The wisdom and advice on this board has changed my life.
I'm 18, so I definitely haven't yo-yo dieted nearly as much as some of the people on this board. Usually I would cut calories to ridiculously low levels (a cup of yogurt for breakfast, small turkey sandwich for lunch, some low-fat whole wheat pasta concoction for dinner) and not eat many veggies. I'd lose weight and be happy, but it wasn't sustainable so I'd go off and then gain all of the weight plus some. This has probably happened a few times over the past 5 years.
I started one of those again a few months ago when I found this board. At 280lbs I decided I would start calorie counting but was still terrified of going over 1200 because I thought it wouldn't "work" if I went over. I dropped off my first few lbs quickly and then discovered Atkins and never looked back.
Reading this board makes me realize that not only can I do this for life, I have to do this for life. This isn't just a diet where I eat Subway sandwiches on whole wheat bread for 2 months and then start eating half of a pizza by myself once I've lost a few pounds and get bored. I can now easily say no to mashed potatoes and have a salad instead...I've found Atkins-friendly substitutes for my favorite things like chicken nuggets and lasagna that might even taste better than the "real" thing.
My birthday is in three weeks, and I decided to have a splurge...but not a typical splurge. I'm going to allow myself extra carbs to be able to eat a larger more decadent on-plan meal and a generous portion of a sugar-free cake that would usually be too carby for every day. I'm not using it as an excuse to go off-plan like I normally would.
I just wanted to say thank you, 3FC, for giving me wisdom that might have taken me years (if ever) to obtain.
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That's so great that you've found some much info and inspiration here....especially at such an early age. I'm 40 years old and am still trying to get it done.....gettin' mighty close though. 
Anyway, happy bday and continued success to you! 
