After some encouragement from our moderator, Brenda, I'm copying my annual "State of the Body" message from the Vet's Forum and putting it here for you. Good luck with your program .......... no matter where you are in the progress.

Year 3 Atkinsversary -- October 2005

State of the Body 2005

In 2002, I restarted a LC WOE. It was sometime around Halloween. I did not make a massive change; in fact, I just eased myself into a semi induction period. I had done LC before. I knew it worked. I just had to get my mind right and ripe for making the change. I think internal competition may have something to do with being ripe for the change. There were several people at work doing LC at that time. Heck, I had done it before ? and been successful ? I could do it. And, I did.

It?s been three years now. I?m still LC. I will admit straight up that I am not always a 100% faithful member of the fold. Today I weigh 143. That?s 5 pounds above my goal weight of 138. I think that I read somewhere that many weight loss and maintenance programs begin to fail after two years due to boredom or lack of attention, and, more than anything, to pushing the edges with a little of this and a little of that. Yes, I?ve pushed the envelope some. But, overall, I am mindful of what works for me and have faithfully stuck with it. I do not want and will not let myself return to the awful state of body that I possessed in 2002. I?m not thrilled about where I am today, but when I consider where I was, I won?t beat myself up about it.

This year I?m setting a new goal. My goal is to lose that extra five pounds. When I write this message next year, I want to show that I can beat those odds and be successful at maintenance. I know I can with your help. This board helps to keep my choices at the top of my mind. Even though our conversation does not always deal with diet and eating, I have a little reminder each time I see the forum name. So, thanks for your help, and remember, each time we post and whatever we discuss, it is that feeling of community that is helping me to get to and stay where I want to be.

And to help me keep things at the "Top Of My Mind", I'm adding a new logo to my sig. Feel free to copy it and use it if you would like. The URL for the image is http://ptcenter.tripod.com/images/topofmind20051.jpg

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Judy
highest = 180, goal = 140
Every single time I put food in my mouth, it matters. No more fooling myself!

Some very potent insights there, Judy. It always is a great force for motivation when I hear from you folks that have been doing LC for several years...keep up the great work!!

Thanks for sharing your message with us, Judy. Maintenance is not just a goal, it's also a lifetime of commitment; not a ending place, but the beginning of a new journey. Congratulations! Three years is absolutely fantastic.

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BC
LC Since 1998
Highest Weight 172
Current 104-108

Judy, I just read what you wrote and - wow- thank you. You are so very eloquent, I wanted to read more. Thank you for posting. You provided empowering words for low carbers. Congratulations!

Smiles, Candace

judy-thanks for sharing your thoughts here, where more people can benefit from them. i find myself, 2 years out, in a pretty similar situation to yourself, except i have more than 5 pounds to go...but not all that many more.

i think you've hit the nail on the head square--it's not about being ABLE to do it, it's about deciding to do it and doing it is all. thanks for the positive message this morning. that's something we can always use!

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EatSmart Nutritional Scale Review

I want to add my thanks also. Deciding is the factor... thanks again for sharing.