Saturday, June 4, 2011

My week, Humanity and Rising Above

Haven't blogged in awhile, honestly I was quite disappointed with myself. I came back from the 4th annual low carb cruise re-energized and re-focused. I began induction anew with so much hope and dedication. Flash forward a month. Ate induction level carbs, average calories 1800 daily and I couldn't get into ketosis, and I lost 1.7 lbs, but I had no heartburn, no bloating and felt fantastic. Then...May 21, 2011 an EF5 tornado hit my town, killing almost 150 and destroying much of the city. It's amazing how you can feel sorry for yourself and then something happens that totally kicks you in the ass and makes you realize it's not all about you. So...I refocused. I pulled out my well worn copy of Atkin's New Diet Revolution and started reading. I decided to jump start ketosis by doing the Fat Fast. I started on Memorial Day and by Friday this week I had lost about 8 lbs and was nicely in ketosis. Now to work on slowly adding in more calories until I'm back into induction levels. I was feeling pretty good about myself, in control and taking care of business.

Then...a very ugly person posted ugly comments about my weight struggles on their blog, along with comments about many of my friends in the low carb community. This person supposedly eats a low carb diet, has been significantly overweight and has struggled to continue with weight loss. Her point I guess was that long term success on low carb for those of us who have been morbidly obese is tough. Duh! Why point fingers and put labels on people? Why not just state your point? Obviously to get attention I suppose. I guess I'm stupid for blogging for myself, and although I would never mind anyone reading my blog it doesn't really bother me if no one does.

My take on the issue of weight goal and maintenance for morbidly obese people? Well, it is really difficult. Morbidly obese people don't really have a "full" button. Low carb definitely helps, as it is more satiating than a low fat diet. It is work not too eat too much in general. Every low carb book I've read says that a low carb dieter should eat until they are satisfied, but not stuffed. When you are or have formerly been, a morbid obese person you are rarely satisfied until you are stuffed. Just a simple fact. I think that's why many of use lose a significant amount and then stop--we simply aren't willing to cut portion sizes to that of a petite person. Ultimately you have to decide what is more important to you and make yourself disciplined enough to follow through. There are setbacks, some small and some large--causing regains. I've lost 100 lbs 3 times in my life and the two times I did it on the standard american diet when I had that large setback, I gained back more than I lost. Guess what? On low carb, after 3 years of maintaining I had a huge setback. I went back to my binging carb laden lifestyle and for about 7 months I stuggled mightily. Am I disappointed in myself? Yes. But I feel a victory here. I gained back 57 lbs, Not 157 lbs. I am back in control. So, no matter what label someone tries to put on me I know what works for me and how I feel.

What advice would I give her if I were so inclined (which I'm not)? If you don't feel like low carb is the best WOE for you why bother? Go back to the SAD. I don't care what you do.

It comes down to this in my opinion: You have to give up fat or you have to give up carbs. The combination is deadly. It's up to each individual to decide what works for them. Period.