Need a lot of motivation

[easytoplease]

Hi,

I'm Elizabeth and I was on Atkins for about 8 months a while back. I actually came here last time as well. You can see my info down there at the bottom...I have no idea how accurate it is anymore.

I lost 45 pounds in the end, and gained a bunch of it back. I want to go back on and sort of did this January, but it is NOT working for me. I don't know how I did it the first time, but I cannot stay on it. I can't get myself to exercise or to even stay in induction for more than about two days. It's really frustrating me.

Most of the problem is this time I can't find foods I actually want to eat. For some reason I can't remember what I ate last time. Another big problem is that I feel really hopeless about it.

I get urges to eat constantly while I am at work. When I was on Atkins last time I was in college, so I didn't have the 8-hour sitting period.

What do you guys do for motivation? What do you do for snacking? Does it get any easier? I don't know how I did this before!!!

[cypressgirl]

Re: Need a lot of motivation

I sympathize with you. This is hard to do once you have given yourself a reason or excuse to go off plan. Just keep reading other people's posts. They are great sources of info and inspiration. We all have the same problems around here!

You aren't going to stick with it as long as you give yourself a reason not to. You are the on;y one who can put your one foot in front of the other and keep going. I am not being hard on you - I am in the same boat right now. I haven't derailed but my motivation is way low and my life has been throwing obstacles left and right. Just hang in there and decide you are worth it!

[Elizellen]

Re: Need a lot of motivation

Firstly welcome back

Secondly, have you still got your copy of DANDR handy? If so reread the chapter on induction and make a list of the numbered rules and the foods on the allowed list that you like to eat.
Then plan meals for the next week using those foods and following those rules.

Check the recipes database (link at the top of the page) and the food forums for ideas on recipes using those foods.

Thirdly - make sure you take lots of induction-legal snacks to work with you and eat them when you feel hungry or others bring in the c**kies, to make sure you only eat induction foods for the next week.

One of our members used to have the tagline

Failing to plan is planning to fail

I am sure you will get the hang of it soon.

[Jasmain]

Re: Need a lot of motivation

Welcome back! I'm glad you've finally come to the boards again, there are a lot of people here who have experienced the same thing, me for one! I'll tell you this, coming back here got me off the start again stop again part of coming back. I started a journal in journal chats and one in journal stats, so I could track everything. I got involved in exercise challenges, and cleaned out my cupboards! I have family that doesn't eat according to Atkins, and separating the junk they are allowed to eat into a cupboard I rarely go to was a big help. If you're alone, THROW OUT the junk. Ask your co-workers or whoever is urging you to eat off plan if they want you healthy or not, and why they are trying to sabotage the healthy changes you want to make, shame them into shutting it! Make a list, why do you want to change? What are you afraid of? Make yourself a list, a pretty list, print it off at work and paste it up in your office, on the fridge, your bathroom mirror, wherever you can! Give yourself some motivation!

[chrisie_20]

Re: Need a lot of motivation

I agree with jasmain...she is such a good supporter....you have to give yourself the motivation...this group can help so much, but the truth is you are the one that has to do it.

[dreamof145]

Re: Need a lot of motivation

Welcome back! You ask where do we get our motivation? Well, it can be found everywhere. How badly do you want to lose the weight and become in control of your eating? Exercise and it helps keep you motivated and feeling more positive about your life. Take measurements and see yourself shrinking. Tell yourself positive affirmations and hang around people who are making it happen. Visiting the ADBB daily will keep you inspired. Everyone here encourages each other and supports your new WOE. We all want to see you succeed.

MAKE A PLAN. I can't emphasize this enough. On days that you are feeling blue or want to quit...it is hard to stop yourself and make the right choices. But, if you have a plan already in action --- it is easier to look up what you are going to do and do it. Mine consists of things like....take a walk for 15 minutes and think over my feelings, drink water, read my journal on the reasons I must lose the weight, talk with friends, come to ADBB, write down how I feel. Never give in to food. Eating the wrong foods makes us feel low and gives us a negative attitude.

You can do this. You are worth the effort. Make a plan and stick to it. Keep us posted on your progress. We care!!

[chrisie_20]

Re: Need a lot of motivation

That is very good words of wisdom dream!

[easytoplease]

Re: Need a lot of motivation

Thank you so much. I really appreciate all this help.


I think it is true that I need to foresee all these complications and have a plan to overcome them. I was not expecting that it would be so hard.

I'll continue to read this thread as I go, as well as the rest of the board, to get inspiration. I know it helped last time. If there is one thing I do remember, it's that people on this plan are so encouraging. I honestly don't think it's like that with any other plan.

Thanks again!!