I read these boards almost daily, but rarely post, but some of you might remember me. I started Atkins over 7 months ago and just wanted to give an encouraging update to anyone thinking about going on a low-carb plan.

I've actually lost more weight then indicated in my profile, I was more around 240 pounds when I started, and I'm now down to 209. I've been taking it slow, loosing these last 19 pounds or so slowly. No rush, I'm a low carber for life. The weight loss is nice, and I am much happier with my appearance, but I've never really worried about appearance. The GREAT thing is, my low blood sugar problems are non-existent. No more shaky hands, no more ravenous cravings for food. No more overeating because of it. No more acid reflux. Plenty more energy. I feel healthier and live healthier.

It really all just makes so much sense. How society could have gotten fooled into thinking soda and pop tarts are healthy because they don’t have fat in them blows my mind. What we eat on a low-carb diet is what nature intended us to eat. And once you feel and see the results, the larger picture comes into focus.

That being said, I've been preaching the word of low-carb to everyone I possibly can. Two very close friends have been extremely successful, one loosing over 40 pounds in 4 months. However, my largest accomplishment to date is my father. I finally got him on this way of life a month ago. He has been a diabetic all of his life. He cut his insulin shots in half in 7 days. Let me repeat that, HE CUT HIS INSULIN SHOTS IN HALF IN 7 DAYS. Incredible. Now, after a month, he sometimes skips his insulin for a day because he sugar is under control. The fact that my father is going to live longer and healthier, and is happier, makes me feel wonderful. And the success that he has had is a testament to this way of eating.

That's my update. All I can say is keep up the good work if you are living the low carb life, and if you're not, by the book and see if it makes sense to you. Keep a cool head about what you eat, and if you fall off the wagon get right back on. Don’t kick yourself for having a treat once and a while, but know that you should not overindulge. Play with your food! Create wonderful low carb meals! And lastly, preach the word of lowcarb to the people you care about. Perhaps you have to take the subtle approach, and drop hints to them. The changes in you should encourage them to try. You will feel better if they feel better.

Take care everyone, and keep the low-carb lifestyle going,
-Chad