"George Adams" wrote in message
Started dieting two weeks ago, and I was wondering if any of you have any
success/failure stories regarding dieting and weight loss. I'm using a
modified
Atkins, low carb, but with a greater variety of veggies than allowed an
the
strict Atkins regime. Results so far, 8 pounds lost in two weeks. I have
had a
bad cold for most of this time, so haven't been exercising. I expect to do
better once I get back on the treadmill. I'm looking to lose around forty
pounds.

I'm a huge skeptic regarding "name brand" diets. Adkins is dead from
coronary artery disease. Those with a financial stake in selling his name
may have no qualms about downplaying the relevence of that; but IMO, it
ought to be a wakeup for anyone having the steak entree with a side order of
steak. I think almost everybody knows that eating less, eating more
sensibly, and getting regular exercise are the real keys. OTOH, if
following some predetermined regimen helps you do that, then it's served its
purpose.

As a preamble to my present, ongoing story, I'll boast that I am now a USSF
certified referee. In going through the coursework, however, it was clear
that I was going to need to do some serious running to do the job well. I
had to be honest and admit I was in no shape to chase kids up and down a
soccer field. So, beginning Feb. 4, I began cutting back on the food &
hitting the exercise equipment collecting dust around here. Nothing
approaching starvation, just taking smaller portions and resisting second
helpings. Basically, if I'm not hungry, I don't eat. Fortunately, I
actually like rice cakes (white cheddar).

I also started running. Thought I was going to die. As a testament to
just how far gone I was, the first day I managed a slow jog for about 1/4
mile before having to stop & suck air. Walked the rest of the mile. Three
weeks later, I can manage to run at a decent pace for about 3/4 mile without
feeling like I got hit by a truck. And this morning I finally hit the magic
200# mark, down from 215.

March 13 is my first game as a ref., in a 16-year-old boys tournament. If
I don't post after that, you'll know I'm dead. g

Joe F.