Hi,

I am new to the LC WOE. I have never really had a problem with my weight. I was an athlete up until a knee injury my senior year that sidelined my soccer career. So off to college I went. I grew up eating really heathly and my parents didn't allow us to eat sugar (we are all ADHD) so the dorm food was new...and awesome! I gained 15 lbs my freshman year through beer, beer, pizza & ice cream. Through this I realised that I wasn't the type of person who could eat whatever they wanted and not workout since I had spent my life working out through sports. I started working out again and maintained a healthy weight.

Almost two years ago I quit smoking. Instead of smoking a cig I would sit down and eat a whole pint of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream and wash that down with Jack in the Box tacos. Oh and I quit working out. It was better than smoking, right? That's what I kept telling myself at least. 5 months later I had gained 80 lbs and a nasty carb & sugar addiction. My whole body hurt to have gained that much weight so quickly. I was so depressed I didn't want to leave the house. I started weight watchers and began to work out again, all cardio. After I lost 30 lbs we joined an adult soccer league with some friends. At 40 lbs lost I broke my foot in a soccer game...and all the weight came back. I struggled to not "cheat", but I was so damn hungry all the time. I just thought I was going to have to live hungry in order to be "healthy". Not to mention I contantly ate fat free desserts and lots of pasta. January of this year I could start working out again. This is when I became aware of my food addiction. I would pace the floors after DH went to bed obsessing about ice cream, cookies, etc. crying. I would break down and get them and then beat myself up for eating them. My husband said when he got up in the morning and saw the containers in the trash he just knew it was going to be a day of me hating myself.

In June a friend of mine switched from WW to atkins. I, of course, said "Hey, my dad did that and all he ate was bacon, eggs and cheese...that can't be healthy." She told me that he didn't do it right and then said these magic words "I don't crave sweets anymore and I'm almost never hungry. Actually the maintance phase is alot like how you used to eat before you quit smoking." I borrowed her copy of DANDR and started the every next day. In the two months I have been living this way, my sugar cravings are gone! GONE! I don't pace the floor anymore crying. I eat great HEALTHY food. I have tons of energy. At first I suffered from carb & sugar withdrawal, but that went away after a few days. I added weight training into my workouts 3 times a week. I'm happy!! Oh and I've lost 19 lbs and 3 inches off my waist. I truely believe I can eat this way for the rest of my life.

One day I was searching the internet for info on LC and found Jimmy's blog. What an amazing story! I have been reading it for about a month and was thrilled when he started this forum. Through him I also found Dr. Bernstein. My husband is a type I diabetic diagnosed at 13. We are 28 now. I poured over his website as did my husband and we ordered is books imediately. They should be here today. He is so excited about this new information. He goes to specialists and a dietitan and never has he heard to LC. Tears sprung in his eyes when he read Dr. Bernstein's story. Jimmy, I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for informing people of these healthy life options. You have no idea how greatful I am to you. You are one of my gifts from God. I will keep you posted of his journey as well.

Sorry this is so long, but I just thought I would introduce myself. All of you are so inspiring and knowledgable and I am excited to be on this LC WOE with you.

Thanks,

Marissa

Welcome to the group Marissa. I look forward to getting to know you! Congratulations on your success!

Thanks for sharing your story, Marissa! I'm so happy you are here.

Welcome here!!!
looking forward to talking to you soon
sandi

Marissa---welcome---what a great inspiration you are---keep up the good work

Hey Rit!

I just found your journal. I really need to get out more and look around! I enjoyed reading your story. I can see you have a lot of determination to rach your goals!

I am so glad we are on the same Biggest Loser team! You are definitely as asset to the team! HOT PINK DIAMONDZ are going to WIN!

Have a great day!