Deb F from So. California

Karen · **Posted:** Sat Mar 15, 2008 1:13 pm

Deb F from So. California
Original Posting January 2003

I started Atkins in 1998, after I read my mother’s copy from 1972. I had gained a lot of weight eating low fat vegetarian and could never seem to lose. I had tried several other diets over the years, but kept gaining on them and felt deprived and unhappy. After 3 months on Atkins, and an amazing 30 pound loss, I found out that I was pregnant. We had been trying for over a year and low carb had brought my hormone levels back to normal. Thanks to low carb, this pregnancy went a lot smoother than my first!

Several months after having my second daughter, in March 1999, I decided that it was time to get back to it. I lost the majority of the weight (about 80 pounds or so) very quickly. I found that keeping to 20-30 carbs daily kept the loss going. I tried to get most of my carbs from vegetables. I avoided pre-made treats and bars. Homemade treats were alright, though only in moderation.

Karen and I met on a different support board and I was thrilled when she started her message board! The message board has been really important in my loss. It reminds me daily that I am not alone on this journey!

I began to exercise after I lost my weight. While I haven’t lost any more from exercise, I definitely feel the difference in my clothing fit!

Maintenance has been surprisingly easy for me. I tend not to gain, unless I start eating a lot of junk- which makes me feel sick anyway! On maintenance, I have added back corn tortillas, whole wheat pasta and some fruit.

Eventually I would like to lose more, but so far my body just isn’t ready to give it up. For now though, I am just thrilled to have been able to maintain a 115 pound loss for several years!

Sharing Success Strategies

Quote:

DEBBIE SAYS: As for tips, I have 3:

1. Take your measurements! You would be surprised at how many inches you lose- even when the scales doesn’t seem to budge!
2. Don’t beat yourself up over splurges! It serves only to give you an excuse to continue. Just get back to low carb.
3. Find a good low carb cook book that fits your lifestyle. Karen’s was mine because it included foods that I could easily find locally and the recipes were even easy for me to follow! Just make sure that your recipe base gives you enough variety that you are able to keep interested in eating low carb as a lifestyle change, not just a diet!

Deb's Peanut Butter Protein Bars
3 tbsp sugar free peanut butter
2 tbsp butter
4 oz cream cheese
1/4 cup splenda
1 tsp vanilla
2.5 scoops vanilla protein powder
Melt peanut butter, butter, and cream cheese in microwave. Mix in splenda and vanilla. Make sure everything is mixed well before adding protein powder. Add protein powder, 1/2 scoop at a time. You will need to use your hands toward the end to mix. Press into small casserole and chill until firm. Makes approx 6 bars at about 3 carbs each.

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Deb F from So. California

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