Down 12 lbs since the summer

[supernova]

3. This is the plan that I'm following

http://www.amazon.com/Low-Carbohydrate-Ketogenic-Diet-Manual/dp/1482781255/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381679043&sr=8-1&keywords=Eric+Westman

It's the "induction" phase of the new Atkins plan in the book New Atkins for a New You: The Ultimate Diet for Shedding Weight and Feeling Great

Dr Westman, one of the authors of the new Atkins book put out a separate pamphlet with just the induction instructions and "allowed" foods. The principle is that you want to restrict all carbohydrates to about 20 carbs TOTAL per day. Carbohydrates come from low glycemic and cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cabbage, salade greens, peppers, etc. You concentrate the majority of your intake on the fats and proteins in meats, olive oil, nut oils, butter and cream if you can tolerate dairy. This makes your body go into ketosis, burning fat as a fuel source, rather than glucose from carbohydrates. You lose weight (if needed) and improve a host of lab results to the point of reducing or not needing medications for things like high cholesterol, high blood sugar, triglycerides.

Dr Westman also has a monthly support group meeting that I go to, but you can join the FB group if you want. Lots of info, recipes, and help there too. https://www.facebook.com/groups/DukeLowCarbSupportGroup/