Facing A Change

Happy Monday!

I wanted give an update on my weight loss journey.  I have been watching my carbs since June.  Actually, I have been really really watching my carbs.  I've been trying to stay under 20 grams of carbs a day following the Atkins Diet.  I know, I know, these types of diets don't last.  I knew this going into it, but needed something to jump start me.  Atkins always puts me in control and gives me motivation to keep going.  I lose quickly.  I have no cravings and no binges.  It works for me.  I felt great and lost 34 pounds.   Unfortunately, it is very addicting for me and I tend to get obsessive about not eating any sugar at all.  I wouldn't even taste anything unless I was sure it was Atkins, Stage 1 friendly.  I was annoying myself and I'm sure those around me.  I didn't care tho, because I felt so good.....so in control!  That has changed.  My turning point was getting the results of my blood work.

My Cholesterol was 301......Under 200 is preferred. 

My LDL (The bad one) was 202.....Under 100 is preferred.  

My blood pressure at that visit was 200/120.  

I was put on blood pressure and cholesterol medicine, and told to stop the phase 1 Atkins.  My Dr. told me phase one should only be followed for 2 weeks.  Phase 1 is under 20 grams of carbs a day with a little protein and mostly fat.   I cried.  I cried at home when I got my results, and again in the office with the Dr.   Not because I was scared for my health.  Not because stroke and heart disease is very prevalent in my family.  No, I cried because I was afraid of going off Atkins.  I was afraid of  changing my life. changing my way of eating.  Afraid of gaining weight, and mostly afraid of going back to binging and feeling that "being out of control" feeling.   How stupid.  After it set in, I realized, how stupid.  Do I want a heart attack?  Do I want a stroke?  Is being thinner worth that?  Of course not.  I immediately went to something I knew would keep me on track while transitioning from Atkins to low fat.  I joined  Weight Watchers.  I did WW before and loved it.  I struggled before, only because I wasn't working the plan.  I decided I need something structured to keep me focused.  I need the meetings to keep me motivated.  I don't want to put the weight back on.  My first weigh in was 2 weeks after stopping Atkins.  I was up 5 pounds.  That's all!  Tears for 5 pounds.  My second weigh in I was down 5 pounds.  Thanksgiving came and went and I enjoyed eating my favorites with my family and was up 1.8 pounds from that.  I was able to get right back on plan, tracking my points, quicker than I normally would have, and I am proud of that!  So as of now, I am at 186.8.....Eating a low carb, low fat, high protein diet.  I feel more like a person now, not handcuffed to the NO SUGAR thought process.  I still watch my sugar, but if I have a mint that isn't sugar free I don't panic.  I am eating fruits and vegetables, yogurt and milk.....all the things I have missed, and feeling great about it!  

My sister came to me right after all of this happened, and encouraged me to go to an Ab Class with her.  I went.  I got up and out of the house at 7:30 on my day off and went.  It was just the thing I needed!  Now we go 3 mornings a week to a half hour class focusing on Core and Abs.  This has been a huge help for me.  Once you exercise, you don't want to ruin it by eating crappy, right?  Right!

So, here I am. Feeling healthy, stronger, still in control and hoping I can keep it up!

xoxo