From 260 to 180
I was fat - now I'm not.
I started this in Sept. of 03 - Atkins - I didn't believe that a diet where you ate fat could work - makes no sense. I almost did it to prove it didn't work.
I was wrong.
Within 2 days, the afternoon fatigue disappeared - soon after, so did my symptoms of GERD. Gradually, my use of Tums reduced from what could be called a daily snack-item level of consumption to something I only take occasionally.
I modified Atkins to be sure. I had coffee and didn't do a lick of exercise. I'm not recommending this - just reporting this. I can also report that I have more energy than I can ever remember having and even sleep less.
Drank wine, enjoyed martinis - have since stopped this, but if I still did, I'd still be at the weight I am now.
I cheated - had Hagen Daz here and there - italian bread, pasta, pizza. Forgive yourself - that's the key. This ain't a diet - it's a lifestyle - you are going to live the rest of your life like this.
Stalled twice - once for a year. Didn't matter, since I wasn't suffering - I won't lie - it takes some willpower to change, but I lost signifigant amounts of weight twice before on low cal low fat diets - felt like a monk. In comparison, LC is easy.
My appetite is not what it used to be. I never was a morning eater - I might have an Atkins shake during the day, and I have almonds as a snack throughout the day - gave up having lunch. Might sound odd, but it works for me - I think that experimenting to find what works for you is important.
I made sure I took my vitamins and had my doc check me out. My BP went to normal after years of being high (even with medication) - my bloodwork is perfect.
It's funny that people at work who are overweight keep telling me why Atkins won't work for them. They tell me that I can't eat fruit (I do) - it's bad for my kidneys, etc - they are convinced I'm some sort of fluke, I have incredible willpower, or I'm harming myself in some sort of way, but I don't think any of those are true. I saw some people try Atkins, do it wrong (gotta read the labels), and say it doesn't work.
They say they love their bread, their pasta. I did too, and still do. I eat LC bread nearly every day. Have the Dreamfields pasta if I really have the craving.
Never obsessed about 'counting' too much - tried Fitday and it's cool, but 'dieting' makes you obsess about food too much - it's a lifestyle - it should become effortless after a while after you adjust.
I go out to eat with my wife and daughter weekly - eat what I want, though I usually get 2 servings of veggies and skip the starch.
Sorry for the ramble - I used this site a lot for ideas, lurked most of the time, but I did want to add another voice to the chorus - it *can* work for you.
Be patient.
Forgive yourself.
Experiment.
Enjoy life.
I don't visit much anymore - don't really need to.
Thanks and take care.
Skrat
|
|
