Let's speed this up baby

I guess if anything, my approach (both pre- and post-op) probably most resembles Atkins with minor exceptions-- I NEED fiber too much to go no-carb. Any grains I eat have to be wholegrains, and I eat very few of the cracker-bread type. I do eat vegetables and fruit, however, but not more than 30% of my day in carbs. Protein forward (and some fat) seem to be what works best for me. But I think balance is better than forgoing any one thing completely.

anything to get the weight off...then when in maintenance, you should be able to eat some grains again, especially when you get back to playing ball and training.  One thing great about that plan...eating out is easier to stay on that track.  And you do seem to eat out a lot, so who knows, it may really fit into your life well.  It IS amazing when it comes to hunger control, it really is. And, if you do have the cravings here and there and even fall off, just try to get back on.

Atkins for Life really made sense, it talks more about the long term!

Good Luck, Christa! I did the atkins diet for about 45 minutes once, and then realized that it just wasn't for me.  I lost my 115 pounds just through looong intense cardio workouts and small meals in general.  I didn't really count calories either-I had a general idea of how the calorie breakdown was going for me and would try to stick to 300-500 calories for breakfast/lunch and then 200-400 calories for dinner.  I didn't eat fried foods and I don't think I've eaten a potato in at least 3 years.  Seriously.  BUT I did eat other carbs-whole wheat bread at lunch, toast and eggs w/ breakfast-you get the deal.  I would try (read TRY) to not eat a lot of high carb foods later in the day and I still generally follow that rule.  Last night for dinner, I had an egg white omlette w/ tomatoes and one slice of ham..but no toast.   What really made me drop the lbs. was the exercising.  I realize that now.  I committed myself to no less than one hour and fifteen minutes of cardio every time I walked into the gym.  I was really tough on myself and would forgo dinner and drinks with friends to go to the gym.  I lost a lot of friends along the way, but what the hell...losing weight was the first selfish thing I'd ever done for myself and thats just the way it had to be.   Anyway, the atkins diet seems to be super successful for people who do it and stick to it.  Plus all that protein--its just going to go right to your muscles to sculpt you into one hot babe!!  :) Good luck and keep us posted!

Thanks! I haven't seen you around in a while!!!! 45 minutes lol thats funny. I got a kick out of that sentence! Yes cardio that is why I am going to be doing the intense cardio classes starting Monday. I can't wait! Because I know it is going to speed it up. I will keep everyone posted.