It was 10 years ago today I picked up Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution, read it and and decided it was time to change my life.
I was 42 years old and could barely walk up 2 steps without being totally out of breath. I was 245 lbs. and I knew I had to do something or I would just continue to get bigger & bigger and most importantly, unhealthier. My Dad is an insulin dependant diabetic with CHF I did not want to end up in that situation.
After reading Dr.Atkins book (a friend had lost 60 lbs. on it), I thought, I CAN do this! So, on 4/13/2004, I began Atkins Induction and I've never looked back. People always ask me if it was difficult (afterall I'm Italian and used to eat pasta). I haven't ever found Atkins to be difficult. For me, its been a lifestyle change. This is my way of eating. Sadly, there is a lot of misinformation out there about Atkins. People tend to believe Atkins is the all you can eat bacon, butter & red meat diet. It isn't. I eat plenty of non-starchy veggies & salads, chicken & fish. I do eat bacon and some red meat but, it isn't the main staple of the Atkins lifestyle.
While Atkins has worked for me, it isn't for everyone. The bottom line is, if you want to lose weight, you need to do your own research and choose a plan you are willing to do for life. Diets you go on & off of, don't work. You must make a total lifestyle change. Thats what I did 10 years ago and I'm so happy I did!
You CAN do this too!!!

Kim... a Big time Congratulations to you on your 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY. WOW! I just think that what you have done is so wonderful and such a beacon to us all, who know that this is the way to eat and live our lives. I wish you many many many anniversaries to celebrate! Thank you for your encouraging words and thoughts. Thank you for being there for us all! and a TO YOU!

congrats!

Congrats JerseyGyrl!! Now I have be around long enough to see two of your anniversaries!! You are an inspiration!! I know each journey is different but can you remind us how long it took you to get to goal? I agree there are many misconceptions about Atkins and I stick to whole foods and no low carb substitutes - no bread or pasta ......and no rice or potatoes because I can't trust myself. My goal is a 34 jean...I'm an apple with a big waist...and I am working on the last of a muffin top right now!! You rock for your maintenance success!!

Congratulations! You are helpful and considerate to all who have questions concerning the Atkins lifestyle. Here's to another ten years!

Congratulations!! You are truly an inspiration to all of us!

Congratulations; ten years is wonderful!

Thanks for sharing this, Kim. You are an inspiration to so many of us!!!

Hey Jersey Girl,I dont post alot around here but I had to say Congrats and God blesss you. You are an inspiration and your words made a difference in my life when I started my atkins journey last september.

JerseyGyrl!! What an accomplishment! And perfect timing for me to see this thread today, when I have re-committed to this lifestyle.
I saw that in your maintenance, you eat one sweet potato per week. But what has been your experience with beans? One low carb diet suggests a small helping of beans twice per day. Actually, it is called "slow carb diet".
Today it's chicken and salad and some scrambled eggs for me!

I am brand new around here and am starting Atkins tomorrow! I needed this very inspirational post! Congratulations

Congratulations, Kim! Your success at weight loss, and even more importantly, maintenance is uber-impressive!!!