Hi.
I have been 'cruising' the forums for several weeks now and have gained alot of knowledge and skimmed much support from the support others have recieved. I have decided it is time and I have the time to introduce myself and become an official participant rather than a lurker.
I am 35 years old and have been using Atkins has a WOE / WOL since February 4, 2002. Since that time I have lost 15 pounds, have 42 more to go, and have never felt better physically, mentally, and emotionally. I have successfully "experimented" with Atkins as a diet 2 or 3 times over the past two years. I really believe these "experiments" were important for me in learning and accepting this as a WOE / WOL. This time I am ready to and have been making the necessary lifestyle changes and reaping the benefits of doing so, so that this time I really believe is my time!
I come to this point in my life along a different path than alot of you seem to from the stories I have read. I am blessed with incredible genetics which strongly lean towards the thin side, an extremely effecient metabolism, a natural tendency to eat LC and a life history that for most of the time involved being much to thin. I was a serious high school and collegieate level and beyond athlete so I also was not a stranger to exercise and fitness.
My downfall centered around not heeding the cautions that age would slow my metabolism (although it is still very good), getting married (to a man who still can give me the first date glow just by watching him walk across our yard after 10 years), and having two incredible childeren; 3 & 6, (whom I am fairly sure the sun rises and sets upon), an incredibly challenging job working with individuals with a severe mental illness, which I love, and forgetting to keep exercise and fitness as an integral part of my life.
Although all of this combined eased me beyond a healthy weight, I must admit it also provided me with one of my most important life lessons to date. Putting on the extra weight taught me a life lesson I was not even aware I needed to learn. Adding the weight and no longer being extremely thin taought me the value I had beyond my physical appearance. It showed me strength, character, and virtue I was not conciously aware I had. The experience allowed me to become a more confident individual and develop a fuller and more enriching life. Funny how "the one in charge" gives you what you need even when you are not aware you need it!
But I believe I have learned that lesson well, my learning curve is really not that long so I am taking stock and taking charge and heading toward the thinner and physically healthier me! I am on my way with the LC lifestyle but must admit I am being a bit of a turtle with the exercise, but that to shall fall into place.
I am excited, energized, and looking forward to making the journey with all of you!
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Quote:
"If I can not find a way, I will make one."
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Quote:
"Life is neither good nor bad, it is our CHOICE to make it what we wish."
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