What I've Learned after 4 Years

[ttdriver]

1. Calories *do* count. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Your body does not stop counting calories just because you're limiting carbs.

2. Exercise is NOT optional. You might not be athletic or coordinated .. you might be extremely busy .. you might not have "time*. Baloney. You don't need to be a proven athlete to exercise. You don't need strong legs. You don't need fancy schmancy equipment. You don't need to join a gym. You don't need a certain pair of shoes. All you need is 30 minutes a day to raise your heartrate. Don't underestimate what that will do for you, not only physically, but mentally, and psychologically.

3. FAT is your friend. Don't worry about eating fat. If you are exercising (and if you're not, shame on you!) you are burning fat for fuel.

4. SUGAR is the ultimate enemy, not only to your weight, but to your life. No other substance on earth is as damaging to the human body. Do you really want me to step into my anti-sugar pulpit? Okay, then, take my word for it.

5. The scale is not the best indicator of your progress. Use the scale as a guide, but certainly not a god. The best way to measure your progress IS TO MEASURE YOUR PROGRESS! Invest in a good tape measure and use it often.

6. As you size down, make a COMMITMENT to staying small by GETTING RID OF YOUR FAT CLOTHES. Believe me, there is something very sobering about only having small clothes in your closet.

7. DRINK YOUR WATER. Even after you lose the weight .. its important to purify your body and flush the toxins out of your system. 64 oz of water a day .. FOREVER.

8. Make yourself accountable. Tell people how much you've lost. The more people you tell, the more you realize that you are making yourself accountable to keep the weight off for good.

9. Don't think that maintenance is the end. Its only the beginning. That's when the really hard work starts. This is a WAY OF LIFE.

10. Food is fuel. It is not a security blanket. It is not a comfort. It is not a reward. IT IS FUEL. NOTHING MORE.


Betty

[2big4mysize]

great things to learn about yourself and Atkins. looks like you will be a life long goalie

[BoxerMom]

Great information!

[Kate113]

Something else for me to add to my fridge. Thank you!

[sallyseachange]

Great post Betty!

[biogeek]

Wonderful post! Straight forward & to the point!

[cruiser gal]

Great post Betty, very informative!!

[LC_Dave]

Betty have you found that even though you must be the same weight at goal, that your overall body fat percentage is decreasing whilst on maintenance?

[ttdriver]

Originally Posted by LC_Dave

Betty have you found that even though you must be the same weight at goal, that your overall body fat percentage is decreasing whilst on maintenance?

Definitely. By running upwards of 40 miles a week, my body fat is 16%. I don't care what the scale says as long as I fit into size zero jeans.

Betty

[LC_Dave]

Originally Posted by ttdriver

Definitely. By running upwards of 40 miles a week, my body fat is 16%. I don't care what the scale says as long as I fit into size zero jeans.

Betty

Ha ha! LOL Awesome!

From what I have seen in others also, reaching your goal weigh is just another step, people are losing body fat % as they maintain!

16% is pretty low for a female!