Reply #7: I had only intended to lose 10...

[Maddy McCall]

and I did exercise...but I have always exercised.

I am in the first two weeks, where no carbs are allowed. After a week from today, I'll start adding complex carbs slowly to my diet.

I have actually eaten more on Atkins than I ate before I started. I used to live off a diet of Mt. Dew and fast food or home-cooked southern meals which consisted of lots of fried foods, etc.

I am eating healthier than I have ever eaten...and more than I have ever eaten. I quit the cheez-its and started eating huge salads late at night instead. I quit chicken-fried steaks and mashed potatoes and started eating grilled salmon and zuchini instead.

I just can't see how this can be unhealthy. Honestly, I beleive the weight drop--as drastic as it is--can be attributed to the change from sugar-laden Mt. Dew to water. And I am guzzling water.

I won't be as aggressive on this thing after next Saturday. I needed a healthy lifestyle change--right now I guess I consider this two weeks as weaning me from the unhealthy way I ate before. I am taking time to care for myself that, as a doctoral student and single mother, I had never taken before.

Everyone, THANKS FOR THE CONCERN AND THE ADVICE!! I see how important it is for me to get the vitamins now, which I will do today.