In the midst of my day I realized a few things that made me so happy and so thankful that I have to share.

I am not the same person I was seven weeks ago when I began Atkins. Then, I was lethargic with aching knees and too-tight clothes. I was unable to keep up with my four year old and I was almost positive that I would die in my
sleep because I was so fat and unhealthy. I wasn't living and I was afraid a lot.

Today, as I raced around on my lunch break running errands, I realized that I wasn't out of breath or sweaty and my shoes are getting too big (!). My clothes are getting looser and I feel wonderful. I have energy and patience and I feel pretty.

I've lost over 26 inches total and I am proud of that. Until I found this site last week, I was totally bummed that the scale wouldn't show a loss (I'm over 400 lbs.). I have since realized that inches and the way I feel are more than enough reward for my ego. I want to thank you all for just being here.

I lost it last weekend and ate myself right out of ketosis but instead of beating myself up, I decided to just keep moving. I'm tired of feeling guilty about every morsel I put in my mouth. That's been my pattern for nearly 30 years and I'm done. I own this body now and I will continue to feel good and do my best because I deserve it.

I read on here, "This is not a race". Thanks for that reminder, I say it to myself all the time and it helps.


Sus, F32
over 400#... but not for long.

Sus - Congratulations on your loss of inches and hanging in there when the scale didn't budge Best of luck for continued success.

Karen

I heard 2 GREAT self-revelations here that should be repeated:

1. It isn't a race.
2. It is OK to make a "mistake".

Sus, you are doing GREAT! I have a suggestion. PRINT YOUR POSTING! Then, stick it to your refrigerater or your bathroom mirror or any place you can see it regularly to help you through the inevitable "downs" that life will toss at you.

From the cheering stands...

HANG IN THERE!!!

Don


http://home.insightbb.com/~athuddriver/index.html
http://home.insightbb.com/~athuddriv...nks/links.html

Sus, it is certainly wonderful when we have those moments isn't it.

I am also a slow "loser", but I find even when I do not lose an oz. an inch will come off. Keep up the good work and keep us posted.

Don, what a great idea . I am going to start doing this!

Susan ( AKA Northwest)
207/176/160

Sus,

what a fantastic post!!

I think once we find that we are only human and not perfect.. things go much easier. We avoid those guilt binges.

26 inches is great!! do keep us posted on how you are doing.


My LC web site
LCE Member since 12/00

Sus,

I'm so happy for you! You've really gotten the "zen" of this way of eating.

When how you feel becomes the primary motivator, you're out of the "race". You just chose a new road - one that can take you to a normalized weight which you can maintain for the rest of your life.

Maggie
5'1" ~~ Atkins since '98 (160)/Maintaining nicely (110) ~~ Redhead until further notice!

Sidenote to Maggie: Loved your story! You are a delightful writer, and I'll enjoy your encouraging posts.

P. S. Redhead for forty years, and not about to find out what's really growing out of my head!

Barb L.
Started Atkins January 2003
162/135/140

Sus,

Wow! 26 inches is phenomenal in just 7 weeks! It's funny you mentioned your too-big shoes...the same thing has happened to me! I walked right out of a pair the other day! Your attitude is an inspiration to me. I've been having that same problem with Mr. Scale lately but I have lost some inches, so I should be grateful for that. I shall take your lead and get out of my race with the scale. Isn't it nice to feel so much better? Good luck in your journey!

Atkins since 8/27/03
240/224

Barb L.:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Redhead for forty years, and not about to find out what's really growing out of my head! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

It's a trip, isn't it? I've only been this way since Independence Day of this year. I went into shock when I first looked at what I'd done. I was going to run out and get something to tone it down, but Brenda, along with a bunch of other members, talked me into giving it a "test drive." The signature line came out of that whole episode. LOL!

Maggie
5'1" ~~ Atkins since '98 (160)/Maintaining nicely (110) ~~ Redhead until further notice!

Yay, Sus!!!

You're doing great!! DH and I came to the conclusion that this WOE is with us to stay. Neither of us has felt this good...ever. I told him not long ago, if I never lost another pound, I'd keep eating like this. It's so much better than feeling exhausted, bloated and hungry all the time.

Congrats on the 26"! Woohoo!!

Cheers!

Jen
Started Atkins 5.5.03
196/181/155