Nothing is Absolute.

[goal65]

I've been overweight pretty much all my life. I'm 20 years old and truly believe obesity is a disease, a sickness and most of all - a struggle. I began Atkins in January 2005 after several somewhat successful attempts at Weight Watchers. After loosing forty pounds on Weight Watchers, prior to January 2005, I began maintaining rather than continue loosing. I sat down and gave Atkins serious research and insight. By January 2005, I felt it was ready to give it a shot. Well, Atkins was the answer for several months. From January through August, I managed to lose 85 pounds (extending induction) but, not religiously staying on track. Along with the occasional mishaps came the lack of exercise. I did not attend the gym once over these eight months. I began my senior year of high school in September 2005 at my lowest weight ever - 298. From here, I maintained for several months but with the events of senior year (editor-in-chief of the yearbook, prom, etc.), I graduated high school at roughly 325. From June 2006 through January 2008, I've tried many other diets, diet pills, starvation, and of course - Atkins. By the end of February 2008, I weighed 340 and felt I've always gotten a lot of flack for being known for my yo-yoing with the diet and have heard something from everyone. When it comes down to it, I needed to make a decision which I felt would be the right one for myself. Was I satisfied with Atkins or should I take the advice my doctors have been telling me? Which is to follow a high fiber, low carbohydrate diet consisting of many fruits and vegetables. Well, I opted to try out the more simplistic way of life. Along with this, I started taking advantage of my gym membership. Now, by the end of May 2008, I attend the gym on average five days a week and I am burning roughly 300 - 450 calories per day and feel absolutely awesome. I've reached a new low of 295 and have lost more inches now than I ever have before. I know it may seem off-topic since I've lost it more recently on my own, with my own ways of eating but the point I am trying to make is... Exercise is NOT an option and you will notice SUCH a difference. At one point, I would roll my eyes at healthy people and people with energy who would brag about how much going to the gym, changes their lifestyle. Now, I could not agree more and truly cannot stress how much better you will feel physically AND mentally, by going to the gym. Just by changing your routine and adding the gym into your day, will impact ALL of the moves you make from that point on. "If I could do it, you could do it", another pathetic line which I was never fond of. Now, I cannot agree with this more and do not mean to sound hypocritical for some but, I have lazy mentality and I notice it slowly dwindling. I know I have more to go before I get to where I'd like to be, but this is a never ending process that comes when YOU decide you want it, nobody else can make the decision for you - and nobody wants to. It's your life and YOU choose how to live it. Just going from "the obese one" to "not the thinnest one" has given me so much more self confidence alone, it's great! And remember... Always keep in mind how much you want it. Remind yourself everyday and try not to lose direction. Oh and remember, nothing is absolute.

[mistydawn73]

Well said!! Congrats on your weight loss! I know it's hard for we all have been there, done that, and still here! You have great achievements, and many more to come.

[Elizellen]

Great post with positive advice for us all
Congratulations on the weight you have already lost and your evident determination to continue on your journey towards better health.

[cherribom1]

What a motivating post! My motivation was to not gain back the weight I worked so hard to lose. Congratulations for you are already a success! Keep it up and keep your goals in sight!