Laura From Illinois’ Low Carb Success Story

Success Stories

Laura from Illinois is 45 years old and 5′ 9″ tall. Laura has been doing her own version of the Atkins program, and has lost 74 pounds, dropping from gone 199 pounds and size 16/18 to 125 pounds and size 9.

“I’ve always been sort of ‘obsessed’ with maintaining a decent weight,” Laura began. “It began in 1976 after I graduated from high school. I was up to 146 pounds in June of that year. Of course, I was a crazy teenager who would go to McDonald’s three or four times a week and get a Big Mac, quarter pounder with cheese, large fries, and a Diet Coke. It was that or Jack in The Box for two super tacos, 2 regular tacos, large fries, and diet root beer,” she laughed.

“My first weight loss attempt was when I began eating just 1200 calories a day, then down to 1000 calories, then 800, and then actually down to 200. Why? I think I wanted the challenge, believe it or not! I read recipes, but eventually got to the point where I was afraid to eat. ”

“I’d always looked at myself and seen ‘fat and unattractive.’ I was raised by an Italian Grandma who mainly cooked pasta, pizza, and, oh yes, bread – all the time. But, thankfully, I was never obese. I exercised a lot and would occasionally do 5 day fasts of just water and iced tea only. I’d sit in the heat, thinking tanning would make me lose more. Inside I sat under a sun lamp, outside sweating in the humidity.”

“I felt great, but then I also believe this is when my all health problems really began. I knew it was unhealthy, and on top of the fasts I was taking Correctol (a laxative). My lowest weight ever was 103 pounds, and at that weight I wore a size 7. At the time no one had ever heard of this ‘little thing’ called anorexia.”

“I went with my dad for a checkup in January of 1977, and the doctor looked up at me and said, “You could use a few pounds.” That was all it took for me to zoom up to 150.”

“I bounced up and down a lot, and was first diagnosed with Lupus of the joints in 1992. In 1996, a blood clot was very close to going to my lung. I couldn’t even walk, because there was also a clot in my left leg. I had a long stay in the hospital complete with IV, elevation of my leg, etc. (I have always wondered if the anorexia contributed to my health issues.)”

“I’d heard about low carbing, but had never had given it a shot. My aunt told me about it back in the early 1980s. She and my cousin have been on every diet know to man. They stay on them for a while then blow it from lack of willpower, in my opinion.”

“In 2000 I nearly died from Lupus. I needed a kidney biopsy, aggressive medications, 12 chemo treatments, blood tests, etc., and suffered all the side effects: loss of hair, early menopause, and high blood pressure. My peak weight was 199. My husband was a saint through the whole ordeal,” Laura continued.

“After my last chemo visit in mid-January of 2002, I was determined to shake off this bad luck streak, lose weight, and get healthier. That is when I decided to begin the Atkins plan. I was big on starch, and I knew this would be a challenge to my willpower, but I was at the end of my rope.”

“The first few weeks were easy, and they just kept getting easier! I went through my pantry like Sherman went through Georgia and tossed out ALL the ‘evil’ carbs. No more sugar, flour, or rice for me! I really read all the labels, and tossed anything that was unacceptable.”

“In the old days I would have tried ‘fat free’ or ‘low fat’ junk, which had never worked for me anyway. Now I realize how much junk and sugar they throw into that stuff. It’s no wonder the population today is overweight!” Laura exclaimed.

“Even my husband has jumped on the low carb bandwagon,” Laura continued. “He does eat more carbs than I do, though, because as a man, he can. However he is really cutting down and carefully reading all the labels.”

“I exercise three to four times a week, and vary the routine from Body Blade, Ab Doer, L Glider, Leslie Sansone Walk Away the Pounds, and Jane Fonda Classic.”

“I still have some left over residuals, but all in all my health has improved immensely, and I am sure I will continue this way of living the rest of my life.”

“I’m so glad to see so many websites that cater to low carbers, I just wish the grocery stores would carry more products. Here is the Midwest, people just chase around and grab anything that is already prepared (either totally or partially) without considering the nutritional effects, so that’s what the grocery stores stock. It’s kind of sad,” Laura said.

Laura offered up a couple of tips for her fellow low carbers:

• “Do your homework!”
• “Maintain control, and do the BEST you can.”
• It’s great to be able to influence others. My husband was so impressed with my
• results, he joined me too, because he can see the difference it’s made in my life. (When I started I measured 42/32/42 now I am 33/26/33!)”
• And always remember that will power, determination, and a positive attitude will enable you to prevail!”