Back to square one

[Kittie]

Well guys, I'm back.
For the past several months I've just been stuck in a rut... telling myself every day I'd start Atkins the next, justifying eating whatever I want (which usually includes over-processed sugary junk). I've even sunk to a new low, drinking regular Coke.

I feel really terrible and fat, and keep remembering how I felt when I was faithfully following this WoE. I've gained 8 pounds since stopping and just feel ugh, but I'm sick of it. My goal was supposed to be my 23rd birthday and that was almost two months ago. I don't want another year to go by wishing I'd actually done something about this.

I think writing this here and establishing it will help me stick to the concept of induction for these first couple days. I think I'll be fine after that, I just really need to get back into the routine of eating low-carb. (I never know what to eat for breakfast by the way - I'm the type who usually just grabs coffee, suggestions would be helpful!)

Thanks for your support guys.

[tkdhabidah]

Re: Back to square one

What is helping me get through breakfast...Oh, welcome back by the way!...I not just limiting myself to eggs for breakfast, actually, I usually have them at lunch or dinner!Today, I had 2 leftover beef/bambi burgers with cheese and bacon and a handful of broccoli with ranch (sugar free)..I think it was Erin who posted to eat like a king for breakfast, a prince by lunchtime, and a pauper for dinner! Loved the advice! Or, if I feel like breakfast food, I will chop up some meat from the night before for an omlet. Yum!

Some people like eating on the go, I have a friend who keeps broasted chicken in the fridge for her morning drives to work...No prep time!

Good luck!
Kristi

[grovemonkey]

Re: Back to square one

Kittie,

First off, Low carb living isn't the end all be all. It's a great diet and way of eating/way of life, but it's tougher for some people than others. I find it very difficult, even though I respect the principles and methods. I don't like eating meat every single day and sometimes I want to splurge a little without horrible regret. It's ok. Really. You might very well not be cut out for this way of eating. Quite possibly you might want to consider easing yourself into the diet by trying to gradual change your eating behavior. Stoping smoking is a good analogy. Some people can go cold turkey while other stop best by doing it gradually. Going from 200 + grams of carbs a day to only 20 is cold turkey and in fact, you might be one of the later. Think long term, think gradual and most importantly, think healthy.

Personally, I have a slow metabolism and have always been big. My family loves the refined carbs. Cakes, sugars, pasta, bread, you name it. I grew up on that stuff. Getting rid of it is tough. One tip I have is this: If you exercise 4 days a week for 40 minutes on a treadmill or running, you can pretty much eat those kinds of things and not gain any significant weight. But, If you want to actually loose weight, it's about what you put in your mouth. It's all about that. I never lost weight until I stopped putting bad foods into my mouth. Diet is first, excercise is the icing on the cake. If there is one thing you should focus on, it's what you eat and not your exercise, of course doing both is best but personally, I had to really try to focus on the eating and specifically, eating at night. I had and still have to a degree a problem with night eating. I like carbs at night, they destroy me, I fight it like a night terror and it's the worst. I can go the whole day with nothing but come 8 o'clock my will starts to fade. Throw in a drink or two and you have an invitation for weight gain, but that's just me.

another point that you bring up that I think is worthy of comment is the fact that you don't know what to eat for breakfast. eggs and sausage are a good combo. eggs and bacon (love it!). can't go wrong with the classics. scrambled eggs with cheeses.. oh yeah. It sounds like you don't like to think too hard about what you eat, you just grab the cup of coffee as you said. You need to start think about what you eat. The not thinking is one of the reason you are in the situation you are in today. If I want to put on a few pounds, it's as simple as not caring about what I eat. When you really place importance on what you eat, you'll stop just grabing anything. You plan out your meals. Planning your whole day or even week is a plan you can count on. You need to decide the night before, on what you are going to eat. that way you don't fall into the same trap that I have fallen into of just grabing whatever is around (usually some crappy food).

grove

[dreamof145]

Re: Back to square one

Welcome back. I agree, this isn't a WOE that makes you feel deprived, it is a solution to the problem...one that has lots of friends here to help you and cheer you on! We all have our shovels ready and are ready to help you dig out of the rut. So happy you're back and motivated to make it happen!

[julirama723]

Re: Back to square one

Welcome back to Atkins, Kittie! It sounds like you're ready. I like what you wrote about not letting another year pass!

I eat what atkins-legal foods I feel like for breakfast, and it doesn't have to be eggs. I like to keep veggies, grilled chicken, beef jerky (homemade, not store bought!) in snack-size bags, so I can just grab what I need and go in the morning. Those cheesesticks are a lifesaver--a perfect snack, a perfect portion. If I DO want eggs, I boil an omelette in a reclosable sandwich baggie, and seriously, it's the best omelette I've ever eaten! It only takes 15 minutes to make, and you can drop the baggie in the water, and go finish getting ready. By the time you're set to go, the eggs are done.

And grovemonkey, I DON'T believe you can eat whatever foods you want and maintain your weight as long as you exercise regularly. Some people just aren't that lucky! At least, I wasn't.

So with that in mind, Kittie, I think you're doing a wonderful thing by returning to Atkins. Just stay tough for these first few days, and you'll get back into the swing of things!

[I_Luv_Pugs]

Re: Back to square one

Welcome back!

For breakfast I often eat egg salad. Actually just two hard boiled eggs chopped and mixed with some mayo. Sometimes I eat it with celery stalks.

For meat I've been enjoying boneless, skinless chicken thighs cooked with my George Forman grill. They come out crispy and juicy.

Hang in there.