Yeah - I have seen that in you, and ecurbh and all the other folks that have done it.
I get a little nonplussed listening to Rosie and 2J talking about buying flax seed and whatnot, because I don't ever want to live that way measuring amounts of carbs in things that sortof resemble flour. But when I ~do~ get to where I am actually tired enough of being pudgy to do something, I know more about it than I did before.
But I get even more nonplussed at skinny people who eat whatever they want and scoff at those who pack on pounds easier. I was hard as nails no matter what I ate too, till I hit 30. I am looking more like my Norwegian roots now ;~D
I know I'll always struggle with my weight...my mother always did, bless her heart. And even five years ago, when I was VERY active, I was never tiny. I never will be. But at least now I have hope that I'm not doomed to getting heavier year after year.
I don't count carbs. And the carb counting is one of the things that made Atkins unattractive to me. But I'm happy with South Beach, since it's very unrestrictive.
2J has done a lot more experimentation than I, partly because Atkins is more strict (I can do whole wheat and such), but you don't HAVE to do anything that fancy! We just like to cook.
But in it's most basic form, it doesn't have to be complicated at all.
It's only like that 'till you reach your goals. By then you'll have a feel for what foods are appropriate for your needs and you don't have to do so much *measuring*. I hate measuring. I'm a dash-o-this, pinch-o-that, pour-till-it-looks-right kinda gal.
Over time we've accumulated a whole heap of recipes that we like and that suit our needs. No counting or measuring. You'll also develop different habits when planning meals. I used to prepare pasta for side dishes (ok, ok, main dishes) routinely but now the thought doesn't even occur to me because I've discovered so many other alternatives.
I gave up on flax seed ages ago.
Can't stand the stuff.