Gorawyn's Journal, 10 October 2014

There's more than one way to lose weight. I lost weight several times in the past on Atkins but gained it all back each time, it's just not something I personally can stick with long term and that's a key to success, doing something you can keep on doing in maintenance. You can do this, best wishes to your success! 

If you switch from low carb to higher carb foods, you may initially see a gain because carbs take in water and protein pushes water out of our cells. So you may want to stick with carbs from fruits and veggies at first and add them in slowly. If you haven't done Atkins in a while, then don't worry about it, lol. You can follow the plan if you have the at home tools. They sell them on ebay and amazon i think. If you have old materials you can also use that. The plan has changed over the years. You can also google "simple start" menu samples. It focuses on power foods and many people lose well on it the first couple of weeks to jump start their diet. Remember WW isn't quick weight loss. A pound or two a week is what most people focus on. Many do lose more but it's based on many factors. Good luck! 

many years ago I did Atkins and was successful but struggles with the same thing. My main issue was two kids who needed/wanted more that meat and veggies. I switched to WW years ago and even though it was a whole new world for me... I was able to successfully lose weight. The thing I love about the program is that is based on healthy eating. Lean protein, small portions, high fiber, fruit and veggies. Yet you can still occasionally take your kids for ice cream and not feel like you cheated, as long as you count it. Not only that, but I feel I am raising healthier kids. When I did it, I used my sisters WW stuff. She had already did the program and was in maintenance. There is a great app (tons of them actually). But I love the one called "Pts Plus Diary" by Frippeware (No, I don't work for them... I just haven't found one as practical as this yet still easy on the go). You can do the old system (which is what I am used to) or the new system (Points Plus). It will also help you set it up so you know exactly how many points you are supposed to have. I use this to track my food because it auto calculates and even has a scanner. It seems crazy to use a point system but once you get used to it, you can pretty much calculate instantly by yourself. Best of luck! 

I have found a pretty awesome spreadsheet that works for me, and I am trying points plus to get into it and if I find it isnt working will go to the old Momemntum way of calculating. I also am using this site to track my food and then the spreadsheet to calculate points. I wish I could upload the spreadsheet for people to see and use, it is super helpful! I found it on this site http://www.exercise4weightloss.com/weight-watchers-points-tracker.html. I will def look into the app cause my biggest worry is going to the store and shopping and not knowing what to buy.