I have read a lot of testimonials in books, such as Dr Atkins Diet Revolution and always wondered if they are true or made up by the writer. Now I am able to write my own.

I have been a heart patient for 15 years...several stent procedures, cardiac bypass surgery, and was diagnosed with diabetes in 2008. I figured it was all hereditary from my mother's side of the family and I could not do anything about it. About 6 months ago I was reading a couple books on nutrition and decided to change my diet. I cut way back on starchy carbs and started eating a lot of leafy greens...kale, turnip greens, mustard greens, fresh spinach, lots of cruciferous veggies...cauliflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts. I varied these veggies, but every day I had mushrooms, garlic, onions and lots of beans, mostly lentils. I started eating raw pepper strips and celery which I never liked before, with homemade hummus made from garbanzo beans. I really started to love these foods and no longer craved sweets, bread, pasta, potatoes, but did include protein in the form of meat and fish, and I ate eggs every day...at least 2 and up to 4 daily. Really bad for your cholesterol, so they say.

All along I was thinking to myself "What is this really doing to my body and my health?" I got my answer yesterday. I went to the doctor for a review of my recent lab work. The doctor looked at the paper and said "Wow. WOW! This is unbelievable! How did you do this?" He was amazed. All my numbers were wonderful, with the exception of triglycerides which had dropped 100 points, but still a little higher than desireable. I told him about my dietary changes. I think he thinks there was a lab error, and has scheduled me for labs again in 3 months. This gives me a goal. I haven't lost more than a few pounds because I still eat too much and exercise is sporatic. I am going to work on portion control and get back to regular exercise. When I go back in 3 months I want to be down at least 20 lbs and have my triglycerides down to a good level.

My husband yells at me all the time about all the eggs I eat! Now I have proof for him that they are not clogging up my arteries! He was actually out in the driveway last evening talking to a neighbor, and was telling him about what I eat and the improvements I made to my health. LOL

So if anyone doubts that nutrition is important, here's your proof!

Carol Sue!! It sure feels good doesn't it!!

The old saying "You are what you eat" is very true. I have been on Atkins 10+ years now. Before Atkins, I was a terrible eater. I got into the rut of not wanting to cook when I got home from work so, I would just grab something quick. Junk mainly. Big bags of corn chips, entire cartons of onion dip, boxes of pop tarts, gallons of ice cream. I would go to the drive thru at Taco Bell at least 3 times a week and order 2 of their grilled stuffed beef burritos. Is it any wonder that I was 245 lbs.!!!

At 42 years old, I wasn't able to walk up 3 stairs without being all out of breath. I was wearing size 3X shirts!! My Dad is an insulin dependent diabetic (2 injections per day), with congestive heart failure. Did I want to end up like that? If I kept going, I knew I most likely would. A friend of mine had recently lost 60 lbs. on Atkins. I decided to get the book and read it. Once I finished it, I knew this was something I could do for the rest of my life. While this may sound like a cliche', I have never looked back. Atkins changed my life...literally! Not to mention my health. I'm going to be 53 next month and I know if I hadn't changed my eating habits, I would be over 300 lbs. by now and most likely diabetic and who knows what else!

As far as eating eggs, people have been completely brain washed about cholesterol for many years. Little by little, science is proving that myth wrong. Its about time!!

I wish you continued success and hope you will keep us posted in 3 months after your Dr's appointment.

All the best to you!!

Wanna that's fantastic! Great results!!

Being so much more healthy is the ultimate goal - good job to you! I've been on Atkins since May - I haven't had any full labs done but have seen a huge improvment in my BP - every time I went to the doc I got fussed at - it would average around 140/85 - now I had to go 3x in June, every time it was 120/78 or lower!

Kim, I knew I was going to make you day!!!