Way back in 1999, after I’d finished having babies and was ready for a new, healthy life, I studied and began a low-carb way of eating. Specifically, I followed Atkins. It worked. It took me about 9 months to lose just over 75 pounds. I felt great. I looked great. My skin didn’t sag where the weight came off even though I’d not exercised at all. I was amazed.
I continued to follow a low-carb eating plan for several years. At one point I hired a personal trainer and learned proper form to lift weights. I felt good but really couldn’t afford the membership and the trainer. I found the T-tapp exercise program and began that. WOW! What a great workout! I love it. I felt better and better.
My one hurdle, though, still haunted me. I had to quit smoking. With my youngest son as my motivation (he has asthma), I quit smoking on January 1, 2006. I used nicotine gum for about 3 days. That was it. I didn’t lose my temper or lose my mind. I’ve been smoke-free since then and now consider myself a non-smoker.
Unfortunately, I seemed to have traded one vice for another. I stopped eating low-carb and gave in to my sugar and starch cravings. I went wild with ice cream, pasta smothered in thick sauces, breaded foods, and heavily sweetened, thick coffee drinks. (Couldn’t pass a McD’s without stopping for Caramel Frappe.)
But now it’s time to undo the bad food choice damage and get back on track. My motivation this time is my grandkids. I love playing. I love Kennywood, and swimming and playgrounds. With this extra weight I have a hard time playing. I can’t bear to think of walking around Kennywood in the heat with this extra weight making me miserable. And I certainly have no intention of putting a swimsuit on this body!
I began my return to low-carb last Sunday, April 29. I’ve had a number of opportunities to “cheat” when no one was looking. I’ve resisted the temptation. I’m down to two cups of coffee in the morning, one in the afternoon or early evening if I need to stay awake. Smart Water is my constant companion. I’m getting all my carbs from vegetables. I’m consuming no artificial sweeteners other than an occasional protein drink in the morning if I’m pressed for time. Other than that, it’s all real, fresh (or frozen) food.
I haven’t weighed myself yet. I’ll likely wait another week or so. I do know that my clothes are fitting me better already. I have more energy. My feet and legs don’t hurt as much. I don’t feel as bloated. This is all good.
I may not lose as much weight this time. It may take longer. After all, I’m a dozen years older than I was in 1999. That’s okay. I’m in this for the long haul. I’m going to head toward the next decade healthy.