On January 2, 2012, I started the Dukan Diet, at an all-time high weight of 238 pounds. My goal was 180, which I reached in early June. I was now in the 3rd phase, Consolidation, and very happy with the results.

A month later, we had to take a six-week trip to Alabama, during which time I lost all control. As the diet warns, "During this time you are at your most vulnerable, as the body has a tendency to quickly regain lost pounds." During that six weeks, I gained 20 pounds!

Upon our return home, I failed to get back into the program, and on April 30th, found myself up another 21 pounds. Another 17 and I would be right back to where I started! I told myself, "This simply cannot happen!" So, back to the Attack phase of the Dukan Diet I went.

After a couple of days back on the Dukan Diet, I decided that I really didn't like such a restrictive method of eating and decided to look around and do some study. What I found is common sense for all of us; I was simply eating too much for my low activity level! My sitting around and enjoying my 'see food diet' was the problem! So, after reading The Hacker's Diet, I decided to just start keeping track of how much energy (calories) I take in compared to how much I actually need. I was shocked, to say the least!

If you look at my food log for the past couple of days, you will see that I have not gone hungry or deprived myself of anything I really care to have. The key for me appears to be portion control and limiting my between meal snacks to better choices than chips, cookies, ice cream and unlimited amounts of good, cold beer! ;-)

Cheers!