Low Carb Since Early October'03 - down 32

My starting weight was 260 (I am 6'5" tall). My target weight is 210, or 5
lbs less than I weighed when I got married 21 years ago. Besides having
gained weight gradually over the past 18 years, my blood pressure and sugar
were both high, my HDLs were too low (LDLs okay), and I started developing
all kinds of pain resembling arthritis. My doctor basically said I was on
the brink of Type II and needed to either cut out the carbs or start
diabetic medication. That was a no-brainer.

I am not going strict Atkins because I am interested in gradual weight loss
and not in shocking my system. I am giving myself a year to lose 50. I lost
30 without even trying very hard in the first three months. Granted, I took
an 8-week aerobics class right up front that probably helped alot. I also
didn't cheat at all during that time. Now I am wearing clothes I haven't fit
into for the past 6 years. It feels great! Talk about incentive!

I'd been hovering at 230 for the past 3 weeks, not terribly interested in
why, even though I think I know. I am taking somewhat of a break. Been
eating a little brown rice, more fruit, and other natural sources of carbs,
stealing the occasional fry off my kid's plates when we go out, as well as
the occasional (but very infrequent) piece of chocolate candy. My rationale
is that I want to stave the crave before it kicks in full-force. Just this
week I've dropped another 2 lbs, again without really trying, but simply by
exiting my "binge" period. This diet really works.

As I said, I never officially went on Atkins. Never did the induction thing
and never really counted grams of carbs or weighed my food, although I did
get some data on a wide variety of foods up front to get a rough feel for
what and how much I could eat and what I shouldn't. I basically just stopped
eating potatoes, rice, bread, pasta, and sugar. I still eat yams, kidney
beans (I love Wendy's chili atop their side salad), light yogurt, just about
everything green, and still drink regular coffee. I now eat lots of salad
(mostly lettuce) often sprinkled with chopped meat and tossed with Newman's
Own dressings, eggs, meat, cottage cheese, and a variety of cheeses.
Previously, salad was a once or twice a week side dish. For snacks I eat
peanuts or almonds, spicy pork rinds or jerky, and for dessert I usually
have either some Breyer's Carb Smart ice cream (Mmmmmm) or a low-carb
chocolate bar. LOTS of liquids, which mainly include water, coffee w/Equal,
Crystal Light tea or lemonade. Once in a while I eat a bowl of Honey Nut
Cheerios for breakfast (with 2% milk) just because I love 'em.

After 3 months I went to see the doc again. My blood pressure was smack-dab
in the middle of normal for the first time I can recall in my entire life.
My blood sugar; also normal (whew!). But my HDLs went even LOWER;
dangerously low. Doc said either exercise or take niacin supplements. I
chose a 2500% daily dose of slow-release niacin for the duration of winter.
All-in-all, a good check-up other than the HDLs. I will see the doc again in
late Feb for a full physical and to see if the niacin is working.

Another weird thing happened besides the lower HDLs. I have sensitive teeth
due to receding gums (runs in the family) and the sensitivity came back
right at the end of month 3. It had been gone for nearly 6 months - prior to
the diet. I cannot explain this, but I can't help but think it has something
to do with this diet. Maybe the niacin will help, but I am back using
Sensodyne toothpaste, which works well.

I guess I should consider myself lucky that this self-designed "diet" is
working for me. It's easy. I truly believe what makes low-carb work for me
is that it severely reduces my appetite...naturally. I simply don't eat as
much because I don't get hungry anymore. I'll make my goal with no trouble
at all; 210 by the end of September...probably sooner, like Spring when I
start cycling 11 miles each way to work. I hope I will NEVER resume
consuming carbs like I used to. And friends, in my case THAT seems to be the
ticket. I may switch to "The Zone" diet, which has worked well for my older
brother for decades and is more of a disciplinary "balanced" diet.

Good luck to you all!
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Bruce Scherzinger, Vienna VA USA