2nd Annual Merry Christmas to Yourself (Page 3)

It's really a pretty simple story.  I went to the Doctor for my 40th birthday.  After my physical exam she remarked that, and I quote, "You will die sooner rather than later if you don't make some changes.".  After being pissed off for a few days thinking, how dare her speak to me that way, whine, whine, whine.  I realized she was right.  I had already lost about 5 lbs leading up to the physical knowing it was going to be bad. 

Long story short, I made some changes did lots of reading including DANDR.  Turns out that Atkins is not just eating as much bacon, eggs and cheese like most who have not read or researched his program would have you believe.  Lots and lots of good nutrient rich vegetables and meat.  I have been roasted pretty good on this forum for my choices and I honestly don't talk much about it anymore here.  It works for me, I have a surplus of energy even after 2 hour+ workouts and I have retrained myself to eat proper, wholesome, nutritious foods. 

I avoid sugar like the plague as it throws my body into a tailspin of hungry-eat-crash/hungry-eat-crash, etc.  This constant spikes and drops in insulin have been shown to irreversible damage to our arterial system (google is your friend).  I also avoid hydrogenated oils and other lab born fats and additives (not perfect at this) as much as possible.  If I can pronounce it, I probably don't need it.

Now that I am getting closer to my goal I am adding more of the right carbs back into my diet.  These carbs come from fruits (berries, apples, dates, etc.) and some higher carb vegetables (carrots, butternut squash, etc.).  These all have a low GI and will help minimize insulin response with a blast of glucose.  Great for pre/post workouts, but I am still working on the exact balance and honestly don't know what that is yet as my body is still in flux from losing weight and finding it's balance as well.

Having said all of that I would not ever recommend or suggest this is a diet that is good for everyone.  It works for me, I feel great, my blood work is great as of March this year (1 year after start), BP down to safe levels now which means no medication for High BP.  I could go on and on, literally. It's the best choice that I have ever made and I do not ever see myself going back to eating the other stuff.  For me sugar, pasta, bread and potato's are like poison.

OK, so I tried to keep it short but I can ramble about it because I get excited when I talk about it.  Either way, good luck to each of you and can't wait to see all of your numbers each week.

Happychick - 2009-09-29 8:06 PM

Batlou - 2009-09-29 10:52 AM Count me in!  I have already lost 112 pounds with 3 to go to hit my original goal.  I think I need to drop about 18 more total though now that I have perspective of what 175 looks like on me.  Having said that, I will go with a goal weight of 160 on Christmas Day!

Current Weight:  178
Goal Weight:  160

Brian, that is amazing...congratulations!!!!  I would love to hear your story (if you don't mind sharing!)

It's really a pretty simple story.  I went to the Doctor for my 40th birthday.  After my physical exam she remarked that, and I quote, "You will die sooner rather than later if you don't make some changes.".  After being pissed off for a few days thinking, how dare her speak to me that way, whine, whine, whine.  I realized she was right.  I had already lost about 5 lbs leading up to the physical knowing it was going to be bad. 

Long story short, I made some changes did lots of reading including DANDR.  Turns out that Atkins is not just eating as much bacon, eggs and cheese like most who have not read or researched his program would have you believe.  Lots and lots of good nutrient rich vegetables and meat.  I have been roasted pretty good on this forum for my choices and I honestly don't talk much about it anymore here.  It works for me, I have a surplus of energy even after 2 hour+ workouts and I have retrained myself to eat proper, wholesome, nutritious foods. 

I avoid sugar like the plague as it throws my body into a tailspin of hungry-eat-crash/hungry-eat-crash, etc.  This constant spikes and drops in insulin have been shown to irreversible damage to our arterial system (google is your friend).  I also avoid hydrogenated oils and other lab born fats and additives (not perfect at this) as much as possible.  If I can pronounce it, I probably don't need it.

Now that I am getting closer to my goal I am adding more of the right carbs back into my diet.  These carbs come from fruits (berries, apples, dates, etc.) and some higher carb vegetables (carrots, butternut squash, etc.).  These all have a low GI and will help minimize insulin response with a blast of glucose.  Great for pre/post workouts, but I am still working on the exact balance and honestly don't know what that is yet as my body is still in flux from losing weight and finding it's balance as well.

Having said all of that I would not ever recommend or suggest this is a diet that is good for everyone.  It works for me, I feel great, my blood work is great as of March this year (1 year after start), BP down to safe levels now which means no medication for High BP.  I could go on and on, literally. It's the best choice that I have ever made and I do not ever see myself going back to eating the other stuff.  For me sugar, pasta, bread and potato's are like poison.

OK, so I tried to keep it short but I can ramble about it because I get excited when I talk about it.  Either way, good luck to each of you and can't wait to see all of your numbers each week.