Atkins Diet - Seven Years!!!

IrishIrish is a true inspiration for all Atkineers and ADBBers. She has been with the board for seven years and has in that period inspired and motivated many Atkins followers. She started at 494 lbs and has reach her goal of 170 and is now maintaining her weight using the programme but mayble more important than the weight she has lost is what she has gained on her journey on Atkins

Here is her own description of her journey:

Seven years ago today, I was ready to start my weight loss journey. I had read DANDR 2002, cleaned out the pantry (more accurately, ate through the pantry), stocked up on new foods from the Acceptable Food List for Induction. I established myself as a voyeur here on the board and read lots of posts before I dared step forward. I talked to my husband and step-son to tell them we were changing a few things around the kitchen.

I was miserable and unhealthy and thought I hid it brilliantly. I later learned that I had not. My life was falling apart. I was losing my battle with my body and my health was deteriorating with hypertension, arthritis, diabetes, congestive heart failure. I couldn't walk more than the distance from the closest parking space to the grocery store. I always made excuses for riding in the cart as the wheels would creak and squeak. I was shopping for clothing online and my only requirement was that it fit me (and we aren't talking a tailored fit ... anything that would cover me was good enough). I continued to work and a responsible position, but it was becoming increasingly difficult for me. With every diet attempt, I'd lose some weight and gained twice the amount I lost.

Somehow, through my dismal existence, I remained hopeful that there was something out there for me. And then I read articles about Atkins and bought the book (online, of course!). I read the book from cover to cover. I read the sample food lists. I thought that I could eat that, after all I had lived on more limited food choices for years (pizza, subs, chinese, fast food).

My step-son was impressed that he could eat chicken wings and I could make taco salad. It was a start. My husband was pleased that he could eat steak and hamburger and that I'd actually be cooking rather than just picking up take out. And I was just desperate to try one more thing that might work for me.

I met some great people in the Century Club and many of the moderators who supported me. And I learned about the importance of "paying it forward" and sharing my own story of my weight loss journey.

I immersed myself in my weight loss for the first year. Exercise was hardly possible because of the pain in my joints. But I sat in a chair, moving my upper body to Tae Bo DVDs or Richard Simmons. And as I could do more, I did. I became very humble the day I squeezed into a bathing suit and went to a community pool to exercise. But I think that the sheer spectacle of me trying so hard to fit in was noticed by other people who frequented the pool, but also the gym "rats". They began asking me questions and following my progress as my cheerleaders.

There were some bumps and bruises along the way including two "accidents" involving broken bones and extensive rehabilitations. The first was plain carelessness on my part. The second was me entering a darkened building and not being familiar with my environment. Happily, while these incidents may have required healing, learning about limitations, surgeries and a lot of physical therapy, they changed my life and while I could have just given up, I didn't.

I am now active with my family and friends. I go to a gym 4-5 times a week. I work. Vacations are now active vacations and not the passive, sit around a bar and eat kind of vacations. I have hiked in canyons and mountains. I just got new hiking poles (my favorite Christmas gift - they are great for stability and keeping your legs in good shape and the upper body movement gives a good workout!).

I deal with family health issues, daily, but at least I can deal with them and provide the care needed. I've renewed some educational pursuits. I've raised a healthy and content step-son with a healthy view of food and exercise, something I could never have done before. I'm happy.

And ironically, today, the anniversary of me starting my Atkins journey, I had a doctor's appointment. I love my doctor. He was wonderfully supportive and a bit skeptical as I began my journey. But now, we sit and chat. He does the obligatory recitation of my lab results and continues to cut down my meds. I only take two now down from 13. No more insulin or oral agents for diabetes. Normal HmgA1C. No more arthritis pain meds or sleeping meds. No more medication for depression and anxiety.

I will always be grateful to Dr. Atkins. He was challenged by skeptics but perservered. Meeting my health goals is the least I can do for the cause. I appreciate the work of Tom in keeping this board running and a great forum for all of us to stay connected. The moderators and admins work hard to share their information and experiences. A personal trainer costs a lot more!!!

I tell others who want to know how to do this to take one Induction friendly bite at a time and follow DANDR 2002. Dr. Atkins didn't invent low carb breads, ice cream treats, chips, candy, etc.. He introduced us to proteins, low carb veggies, healthy fats to guide us. That is why I am insistent on following DANDR 2002. Rules are rules and I follow them. I didn't fight to drink alcohol in the first week of Induction. I didn't use special occasions as an excuse to derail myself. If I had it in me, so can you.

Blessings to all for a healthy and happy 2011! Kudos to all who are taking the journey to health.

IrishIrish