Jess From Wisconsin’s Low Carb Success Story

Jess from Wisconsin is 18 years old and follows the Atkins program. Jess is 5′ 5″ tall and has gone from 225 pounds to 145 pounds! Jess’ goal weight is 120. (Please note that her after picture above was taken when Jess weighed 158 pounds; Jess has lost an additional 13 pounds since that picture was taken!)

When Jess started low carbing a little over two years ago, she was wearing a size 24. She is currently wearing size 10s on her way to her goal size of 6.

Like many of us, Jess’ weight problems go back a long way. “I never had trouble with my weight until I was about seven years old,” she told me, “but after the age of seven, my weight steadily increasing.”

Even at such a young age, Jess tried several time to lose weight. “The first thing I tried just eating less,” she said. “This attempt happened when I was just nine years old! My mom had told me to just try it and see what happened. I just couldn’t seem to do it. I was hungry all the time.”

Jess’ second attempt at weight loss involved trying the ‘popular’ low fat diet. “I started eating only low fat foods,” Jess explained. “I was 11 years old at the time, and I thought that maybe I was just eating too much fat. I couldn’t stick to this because I was constantly hungry. And the foods tasted
terrible!”

Jess’ last attempt to diet (or so she thought), came when her dietitian put her on a low calorie diet. “I was 12 at the time,” she told me, “and this was the WORST diet I had ever followed. The portion sizes were way too small. I was not only hungry, but I felt as if I was starving! Even worse, low calorie eating made me GAIN even more weight. I will never try any of these methods again!”

Jess definitely believes she is addicted to carbs. “My mom recommended low carbing to me because of a few of her friends were on the Atkins program and had been very successful. When she told me this way of eating consisted of meat, bacon, eggs, etc., and I shouted excitedly, ‘I CAN HAVE THAT STUFF?!?’ From that moment on, I knew that I should give it a chance. It was the best decision that I have ever made.”

I asked Jess if she found any bad parts to low carbing. “The only bad part that I can think of,” she replied, “are social situations like visiting friends homes for. Low carb foods aren’t always available. This way of eating can be inconvenient those at times.”

We talked a bit about how this way of life has worked for Jess, where others have tried but failed, and she noted, “First off, this is the ONLY diet that has ever resulted in me losing weight. I’ve never felt so comfortable with my choice of diet or been as satisfied as far as my appetite is concerned. I’ve never had more energy, and I have so much control with my food choices on this plan. It will be, and has been, harried at times. It is sometimes difficult to stick to low carb in certain situations. But it is definitely be something that I can stick to because I don’t feel deprived when I low carb.”

Jess has also enjoyed both health and emotional benefits since she began low carbing. “I no longer suffer from fatigue or joint pain. I can breathe a lot easier, and I no longer have symptoms of TMJ (Temporomandibular joint syndrome). I have more energy, better concentration, and I no longer suffer from depression.”

Jess has a wonderful support system. “My family has been by my side the whole time. My doctor sees nothing wrong with this way of eating as long as I take my supplements. I am also a part of an Internet support group that is absolutely wonderful, the Atkins Support Group message board on EZboards.

Since starting low carbing, most people will usually congratulate me on my weight loss and tell me I am doing the right thing by watching what I eat. On the other hand, there are a few people who have told me that this way of eating is bad for me. I just ignore everything that they say, because I know that this way of eating is the best thing that has ever happened to me.”

I asked Jess if she had any advice to offer to new low carbers. “If I have anything to say to people that are just starting out,” she said, “I would tell them that they shouldn’t view Atkins as ‘just another diet.’ It’s a way of life, and it’s going to take a lifelong commitment to achieve and maintain the good results of the program. I would also tell them that the beginning is very hard, but after they adjust to low carb eating, it gets easier and easier.”

“As far as cheating, I would tell them that it’s inevitable. No matter how strong you are, it’s likely to happen. It could start out with the occasional slice of birthday cake at a party, or a family get together with Grandma’s famous cookies. Just be sure not to let cheating become routine. When cheating does happen, it’s extremely important to get right back on the low carb wagon immediately. Don’t beat yourself up over it; just get up and dust yourself off.”

“Stalls are probably the worst thing (next to cheating) that I’ve encountered on Atkins. Stalls certainly can be frustrating, but it can also be a learning experience. I’ve overcome stalls by analyzing what I eat in an average day and cutting out certain things. It’s trial and error, basically. I would suggest that if anyone find themselves in a stall, they should check and see if they are consuming any of the following: caffeine, artificial sweeteners, or considerable amounts of cheese or cream (more than 3 ounces a day). Insufficient consumption of water (less than 64 ounces a day) is often a cause for stalls, too.”

“Everybody should also make sure that they get enough exercise and that they aren’t under-eating or overeating. I find that keeping my diet simple (meat and veggies only) is the most effective way to lose weight.”

“Also,” Jess concluded with a smile, “NEVER give up!!”

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Jess’ personal website can be found at: http://jeepchick93.tripod.com/jeepchick93/