This is my 1st post on this forum. Been reading for several weeks now. I thought I'd start putting down some of my personal experiences and observations. Been a little hesitant, since the populations here seems to be prdominently Ladies.

I've been LCWOL since 2002. It's quite a journey over the last 3 1/2 years. I got started with the Atkins Diet and was successful at dropping from 275 lbs down to floating in the 205 area. Been very happy with the Low-carb lifestyle.

I didn't realize how well the WOL worked for me until I got down to the 200 level and started doing a variety of other eating activities. You see I was stuck at the 200-205 zone for nearly a year. Just couldn't do anything.

Some will say exercise. Well that isn't all it takes. I've done exercise at levels that atheletes would be jealous. I've been up to Cardio for 1.5-2 hrs a day (7 days) with HR up to 180 BPM for much of it. Also, pushing massive weights, varying between free weights and machines. My BP has dropped overall from 150/89 to 110/68. That part has been great. My problems became that my muscles were much stronger than my joints. Finally had to back off.

Well, on the eating side, I decided to vary my eating (adding bad carbs) to try and get my metabolism off-balance to reduce weight. One of the methods I used was the Master Cleanse. Let me tell you... If you thing LC takes discipline, HA! Try that for a 10 day stint. You really learn your level inner strength. During this period I was able to get down to an all time low of 190. Hell, that's less than I weighed at 12 years old!

Several things I've noticed over the last year. My joints (mechanical arthritis from carrying too much weight for too long) were hurting again. Also noticed that my metabolism was actually dropping to a crawl. Talk about Metobalically resistant. Mine was a brick wall. I would get on a stepper and be dieing and only see my HR get up to 100. Oh yeah, I floated back up to a weight of 227. And I was starving! Totally unacceptable!!

So several weeks ago I decided to "Get back to Basics" dropping myself back into induction. It has taken me 2 weeks to finally see some pink on my strips. Seems like there was lots of stuff to get outta my system.
I've been able to get back to 215 and it is slow going.

Side note: It is interesting to see how Business has dictated the LC lifestyle. When I went to the Atkin site to research the Induction phase, I found that it had changed quite considerably. IMO It has been modified to fit in with the main stream busines and compete with the other. Compare the web site with your book and you will see what I'm referring to. I'm following the book.

Back to me. In the last 2 weeks I've notice an increase in energy levels and a reduction of joint pains. I'm pushing to stay on induction at/or near induction levels for a month or so to keep things going in the right direction.
I've read many of your trials and tribilations posted and said to myself, yup, done that too.

I hope to be a valid contributor to this worthwhile site/forum in the future.
Thanks to you all for being here and listening.
Tom.

Welcome Tom! Smart thinking about going by the book. That's the only way to go for me. I'm currently in that 200 to 205 doldrums right now myself. Which is an increase from my signature weight. I'm just going to wait it out. I figure once this too hot weather passes I'll get in more exercise.

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Welcome Tom! Make yourself at home here. I look forward to seeing more posts from you. Best of Luck in your reinduction!

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Started Atkins-1/2/04
174 lbs at heaviest



5'0 154/136.5/130

Tom:

Welcome to LCE

You're right - lots of women, but don't let that discourage you from visiting often...

I think the divergence from the 'real' Atkins WOE is a key figure in the recent demise of Atkins nutritionals -- too many frankenfoods, and an ill-advised chase after the 'market'.

Anyway, welcome again!! Good luck, and keep us posted on your progress.

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Tina

Thank you all for the welcomes. Just got back from the gym. The scale was my friend tonight. Not always so. Felt really good after that WO.
1 day at time. :jumpgreen

G'day Tom - glad to welcome you to the forum. Look forward to communicating with you.

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The fox is wild!



5'3" Maintaining 121-125
Original weight 198 +

Today is off day of exersize. Had a good W/O yesterday. So far staying "On-Track" in the food arena. Last night DW and I went to a taco joint. She loves thier hamburgers. I had a carnitas/taco salad. And a big handful of jalapenos. Yeah! That keeps the old digestive system moving.

Had my weekly meeting with my "team" (I'm a supervisor of a team of communications technicians). Sometimes my kids at home act more like adults than my "kids" here at work. When they get out of hand, I wear my old Boy Scout leaders belt. They see it and get the message.

Off to my duties, Tom.

Hey Tom...do you think I could carry the same clout if I wear my old Girl Scout sash?? Hmmmm...wonder if the 'troops' would be intimidated by my sewing and water coloring badges!!

Hmmm. I dunno. The sash might be a little subtile. They might not catch the point.

I was a baaad boy tonight. Decided to try out some of the bread recipies from this site. MMM good. Had some egg salad open face on some of the bread. Bread is one weakness I have to keep in check. I could easily sit down to an entire loaf with a huge stick of butter melted on it. Tomorrow DW wants me to skip the gym and go out to eat (special occasion). We're still into the social aspect of eating. Asked her to be patient and we'll go after the gym. 8ish vs 5ish. She agreed. Starting to look forward to the gym every other day. Remembering when it was my escape from the world. Maybe someday I can get back to my old routine of daily cardio in the am before work. It's tough getting up that early in the morning.
Well, off to spend some time with DW till bed time.

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To think is to create!
So What? Now What?
Tom
Restart LC 7/05/08

That is great that your DW is supportive enough to put off dinner till after the gym..and good for you in suggesting it! Have a great weekend!

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Started Atkins-1/2/04
174 lbs at heaviest



5'0 154/136.5/130

Yes, DW has always kept from interferring with my gym activities.
Now you understand the special occasion. Thanks.
Hopefully made up for the baking last night. B'fast today just some celery w/ soynut butter. Lunch, salad & 2 burger patties w/ munster. I love Munster.
DW taking me to one of our local Steak houses. Ahh BEEF!
Quiet day today at work. I may take off early. I can get to the gym sooner. That way we can still go out tonight without being too late. Reasonable compremise. Feeling really good about myself today. I got into a pair of pants that I haven't worn in about 2 months. Got to NOT let it go to my head. That's how I got in trouble and off-track before.

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To think is to create!
So What? Now What?
Tom
Restart LC 7/05/08

Did the gym today very differently. I'll post all that in the excersize thread. Had a very nice dinner. There are definite advantages to being LC. Had steak, lobster & steamed veggies and salad. Very filling. I just wish they didn't alway pile on the carrots in the salads and the veggies. By the time you pull them all out you have this giant pile of carrots. Nearly a full carrots worth. I think I will treat myself to a dish of LC peanut butter ice cream to finish out the night.

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To think is to create!
So What? Now What?
Tom
Restart LC 7/05/08

Sounds like you had a very nice b'day dinner...yum. I hear ya on the carrot thing. Almost every veggie offering at the work cafeteria is mixed with carrots. My coworkers are always laughing at me as I pick the buggers out of my salad and pile them on the side of my tray.

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY! Sorry I didn't catch it sooner, but been a very busy last few days........

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196/135-135