Back on the Wagon - for Life!

[Kira Nerys]

About 3 or so years ago I lost about 4 stone (1 stone = 14 lbs, so 56 lbs), but I ended up putting on even more when I slipped back into my old way of eating.

A problem that many former Atkins dieters encounter is that when they come off Atkins, instead of cutting out the high protein / fat, they just add carbs to it (which is what I did), and that is just not an option - it seems to me that there are 3 diet options: 1) eat less, but eat what you like - a good choice if you can exercise moderation 2) low-carb / high fat or 3) low-fat, but the combination of fat and high carbs is the worst thing out there.

I know for myself that, whereas I may be able to exercise moderation in the future, I can't right now, and low-fat diets just do not agree with me.

I realised about 3 weeks ago that I was continuing to put on weight and had reached almost 15 stone. (that's 210 lbs I think) Not only were my clothes uncomfortable, but I was absolutely horrified at the thought of being so overweight! (My ideal weight is around 10 stone or 140 lbs, possibly less but not much - I remember from past experience that if I get down to 9 stone I feel unwell)

I also realised that the weight I need to lose is the exact weight of my son! (oh, the shame!!!)

I have tried other diets, but none successfully. I knew I had to re-start Atkins, not only because it works but because I know that last time I felt healthier, fitter and more energetic than I had ever done before while I was on the Atkins program.

One thing I'm taking on board that I never did before, however, is that Atkins is for life. High carb diets just don't suit me - I know that my blood sugar level was dangerously unstable (even though repeated blood testing said otherwise) because I would get shaky, depressed and very low on a regular basis. That completely disappeared on Atkins.

I'm realising that I can never go back to my high-carb way of living if I want to be slim, healthy or fit.

So I have invested in some Atkins and low-carb books and am looking at changing my habits for good.