My Life Long Journey

Considering I have always been overweight, I have participated in every diet imaginable. My first formal weight loss diet was when I was 12 years old. Since then, every time a new plan would come out, I was right there to try it, but would only stay with it for a few weeks and would eventually regain all of the lost weight.

I had given up taking care of myself until one day when I read the article in Woman's World regarding Kimkin's. With two young children, I really want to break the cycle of obesity in my family. I want my children to have a happy, healthy mom, but I want them to be healthy also. Another thing, I do not want them to be embarrassed by having the "fat mom" at their activities.

Why would I think this diet was going to be different? I read the information on the homepage and had a wholehearted feeling that I had found my way of eating, like I was finally "home". I had always believed in the low carb way of eating, but the other plans were either too high in carbs or too high in fat. When I read the information on Kimkin's site, it was like I was saying "Yes, this is what I have been looking for!"

I joined that day, June 11, 2007 and easily integrated Kimkin's low carb, low fat diet into my life. The weight loss was very rapid during the first 3 months, I would have slow weeks but usually it was 3 or 4 pounds a week. The losses slowed during the next 3 months, but they were still there.

Now in my eighth month on the WOE, I am losing about 2 pounds a month. I have consigned all of my size 22 clothes and I am filling my closet with size 6 outfits. I have just recently begun to integrate physical exercise into my day and, you know what, I actually like it! I am learning how to tone up muscles and improve my cardiovascular health, but I did not exercise until I had lost 80 pounds.

Throughout my affiliation with Kimkins, I have participated in various challenges on the forums. These challenges and the support I have received from other members has kept me coming back even during the times of slow losses. All of the members are going through the same struggles that I have faced or am facing, we are all in this together. The people I have met here are my tried and true friends, one of my groups even exchanged Christmas cards! I know that if I am having a difficult day, I can get encouragement from others just by reading the ongoing threads or telling my Kimkins friends about a particular difficult situation. It is so uplifting to hear encouraging words, to give others members words of encouragement and to help them with their weight loss goals.

My life has changed in so many ways, I have so much more energy, more confidence, and more happiness! I take the time to fix my hair, put on makeup and wear flattering clothing. I feel so much better and my physician has documented my improved (and wonderful) health. I am even looking into the career I have always wanted but lacked the confidence. A professional Life Coach, but who would want a life coach that couldn't even get their own health under control? Now I feel like I could actually do it!

Do I think this is for everyone? No, I do not. I think Kimkins is only for people who are ready to make a commitment to themselves, to learn about good nutrition and who want to rid themselves of extra pounds.

The Kimkins way of eating is my diet for the rest of my life's journey. After all, life is a journey NOT a destination.

I hope you join this journey.

Marci