Well, it's the beginning of June and I realized that my website and weight management journal has not been updated since March 29, 2010.  If this was a child I would be jailed for neglect!  Since that writing, many people have been asking if I'm OK because of my weight loss.  The answer is YES!  The weight loss is planned and I'm working on a long term weight management plan to address low HDL/LDL and high triglycerides.  Here is how I got to where I am today.... In my first entry I wrote how my cardiologist recommended that I limit my carbohydrate intake to twenty net grams or less each day.  He stated that it worked for him and that I would lose weight, gain energy, and lose my spare tire.  So, how am I doing it?  Well, I did not know where to start or what foods to avoid, as evidenced in my second writing.  I was retelling my story to a couple at the church I attend and they stated that it sounded like the Atkins diet, which they were on.  After some research, I settled on the book "New Atkins for a New You: The Ultimate Diet for Shedding Weight and Feeling Great."  Now, before you state that I'm going to die of a heart attack like Dr. Atkins did, consider this: When starting the plan (induction) 12 to 15 of your daily net carbohydrates should come from healthy greens and vegetables.  You should also be eating four ounces of protein and healthy fat.  This doesn't sound like the old Atkins diet, does it?

I stayed on "induction" for six weeks to give my blood levels a chance to normalize on the new meal plans, then I moved to "Ongoing Weight Loss," the phase in which I begin to add other foods and five net grams of carbohydrates to my daily goal, all while monitoring the affects the various foods have on my body.  By following the plan outlined in the book above, I have become more aware of how foods affect my body, how sweeteners affect my weight, and have done fairly well at determining correct portion size.

To date I have lost 28 pounds and five inches from my waist.  I have more energy and am ready to keep moving through ongoing weight loss by adding the exercise component the book says I need to have.  On May 31, two months and three days after starting, I have begun the "Couch to 5K" training program.  This nine week training program prepares a beginning runner to run a 5K run in nine weeks.  My goal right now is to run a 5K by this fall.  As I continue to train, I'll blog about my experiences, both good and bad.

I've rambled quite a bit, so I'd like to share a positive experience and a sweet treat with you.  If you are looking for a low carb/low sugar snack give this chocolate mousse a try.

• 2 Cups Heavy Whipping Cream
• 3 Tablespoons of Unsweetened Cocoa
• 5 Packets of Splenda

Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor.  Whip until stiff peaks form, then remove the mousse.  Place it in the refrigerator for one to two hours.  You will be rewarded with a creamy chocolaty treat that has less than 1 net gram of carbohydrates per two tablespoon serving.  One word of caution...do not whip this too much or you will end up with chocolate butter!

If you are thinking about embarking on a weight loss/management plan I urge you to consult with your doctor and discuss all avaialble options.  This one is working for me so far, and I hope my writing helps you on your journey.

Until next time, stay on track!