Hi all,

I want to add a special thanks to Trainerdan. I went in search of information on training, exercise and the possible addition of supplements to my Atkins routine and Trainerdan’s posts came up with every search.

This guy is a wealth of information and his posts have numerous links to documented sources. It is nice to read opinions and antidotal accounts. It is even better to be directed to detailed data.

At this point, it is clear that there is no single correct path to fitness and weight loss. I have always been more or less fit, able to hike and mountain bike and climb. Over the past 10 years or so, I slowly added weight despite a pretty steady outdoor routine. My low fat, high carb, eat very little red meat diet never worked, despite holding to 2000-2200 calories. When I saw Dr. Atkins on the Today show this summer, his message really hit home (any time someone is disrespected and trounced upon by NBC I pay more attention to what they are saying). By switching to a low carb, high fat, high protein 3000 or so calorie a day diet, I have dropped from a 42 waist to a 37 and currently I am currently 33# lighter.

Now for the big questions! I am losing weight and feeling great. Do I mess with success by tinkering with the diet? Do I try fewer calories? Add a thermogenic? Do I try adding an occasional glass of wine to my evening meal? There seems to be a great many variables and while I don’t want to appear ungrateful for my current successes, I have no objections to fine tuning this WOE.

Thanks again to everyone who has posted. I have learned far more here than I have from the books I have read.

Nick

Hi Nick!
WTG on your progress so far!! 5 inches of your waist and down 33 lbs is amazing! As for your questions, it sounds as if you are still losing. In my opinion, if you are losing still I wouldn't drop calories or add a thermogenic. To me, you could possibly do this things to break a stall. Why mess with a good thing? This is just my opinion however. You need to do what feels right for you.

Best of luck and continues success!!
Linda

I've got to agree with Linda....don't mess with success.

My one question to you would be...what is the ultimate goal? Sounds like you are doing a great job!

Peace,
Brenda

I don't know what you should do, only you can know that. But for myself I am currently losing and plan on trying to keep doing what I am doing as exactally as possible until I get to goal or stop losing.

Once I reach goal I think I will try adding a glass of wine or a few more carbs and see what happens...at that point maintance will be something to do for the rest of my life and I will just go back on ongoing weight loss if the changes make me gain a few pounds.

Good luck..and great job so far