Why can't i commit?

[iamcrazy]

I restarded atkins yesterday & i go through the day without any problems but then after dinner my sweet cravings seem to overpower me, & i have given in buth times.

Any adive?? I just feel like such a tool!

[allierw26]

Re: Why can't i commit?

First of all, ((((Hugs)))). I have definitely been there. It seems like restarting is really tough, a lot tougher than starting the first time! My only advice is to really hang in there. After a few days of strict induction, those cravings slowly get out of your system. Try not to give in! Just drink your water and follow those important Induction rules! Maybe go on a walk after dinner or work out to distract yourself from those sweet cravings?

[2big4mysize]

Re: Why can't i commit?

since you know how you are doing dinner now gives you cravings change it. Are you having lots ofyour vgie carbs them if so cut back a bit. Change the location you eat change the plates or silverware anything toi get you out of the feed the sweets mindset.

remember too you are a carb junkie in your first day of withdrawals and just like a druggie going through withdrawls you "need" a fix. You know you don but physicaly your body is saying low sugar alert low sugar alert! ignore it and be the strong addict who is going to make it past the physical withdrawals and be a sucessful quitter.

And when you do fail practive carb harm reduction bu=y jumoping back on withthe next bite. not the next day.

Happy low carbing.

[Kate113]

Re: Why can't i commit?

Very good advice already given. The one thing I would do is remind myself that I don't EVER want to go through day one of induction ever again.

[dreamof145]

Re: Why can't i commit?

In reading your post...I had flashbacks from years ago when I used to really want to do it, but always jeopardized myself. I had low self esteem and thought the only way I could be happy was when I was eating.

This time, I did my research. What has helped me to do it was keeping a journal and having support from ADBB. I decided that this time I was going to change my FAT THINKING into positive thoughts and actions. (Personally I feel that FAT THINKING weighs more than Positive thinking). (just my opinion).

But, if you keep a very intense journal that reflects your true feelings and goals, then you will get to know the real you better. I think once we understand ourselves and learn to change our attitude about losing the weight, it gives us more strength to do what we need to do. Instead of feeling that you are being deprived from the foods that you love and make you happy...you need to embrace the attitude that your able to lose weight and eat enough to satisfy your hunger. All other diets were non-satisfying and if you were like me, you would wander around looking in cupboards at forbidden foods...wishing you could eat it. You'd look at the clock every 10 seconds and recount the minutes that you could eat again. I was in constant misery and felt so sorry for myself.

With Atkins, I am more active. My day is so packed with work, work-outs, volunteering, and other things to use up all the energy that I sometimes forget to eat. I can't tell you how many times I look at the clock and go "Oh my gosh, Its past lunch. I need to stop and eat"

Anyways, I don't know if this is the problem you are having...but until you get to thinking positive about yourself and your new WOE, it is a struggle not to reach for the forbidden foods that you thought brought you happiness and comfort.

[LC_Dave]

Re: Why can't i commit?

I had a similar series of stop starts.

From the time I learnt about atkins, until I started properly last July, it was about 4 years of starting and falling off. My limit was 8 days!

What I had to do to get over it. A lot of hard work. It was really tough at the start.

You have to sit down and prepare for the first 2 weeks of induction. Mentally psyche yourself up. Give it 100%

You are on the carb roller coaster and it takes a while to detox. It becomes a lot easier down the track.

I found that by checking in daily at forums like this I stayed motivated.

I would strongly recommend signing up to the next boot camp (which I am in the middle of).

As I say, that first week requires a lot of determination, but you can do it!

[sombersusie]

Re: Why can't i commit?

the end of the day is the worst time for me too! my recommendations are basically the same as above. water and distraction! Find something other to do then look in the cupboards (been there done that!) Cruising ADBB is a great way to stay motivated, plus have you checked out the loads of recipes they have here? There are a few induction legal goodies that will satisfy in a pinch, mock danish is a popular one, it tastes just like a cinnamon roll in my opinion!
i wish you the best!

[Mary-chan]

Re: Why can't i commit?

Everyone's given really good advice so far. My advice for the first week is to just focus on getting the sugar out of your system!! Don't worry about exercise.. don't worry about portion control.. You're body is going to want that sugar!! Dont' give in!! What I did was every time I had a craving, I went and ate something "legal" that I could have without guilt. I felt ravenous for the first week or so.. like I couldn't stop eating... it was my body searching for sugar!! Once it got all the sugar out of the system.. it went away and I didn't feel as hungry and didn't have to eat so much.. Just tell yourself you will give it one week - don't look down the road.. just say "I am going to give this one good week and then reassess how it is going".. just keep pushing your limits - you can do this!!

Also, if you're not already, make sure to stay away from "low-carb" products such as atkins shakes and bars - they just make you hungrier, they are a big big rip off!!

Goodluck you'll do great

[Lyssie]

Re: Why can't i commit?

Heya iamcrazy,

I'm crazy too. :P Did you try drinking (more) water with some lemon in it? Or find something that's safe to snack on. I use jerky, I don't know if it's actually induction friendly though.. or any snackie thing that's still something in your mouth so you can't say you're hungry... No, it's not actually what you're craving but it *is* something to occupy your hands, mouth, mind, etc. There's also that whole exercise thing, or do a hobby, or come on here and write nasty posts to everyone whining about how much you want it and how good it would taste then wait to get your butt kicked right back into it's place

[californiacasey]

Re: Why can't i commit?

Plan not to fail....get rid of all food in your house that is not on the list. Don't allow yourself to have cash on you (no fast food stops), go grocery shopping for all the right foods, prepare those foods so that they are ready when you are hungry, so you will be less tempted to eat foods that are not allowed.

I know how hard it is to stay on track. Unlike some people here, I never have lost my cravings or desires for sweets so it is especially diffcult to always want those foods that I shouldn't have. But you have to focus and know how much better you will feel and look the more you lose.

Good luck to you...

[Jellybean1984]

Re: Why can't i commit?

I know it is bad and doesnt really go well due to aspertame (i only do this when desprit twice so far) I have crystal light in my water, and then i am good, perfect! i only have like 4 oz. but does the trick I am not suggesting just saying what i do...

[Lady_Hawke]

Re: Why can't i commit?

For me it was because I wasn't ready. I didn't feel I was worth it or that I deserved it. I re started so many times I can't even begin to count. I would do good all day and then at night, mess up. Sometimes I wouldn't even make it to the evening. So you aren't alone there. Its harder to re start (or at least it was for me and this is not a re start for me its more like a re re re re re re re re re, well you get the point , re start) then to go on induction the first time.
It wasn't until just recently something "clicked" for me and I not only know that I am worth it, I do deserve this but that I want to do it. I want to change my life for the better, get healthy and yes, sexy too!
Just believe in yourself and don't give up. It will eventually "click" for you too. In the meantime . we are all here to help you and support you. We know you can do it!
Attitude changes everything.

[fluffyman]

Re: Why can't i commit?

Great advice so far. When the cravings hit, try something rich and fatty like a slice of bacon or some cream cheese. That usually hits the spot for me. In a few days, your cravings will decrease tremendously.

[Razorshock]

Re: Why can't i commit?

Whenever I crave something I *can't* have that I used to love, I try to concentrate my thoughts on two or three foods that I *can* eat that I really enjoy and focus on those instead...just an idea.

[LOWCARBINCLEVELANDOH]

Re: Why can't i commit?

Create an environment that makes it impossible to cheat. Don't have "BAD FOODS" in the house for a while until you get going.