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[Guest guest]

This is Sandy who lost all of her weight on Atkins with us a year or so ago .. And teh good news she has kept it off. You can too. There is hope.

Here is part of her post she sent to me. Read on for some inspiration.

Norma

sandylee6@...

Dear NormaI often think of my old buddies on the LC lists and have though ofchecking back in, but the mail is too much for me and I do not followthat plan now precisely. Feel free to give my addy to any interested.I weighed 120# on Saturday (5'5" as you recall and age 49) I wear size 6and 8 now. I have not been that low since High School and even then itwas fleeting. I am honestly thinner, stronger and fitter than I haveever been - EVER! I joined "Curves for Women" in April and just lovetheir fitness program, I have lost fat and gained muscle and my arms aretrim and show muscle definition. I am a Maid of Honor next month in asleeveless gown - we had a dress fitting recently (I am by far theoldest in the wedding party ) and the fitter said, I had the perfect longthin torso for the dress- That just blew me away - God does answerprayers. All those years of hiding on the side lines, crying, praying,waiting for a miracle.LC was My answer, I get crazy on carbs and am addicted to them. I mademy goal of 132# on LC ( from recent high of 190#) but the last poundswere very difficult and I was going crazy on legal LC treats - sameaddiction, new variation on 'drug'. I started maintenance with thedesire to lose a bit more until the fat ratio in my body improved.To make a long story short, I found a group that addressed eating forreasons other than true gut hunger and why and what to do about it. Weare all born with the natural ability to determine our real hunger forbodily nourishment and what to eat and when to stop - we are trained toeat differently and for different reasons. Getting back in touch withthis small inner voice is key and WORKS. I still know I need to avoidcarbs where ever possible but I am so free now - I stop and rate myhunger level and determine if it is REAL (growling stomach?) then Idetermine just what I crave and I eat slowly and stop just as I amsatisfied (Not Full) - this is how naturally thin people eat everythingand stay thin.In July I went on a 12 day vacation - eating out all the while - I wasdetermined to stay on track and in touch - I ate just what I wantedincluding ice cream, choc cake, lobster etc. I came home weighing 1 poundmore (and that was TOM that hit the next day) I have since droppedanother couple of pounds. My body fat is between 21-23% which if greatso I know I am at or near my permenant low weight.Occasionally I have found pounds slipping back on (last Christmas time) Iwas overdoing carbs and losing the hunger focus - that is all that neededto be corrected. Next time you are hungry, stop and analyse it - see if it is real andfrom the gut, or more centered in the head - see if you can be distracted- wait for a growl - then eat something wonderful, slowly savoring eachbite - see if it doesn't tast better and satisfy more - but stop justbefore the full signal. Watch thin people eat, and how and what theyeat, this is the natural way to be our God given size.Obviously there is a lot of soul searching of the past and emotions thatplay a part and have to be dealt with but I truly believe I have all thepieces of the puzzle - finally! Now if I can just keep them in place*VBG*I guess this is getting long but maybe it will help with others struggles- everyone is different and the weight battle is HUGE in many ways - butI honestly believe this is KEY in any program and the magic 'ingredient'to lasting /peaceful success.So good to hear from you, stay in touch!! and I hope you are better realsoon!Sandy XOXO