Howdy from Texas!

[Groundhog]

Howdy Ya'll!

Alright, I really don't talk like that much but being from Texas, some folks expect it.

My name is Greg Miller and this is my first post on this forum. I have dove deep into the Atkins wol and am at the point where I need more education about this woe to maintain my weight loss and continue the process of becoming healthy. I started my 'diet' at the beginning of the year and went about it a little backwards at first. I initially was only planning to give up sugar and as much refined stuff as I could. I started feeling a bit better and started to lose some weight. I was over 350lbs. when I started. I don't know by how much since no scales I could find went over that, even at my doctor's office.

In March, a bunch of people at my office decided to do a 'Biggest Loser' contest and everyone threw in some cash which made the pot nothing to sneeze at. Being a bit of a mercenary, I decided that I could step up my efforts to get this prize. The only thing I knew that would kick my weightloss into high gear and that I could tolerate was Atkins. I managed to drop 44lbs. during the 3 months of the contest and won!

Fortunately, before the contest ever started, I had begun to understand the change in the way of life needed and to see that this really wasn't a "diet". The very few times I did cheat, I found that A] I didn't get any significant enjoyment from the food, and B] I felt aweful mentally afterward to the point where I found immediatly that cheating was flat out not worth it. Not to mention that the idea of having to reclaim any lost ground on my journey was just abhorent. So, I quit cheating.

I am, as of this morning, at 289lbs. and dropping. My goal is anything under 197lbs. but I say 200 just to make the math easier. My real goal is something other than losing the weight. I served in the Miltary from 1982 to 1991 and gained all this weight after getting out. In fact, that played a significant part in me getting out in the first place. The new me is more motivated and gung ho than ever before in life and I have decided that I want to rejoin and serve with America's finest once more. The number one hurdle I face is getting into the fitness and weight standards. I would like to get back in by my 43rd birthday which is this coming February. That give me 6 more months to lose about 90 lbs. I'm not going to kill my self to do that but it's a goal to shoot for.

Lord willing, once this weight comes off, I will be joining the U.S. Army. Probably the Guard first and later going active. If it turns out that other issues prevent me from getting back in, I will at least be in the best shape I have ever been in in my life. I have backup plans but that's the real goal.

I have been pleasantly surprised by the fact that it has not been that hard for me to stay on this plan. It turns out that the biggest hurdle of all was just getting to the point where you go for it. After that it was kind of like, dad gum! If I had known it was only this hard, I would have done it long ago! I've read a little about some of you that have a more difficult time with it and I sympithise with you all. Hang in there!

Now, I need to get more edjumacated about this WOL so it's off to post questions in more appropriate threads.

Regards,

Greg Miller

[Discolemonade]

Howdy Greg! I'm on TX too! Dallas here. Ya'll DO talk alot, hehe, oh wait....

Thats great about winning that contest! And having something to work towards (military in your case) only makes it that much easier. YOU CAN DO THIS. You WILL do this. Great post, your personality is charming. Hope to see you around the boards, posting and checking in often is a saving grace. Be sure and do it.

[LooseShoes]

Hi, Greg!

Another fellow Texan here!

Great job on losing over 60 pounds! I'm so glad you're doing well, post and you'll get lots of help.

[speedyturtle]

Hey Groundhog, it must be Texas ol home night!! Ft. Worth chimin in. Your off to a GREAT start and the goals really help keep ya going. Keep us informed of your progress!!

[theredhead]

I couldn't resist throwing a "howdy" your way too! You're doing a great job and with your attitude, the pounds are going to come off quickly!

[meaty]

Good job Tex!

[sallyseachange]

Hiya Greg! Good to have you join our ADBB family. Thanks for telling us your story and your aspirations. Winning that bet must've been hugely motivating. Good for you! Congrats also on your terrific success so far, and on the fact that you now see Atkins as a change in lifestyle, rather than a diet. Awesome!

Post lots and let us know how you're getting along. We're with you!

[sillygirl]

Hey Greg Miller from Texas! I love your intro post. Tells us alot! Sounds like you're on the right track. I think your goals are reasonable. If you follow the plan appropriately, there's no reason for you not to make your goals! Best of luck to you.

EDIT

*This Spotlight-Introduce Yourself thread has been closed due to extended absence of owner. Please feel free to private message any compliments and/or comments to the original poster. If you are the owner and would like to revive your Spotlight-Introduce Yourself please PM the forum mod or an Admin