[smokeberly]

Hi, my name is June (in case you didn't notice :P), I'm new to the forum and brand new to Atkins as well. I just started last Friday, just got the book yesterday (did things slightly backwards, I guess...), and today tested and found I'm definitely in ketosis so I'm doing something right. No loss as yet, but I'm not worried. I've been learning a lot since I started the book and learned I've likely done a few things wrong, but learning is always a good thing and I'm looking forward to seeing results in the coming days and weeks.

This looks like a friendly place and I figure I can benefit by posting about my progress, etc with others doing the same thing I am.

If anyone has any tips or advice for newcomers I'd be happy to hear it.

-June

[slimfifa]

Hi June! Welcom to the forum... it IS pretty friendly here.

If you haven't yet, starting a progress journal is a great place to start. It helps me stay on track and it's the best way to get feedback from others. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Tril

[joanasevilyboaz]

Hi, June,

Welcome!

In addition to the Atkins Support forum, you might find the Induction forum useful. It's especially suited for the first phase of Atkins--Induction (the first two weeks or longer).

My top tips for beginners:

1. Keep a food journal every single day. You don't have to show it to anyone, so be scrupulously honest about the amounts and types of food you ate during the day. Record your weight in it also, whenever you weigh yourself, whether its daily or weekly or even monthly. The food journal combined with the weight record will help you figure out which foods help you lose weight and which make you stall.

2. Find activities that you enjoy and that get your heart beating fast. It could be dancing, hiking, running, soccer, basketball, or mall walking. Anything you like to do.

3. Don't eat anything that is not allowed in the phase of Atkins that you are in. No cheats, not even one. The longer you can go without cheating, the more firmly you can think of yourself as a person who does not eat sugar or flour or other high carb foods. It's a transformation of your self-image.

4. Read the book carefully and re-read different chapters from time to time. Then go on the forum and help others. Answer questions, give encouragement, tell what is working for you. It will strengthen your commitment to the program as well as benefiting others here.

5. Don't be concerned about a gain of a pound or two from time to time. The important measure is a downward trend and looser-fitting clothes. Keep a graph of your weight and watch the line go down. There will be some small peaks occasionally. That's to be expected.

I hope this helps! I agree with Tril, too, start a progress thread so we can share your success! It's nice to have you join us.

[smokeberly]

Thank you for the welcome tips! I'll definitely do a journal. =-)

-June