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**ADreamComeTrue** · December 22, 2009, 01:07 AM

Re: Never thought I would be here...

Hi Amanda & Welcome to

I understand completely about you not wanting to eat low carb in front of your family, I am going through the same issue. I started on Dec. 10th (A lil over a week ago) and I am still going to make the Macaroni salad to take to my Christmas get together with my family, BUT, does that mean I will be eating any? No way! (I will be taking me a salad to eat topped with a meat)

And this is the way I look at my situation...if they want to tell me low carbin is bull hockey then let them, if I were to listen to them the only person I would be hurting is myself.

So I would just let it go in one ear and out the other!! Let them talk how they want to about it, after all, your not doing it for them anyways, you are doing it for you!!
& Everyone has their own opinion but some people are a little more out spoken (like my family).
As far as sticking to plan goes, for me it is pretty easy..even though there are 2 other "non low carbers" living in the same house. I open up the cabinet and what do I see everyday?...Cereal, Mac & Cheese, Little Debbie Cakes, Rice, Noodles..and the list of carb-loaded foods goes on...there is even a box of doughnuts and a bag of bagels sitting right on the table, but I know in my mind that those foods are not good for me and I kinda look at them like "poison" to my body.

Sounds weird I know, but it keeps me from eating it or even thinking about eating it.
I also look at it this way...If you give your body what it wants, then it will give you what you want. By that I don't mean indulge into your cravings..lol..I mean if you feed it healthy and low carb foods (and stick to plan!) then it will give you what you want.

I know how the feeling is of failing, failing, and failing, and failing some more...I've been there plenty of times!! But really "yo-yo dieting" (going on and off and on and off) actually hurts you in the long run. It messes with your metabolism. I'm no expect at all this yet, but I do try to help out!
So this time I plan to stick with this and do this...for not only my health but for my mind and body (it has gotten all outta control). And failing over and over only gets you depressed and for me it made me binge because I am a very emotional eater.

I know if I can do it, then you can too! Just set your mind to it. Love yourself first and you will do fine!
I wish you the best of luck with getting started, losing weight, and all the other goals that you may have!!

-Christie

**mission to lose** · December 22, 2009, 01:26 AM

Re: Never thought I would be here...

If it were me, and I felt so desperate to get started, I wouldn't wait. Start tomorrow, and plan for the Christmas meals to eat on plan.

I truly understand about family pressures, and all that, but what about next time you eat together? A birthday, a family get together, anniversary, etc. There is bound to be some time you will be eating with the family again. So I say start now, and as you said, maybe pretend you don't feel well and only eat what is on plan, hopefully you will be bringing a few things to the dinner to share and that others can eat as well as you.

It may not be easy, but you will get it done right if you plan right!

Keep us informed and if you need more help just ask. You will not be the only one dealing with Christmas and the food challenges. You have lots of help here.

**Kntrylady** · December 22, 2009, 01:32 AM

Re: Never thought I would be here...

It always amazes me how quickly people criticize this WOE, and try to get us to eat things we shouldn't. I AM A CARB ADDICT !!! If I was an alcoholic, a drug addict, a smoker.... and I was trying to control those addictions, would a friend or family member try and get me to give up control? If you have truly decided to do this, do it now, and be prepared by bringing food with you that you can eat.
Welcome to this Family, and yes, alot of us have walked in those shoes already,.... we know.

**mission to lose** · December 22, 2009, 01:44 AM

Re: Never thought I would be here...

Hi again Amanda,

I had another thought. Usually the first revelation to the family that you are following this WOE is the toughest. You have to break the ice so to speak.

Last summer I was barely on the Atkins WOE a few weeks and I had to go to a family party, a going away/moving far away party for my cousin. Another cousin was having the party at their home, and I had no idea what there would be to eat. Well I packed a cooler in the trunk of my car, full of celery with cream cheese, cold sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, etc. Every 30 minutes or so I went out to my car and had a bit to eat...good thing, because there was nothing at all that I could eat there. Too much to go into as to what they had, but anyway, my point is to be prepared.

I didn't bring the food inside since I just started and didn't feel at the time I wanted to share this WOE with cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. And in the winter when it is cold, or rainy, that type of situation can not be done.
But if that were to happen now, I would not hesitate to bring food, and I am fine to explain why.

That day I kept running to my car at that party??? My sister and Mom thought I was "crazy", but now that I have lost 35#, they understand why
and don't think it was so crazy anymore.

**ADreamComeTrue** · December 22, 2009, 01:53 AM

Re: Never thought I would be here...

mission to lose- that is a good idea for starters if you want to hide it from family! You proved them!

**Aways2Go** · December 22, 2009, 02:19 AM

Re: Never thought I would be here...

My family and friends are generally supportive, but I do understand how some people either want to sabotage you or just want you to eat "normal" like everyone else and think if you just ate a little less you would drop the weight.

If it makes it easier for you, why not tell them some reason that is medically related instead of just diet related, like you are trying to control your blood sugar or something like that? If people think it is medically related, maybe they wouldn't give you so much
&%#! about it.

Just a thought. I would start when I felt ready, without regard to family holidays or get togethers or what have you.

And as far as repeated failings, remember the old phrase...
fall down seven times, stand up eight.

You can do this, just think of the other times as practice and don't beat yourself up over it. Start, do the best you can, if you fall off, get back on track IMMEDIATELY (like the very next meal!) and don't use it as an excuse to quit and start again 'some other time' when it might be easier. It's never easy when you very first get started, but it does get easier after the first week or so.

**txchix9** · December 22, 2009, 07:52 AM

Re: Never thought I would be here...

After I posted that, I went to bed. I sat there and started calculating in my head. 50 pounds. Last year at Christmas I weighed roughly 200, I just had just lost 30 pounds. I felt so sick and repulsed, I actually through up...and I have never ever emotionally throw up before.

My name is Amanda, and I am a Card Addict. I need help.

I threw away every carb item in my fridge and pantry except for a few. I am going to take the tortellini to work about lunchtime and let everyone indulge in a good lunch on me...and the Ravioli i am going to freeze, I am not fascinated by ravioli (chicken and cheese) so I won't be tempted. I did however, toss the pancake mix, syrup, extra chocolate chips, and cereal out in the trash.

I am so beyond grossed out by myself I can't stand it. Absolutely am sickened. I let myself ignore it, and I let myself pretend it wasn't happening, but it is...it's happened. A month ago I had a breakdown - my boyfriend wasn't answering his cell, and my sister questions why I freaked out, and why I wasn't just thinking his cell was misplaced. I have been harboring fears of him ending it with me because of the weight for months....but even that didn't make me stop and change my mind.

I guess it's like you said...it's about me, not him, and I need to do it for me. I was doing SO well before we got together because I knew I needed to do it for me...So I am.

I am going to come up with some meal ideas and post them in a few. I am the type of person who can eat the exact same thing over and over again as long as I like it...and its usually easier on me. Variety = a variety of opportunities to mess up.

thank you all. so . so much.

**txchix9** · December 22, 2009, 08:10 AM

Re: Never thought I would be here...

Please, critique, evaluate, tear apart, ect ect

Breakfast:
Scrambled eggs (3) with Mushrooms & 1oz Mozzarella & 4 slices bacon

Snack:
8 olives / ½ c Celery & 1 LC Cream Cheese (1oz)

Lunch:
Protein: Tuna/Chicken/Beef Fajita/Steak/Turkey
Vegetables: broccoli, mushrooms, spinach, green beans
Or: Chicken Caesar Salad, 86 croutons, SOS

Snack:
Cheese Stick & Hard Boiled Egg

Dinner:
Protein & Vegetable
See Lunch

**atkinsgal08** · December 22, 2009, 09:16 AM

Re: Never thought I would be here...

Your cheese consumption is about at the limit ... that may or may not be a "problem" ... just something to be aware of.

Are you getting your protein at lunch at work or are you making it yourself? Have you checked the ingredients in the food at Chili's? It might not be as benign as you think. Again ... just something to think about.

What's "SOS" on the chicken caesar salad?

How much water are you drinking?

>>I already made major Christmas plans with my family. Should I start induction, when I know I am going to be eating carb food soon? Even in small amounts?>>

Plans change all the time. You can "know" that you're not going to be eating "carb food" soon, even in small amounts.

The 3 most powerful words I know on this way of eating are, "No, thank you".

>>I can't not eat carbs in front of my family right now - >>

Sure you can. This is YOUR decision after all ... I presume you're 21 and living on your own, right.

You don't have to make a big announcement ... you just eat what you will. People are way more interested in what's on their plate anyway.

If you compromise yourself on <insert holiday here>, then it becomes easier to compromise yourself on <insert day of the week here>. See what I mean?

To be honest, there is no "good time" to start ... there's always a reason to "eat carbs". You just have to know in your heart that this is the time to start and to say, "No, thank you".

**momswishforme** · December 22, 2009, 11:29 AM

Re: Never thought I would be here...

i have the SAME problem. i am going to be spending 1 week with my boyfriend's family, and i know all we're going to do is eat. my boyfriend doesn't even know i'm on atkins. it'll be really weird to keep saying no to bread, rice (i'm asian), desserts in front of everyone. but that is exactly what i'm planning to do. actually i'm just gonna come up with weird excuses like "oh no thank you. my stomach has been hurting lately. if i eat that, i might get diarrhea". heheh =) come up with something! afterall, this is for you. the holidays will happen and finish fast. do you want to REGRET all the short-term happiness of food you ate? just remember how proud you will be once you accomplish this goal. the holidays is always the toughest... so if you can get through this... next year will be EASY. =) eat ALOT of protein and carb free food. make it look like you're really eating. then if they offer you dessert, say "i'm full". =) i dunno. its my plan. heheh God bless. you can do this.

**txchix9** · December 22, 2009, 11:31 AM

Re: Never thought I would be here...

sorry i use server speak a lot. sos = sauce on side, or in this case, dressing.

water is at 100 oz a day. i'm currently downing my noon intake of water now....so much fun.

i won't be eating at Chili's. The only safe thing to eat their is Salmon and Veggies, which is doable, but I'll be avoiding it unless necessary.

went grocery shopping. picked up some pickles as a snack item, got my mushrooms and celery sticks. oh man. i found a no calorie, no ....lets say everything on the nutrition label was 0%, don't ask how, peanut butter - oh my god it looked horrendous. anyways. got my groceries. i picked up a bag of caesar salad mix and chicken to put in with it for christmas eve....that's when we're having the potluck.

so my holiday fight plan....

Christmas eve : caesar salad with chicken, plus some green beans.
Christmas breakfast: scrambled eggs and bacon
Christmas lunch: not too sure yet on specifics, depends on where i am at with family
Christmas dinner: beef fajita and shrooms

Okay. Off to a good start. My plan is to get weighed @ the doctors in two weeks. fun!!!

**txchix9** · December 22, 2009, 05:15 PM

Re: Never thought I would be here...

so....two important things are happening:

1. I'm having crazy weird carb dreams - meaning I am fully in Carb Withdrawal...this normally happens when i start going into ketosis, so it's early, but maybe it's my mind accepting that I am NOT cheating

2. I told my boyfriend. I think he's cheering. But I want him to cheer. He told me he would do anything necessary to support me fully.

so. time to down my evening water. *smiles* then I am going to enjoy....something..for dinner. lol. i am not sure what. maybe a nice bacon and mushroom omelet i didn't get to eat for breakfast. that sounds good!

**txchix9** · December 22, 2009, 05:18 PM

Re: Never thought I would be here...

Moms - i totally agree. when i wrote that I was in a dazy of self pity and not fully capable of accepting it. i still wanted my cake and eat it too, or should i say mash potatoes? You know? After crunching the numbers in my head...it was resolved, i was doing this.

i picked up a chicken Caesar mix kit and after enjoying my "first course" I am going to feel sick, and mention i ate some food at work earlier and that it hasn't been agreeing with me all day.. easy peasy.

I am READY. I am READY to lose the weight!

**ADreamComeTrue** · December 22, 2009, 05:37 PM

Re: Never thought I would be here...

Originally posted by txchix9 View Post

I am READY. I am READY to lose the weight!

Way to go!

Keep up the positive thinking!!

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