Journal

I want everyone out there to read on what has happened to me over the past two months - those skeptical about the Atkins diet should try it. It has worked for me and is still working - and, I endorse it, but realize that it is the choice of the individual and in no way should I influence that person's choice in going on the Atkins diet. It truly has worked for me, and, statistically will work for about 90% of overweight people out there. I am now in the normal weight range - rather than being classified as obese, as I was before, and, I believe that this was the only was I could do this, and certainly the easiest.

I am going to be starting up a weightlifting and exercise program again next week - as I am getting closer and closer to my goal, I feel it is important to build up and shape up while losing these last 20 pounds. The key to what I have been doing is - NO CARBS! I have had several situations where the simpler choice would have been to give into carbohydrates rather than stick with the diet, and I persevered - I have done so for the past two months and 53 pound loss and will continue to do so for however long it may take me to reach or exceed my goal.

Follow along in my Journal as these last 20 pounds come off - I am to be posting day-by-day stats and my exercise plans.

Journal

As I sit here 53 pounds lighter, I feel it is a time to reflect - to reflect on experiences with my weight gain, the journey in getting there, and the journey ahead. Truly, I knew getting to the 165 mark was not going to be an easy task - losing 75 pounds for anyone would be. However, I did some research on the matter - I knew just about every trick in dieting and in a weight loss plan to cut carbs and cut food consumption. This illusion was shattered with the Atkins diet. You see, on the Atkins diet, I could EAT again - no more counting calories - no more portion control - I am now able to eat what I want (in the Atkins range of course) when I want. I eat eggs and bacon or sausage, ham, or any other kind of meat for breakfast - a healthy salad with ham, cheese, and eggs serves me well with lunch, and dinner provides a plethora of choices - TRY THAT WITH ANY OTHER "DIET!"

My goal being 165, my current weight is 188 - leaving me with 23 pounds left. I have lost 21.99 percent of my weight, and stand to lose more - I am shooting for Halloween as a marking date, as a goal date for reaching this goal. Then, I will not follow the path of other unsuccessful dieters - I shall add carbohydrates - poison in the Atkins vocabulary - little by little, and do some heavy exercising to get my metabolism up - I was waiting until I hit my goal to resume much exercising. I am going to lift weights, run, run some more, and hopefully tone up well by Christmas and NEW YEARS!!! I am so awesomely amazed at how far I can come. I am overjoyed now that weight loss IS possible, and that a ridiculed man's plan has brought me here -Atkins needs more research done into his diet plan. On New Years, I shall make a new reflection - and score out another goal on my list. Graduation will be sweet - Here come I, not a fat person, but a proud one whose journey shall not have been in vain, and who will always keep in mind his goals and ideals.

Yesterday was the TWO-MONTH Mark!!!

Log - September 22nd, 2002

My weight today is 190 pounds. I feel so invigorated having lost the first 50 Pounds yesterday.... this is so incredibly awesome and I am totally unable to describe what it is like to see a whole new person in the mirror... and have people recognize the new ME!! I have 25 pounds to go... only a couple inches on my bathroom scale separates me from my goals... I shall keep my journal well-updated until the day of VICTORY IS UPON US!!!!!!

Measurements:
Stomach: 37
Waist: 37