I was very slim until I had my second child. Over the years, my weight just crept up slowly to where it is now. I did try Atkins 10 years ago and lost some weight but felt too restricted because I never bothered to read the Atkins book entirely. I have a terrible sweet tooth and eat mostly late at night. I have never been a big eater. I am not hungry when I wake up and don't even think about eating until evening. I am a night owl. I come awake at night and so does my appetite & cravings. I would eat mostly carbs and very little protein. I ate mostly peanut butter & jelly sandwiches and chocolate milk. I love milk and drink it down like water. I hate to cook but even though I would cook for my husband, I would eat a sandwich. I never keep sweets in the house because if I did, I would eat only that. I believe I gained a lot of weight mostly from not exercising and the medications I take which I feel slows my metabolism. I take medications for hypertension, under active thyroid, high cholesterol, and depression. All these drugs are terrible on the metabolism. My oldest daughter is getting married in about a year and I can't imagine going to wedding fat! I haven't worn a dress, skirt, shorts or bathing suit in 12 years! There was a time when I could wear anything I wanted and looked great! I was once the girl at the beach with the pretty tan, long legs, flat tummy that you would stare at and wish that was you. Now I 'm on the other side of the fence and I hate it! I want to go to my daughters wedding in a beautiful dress and look great! I want to feel good about my self again! I want to wear shorts again! I want to go clothes shopping and buy the clothes I love, not what will cover my stomach and arms best. I'm ready to lose weight and keep it off for good!