Hello All,
My name is Troy, I am a happily married father of two, soon to be three children.
I basically stumbled across this site after looking through old photographs(slimmer photos) and realizing that enough is enough, and I need to find some focus again.
I'm not new to internet forums, but I have never tried one for weight loss, so I'm a little nervous I suppose.
Also, I've never tried the low carb thing either. I would like to read into low carb diets/eating habits a little more, but with everything out there it's very overwhelming to say the least. So I was hoping someone might be able to point me in a general starting direction.
Thats all I can really think of as an introduction for myself right now.

Thanks,
Troy

Welcome Troy! All of us were new to this at one time, so we understand that nervousness. Read through the plans and try to find one that resonates with you--that seems to be a good match for your personal preferences. They all seem to work, as long as you stick to them!

Welcome to TDC too. It's a great source of information and support.

Welcome Troy, Sounds like you are ready to start. You might want to start a journal. Then you can have someplace to post whats happening and how you are doing.

Good Luck.

This is a great place for support, suggestions, encouragement or a kick in the behind, whatever you need. The people are great!
Come back often and tell us about yourself and your journey into health.

Karen in Tahoe

Hi just wanted to welcome you I wish you luck on your weight loss journey and encourage you to read around the board. There are great recipes and tips and lots of encouragement to be had here. I wouldn't have been able to make it very far without these wonderful people!!

KimNWI

Hi Troy,
I recommend reading "Protein Power Lifeplan" by the Eades, even if you have no interest in that plan. It has lots of "science stuff" in it about what our bodies do with the food we eat, vitamins and minerals, etc. It can be heavy reading at times, but very educational, if you can make yourself read the whole thing. (it's a big book!) Once you understand the principals behind lowcarbing, I think you will be better at picking a plan for yourself. There is a summary comparison of various LC plans on this website.

Welcome Troy! You will find a lot of information and support here, so I'm happy you found us!

I would suggest that you start by reading the Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution, it is readily available in paperback. You could also check out atkins.com and read through the phases of the plan there, the only warning is that the plan as advertised on the website is not the same plan Dr. A had in mind when he wrote the book...they push the low-carb bars, shakes, wraps, etc. and those are not really part of the original plan. My suggestion and you will hear it from many others is to stay away from what we call the "frankenfoods" which often sabotage people's Atkins efforts. That is why the book is the best option, although he does mention the occassional bar or shake as a supplement, if you stick to the plan as outlined, you will do really well.

If you do choose to do Atkins, the best way is honestly "by the book". Don't buy into thread and chats about cheat days or meals, carb-ups, etc., they don't work for most people and for many are the road to failure. Also don't get sidetracked by all the negative hype out there about low-carb, especially Atkins, look at real people who are following the plan and see how healthy and successful they are -- there are MANY of those people here on this board.

What Atkins has given me is a true freedom from food addiction, and it has also given me my health back (lipid profile and blood pressure are not fantastic as opposed to higher risk). What I usually tell people is that you just need to REALLY commit to the first week which is often the most difficult (cravings, headaches, lethargy, etc.), and after that you will feel like a new person and you won't need "willpower" to get you through.

So, get the book, read the book, follow the book, and you will do amazingly well!!! This goes for Atkins as well as any other low carb plan you might choose instead...

Greetings, I am just a month old to online forums and Atkins. I have found this site and my journal a great help in keeping my focus. The knowlege base here is awsome and the people are really wonderful.

Welcome aboard and good luck on your journey!

welcome to the site.

I started off at the beginning of this year right where you are at 340lbs.

Low carb dieting is amazing, I never knew how simple it could be and how great it works

Hi Troy! Welcome!
Low Carbing does work and it does make you feel incredible. The trick is....no cheating. Find a plan and stick to it. For myself..if I EVEN LICK a cracker I will gain. But if I stay on track...things work very well. Drink lots of water, take your supplements and know that you are not alone.

Again welcome to the board :-)

LOL!

Hi Troy!

Welcome aboard!!! Good luck with your new plan!!

Mike

Welcome!!!!!!!!

Welcome...Check out Dr. Atkins book....also check out the atkins center site..