KENT
I started officially on March 31, 2004 at over 415 pounds. My role model brother had endured my ridicule for 3 months for being on the diet until his 75 pound loss proved my skepticism wrong. I was determined that if he could do it, so could I. My Atkineer life has not been without problems. My induction flu period was particularly trying. However, the miracle of all miracles started to happen. The scale started to show weight loss. Not the painfully slow weight loss of the past attempts, but fast weight loss. Every day was like Christmas as the scale was dropping by pounds per day.
My spirits picked up as to did my relationships with others and myself. Coworkers saw what was indeed going on with me and although initially skeptical congratulated me for the loss. I once again resumed my exercise plan -- walking on the treadmill for 15 minutes, stopping often for shin pains. I persevered this time; I had more energy than ever before. In time, I no longer was huffing and puffing, but being complimented by the Wellness trainers for my gym determination and intensity of workout. I also rediscovered my love of biking and being outdoors. None of this would have been possible before Atkins Way of Living.
I am also seeing other benefits as well. The sleep apnea, which could have had fatal consequences, is now gone where I can sleep unencumbered by my old BiPap machine. I have been able to fly without the embarrassing extender belt. My kids are able to see an active dad, who encourages them to take part in trips to the gym. The last but not least benefit is that it has allowed me to meet a wonderful group at Atkins Diet Bulletin Board and support new Atkineers on their way to losing weight.
In 15 months (July 2005), I had lost over 190 pounds on Atkins – over 200 pounds in total from my recorded high of 429 pounds. I am biking 30 miles at a time and enjoying time my kids more than ever. My annual physical and complete blood work were excellent and without fault. (In fact, my cholesterol was down 40 points even though my good cholesterol was up.) I have even reenlisted in the Iowa National Guard again and just recently passed the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) with scores high enough to pass if I was 18 years old again. Passing that exam completely validated the prior months of hard work and easily passed the weight standard at 12% Body Fat.
My recommendation for those just starting is to internalize this diet. Make this diet and its success part of your own story. For me, it made me wear this diet on my shoulder. It made failure impossible to accept. The second recommendation is to measure, measure, and measure. Too many times, I have seen new Atkineers discouraged, but they never yet checked for losing inches as well as pounds. Finally, I would recommend – get a new set of Low Carb comfort foods to replace those old comfort foods. Ideally, these foods should also be quick to make. Rely on those foods to suppress the cravings in the Induction period.