On January 3rd I woke up and said "this is it" and started low-carbing. It wasn't too long until I started seeing some results, albeit, nobody else could see it. After I had lost about 35 pounds people started to notice. And now that I am at 50 pounds I have heard things like...."I almost didn't recognize you with those skinny legs"..!! Me? Skinny legs? I think not, but it sure was nice to hear.

For those of you who are just starting this journey, or for anyone who is thinking about it, let me share some thoughts...

1. I never EVER thought I would get to 50 pounds. I usually give up after about 25. Why? Because I crave the "good stuff" - that would be carbs, and that's just the beginning of the end. Not this time!

2. I don't really crave carbs and sweets, and don't focus on what my next meal will be. Never!

3. I am never hungry

4. I enjoy everything I eat, will take a salad over just about anything (especially with some nice balsamic dressing and blue cheese! )

5. I have rewarded myself with my weakness of fish and chips several times over the last 9 months, and although it was delish, it was no problem immediately going back to low carb.

6. I didn't have to give up my Mount Gay Rum!

7. I have way more energy

8. I can look at myself in the mirror again

9. I can shop in a regular store. (22 Womens, to 16 Misses)

10. I find new clothes in my closet all the time - things I haven't worn for years and years!

There are too many benefits to mention, those are some of the highlights. There is only one downside for me... I am running out of clothes! Most of my clothes I have been saving for "when I go on a diet" are now too big. AWWW- I hate when that happens!

So if you have any doubts, don't... this WOE is good, and if I can do it, anyone can.

I'll stick with it until I lose another 30. I've come this far, not going to quit now!

And soon, with any luck, I'll be in onederland! Yippee!!!

A huge to you!!!!

Congrats on the 50 gone

Congrats! You have come a long way

Yes indeed! Keep driving for that hoop!

I too, appreciate Mount Gay rum

CONGRATS!!!!

Sounds like you know what you're doing, so luck would just be butter on the steak.

thanks everyone....

yes, I like to pretend that I know what I am doing....:-)

It's all good.... Lovin it!

Congrats on your great success! Very motivational. Keep posting!

This is awesome! Congratulations!

Excellent!

WOOT WOOT!!!!!
Great job!
I love to hear about peoples successes...makes me motivated to do better.

Congrats!
I love how you've made a list of all the things you CAN do now. Being overweight, the lists of things we CAN'T do is definitely longer than the things we CAN do. Once you start crossing things off the CAN'T list and add them to the CAN list, I'm sure it feels GREAT!!!

Here's some more things I can do now...

1. I can go up and down stairs without huffing and puffing
2. I can sit in cheap lawnchairs and a)fit, and b)not worry about their "capacity"
3. I can get in my car even if some inconsiderate jerk parked too close.
4. I can cross my legs without having the top leg stick straight out.
5. I can do my toe nails quite easily
6. I can wear my expensive Movado watch that didn't fit for a long time
7. I can tuck in my shirt and not feel too self conscious
8. I can feel comfortable out in public
9. I can climb all over the boat like a monkey.
10.I can sit curled up in the corner of the sofa.
11.I can stand on my feet longer and walk further, even though I have not so great knees.
12.I can get into the car after my husband was driving without putting the seat back.
13.I can bend over and not worry so much about the view from behind.
14.I can think about wearing a bathing suit again. Think... not ready yet, but I'm thinking!

The list goes on and on... It's the little things that you personally notice and it's a "wow" moment. It may not impress anyone else, but you sure feel good about it yourself. And being able to share this on this forum also helps, because everyone is so supportive.

I have at least 30 pounds more to go, and I AM going to do it. It's been pretty easy... and of course rewarding!

I can, I can!

That is a FANTASTIC list! Thank-you for sharing! I think I need to start a CAN'T list and start moving the CAN'Ts to the CAN list. Did that make any sense at all? Hehe

This is really inspirational- so nice to hear about long-term results!

Congratulations on your hard work, and wishing you continued success.

What a great list! CONGRATS!

I think my biggest thing that I look forward to is to shop in ANY store!