My uniform!

[jayceeehh]

Hi everyone!

Hope this finds everyone well.

I'm a male flight attendant, I live in Europe and I work for one of the world's largest airlines. I travel all over the world and since I started working for the airline a few years ago have constantly had to increase my uniform size. Whether I'm in Japan, China, South America, India, Thailand, the US ... the pounds just pile on. I'm just about to hit 40, which also doesn't help.

A few years ago I tried Atkins and it worked. I looked healthier than ever and weighed less than I have for a long time. Somehow, though, I thought that it was a fluke. So, I stopped because I thought my arteries would clog up (despite the evidence against this happening) and gallstones would be the bane of my life. But I've been struggling with my weight since then. Last year I gave up smoking...and I put on another 16 pounds. This, despite the fact that I eat vegetables and fruit all day long. I mean, they have no calories and I'm still overweight.

Diet-wise I've tried everything. I've even been through the harrowing and embarrassing 'only-man' syndrome at weightwatchers groups. Nothing works. At one point (no, at a few points actually), I've thought, and decided, not to diet. Maybe that's the trick. And lo and behold, I gained even more.

So, last week I was with my crew in Los Angeles. (I love being in the States because portion sizes are huge (love that!) and you can comfort yourself in the loneliness of your hotel room with whatever food you want, 24 hours a day. Heaven.) I woke up one morning and decided to eat the remainder of my cold and old (yuck, sorry, but they were good) low-fat potato wedges from Albertson's ($2,49 per lb - a bargain compared to Europe) and go down to breakfast where the crew was enjoying the 'all-you-can-eat' buffet for $15.00. An American dream, which we all savour when we're there. I decided not to go for it because I'm trying to lose weight. Low fat. The hard way. I mention this because I sat opposite a colleague of mine who, in her forties, is probably the skinniest flight attendant I've ever seen. Probably the skinniest woman I've ever seen. And, for the entire hour that I sat with her, talking, discussing, laughing etc. didn't stop eating. At one point I asked her if she was bulimic. She laughed one of those deep belly laughs which seemed to come from the bottom of her soul. She said, and I quote "I don't know what it is, I eat and I eat and I cannot put on weight...I think it might have to do with the fact that I don't like carbohydrates...like potatoes, rice and bread." Bingo. (I hasten to add that the low carb phenomenon has not really gone down well with Europeans, which explains why she thought she had to describe to me what carbohydrates are...!)

But, isn't it amazing? It hit me like a brick wall. I thought "well maybe this low carb phenomenon is right after all." I know another woman who never eats carbs because she can't stand them and she is also so skinny. She, though, would never even come up with the idea that she is eating a low-carb diet. It's just the way it is for her.

So, five years later I'm starting again. I've blown the dust off the book cover already and am going for it...again!

Wish me luck. I'll be back with sizes later.

jayceeehh

p.s. have no pictures at the moment, but will upload some soon.

[SandyL2002]

Good luck and welcome to the board..YOU CAN DO IT

[Mickkey]

Welcome Jayceee. You'll like it here, come often.You'll get lots of support and any questions you have answered too. Quittng smoking usually causes weight gain because the cigs speed up your metabolism. Once you quit, your metabolism slows somewhat and food tastes better too! You have read the book right? Remember to drink your water, eight 8 oz. glasses at least every day. I'm sure you get lots of exercise just walking through the airports. Good luck and come back and let us know how you're doing.

[MorningGlory]

Welcome Jayceeehh!

I could read what you write all day long! I felt like I was starting a little story and I was sad when it was over~~ha ha.

Having an "ah-ha" moment, or being hit by a brick wall, as you put it, is usually a good sign that you're at the right place to start this way of eating and be successful at it.
It's such a pleasure to eat good, clean food that's not processed garbage.
Hope to see you around the board!

[CDRAKE1234]

welcome, welcome, welcome......
best of luck on your journey!

happy flying low carb style!

[*Alexa*]

Hello Jayceeehh

Welcome to ADBB. I'm glad you've decided to dust off the Atkins book - it is a relief to try a WOL that works after trying to lose weight low fat.

Make sure to update us on your progress

[jayceeehh]

Good Morning!

Thanks everyone for the nice replies. I've put some new data on my signature. I honestly can't believe the measurements, which I converted using an online conversion tool and which I believe to be incorrect. I don't look that big in the mirror. I don't think my measuring tape is reliable, actually. Anyway, a healthy dose of denial never did anyone any harm.

I have decided not to post any pics as yet, just in case I don't pull it off and my 'Before' pic will still be up here 3 years from now with no update because my after pic would show me still stuffing my face with Albertson's potato wedges and Doritos and having trouble getting up off the sofa.

When I think it's time that my 'After' pics would genuinely get a gasp from you all (due to weight loss and not weight gain), then I'll post some.

Have a great day.

Jayceeehh

[WheresMeFeet]

Hello there & welcome!!

Great to hear that you are joining us!

Just think of how you'll be eating from now on...whilst your on your travels!...
You won't be feeling restricted, you'll be able to tuck right in and lose weight at the same time!

Looking forward to hearing more from you,
Cathy
XoXoX

[sallyseachange]

Welcome Jayceeehh! Nice to have you aboard. I enjoyed your post telling us how that little "light bulb" suddenly went on for you. I'm pretty sure that that light bulb will stay firmly on and not flicker, once you get back into the swing of low carbing the Atkins way!

Post whenever you can, from any corner of the world! We're here for you!

[PaulaMM]

Welcome!


With all the information and misinformation about the various weight loss methods, it's easy to see how so many well meaning folks end up frustrated and heavier than ever. I think you made the right choice in coming back to Atkins!

Here's to good health, good choices and great food!

Best of luck to you!

EDIT

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