WOW - It's been a whole year!  First the statistics:

37 (now 38) year old female, 6' tall and weighed 306lbs.  I have weighed at
least 260 for over 10 years (post pregnancy).  After back surgery in 2000 I
gained the rest of the weight.  I knew that I had to do something!  I read
up on LC, having been a LC critic in the past.  I never believed that it
would work having had the low fat mantra drummed in my head for years!

One year later I now weigh 227.5 - that's 78? lbs.  I have lost 9" in my
waist.  I am having my blood work done at the end of the month, so I can't
report any changes there - although they were good to begin with.  In 2003
total cholesterol was 188, HDL 52, LDL 118. Triglycerides 90 and my ration
was 3.6.  My blood glucose was 98.  I can hardly wait to see what they are
now.  I have had high blood pressure for a few years now and I am hoping
that I can get off of the meds now.  I have noticed that over the past year
I haven't been sick with a cold at all.  I was just noting last night that I
haven't needed a cough drop in "forever".  Other medical improvements
include: less gas (thank goodness - lol), better feeling skin and less
stomach and intentinal distress.  Unfortunately, the weight loss hasn't
helped my back much.

My eating strategies are as follows:  For those just starting on Induction -
follow it!  But, if you go over 20 - say 21 to 25 - don't panic, it is just
a guideline.  The main purpose of Induction is to rid your body of the carb
toxins and eliminate your cravings for carb laden foods.  I stayed at
Induction levels for a few months.  After that - it's a science experiment!!
Every body is different.  If you find a food that triggers cravings or
messes with your blood sugar - don't eat it.  I personally can eat 2 pieces
of pizza occasionally without a problem.  Same goes for beer.  I might not
lose any weight for a few days, but who cares.  I didn't get fat over night,
and I don't expect to get "skinny" over night either.  Cookies on the other
hand are a NO NO!  Thought I could have just one, didn't work.  Had a huge
blood sugar swing and was miserable with a capital "M" (just ask my DH -
lol).  I still have my ? pot of coffee every day and it doesn't bother me.
Again, this is a YMMV, but you have to experiment and find what works for
you.

Daily eating patterns vary.  Basically meat, cheese, veggies at every meal.
If a snack is needed, I usually have some cheese, nuts or veggies.  Have to
be careful of the nuts - very easy to eat too many!!!  I have to be careful
of foods that are too salty; makes me retain water.  I occasionally enter my
foods into Fit Day just to see how I am doing.  Typically I am around 2000
calories with about a 65/30/5 fat, protein, carb ratio.

That's about it.  I am in the process of updating my pics.  They may or may
not be updated when you read this.  I will also put them on a separate post.
Happy LC to all - it's not a diet - it's a WAY OF LIFE!
--
Peggy
306/227.5/180
6' - 38 yrs
January 13, 2003
http://photos.yahoo.com/spear1888