I started my weight loss journey about 18 month ago at 299.8 pounds. Seeing myself so close to 300 on that scale shocked me into action. For the next 6 months I did a calorie reduction diet that included daily exercise. The diet itself wan't anything special besides no more than 2000 calories a day, and no candy like foods. I also avoided red meat. With that said most of the weight was lost though eating take out as I have a very busy life. While I felt better, I see now that I missed a great opportunity to feel even healthier.

My weight loss plateaued at about 230. Which I was delighted about, but still a long way off of my goal, I spent about the next year being complacent, gaining a bit, then loosing a bit, than gaining some more. Peaking around 248 and now down to 237. My primary problem with diets is that I have veggies. Everything about them. Taste, texture, just everything, and while I've manned up and can take a few here and there, it's hard not to gag even at a small amount. For this reason Atkins seemed like a great fit for me.

When I was diagnosed with a body wide Candida infection, it became clear that changes needed to be made. My Dr. recommended cut out all gluten, and as much carbs as possible. As Atkins fir that well, it seemed like the perfect moment to start this journey.