Hi, I have been lurking since February. I had a doctor appointment and the weight I saw on the scale (171 lb's) and results from blood tests and blood pressure readings told me that I needed to make some changes. My Dr put me on 4 different medications for high blood pressure and pre-diabetes.

I had already not felt good about my body and shopping for new clothes had become a nightmare. I was out of breath just going up and down the stairs to do laundry.

Did some research and decided that giving up sugar, alcohol & breads...would be a good start.

I have lost 40 lbs quite easily doing no exercise. All of my blood test's showed fantastic progress and all are in the "normal range". My Dr. cut 2 of my med's in 1/2 and while my readings are in the "normal" or "acceptable" range she will not cut any of the other med's since I am still smoking.

Still losing slowly but surely .....about .5 to 1 lb a week..and heading to my next mini goal of 125 and ultimate goal of 120.

Typical meals:

2 cups of black coffee
Breakfast: Atkins Vanilla Shake or 1 Egg and 2 Natural Turkey Sausages

Salad with some sort of protein (chicken or turkey)
Or Atkins Vanilla Shake

Some sort of protein ( beef, chicken, pork etc) Hubby loves to grill. Scrambled eggs or salad.

I am so thankful for all of you that write in your journals. I read the new posts everyday while having coffee and breakfast and check in every evening after work.

I find so many of you so inspirational. Thank you for sharing your journeys.

Welcome - glad to see you come out of 'lurk' mode!

Thank you Faydra.

Welcome, minniesoda!

Thank you Barb!

You are doing well for yourself and the ones that love you. Welcome and we might be close neighbors guessing from your avatar handle.

More evidence of people are doing well on their own!

Way to go! This is heartening.

Thank you Thud. On my own in a way. But I readily give credit to this site and to everyone posting. Keeps me very inspired.
I thought about a journal but I am not much of a writer.
I plan on jumping in and supporting others where ever I can now that I am not lurking anymore
I Grew up on the East Side and then lived in Inver Grove for about 14 years. I have been in Oakdale now for about 8 years. Feels like home even though I was gone for 14 years.
Where are you at ?
Kim

Welcome to the world of speaking out.

It's wonderful that we've encouraged you to do all you've done. Congratulations.

You don't have to be a "writer" to take advantage of having a journal. It's helpful to be able to use it any way you wish. Some people just post what they ate. Others, like me, talk about all kinds of things. It still helps me to be able to vent and when I do n=1 experiments, it helps me and can help others.

One thing you'll see/hear from a lot of us veterans is the mantra:
Eat real food. Eat only when hungry.

Personally, I have some LC protein bars I use when I'm on a road trip, but otherwise, I only eat real food. This week I had teeth problems and have been unable to chew since last Thursday. Have to say, enforced fasting works okay for me. But I'm looking forward to eating again some day soon.

Oh, and about e-cigs: My DH uses them exclusively, but with nicotine. It's the chemicals in the US cigarettes that really hurt you. On the other hand, my DD is nicotine free and uses those flavored ones. Whatever keeps you healthy, I vote for.

Welcome and congrats on your progress!

I know a biker dude that scares me.
He's one tough mofo.
And he vapes peach.

Chacun Son Gout.

Thank you for the welcome Bluesinger. I know I should have quite smoking long ago. But I am taking one battle at a time. Now that I have battled the weight issue I feel much more optimistic about quitting the smoking as well. As you said "whatever keeps me healthy"

Thank you Gypsybyrd.

"And he vapes peach."

I love peach...might have to give it a try. I am not sure where to start....but that may be a good choice to start. Looking forward to the weekend to check out my options.