Poking my nose in again

[Naja]

Hi (again) folks. Life happened to me, and I haven't been online at all for months. I've been doing two internships that are 200 miles apart (zoo and wildlife medicine at a vet clinic and part time keeper at a big cat sanctuary), plus another job (curator of reptiles at another institution), and it's been absolutely frantic. It still is, so I have no idea how much I'll be able to do anything on the internet as long as this continues to be my life.

I lost quite a bit on Atkins and had moved into Maintenance, then switched over to an isocaloric diet for optimal muscle packing while I was doing a serious course of daily bodybuilding and weight lifting. It sucked, by the way. It tastes like crap, it's hard to stay on and I don't recommend it unless you're a hardcore masochist who is into pain and suffering on your diet and exercise plan.

Since at this point in my busy life I can't keep up the steady lifting, I'm considering going back to Atkins and re-starting Induction. I'm doing pretty well these days, but I could stand to lose that last bit of extra padding that is keeping those hard-won muscles from showing at their best. Given my current lifestyle Atkins looks like the best way to do it (again).

In even better news, the boyfriend finally decided that enough was enough and it was time to join me in healthier eating and get rid of his gut. So we'll be starting Induction together, and I've been out shopping today for the tasty provisions that will make our dietary plans a success. Roast duck, thick beefsteaks, melted butter and cheese, here I come again. I'm seriously looking forward to it. There are hardboiled eggs on the stove right now waiting to be turned into delicious devilled eggs with homemade spicy mayonnaise.

The unlimited supply of cheap or free meat I have from doing my own hunting and butchering is also going to be a big help. Here in North Carolina where I am now, wild hogs aren't quite as plentiful so I may need to find a nice fat domestic pig for my freezer. However my 20 cubic foot freezer is already jam packed with deer and cow, so I'll have to eat a lot of steaks before fitting a hog in there. On Atkins I don't think that will be a problem! There are filet mignons and prime rib steaks galore in the freezer, and I'll be enjoying them thoroughly with crisp salads and rich creamy dressings. And for a cold winter's day, creamy venison stew with turnips and celery, thickened with flax goop and a bit of sour cream. Mmm mmm good Induction eating!

[Analog6]

You're making this confirmed carnivore hungry! Good luck with it and I really envy you your job. When I finished high school the attitide here was STILL that it wasn't quite nice for girls to be vets, all too earthy, and I never got that chance. Working with big cats would be wonderful!

[Kate113]

Hello and welcome! It sounds like you're all ready to go. Good luck to both of you and keep us posted on your progress.

[Laurenfra]

Naja, We have been missing you! I am glad all is well in your life. Better question where is a Big Cat Sanctuary in NC? Is it open to the public? My daughter dreams of working with Big Cats.

[2big4mysize]

welcome back. i saw a 2 headed snake on TV yesterday and thought about you and your collection

[Sheshy]

Hi Naja and welcome back to ADBB!

That's great that BF will be following the plan with you, whoohoo!

[Brook]

It's been a long time, Naja.

It's nice to see you again.

~Brook

[Desertthorn]

Oh, Naja, your recipes and food ideas got me thru the first 2 years on Atkins. I still need the support and I am glad you've returned, even if its limited. Your a great friend and you have been sorely missed.

[Naja]

The Conservator's Center is http://www.conservatorscenter.org and while it is not exactly open to the public, volunteers who are serious about working hard (mostly in construction and landscaping) are welcome, as are people who are interested in helping out in other ways (eg, sponsoring an animal or donating materials).