look forward to sharing your lowcarb success with you!!

Somebody else recently posted about Atkins original Diet Revolution vs. the New Diet Rev. ... I'll paste my response here for you .. Originally posted by doreen T

Dr. Atkins published his original Diet Revolution in mid 70's ... starting out with near-zero carbs, then gradual increments up to whatever level. His New Diet Revolution was published in 1992, revised in '99 ... the difference between the two programs is that he discovered in the 20 years between editions, that the same weight loss could be "induced" at a higher initial carb level of 20 gm per day. You follow this 20 gm Induction level for 2 weeks, then increase carbs by 5 gm per day, per week for Ongoing Weight Loss, or OWL.

The basic premise of the two programs is the same. The higher carb level in the beginning allows for variety, more salads and vegetables. In terms of marketability ... the newer program is more palatable. Some folks stay at the 20 gm level for much longer than 2 weeks ... which is fine, as long as adequate protein and FAT is consumed in its place.

The original program was successful then, it's successful now. I say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it!!! Ultimately the two programs reach a parallel anyway. Perhaps your local library would have a copy of the New DR .... you could take a few notes, compare ... and also, there are a few more recipes too ;) .. He devotes a few more chapters (in the new DR) to other health concerns, Candida yeast syndrome, and vitamins and supplements, which you may or may not find useful.I agree with Linda, weigh once a day, or better yet, once a week, same time of day ... best is on rising, after a visit to the "potty". And don't obsess. Fluctuations are normal, we all retain some fluid, or maybe constipated, etc etc .....

If you and your husband haven't done so yet, it would be good to grab a tape measure, and record your measurements. You will burn and lose fat, but likely gain some muscle ... muscle is smaller than fat tissue ... so the scales may show zero net loss, but the tape measure will show that inches have disappeared .. :cool:

Doreen

[missydog]

I would agree with the notion that weighing even once a day is
too much-- of course if that works for you in some way I can't comprehend then of course, do it. But I hate the games I get into if I try to monitor my weight even once a week. There's just too much chance for it to throw me off or wreck my morale, and for bogus reasons. I weigh about once a month, at MOST. I do use the tape measure any old time a feel like it. I figure that as long as I'm doing the diet conscientiously, there's no reason to know what I weigh until down the road a very long distance. In the meantime, I can enjoy the changes registered by the tape measure and my clothes fitting looser. Now THAT'S progress!

[debbiedobson]

i just wanted to welcome your angeleah!:D stop obsessing about the scales!! everyone weighs more in the evening than they did in the morning! i've put my scale in a closet and i will only weigh myself now once a month! doreen gave you really good advice!! take your measurements!! i have an old pair of size nine pants that i want to wear again. i just keep trying them on every few months to see the difference. the scales can really drive you crazy and impede your motivation to continue!

[angeleah76]

Thanks to all of you for the info. I will put my scale away now and use my tape measure instead. I have been obsessing a little. Whoever said that the scale can ruin your morale was not lying. Sometimes just looking at that awful thing bounce up and down just makes me want to quit.

I have what is maybe a silly question? What is a moderator and a... oh gosh, I can remember the other title I saw. Who are these angels?!

[Sharon]

Well in one way the moderators and our administrator Doreen are our "angels" because they are so helpful in keeping the forum organized and answering questions. They help the webmaster keep the forum running smoothly. Sometimes posts get put in a section and they actually fit in another section better, so I believe they can move these. (I don't think they let us swear!!!) If you notice each section has a different moderator. They watch for any spamming and stuff like that. I'm sure one of our moderators, will answer also and tell you more exactly what they do.

As for the flying whoosh fairy (angel)...she arrives every time you POST. It's like your reward for posting. Isn't she adorable. Sometimes if I post and then finish my session on low carb she doesn't appear until the next time I log on. It depends on long I stay on the forum.

[angeleah76]

I have never seen this fairy but I hope to soon!

[Karen]

Hi angeleah,

Sharon's description is pretty accurate. We also welcome newcomers and give them advice for how to start an LC plan and keep them on the straight and narrow in the Bootcamp. We cross-moderate on all the forums, not just in our own.

All of us have full time lives ie. jobs, families, friends and other interests. Moderator is a volunteer postion. We do it because we think low-carbing is the greatest thing since sliced... er... prime rib!

Karen