The Update

May 2000

Well, it's been eight months and we are still keeping to our diet. I reached my original goal in five months and five days. Ron is losing slower because he is on BP meds and this slows his metabolism. I truly believe if he could find the time to exercise this would correct itself. But regardless, he continues to lose, if somewhat slower, and he feels and looks great.

I have been very happy with my results but I felt I could stand to lose a few more pounds so I went on "maintenance" for a couple of months and then I restarted my diet regime. I have lost five more pounds and I would like to lose five more. The good news is that there are so many good products out now, I don't ever have to go back to eating the old foods anymore. The most important lesson I have learned is that we eat too much. I found that flavors I love can be enjoyed in the smallest increments. 1/2 cup of pumpkin in my basic pie recipe will more than impart the flavor of pumpkin. Less is better.

I was especially surprised at how easy it is to eat out on the low carb diet. And we made it through the holidays with no problems at all since I have learned how to indulge the old sweet tooth with the new, wonderful products sweetened with Splenda®. I use the herbal sweetener Stevia as much as I do the sucralose (Splenda®) but together they can be described as synergistic.

If you need to lose weight and you want to try it, I have added some great links to websites that support the low-carb diet. Most of the recipes that I have concocted have been well received even by those who aren't dieting. And because I never use sugar, most of the recipes would be appropriate for anyone who is diabetic but, of course, this should be confirmed by one's physician.