Starting again and want to stick to it this time

[Carbaholic]

Hey,

am on day one of my new life of eating and would like help and advice from those of you who have experienced similar problems to me:
I have cheated many times before and can attribute it to one of the following usually:
*a big change in routine (I move to the mountains in winter, and usually have to get through changing living conditions, different kinds of food available, jet-lag etc)
*thinking that I can get away with having a few 'treats', even if they are sugar-free ice-creams etc - it just gives me the taste for sugar
*Diet drinks
*If I have any alcohol, the next day I'm tired and a little down and want to comfort eat
*Boredom - I gave up smoking about 4 and a half years ago, but I still have problems with restlessness and wanting something to do with my hands

Am determined to get into good eating habits (rather than just lose weight quickly) and am scared that if my weight yo-yo's much more I am going to make myself very unhealthy...
Can anybody offer any suggestions?

[Sherri]

Re: Starting again and want to stick to it this time

Hi Carbaholic! Boy do I Know how you feel. I, myself am a carbaholic so I can totally relate. I've been researching about natural herbs and supplements now for about a year. I wanted to find the best natural way to treat my type 2 diebetes , high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. One of the things I found to help me with sugar cravings is a supplement called L-Glutamine an amino acid. I take 1000 mg before my meal. Usually my evening meal because I sometimes get serious late night cravings. It really does work. Great job on the quiting smoking!

[partytrouble]

Re: Starting again and want to stick to it this time

Hats off to you for being so self aware...you have taken the time to examine what might drive you to cheat and that is the most important step. Hang in there! We are all behind you.

[SandyL2002]

Re: Starting again and want to stick to it this time

Hi carbaholic.. My biggest advice is to plan ahead.. Every week I think about where I am going and what I will be doing and what I will be eating.. If I feel that I might not be able to get something legal I take stuff with me.. My cooler gets a good workout

[I_WILL_Lose_Weight]

Re: Starting again and want to stick to it this time

It's always the little rationalization to eat treats that get to me. "I've been good and one time isn't going to bring me down!" seems to be my life story. It always does. I've discovered that exercising, and planning out my foods like Sandy says really helps me keep on track. It's like, "Hey, I've worked this hard to get this far. Why would I want to destroy it now?"

[Tack Candy]

Re: Starting again and want to stick to it this time

Yes, and this WOE helps because it is VERY clear that that one time IS going to bring you down. I think that is my answer to the reason for my failure of every other diet...our carb addiction will not allow us to be rational about "one small thing".

Step AWAY from the carbs.........Period.

[harmony3098]

Re: Starting again and want to stick to it this time

my downfall is vodka...i go so long, and then just really want a martini...that kills me. it stalls my weight loss, makes me puffy and bloated, and usually leads to other lapses in judgment. i've learned this about my self and am not willing to stall my progress any more...at this point, i've made it over the hump with that one...last time i caved after the third week, not gonna happen this time...i think it's sort of an ethical thing...meaning, i have made up my mind about this woe (dr. phil calls them life decisions) and because i am clear about what my goal is, i can resist temptations. i know before going in what my decision is. i don't allow myself to be dissuaded by momentary lapses because i know what the goal is and have already made this decision...does that make sense? you know what your triggers are...plan for these temptations, and when the moment comes, get real and remember the goal...i know you can do it! you are so aware already!