Atkins: Not just a weight loss diet for Amy, but a way of life

Amy Dungan
 
City & country: St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Age: 34
Weight before diet: 203 lbs.
Weight now: 159 lbs.
Target weight: 135 lbs.

Amy has been a long-time low-carber, but this time around, with knowledge and lessons learned in the past few years, she's more committed to not only losing weight via the Atkins plan; this time it's a lifestyle change for better health. Amy shares the reasons why the low-carb lifestyle is the best for her, and gives some helpful weight loss tips.
 
-What finally made you decide to start with a weight loss program?
I had a cancer scare about 1 1/2 years ago. It was a real wake up call to start taking better care of myself. I suffer from IBS, acid reflux, fibromyalgia and depression. I also fear getting diabetes. It's a bit of a problem in my family and I knew that the way I was living was just putting myself at an even higher risk. I was sick and tired of always being sick and tired. I was a 33 year old who felt like an elderly person. When my weight hit an all time high of 203, I knew I couldn't let this go any farther. I had to do something. If not for me, then for my family. But I wanted to feel and look good again as well, so I got back on the plan I knew worked best for me.
 
-What type of weight loss program are you following?
The Atkins low-carb approach has proven to be the healthiest program for me. I've made it a lifestyle, not a diet. I wish more people would seriously read the book and learn the science behind the program. It's not anything like the media portrays it. It's a wonderful way of living that has transformed my life!
 
-Why did you choose this Atkins program?
I'm not new to low-carb. In Nov. 2001, at a weight of 177, I started the Atkins diet out of desperation. I had tried everything else and nothing worked. The low-carb approach was a true blessing from God! It not only helped me lose weight, it allowed me to get off of my medications and have a much better quality of life! I reached my goal of 132 in spring of 2003 and maintained for several months. Unfortunately, I let life sidetrack me and I started emotional eating again, which is something I've always had problems with. Over the next couple of years I slowly put back on all the weight I'd lost, plus some. When I realized I had to get my health back, I had no question in my mind which plan I needed to use.
 
-How long have you been on your weight loss program?
Well, I've never completely quit eating low-carb. So I've half-heartedly been doing Atkins for 7 years. If I would have stayed true to this way of life I'd be maintaining right now. But I spent of couple of years doing low-carb for a month, and then cheating for a month... You get the idea. I finally got serious about it again in Jan. of 2007 and have been going strong ever since. I've learned a lot and this time there's no looking back!
 
-What kinds of physical activities do you like doing to help you lose weight and stay fit?
I enjoy walking on my treadmill a lot. I really feel good after a walk. I also enjoy Pilates, which is great for strengthening your muscles and improving your posture.
 
It's not the kind of workout where you just want to collapse when you are done, yet you get some great benefits from it. I like to mix things up. I've done Tae Bo, step classes, and Curves. I get bored easy so I have to keep things less routine. I also love any activity that seems less like exercise and more like fun - swimming, basketball, skating...you name it.
 
-What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome or are still overcoming?
I am truly my biggest enemy. I have to be sure that I don't let setbacks change my thinking from positive to negative. If I do, I just self-destruct. I still have not overcome my binge eating/emotional eating disorder. It's a daily struggle.
 
I've learned to spot the triggers and avoid calamity, but it takes a lot of effort and prayer to do so.
 
Atkins has been the only option that has really helped me with this problem. This is another great benefit to the low-carb lifestyle. It helps curb cravings and my appetite. I've learned the difference between real hunger and emotional hunger, and that knowledge is priceless to me.
 
-How do you keep yourself motivated?
I have several methods. I try to keep myself accountable to many people. I started a blog to do just that. My blog, http://www.lovinglowcarblife.blogspot.com/, tracks the journey I'm on, as well as other inspirational stories and items of news that would interest those living the low-carb lifestyle. I've just recently started video blogging too, which has been a fun experience. I try to inspire and motivate others, which in turn helps me as well. I started a low-carb website, www.healthylowcarbliving.com, which I use to educate and inform those who are wanting to learn what this lifestyle is all about.
 
I post on low-carb support forums. All of these things keep me accountable because I feel like people are watching me. I feel I'd be letting them down should I fall back into my old ways. And I love helping people, so I'm happy to do it! I also keep some of my favorite clothes, which I will wear again at goal, in my closet. They remind me that I have been there before and can do it again.
 
-Do you have any weight loss tips for our readers?
1. Spend time getting to know your plan and the science behind it. It will help tremendously when things aren't always going as planned.
 
2. Don't let the scale be your only way to measure success. Use the fit of your clothing as a guide as well. Or measure every couple of weeks to see those inches, which the scale can't tell you about, disappear. If the regular ups and downs of the scale bother you, don't get on them at all. You'll be surprised at how well you'll do without it.
 
3. Exercise is not optional. Yes, you may be able to lose without it, but you'll feel and look better if you get up and get moving.
 
4. Don't compare your experience to anyone else's. We are all different. Your body may not react the same as someone else doing the same thing you are. People lose in different areas and at different speeds. Just hang in there. If it seems others are passing you by, remind yourself this isn't a race. Remember the tortoise and the hare?
 
5. Prepare! Prepare! Prepare! I can't emphasize this enough. Have acceptable foods on hand at all times. Life throws us some curve balls and we need to be ready to deal with them. Don't leave your meal plans and snacks to chance. You are then setting yourself up to give into temptation. My favorite quote is from Benjamin Franklin: "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail!" It's very true!
 
6. Get support! It's vital you surround yourself with others who can keep you going when you feel your weakest. If your family and friends won't back you up, find an online support group to help you through the rough times and celebrate with you when you succeed.
 
-Do you think it will be easy to fall back into your old lifestyle pattern? How do you prevent this from happening?
Speaking from my past history, I'd say yes. It would be easy to fall back into old habits. I have learned a lot this time around though and I believe it will carry me through. I've learned from my mistakes. I have no desire to learn the same lesson twice.
 
-Do you have a favorite Web site or blog that helps or inspires you to lose weight?
My Healthy-Low Carb Living blog (http://www.lovinglowcarblife.blogspot.com/) and Healthy Low-Carb Living website (http://www.healthylowcarbliving.com/) are two places I really put my heart into. I work hard to help others and share the many lessons I've learned about health and weight loss. I could list many here, but some of my other favorite places include:
 
Livin' Lavida Low Carb (http://livinlavidalocarb.blogspot.com/)
Low Carb Discussion Forums (http://www.lowcarbdiscussion.com/)
Dr. Mary Vernon (http://rjr10036.typepad.com/askdrvernon)
Jonny Bowden (http://www.jonnybowden.com/blogger.html)