Forget the scale for a while and concentrate on how you feel.

Take good before/progress pix and measurements, so you have something to compare the new "you" to as you move along (and stall, which we ALL inevitably do).

Drink at least a minimum of 8 8-ounce glasses of fresh water each day.

Do your research. It took me three months to find the right plan for me. Everyone is not the same and one plan is not for everyone. Make sure you are happy with the plan you choose.

To realize this is NOT a DIET but a WOE/WOL. That goes for any WOE you choose(i.e. Atkins, SB, CAD, LF WW). You can follow a diet and lose the weight but if you go back to the way you were eating before you will just gain all of it back. So please change the way you eat for LIFE and you will have success.

Use Fitday!

I think keeping track of what I'm actually putting in my mouth has been key. Everyone is different, and you need to figure out what works for you.

I was stalled and found I was eating 2400 calories/15 carbs per day. I'm now at 1800 calories/40 carbs and losing weight again.

A program like Fitday to monitor your foods and progress is priceless.

I agree with the poster who said DO. NOT. RUSH.

it takes a while... believe me I did not get where I was in a day or even a year.. it is going to take a while to come off... but better slow then not at all

Arm yourself with some good new recipes!

Get involved with your new pastime

The one piece of advive I would give is this: There is no magic pill or food. Stay consistant and work hard. I would also say that any type of food reward is somewhat defeating.

Don't let the scale rule your life! Yes, it's important but also focus on how good you feel and all the positive aspects of eating more healthfully, getting exercise, drinking water and losing weight/inches, is making you feel!

See the whole picture, in other words

Nicole

Ignore naysayers. To determine the diet's ( way of eating ) success over time not over a couple of days.

Have realistic expectations - not based on hype or advertising. Real bodies are all different and react differently. Get to know yours, and figure out what makes you feel best and how to happily eat that way forever.

I second the person who said, cut out sugar. That is a great starter, and rules out many many of the worst foodstuffs.

Then cut out flour, and you're 95% on your way.

For whichever LC plan is being considered,.......follow the first phase as it is meant to be followed.

It is much more difficult to muster discipline and self-control in the later phases of low carbing if the initial phase is not taken seriously. If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right and affords the greatest opportunity at success.