5 Years Today

[ttdriver]

That I started Atkins .. put me in the minority of people who successfully keep the weight off long-term!

With Atkins and discipline, YOU CAN DO IT!

Betty

[julirama723]

Betty--congrats on being a success! You're an inspiration to many here, especially me! I hope that I can turn myself into a runner like you.

Here's to 5 MORE years...

[attek]

Betty, congratulations on 5 years! I'm wondering if you have any advice on your thinking that made you stick with this as a way of life rather than a short-term diet. This is my second time around and I am determined not to need a third time...I know it's a mental journey more than anything else. What do you think are some of the keys to your long-term success?

[kylie]

Betty~ That is FABULOUS! I am always inspired by your story of couch potato to marathon runner! Happy 5 YEARS on Atkins!
Kyle

[ttdriver]

Originally Posted by attek

Betty, congratulations on 5 years! I'm wondering if you have any advice on your thinking that made you stick with this as a way of life rather than a short-term diet. This is my second time around and I am determined not to need a third time...I know it's a mental journey more than anything else. What do you think are some of the keys to your long-term success?

Thank you so much for asking. I love to offer any advice I can to help others!

Yanno, when I started Atkins, I had SERIOUS doubts that it would work. I'm almost ashamed to admit that now, except that I think alot of other folk can relate ..

I read DANDR and thought "YEAH RIGHT! Eat fat and get thin? Who is this wise guy and how dumb does he think we are???"

So I initially set out to PROVE HIM WRONG ... After all, I tried low-fat, low calorie and FAT FREE .. all to no avail .. what made HIM think that fat would make me THIN??

I really hate to eat crow .. but THIS GENIUS WAS RIGHT ... not only was the food satisfying, but it helped me lose the weight .. what's NOT to love?

I knew I could do this long term because I love protein and fat .. so I kept on .. one day at a time .. it was ridiculously EASY for me to stick with this!!

OMG .. in less than 10 months I surpassed my goal of losing 15 pounds .. 15 POUNDS! I think of it now and laugh .. I ended up losing 40+ effortlessly ...

Well, okay, not effortlessly .. it took discipline and determination, especially in the beginning .. but the truth is, the longer I stuck with it, the easier it became ....

YOU ARE SO RIGHT; it really *is* a state of mind; its a decision you make that there is NO TURNING BACK .. that truly, NOTHING TASTES AS GOOD AS THIN FEELS ...

Yes, that is what its all about....

The keys? Lets see: planning ahead would have to rank up there, along with a non-negotiable commitment to exercise; yeah, I know, the initial thought of it SUCKS, but yanno what? When you commit to it, its so easy; in fact, it becomes SECOND NATURE after awhile .. I could NOT imagine my life without running .. I love it so; and it helps me deal with the stresses of life. Whatever you enjoy as far as physical activity goes, commit to it .. as you would brushing your teeth or washing your face...soon you will wonder how you EVER did without it .. HONEST!

I'm sorry; I've rambled, but the truth is, YOUR HEALTH, heck, YOUR LIFE depends on a firm commitment to eating right and exercising regularly!

YOU CAN DO IT!

Betty

[Adena]

Congratulations, Betty! You are such an inspiration. And you look great, as usual, in your new photo. I swear, you look smaller and smaller in each one!

I love what it says in your signature... you don't get what you wish for, you get what you work for. You -- and everyone else who has been successful here -- are a great testimony to that.

Today, I ran/walked 8 miles (my furthest distance yet). I walked no more than 1/10 of a mile at a time. Granted, I also ran no more than 3/10 at a stretch, but I kept it up the whole time! And finally, today, for the first time... it didn't feel like such a struggle. Sure, I got tired, but I wasn't gasping for breath like I normally am. Today I actually sorta like a real "runner." A slow one, but a real one!

Your story has helped inspire me to get to this point -- and I'll think of you when I'm running the ING Georgia Half Marathon in March. (Mostly, I'll probably be thinking... I can't believe Betty runs TWICE this distance...! lol)

Congratulations again, and thank you for all you contribute to this community.

[ttdriver]

Today, I ran/walked 8 miles (my furthest distance yet).

WOOHOO!! Girl, I cannot tell you how proud I am of you right now!! I remember how difficult it was for you to get started and NOW LOOK AT YOU!! AMAZING!!!!!

Its truly addictive, isn't it!!!

KEEP IT UP!

Betty

[sallyseachange]

WARMEST CONGRATULATIONS BETTY... on being such a splendid success and on being a "minority"!!! Five years is just wonderful!
You are a real inspiration to everyone. Thank you!

[CroweKitty]

Betty, thank you so much for your continued dedication to preaching the truth about the low carb lifestyle. And congratulations to your continued success!

Very Respectfully,

[southernGAL]

Way to go you look great!