When I turned 18, I weighed 185, which is just a couple of pounds more than I do now. I moved in with my sister and learned how to eat better. I dropped some weight and began lifting free-weights. I lost more, much more. I rode my bike to/from work each day (only about 5 miles) and I worked out each day (I went to work for a health club). So, it was easy to keep off the weight. I also ate mostly protein, except for the days when I had been out until 4am and got up for work at 6am.
THAT, I definitely can't do any more.
I maintained that weight (125-130) for many years through exercise and locarb eating, before I knew anything about LCing. I became a vegan because my body did not seem to like meat, I could eat chicken, but beef made me gag. I never liked fish, so I began finding meat substitutes. Eventually I stopped eating meat completely and ate a very carb-filled diet ... and started gaining weight. Even exercise only maintained the weight gain and then it increased and I got sick. My weight topped at 210 by the time I hit 30 and the PCOS caused cancer. After my hysterectomy it was worse. Nothing seemed to work. Finally, my husband and I did some research and we found a book titled "Syndrome X" that gave detailed information about symptoms. I had about 90%! After arguing with my then doc to get an insulin test and finding out I was insulin resistant, I began the first phase of the Syndrome X diet. TOUGH! By the first 30 days and no meds, I dropped 20lbs. By the en of 6 mos I went back to get my bloodwork and found that all my cholesterol levels dropped and my insulin went from 26 to 6. I was 34 and full of much more will-power!
Life has gotten in the way of me taking care of myself and I gained 15lbs back. Many of my health issues came back! SO! I am back to LCing, and I am taking Lipitor and Actos to keep those levels low until I reach and maintain my goal. I will be 40 in Oct and my goal is to lose as much as possible before 40 and by next spring be at my goal weight. I want to maintain that weight and tighten up some skin so that I can have a breast reduction (neither mom or I can remember owning a training bra, she said one day I had baby fat, the next I had boobs!).
I fully intend that my next 40 years will be healthier and happier!