We all can't be size 0's. At my skinnest (as an adult) 140 lbs, I was still a size 12. Sometimes we are genetically challenged thanks to our parents. (trust me, I know where I got my bone structure from). What we need to concentrate on is being healthy and happy with who we are first. The surface is just that a surface. Work on the inside (mental) first.

I know how you feel: I still have my 29" waist jeans that I wore when I was 120ish lbs (at 5'7"). Sometimes I think, "someday..." But if you have to work that hard to get to it, then yes, it's unrealistic. You could work your butt off (literally), starving and obsessively exercising, but guess what? The minute you stop, your weight creeps back up to the healthy level it wants to be at.

I want to say thank you to everyone's post. I am feeling better. I have been hard on myself my whole life. I did choose Atkins because I love food and this WOE allows me to have what I love and not gain 50 lbs. like any other WOE I have tried. I have written a dialogue here before detailing my problems with an eating disorder right after college (for about the next 8 years) so I battle obsessing. I will say this ... Atkins saved me from my disorder permanently. I may have an obsessive thought or two periodically but that is the end of it.

I have upped my exercise. I fixed my daughter's bike carrier and take my mountain bike (I live in the mountains) on a one hour ride each day then follow-up with 45 minutes of Pilates (The Method ... try it!!!). I have really started to see my strength increase and my flexibility is starting to really show. I like seeing muscles.

I am taking it one day at a time and tell myself that it will get better. Have to stick to it and not beat myself up so much.

Again ... thank you. Support and advice MUCH appreciated.

Great to hear! I think one thing I'd just love to challenge everyone on this forum to do is not to look in a full-length mirror for six months. In fact, don't look in any mirror at all that shows your body. Then after 6 months take a peek and see how surprised you are at what you see.

A lot of us really have unhealthy notions about where our weight should be. I know I sure did when I was in my early 20s. It took gaining it all back, plus more, and 20+ years to get figured out that I don't need to be a toothpick (not like that was even possible! LOL).

My smallest size ever was a largish 8 to a size 10, and I worked and worked and worked to get into that. Once I quit working so hard, my body gained a few pounds back and settled itself where it was comfortable, around size 10/12. If we treat our bodies right, they tend to try to settle where it's good for them to be.

It's not just doing it for you, it's doing it for your daughter too. You certainly don't want her going through this sort of thing.