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In 2008 I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and High Blood Pressure. I didn't get serious about trying to change anything until April of 2010 and it has been a battle since then. In 2010 I lost 44 pounds, then in 2011 I maintained it part of the year, gained about 15 back by the end of 2011 and gained the rest back the first half of 2012. In July of 2012, a few weeks after returning home from our road trip in which it was glaringly obvious to me that I was out of shape and unhealthy again, I decided I needed to do something for real.
I started Atkins in July, and it really was a last minute thing. A friend messaged me on FB after seeing I was distressed about the battle to lose weight, and she shared with me that she had lost 9 pounds in two weeks, on Atkins. I went directly to the Atkins Website, signed up (free) and started that day. I lost 13 pounds in the first 14 days, and have lost a total of 34 pounds to date.
I started Atkins because I heard it would make the carb/sugar cravings go away. I knew I was addicted to carbs and sugar and I hated feeling trapped, desperate and out of control. If Atkins could make the cravings go away, then I was willing to try it. The first 3 days I white knuckled it and then "like that" the physical cravings were gone. I felt FREE for the first time in a long time. The battle since then has not been physical, it is mental and emotional. I react to the sights and smells of fresh bread and other baked desserts. I had to unfollow a lot of food boards on Pinterest and start following low carb healthy food boards because the pictures were making me crazy.
I have been at a standstill more than once since July. I feel a lot better, my blood sugar numbers have gone down, I don't feel like a heavy weight is on my chest anymore, I don't feel sluggish at 3pm, I am not having acid reflux, I sleep better, my back hurts a lot less and just overall I feel better.
That said, I know I can feel better than I feel now if I just step it up. I have gotten lazy with the diet and find myself indulging more in Sugar Free treats. I want to dial that back and go back to Phase 1 of Atkins again, combined with adding exercise to my routine, to see if I can jump start the weight loss and finally get under 200 pounds. My ultimate goal weight is 160 - it is a number I think I can realistically maintain and about 18 pounds more than my lowest weight ever, which was not easy to maintain.
So, there it is. This year I am focusing on getting healthier by continuing to eat better and starting regular exercise.
What's your word for the year?
6 comments:
I don't know as I have a word, but like you I am focusing on getting healthy. I have a rare genetic disorder that requires I not take off weight fast. For the first time I have a plan that works with my body. It is kind of hard targeting only a pound/week, but I am hopeful that tracking my calories and workouts will keep me on track. We'll see.
We enjoyed the adkins life as well. I am thinking of doing a 7 day no sugar thing with the family next week. My two boys crave more than I think is usual. Walking around my kitchen today, I can see more 'left over' candy than fruit or good healthy snacks. I've been trying to walk at least a half mile a day - at least 15 to 20 minutes, even if slowly. Last year I did REALLY well with a focus of moving every day in December but then I lost it and forgot about it in January. I don't want to do that this year.
my word this year is grace. seems kinda cliche-ish, but that is the word the Lord put on my heart...more of living IN Him and moving in His grace.
Congratulations on taking your health back not only for you, but for your family. Diabetes runs in my family (my Mom's Dad had it, my Dad has it and my twin sister has it too.) I have 4 kids and thankfully never had gestational diabetes, but I am very careful about my weight. I used to be 40 overweight (before kids) and try to eat relatively healthy. I know you said you are trying Atkins, but just wanted to throw out there that both my Dad and sister tried the 17 day diet ( so did I with hubby) and the reason I suggest it is twofold:
First, their diabetes numbers went WAY DOWN and not in an uncontrollable way, but very steady and two, b/c the 17 day takes away a bunch of unhealthy fats/foods it really show you a healthier way to eat and keep eating that way.
Either way, congrats on your efforts and weight loss so far. Keep it up!
I definitely need to start getting healthy too, for me and our family. My word was growth - God is growing our family this year, not just in size, but in maturity, I hope ;)
My word this year is "optimism." I want to approach everything with a cheerful and optimistic disposition.
Good for you for working on getting healthy! Congrats on the weight loss so far. That's awesome! We'll all be here cheering you on.
Many blessings, Lisa
You can do it!
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