thanks Jasmine - I am a school bus driver and when the school year ended (and I have 2 1/2 months unemployment), I wanted to start walking again. I have been walking this route since mid-June, and have shaved a few minutes off the time. I also have added short (100 feet or so) bouts of running/jogging - I am up to five!

I drink homemade green tea, sweetened with stevia, and usually down about gallon or a bit less per day, so I am very well hydrated.

Pictures? hmmmm - I prefer to be behind the camera - that's something I'll have to contemplate.

I've been keeping track on FitDay for 4+ years - LOVE it! My frustration was that over the years, the 'traditional' lo-cal wasn't budging the weight with any regularity, so decided to try this primal/medium-low carb thang! And it is (thus far)quite do-able for me. My cravings were out of control, and even with whole grain carbs (we grind whole wheat berries for bread, brown rice or quinoa for sides at dinner), I would be starving within a couple hours of a meal. If this feeling of being satiated is typical of the low(ish) carb diet, count me in!

Oh, and SeaGirl? You are soooo right! And I'm praying this will lead me to better health, a lean body and a lifetime of balance.

I just found this thread of posts and found it to be very interesting so I wanted to join in. My husband and I started the Primal Diet (see marksdailyapple.com) on March 1st. We didn't crash ourselves into it but rather implemented the stricker recommendations in stages. First we gave up all sugar, processed foods, breads, grains. But we allowed ourselves berries, nuts, and dark chocolate which are allowed so the adjustment was a little easier. I lost 22 lbs and my husband lost 35 in about 3 months. Then I kind of stagnated at that weight but I felt great so I could see it being a terrific plan for me from a maintenance standpoint but right now I needed a stricter diet program because i want to ultimately lose 100 lbs. Here's what I found out that was prohibiting me from continuing to lose weight. All carbs are turned into sugar (basically) so by me eating the berries and nuts, my body didn't need to reach into it's fat stores for energy because I was giving my body a source of energy in the berries and nuts. Once I changed programs and went a little stricter (no berries, no nuts, more lean protein, I have been losing weight again to the tune of another 18 lbs lost in the past month. And I still feel great. I agree with the person who said find a book or plan to follow so that you are adhering to the program. This stuff is too hard to figure out on your own unless you are a medical professional, lol. There are lots of plans out there but I find I feel best when I eat fresh, unprocessed foods and lean meats and drink plenty of water. I still would LOVE to have M&Ms but hey, there will always be time for that later once I am a cute little skinny girl someday.