My Story:
Although I have been active since I was a child I was always overweight. As an adult I suffered with many things that I have read other success stories say they also struggled with. Normal things such as sitting in a booth at a restaurant or fitting on a ride at the local fair were always an issue. While those certainly were issues that made life uncomfortable and embarrassing at times, the more pressing issue was my overall health. On a daily basis I had pain in my knees and back that would not go away. I was no longer able to keep up with my friends and family when it came to sports or just going out for a night. Let’s be honest, it’s not easy to do many things at 435lbs. I was taking two different types of insulin as well as medicine for my blood pressure and gastrointestinal issues. I certainly was a mess until my wife and I started talking about babies. I knew that it was time to change because I knew that I couldn’t keep up with a baby let alone a toddler that is mobile.
In March of 2014 I started a guided food course provided by Dr. Munoz at my doctor’s office. She heavily stressed the value of Atkins meals and snacks as they provided protein packed, low carb options. I was nervous to start the new “diet” because I had previously been unsuccessful with other attempts because I would lose but then put double the weight back on. Within the first two weeks of starting my new eating habits I knew that it was something I could continue for life. Upon trying my first Atkins meal I was hooked. I’ve had other frozen meals in the past that live up to the stereotypical “frozen meal.” I was surprisingly shocked by the flavors that are packed into the meal. The snacks are also good. I always tell people that they aren’t just good for dietary reasons, but they also taste good. Several of my co-workers now also eat them and enjoy them as much as I do.
So what has changed? In less than a year I have dropped 130lbs and I a continue to lose. I go to the gym at least 4 times a week and I feel great. I no longer have pain in my legs and my back feels great. Perhaps one of the best outcomes of this life change for me is that I have cut my blood pressure medication in half and may soon be off of it. I have completely cut out insulin and I am glad that I don’t have to inject myself 4 times a day. I now look forward to the future and I still smile every time I approach a booth and know that it’s no longer an issue. While all of the previously mentioned changes are amazing, I am most proud to announce that my wife and I are expecting a little girl in June. I’m pretty confident that I can keep up with her now. Maybe that’s naïve of me but only time will tell. I can be there for my family in ways that were previously unimaginable.
Favorite Atkins Friendly Food: My favorite frozen meal is the Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo. The sauce is very good. I also love the Atkins meal bars. The Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bar is great.
My Goals:
My goals were to lose weight, be pain free in my legs and be healthier for myself and my family.
How Atkins Helped Get Me There: Atkins helped me by providing tasty easy to make or already made options. It can be hard to plan for a change like this because you really have to prepare and think about your eating for the day. Atkins makes it easy and eliminates excuses.
