Thanks so much for welcoming me here It's good to know there are others out there in my boat that I don't have to explain this whole Atkins concept too, while also understanding it's not as easy as "eating things in moderation." How many of you have heard that one....lol I think the reinforcement came in when I could still buy clothes at Old Navy and such... (rather than the big n tall store - which guys have a MUCH more limited selection than girls) - I've carried my weight well, but the bottom line is that I am tired of carrying it...period....Hope1, I appreciate the suggestion and began a journal of foods last week. I'm seeing a dietician through a program in Springfield - the plan we came up with was LC friendly, except she wanted me to eat fruit. I figure when i go back there in February, showing her the weight I'd lost will outweigh (no pun intended) the fruit I did not eat.