What have you done to help 2nd time work?

[jcapulet]

Just wondering, has anyone implemented some strategies based on why the 1st time on Atkins didn't work for you?

I've done one thing...instead of my goal being 135, I've lifted it to 145. Seems not so far away- 20 pounds! Kinda helps psychologically, if that makes sense.

Once I reach 145, I"ll set a new goal, 135.

Anyone else?

[Sarah1341]

Re: What have you done to help 2nd time work?

I lifted my goal up too. I am also trying to pre-plan as much as possible for the week. Making breakfast in advance so its ready to go, etc. Another thing I'm doing is to make sure I have a snack of some sort handy at work. Its all over for me if I let myself get to hungry.

[RachelnLa]

Re: What have you done to help 2nd time work?

I moved to OWL this time around. Variety is key for me. And always having MY foods around to grab in a hurry.

Also, I really believe it is a frame of mind. I tried a few times to restart- it never worked until now.

[DragonflyMoon]

Re: What have you done to help 2nd time work?

Great question, Jcapulet! I ditched *frankenfoods* and i upped my exercise from what i did last time. Plus, like Rachel, i have just moved onto OWL. That is entirely new to me as i've always just stayed on extended induction in the past. Oh, AND i'm actually reading the book, whereas in the past i just read the induction rules and took off with that...

So far so good... i'm on my 6th week and doing good. No cheats! But get back with me once i hit two months because that is the longest i have ever stuck with Atkins in the past. If i can make it past that, then i'll be doing really great!

[RachelnLa]

Re: What have you done to help 2nd time work?

It seems creativity is the key for most of us LOL I looked over some sample menus in the book and it seemed like they were even spliting up foods. Like if you could have 1/2 cup of this and that, they took 1/4 cup of each. Maybe I dreamed it? I'll have to recheck.

I kept thinking veggies at breakfast?? Sure! Cucumbers and tomatoes are good anytime. Peppers with omelets too. Heck, even leftovers from the night before is good. I try to spread my carbs out or I end up eating them all at night and having carb overload.

I use to be really big at menu planning and meal planning. Now I draw a blank. I look at 1 cup of celery and wonder what in the world I could do with THAT!? I love the recipe thread. Gets the juices flowing. I try to think back on my former days and revamp the recipes there... sometimes it works.

[boonie stomper]

Re: What have you done to help 2nd time work?

Good one... well a few things are improvements over my prior Atkins attempts:
1. Read the NEW book, repeat 3 times
2. Got into ADBB
3. Did Boot Camp
4. Focus on health improvements and long term benefits instead of just trying to loose as fast as humanly possible to get back in skinny clothes
5. Went past the induction part to OWL
6. Staying on the diet (just about to exceed the longest time ever stayed on it before of 6 mos.)

[ValidRouge]

Re: What have you done to help 2nd time work?

Oooh I love this thread.

All the reasons you guys have already stated, I agree with.

For me, it was:
1) Doing it Dr. Atkins way, not Joy's version.
2) Making EFFORT to make delicious food. Actively seeking out recipes and getting creative in the kitchen.
3) Moving onto OWL.
4) Staying connected with this board
5) TAKING BEFORE PICTURES TO COMPARE.

[sofarsogood]

Re: What have you done to help 2nd time work?

This thread is a GREAT idea!

1. Lots of excercise this time.
2. Moving past induction and into OWL.
3. Helping my friends and family with Atkins.
4. Being okay with the extra time I'm taking for myself to make sure I am eating healthy and active.

[sillyann]

Re: What have you done to help 2nd time work?

great thread!

[Rosa]

Re: What have you done to help 2nd time work?

I've also been eating a more varied diet.
I used to try to eat the same thing Mon - Fri. Of course I'd be tired of low carb by the weekend! Making delicious low carb food ahead of time is key. I actually enjoy eating what I've prepared and I don't have to scrounge through the cupboards to find something to eat.

I'm also doing a lot of soul searching. I'm really trying to figure out WHY I over eat. I have a lot of issues with not just the wrong foods, but too much food in general. I'm a frequent binger. So I'm really trying to take time out to find what triggers a binge and how I can avoid it. I think having/fighting for control over how much food goes in my mouth is the only way I'll ever get thin.