Third Report - This 50-Day Cycle

Success dieting does not come easy. You don't gain weight fast, and you don't lose it fast either. But, you can gain, hold or lose "steadily." I have finally broken down through the 200 pound level and holding under it. For the longest time, I was moving below and then bouncing back up above 200. Now at 196 and declining, slowly. 30 more days to go and I need to lose 14 pounds to get to 182, my announced goal.

While not a dietitian or professional in the field of weight-loss, all I can verify is my own experiences since 11-11-2008, the day I started my first Qik-50, 50-day cycle. 11-11-2008, I weighed 257 pounds, now at 196, I have lost a total of 61 pounds and keeping it off. Even more, I feel totally in control of my diet and weight--its an experience I have never had before.

Breakthrough Event, getting below 200 and starting down to my goal of 182, here's what I think I had to do, what I think got me through the very hard plateau at 200: I had to cut calories and carbs even more than ever before. I was at about 1200 calories a day and have been there for a long time--losing weight all the way down to 200 to 205 and then it ended. The weight loss bottomed out there.

So, I took the calorie intake down to 800 to 900 per day, current levels. And, then I broke the 200 "barrier" where I have been for about 2 months now. I was making smoothies with "tablespoon" measures of protein, carbs, and fiber. So, I went to "teaspoon" measures in place of tablespoons. The same with other foods, 2oz of meat instead of 4, and reductions of all other servings.

Boom! It was the key, the weight loss has begun again, though slowly. I am also increasing my exercise as I can. I have acquired an EFX - Eliptical Fitness Crosstrainer - a gym quality (jogging type) machine that I picked up from a friend who wanted to help me out. I have used it daily, 20-minutes per day, though only on a low resisitance level - it works great! It's a no-impact jogging experience right at home, terrific!

So, I think the further reduction of calories, and carbs especially (the Atkins diet priniciple), I have broken the hard plateau I hit at the 200 pound level.

30 days, 14 more pounds, I'm on course to get there. Keep me honest!! I'm doing this blog to literally hold myself accoutable to others, I think accountability is a big motivator to do the right things and stay with it!

Will post again when I get to 182, that should be October 20th! C U all then, so for Julie and Julia, this is Walt.