11 pounds

That’s what I’ve lost in the last three weeks. Pretty good, if I do say so myself.

Like many women, I have two (or more) wardrobes. One for when I’m fit and trim and one for when I’m not. When I find myself growing out of my second wardrobe, it’s time to take action. Actually, it’s probably long past time to take action when the button and the button hole on the waistband of my first wardrobe jeans can’t get any closer than 3 inches to each other....

I decided to try the Atkin’s Diet. Not because it’s popular and all the rage or anything. My brother, a physician, told me that it does work well and, in fact, those of his patients who were on it also brought their cholesterol levels down *significantly* as a side benefit. (My cholesterol is, unfortunately, higher than it should be.) Their weight seemed to stay off, too. As far as he is concerned, it is a safe eating plan (with the caveats below) and a good program to follow to re-train one’s chemistry and palate to use/enjoy a proper and healthy balance of foods. I’ll trust his input on the matter.

But, of course, he also advised that one wants to have one’s blood chemistry checked first to make sure that one is healthy before starting the program. It can be dangerous for people who have kidney disease or other hidden problems that a complete blood work-up will uncover. If you’ve already had all that stuff checked during an annual physical and you’re healthy, then you’re good to go.

So. I’m three weeks into this new eating program and it has been painless so far. My energy levels and moods have been high, no complaints there at all. I don’t think about food all the time. I haven’t craved anything nor am I hungry all the time. Quite the opposite. I’m usually *not* hungry, but I eat three meals a day, anyway. Because I have to in order for this thing to work. (Takes time to retrain my metabolism and regular input of fuel is key.) It’s pretty easy to follow if you’re an omnivore. If you’re a vegetarian, it would be difficult.

I am, unapologetically, an omnivore so my food choices are easy. Meat, meat, and more meat. With a little lettuce, a few radishes, unlimited amounts of butter and mayonnaise and oils, vinegar, lemon juice, some cheese, seafood, fish, eggs, fresh asparagus, tomatoes, etc. And lots and lots of water. No bread, no rice, no grains, no potatoes, no starchy vegetables (for the initial stages of the program), no fruit (for this phase of the program), no junk food, no alcoholic beverages, and no sugar. (As the program continues, I’ll be able to gradually reintroduce most of the forbiddens back into my diet until I stop losing weight. That will be my maintenance point and by that time it should be an ingrained pattern of eating.) Supposedly caffeinated coffee is a forbidden item because it is supposed to cause carb cravings. Well, I’m not prepared to give up my caffeinated coffee—and I am allowed to put heavy cream in it (heavenly!). It hasn’t caused any carb cravings at all.

I walked past the pastry and ice cream sections in the grocery store today and didn’t even feel a twinge of desire. Heh. When was the last time that happened? (well, about a week ago, actually.) It’s a new feeling, not wanting to reach for the nearest pastry or carton of ice cream that I meet. I really was a carb junkie.

Another side benefit—my grocery bills have been a lot lower.

Works for me, anyway. Another 15 pounds to go and I’ll be back in my fit and trim wardrobe. My second wardrobe is already showing clear signs of roominess. I love the feeling.