[ko_kyi]

Sorry about your problem, but Corporate America has no responsibility. It is all on you.

I didn't post this to disagree, but to tell you what has helped me. In July I weighed 166, (I am 5' 5")had cholesterol of 244. I stopped eating anything with sugar and I gave up bread, potatos, noodles, and rice. I eat only veggies, fruits, meats, and cheeses in whatever quantities I feel like. (The whole Atkins thing seemed a little extreme for me.) I also started running regularly. At first I could only walk/run in 10 minute increments, but I gradually increased my runs and now I run 3 miles 4-5 times/week. Anyways, I now weigh 150 and cholesterol is 205. My doctor says to keep at it and I might be able to avoid going on cholesterol medication.

On the downside, I mostly have to prepare my own lunches. If I had to get McDonalds I would get a double quarter pounder with everything, and throw out the bread.

Hope things improve for you. You might try this low sugar approach.

[Paradox]

The whole Atkins thing seemed a little extreme for me.)

Your current diet actually sounds much like the Atkins "maintenance" diet. The extreme portion of his diet (Induction) is only supposed to last a couple of weeks.

I eat like you, although not so many fruits, tons of veggies, meats, some cheese. I have lost 10% of my body weight so far, looking to lose another 10%.

As for fast foods, when I used to diet, I would eat at McDonalds, and just get a diet soda, a hamburger, and a small fry. Thats only around 500 calories. Thats not a whole lot. What happens is that people get used to large serving sizes. I did as well, got to the point where anything less than a Whopper with Fries (biggie size) and sugared soda, just wouldn't do.. Thats not corporate America's fault, it was mine.