My family is obese on both sides. We have struggled with weight all of our lives. I was in denial for most of my life thinking because I didn't look that big in certain clothes that it was ok to be fat. I knew the whole time that I couldn't wear sleeveless tops, and shorts, but because I still looked ok in a skirt and nice frilly blouse I got by in the summer. :(

My weight has held my life back up until now. I have always been self conscience when I was around other people. I would try to sit up and hold myself in so I didn't look so fat. I always looked fat in mirrors and windows when I passed by them, so I knew I was fat but just couldn't fathom the thought of going on a strict diet. I knew I was not capable of restricting myself because i was so depressed about my weight only food made me feel better. I always wondered how "skinny" / "normal" people were able to control their eating habits. I mean come on how can you not finish a plate of burgers and fries and then have a sundae afterwards....pure bliss....

I had my daughter Ashara in 1997 and after I had her I was not that fat I weighed about 185 lbs 5 foot 7 inches. Then we had our son Amir in 2000 and I had already put on about 20 lbs prior to becoming pregnant with him. When I came home from the hospital I was 267 lbs.

I finally realized how fat I was when we invited a bunch of freinds over for a BBQ and there I was sitting in the backyard in mid-July sun beaming with long sleves and a nice blue jean skirt. I had gained 70 lbs Sure I looked pretty because I was never un-attractive just fat as hell. I knew people were saying to themselves why is she wearing a lon sleeve shirt in this weather. I had to keep getting up and bringing food out to grill, when I sat down in the lawn chair it broke and I was so embarrassed. My husband just brushed it off like "these are sdome cheap a_ _ chairs", but I knew he was embarrassed to have a fat chair breaking wife, I'll say it for him because he never would.

Even after such an embarrassing moment I still didn't wake up from the carb coma. I started watching what I ate a little but no exercise other than doing laundry and house cleaning at all. I got pregnant with our daughter Ariana in February 2005 and I weighed 283 lbs. When I cam home from the hospital Dec 2005 I was 303 lbs. I never thought I would ever see 300 anything on a scale but there it was starring me in the face.

I started the Abs Diet the next day. It is really a spin off of the Atkins diet but the weight loss is very slow because there are tons of carbs and very strenuous workouts. I tried that all of 2006 and lost 16 lbs. What a waste that was, but you live and you learn.

I started Atkin's 3-9-07 at 287 lbs. and I weighed myself this morning and I am down to 262 lbs!

I have chosen to stick with the "Induction Phase" and modify it for the duration because that works for me, and I can literally feel the "ketosis" all day long. I rarely go above 20 carbs per day, and I can still pig out on "protein" when I have the binging urge. I love mexican food, so needless to say I eat a ton of taco salads. Plus there are only 21 carbs in 3 taco shells!

I must admit with 3 small children the temptations are endless. Every once in awhile I will indulge and have about 10 fries with my lettuce burger. A handful of Doritos because fat or skinny those things are the best tortilla chips on earth! I eat ice cream on occassion.
But absolutely, positively no bread or cake of any kind. I have not had bread / cake in 2 months and I don't even crave it at all. But for the most part I cook carb freindly meals that the whole family can enjoy. Plus we love chicken breast and that makes the possibilities endless.

I read all my labels and buy the items that have the lowest carb content. I am still able to feel normal and eat fun things but I weigh myself everyday as a control mechanism because I am so scared to be fat again it ain't even funny! When the scale goes up I workout harder (Leslie Sansone's "In Home Walking Mile" & Beachbody "Thin Thighs", along with 10 lbs weight lifting 5 out of 7 days/week) and go right back to the program NO EXCEPTIONS no matter how many Doritos are around! LOL

This method has worked wonders for me. In just 2 months I have dropped from a size 22 to loose size 20 (that used to be tight on me) maybe I can even fit a size 18, but haven't had the cash for new clothes just yet. LCE is kinda pricey! My husband can't keep his hands off of me, and he just keeps saying how great I look. He thinks I have lost about 40 lbs, but what he don't know won't hurt him so we will just go with that number! LOL The kids keep saying, "Wow mom you are getting skinny" bless their little hearts, they are probably excited that they will not have a fat mom anymore. Kids know the drill more than we think they do, and our appearance affects them greatly.

People are saying how great I look after the baby. I had her a year and 1/2 ago and they haven't started saying that until now! But I'll take it. Can't you tell I am still bitter about being so heavy. My goal is to reach 160 lbs by New Years 2008, so that my 2008 resolution can be to focus on getting toned.

I am glad that the "carb conscience" wave is now prominent in the FDA, I would never have discovered Atkin's otherwise.

Please give your advice / pointers on how to bring this sexy mom back!

Hi, Sexy Mom. (from a fellow sexy mom!)

You know, I can relate to your story in many ways. I don't think I ever hit 300, but I was well on the road-I must have gone over 275 after I tossed out my scale. i decided _it_ was the problem-ha! but i eventually started low-carbing because I had indications that I was headed for a case of diabetes.

A couple things I would say to you: let go of any judgements over your weight, past present or future. I feel twinges when I read your self-assessment, you know? Weight is one (not terribly important) aspect of who you are. And while sometimes we need a good kick in the (size 22+) pants to get going, the thing is that those kind of feelings make it harder. i've been fat and i've been thin. and while i like thin a WHOLE lot better, i am NOT a better person now than i was then. i'm healthier (and hotter, by my estimation). but i'm not better.

You may want to consider moving on to owl, which is essentially a "modified induction" anyway-i.e. induction plus 5 carbs a day. The big bonus for OWL is that you're integrating the lc eating into your permanent lifestyle, so this is what keeps you safe forever! peole often remain on induction, but to me, induction is the least important of the phases of atkins. induction is the "diet" part, you know what i mean?

on eating off-plan: while i never encourage people to do that, when you choose to, i would encourage you to stay completely away from sugar, which can trigger cravings in many folks. and when you do, you are RIGHT to not use it as an excuse to "toss the day" or whatever.

oh well. that's enough random tip-giving for the moment. the most important indicatior i've seen of success since i've been around here is having a good attitude, so make sure your best effort goes into that. if you are feeling positive, it's WAY easier to make healthy choices for yourself.

peace out, fellow traveller.

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Fat Baggage- Is Yours Packed?

Thanks Goddess,


I agree with you 100 % and appreciate your advice. I admit I do need a better attitude about myself because even though I know I am loosing weight my mind is so negatively programmed that I still feel as fat as befroe I lost 39 lbs. I will incorporate "better attitude" in with my weight loss goals. i weighed this morning and I am down to 260 finally!

there are some days i look in the mirror, and see a real goddess. other days, i see a fat kid who'll "never have a boyfriend." ironically, i've been married for almost 18 years, so go figure...fortunately, those days are darned rare now. it IS a process.

congrats on your lossess!

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Fat Baggage- Is Yours Packed?

Thanks you 2 i'm sure!

SexyMom,

I am so glad I read your story. I can totally relate!
When I read your story, I kept thinking one thing, it will sound strange coming from a stranger...I am so proud of you! You are making such great strides and taking control of you life. Congratulations!

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Hi MAB,

You go girl! Only 65 lbs to go, I say only because i am so proud of you and I know you will get there! Keep up the good work.

Bobbie, I sent you a private message.

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Ozzie's Place