hello....I am new to this group

[Guest guest]

I have, unknowingly, been a CRON for over 5 years....what started

with a diagnosis of high blood pressure in 1999, became a self-

motivated crusade to lose weight. I am a 6 ft male and currently

weigh 174. Before I started to restrict my intake of calories, fat,

and sodium, I weighed 240. My Blood pressure is now normal 130/80(

without meds) and I feel great at age 51.

At first, some friends and colleagues critized my new eating habits

as " wasting away " or some obsessive compulsive disorder, i.e bullemia

or anorexia. Within the first few months of achieving my goal,there

were rumors of my having HIV, cancer, or some mid- life crisis. All

non-sense. I simply elected to change the ONLY element in my life for

which I truly have control. Eat Less, Eat Wise.

At one time I actually weighted 162 but with time I firmed up and now

prefer 174. This is still acceptable on most " charts " (BMI) for my

age.

I offer this post only to share my experiences and assure others " it

ain't easy eating less " in today's society. I am a health care

professional and see many diabetic type II patients daily...most whom

are supersized.

I would love to hear of your experiences and recipes.