[MannyLopez]

Hi Everyone,

My name is Salma. Im 25 years old, i weigh 9 1/2 stones if not a couple of pounds more! Im 5ft 4" and i desperately need to lose 1 stone!! I feel so depressed!!

I did the Atkins in 2003/4 and lose approx 1.5 stones. But over the years, i have been indulging in cakes, sweets and crisps and now i hate the way i look!!

Im going away on holiday this Thursday and always tend to lose about 3lbs but when i come back on the 29th I NEED TO START THE ATKINS DIET!!

Is there anyone out there is is the same stats as mine and looking to lose 1 stone, maybe we can help each other achieve our goals. I could actually cry right now as i cannot believe what i have become. I know 9.5stones isnt alot but i used to be 8st 9lbs and to be honest, that is my target and thats what i want to be as i was so happy and confident with myself then!!

I work mon-fri and dont really get much time to exercise, last time i did the atkins, i didnt exercise but still lost weight but this time i will in corporate some exercises!!

Being asian, im limited to some foods and its difficult especially at lunch times to get something to eat to help with my diet. I will list below the products i like and PLEASE somebody email me and let me know this is ok!!

CHICKEN, FISH, FRIED , SCRAMBLED & BOILED EGGS, DIET COKE, FISH FINGERS WITHOUT THE BATTER??? CAN I HAVE KEBABS? FRIED CHICKEN?

Please let me know and i look forward to hearing from you all so you can all help me achieve my goal!!!!!! Thanks in advance!!!!!!!!! :wink: :wink: [/b]

[sadgpokx]

You can have anything that doesn't have a lot of carbs in it, basically.

Chicken, Fish, and Eggs are all fine, as long as there's no breading involved.

During induction, you'll want to stay under 20 carbs a day. 15 of those 20 should be coming from vegetables.

You shouldn't deprive yourself or count calories specifically, but that isn't carte blanch to be at the extremes.

In the beginning just focus on staying under 20 carbs and eating until you're full. Your appetite should start to diminish by day 3 or 4.

As you progress, you need to be careful to not eat too little. It's counter-intuitive, but eating too little will actually cause you to lose less weight than you could be. Good minimum targets are 1500 calories a day for a woman, and 1800 for a man.

I highly recommending picking up a copy of the book if you don't have one, there's a wealth of information contained within.