Hi folks! I'm here because I know I can be successful, but I need the support of a forum in addition to my IP coach (he's ok, but not sure I have the right vibe). Anyway, I'm 44 and years ago when the youngest of my four children was 2 years old, I wanted to get all that baby weight off and went from my high of 243 pounds to 148 pounds doing Atkins for about a year. I settled at about 155 and was there for about 3 years. I was very ok in maintenance and eating healthy. It actually broke my former binge eating habit permanently.
Still, if one is not vigilant, we all know what happens. 2006 was my last year in nursing school, divorced single mom, working, and no energy, so lots of big coffees and M&Ms to keep going. I got back up to 200 pounds. Slowly from 2008 to 2010, I lost it just eating healthy low carb maintenance foods. I didn't worry, but ate healthy and it slowly came off. Nothing strict, just high fiber, no sugar, white flour, veggies, etc. I got back to 164 and then started running and settled again at 155. When running, I could eat what I wanted (within reason) and not gain.
Fast forward again to 2012. My ex got sick and then died 6 months later. During that period, I literally lost my time at all to exercise. Four kids (teenagers). Full time night nurse. Turned 40. Moved. Lots of stuff. I didn't change my eating habits from when I was running 10-12 miles a week and had more beer and nachos with the occasional Twizzlers. Went back to 220 in a year. Here's where I've been stuck.
For the past three years it's been slow stops and starts with exercise and Atkins. I never seem to be able to lose more than a 1/2 pound a week. Last week, I start Ideal Protein (after over a year of contemplation lol). My first weigh in was today and 4 pounds off. I anticipate it may be slow for me (like I'll be the 2 pound a week average kind of person), but oh well. Looking forward to meeting a few people and reading more tips and recipes.
Thanks.