happy/unhappy-image

[dreamin2B150]

/Hello. I've been on atkins now for 15 days. My pants feel looser and it builds my confidence. Then i walk into a store and see myself in a security camera or mirrors and its depressing. I feel good and think i'm slimming then reality hits and uugh my big gut roll and big arms. I started my exercise routine 2 days ago so hopefully those problem areas will look better real soon. My butt is the first to go and my stomach is the last to go

[OzLover]

Re: happy/unhappy-image

Don't be so hard on yourself please. Recognize the good things you have done. 1) made a choice to start Atkins. 2) Been on induction for 15 days. 3) Began an exercise routine. 4) YOur clothes are feeling looser! I'm know for a fact it takes more than 2 weeks to acquire "my big gut roll and big arms". Keep up the good work!!!
Glenda

[Evermind]

Re: happy/unhappy-image

Oh, I know exactly what you mean! I've lost 13 lbs, I'm working out, I feel lighter, things are looser, and bammo, I catch sight of myself in a store window and realize I'm still really, really chunky.

<sigh>

Definately the abdomen and the beefy arms......so embarassing to me!

Well, onward and upwards. I'm not going to let the image get me down. In fact, I'm doing everything I can to avoid those unexpected views of myself!

[BeanPole]

Re: happy/unhappy-image

hang in there! you will get there as long as you stay on plan! i know it seems depressing right now, but always remember that as long as you keep on atkins, u're gonna keep shrinking! eventually u're gonna be where you want to be looking back and it'll all be worth it! the exercise def helps too! speaking of exercise..i haven't been doing mine.

[bykerdruid]

Re: happy/unhappy-image

I know exactly what you mean!!!! But it motivates me to work harder. I still look like a blob, but I'm not as big a blob anymore! I've lost 14 pounds and have gotten into a pair of jeans I haven't worn in over a year, so I KNOW I'm on a downward trend.

Then I signed up for a gym and my nephew is helping me learn the equipment. And right in front of nearly every machine is a blasted mirror. And he says it's best if you watch yourself because it helps you focus on proper form. OMG!!! What I saw!!! And here I thought I was starting to look good. WWWHHHHHHAAAAA But it was enough to tell me...work harder...you've still got quite a ways to go. Completing the entire exercise routine became very important all of sudden.

The really great thing is KNOWING that this woe REALLY works, so you KNOW you will be getting smaller and smaller and you can just chuckle at that gut and those arms and think...soon...they'll be gone. Stick with it...because you know you'll get from point A to point B...it's just the damn travel time. We're rootin' for ya!

And don't forget to DRINK THAT WATER!

[speedygt03]

Re: happy/unhappy-image

I thought this was just me that felt this way because I was just thinking this today. There is this new outlet mall by my work and I decided to take a look, I was walking around feeling all good about myself, beautiful outside, just perfect. Then I think maybe I want to check out Lane Bryant store for the first time, I go in there, and BAM I get the 360 degree mirror.....i walked out almost in tears.

But I feel lighter and my pants are basically almost falling off, then I see the blob. Ahhh!

[BabyGotBack]

Re: happy/unhappy-image

I can totally relate. Except my clothes aren't much looser yet (geez, they must've really been getting tight!) I feel good to have lost what I have, but r I really want to get down a size to boost my motivation. I remember the first time I did Atkins in 2002 one night I started trying on all these clothes I couldn't fit into and they all fit! It was a great feeling....I'm trying to hold on to that thought of getting to that point.

We just have to hang in there--

[hopejoy]

Re: happy/unhappy-image

I know how you feel too... hang in there and soon you'll be amazed at how much better you look and feel. Time... give yourself time.
liz

[Sheepie]

Re: happy/unhappy-image

I'm down about 40lbs and I feel this way too. This past weekend we went away to a wedding and our hotel room had 3 big mirrors. I felt huge (and later photos confirmed it) but everyone asked if I lost weight and told me how great I looked. I know that I'm a lot smaller, but I think it will just take longer for my waist figure it out. Patience!

[bykerdruid]

Re: happy/unhappy-image

I remember the first time I did Atkins in 2002 one night I started trying on all these clothes I couldn't fit into and they all fit! It was a great feeling....I'm trying to hold on to that thought of getting to that point.

We just have to hang in there--

Oh, absolutely and positively!!!!! Without a doubt. I so remember getting all excited, pulling out the next size smaller clothes that I had boxed up on my way to maximum lard. How exciting, wonderful and satisfying! And it's wonderful to know it's coming again.

Remember that each and every day. Always remember how great it felt to go down and it will keep you on track and saying "NO" when temptation tries to derail you. Be sure to exercise, drink water and something I need to work on more....eat my leafy greens! I have a chef salad prepped for lunch.

[Discolemonade]

Re: happy/unhappy-image

I've lost 76 lbs and often have fat goggles. I'm down from a size 22 to a size 10. We have to break out of it. Yes, I am still chunky but I'm no longer FAT. I'm not okay with being chunky and just keep in mind that goal is possible. I had a skinny day yesterday in mirrors and windows. Today I feel fat. We have to rise above the mental head games we play with ourselves. Atkins isn't a miracle diet, it takes work, concentration, consideration and planning. Success won't be over night, but a whooshie will be. So suck it up and keep on truckin'. It will come. I promise.

[Tack Candy]

Re: happy/unhappy-image

Yeah, I always say to myself "Geeze, how fat was I?"

[Outback Jess]

Re: happy/unhappy-image

This is the stuff that discourages and trips us all up, doesn't it! Well I'm down to my thinner self, and girls I gotta tell you, you still FEEL different all the time....I just look inside and find the things I admire the most, when it's bad out side, I go inside...I am so proud of keeping my focus on this way of life. I am so proud of how I talk myself into this stuff all the time, and I am so proud I can keep my promises! I am now a promise keeper....and I can FEEL that all the way through!

[meena-beena]

Re: happy/unhappy-image

I know exactly what you mean--but being this is my third restart, I remember walking in the mall about 5 or 6 months after being on Atkins the first time and passing by a store window. I glanced in the window and saw a reflection that startled me.

I knew it was me, but it didn't look like I felt. I still felt like a rolly, blobby, jiggly mass--but the reflection was a toned thin young lady. I was blown away and everyday that passes on Atkins reminds me of that image.

Don't worry about what you see now because as long as you are eating Atkins, you'll see that reflection change in no time and it will take you by suprise!

[dreamin2B150]

Re: happy/unhappy-image

I'd like to thank everyone for their encourgement. I know it takes time. I've always had image issues. When i was 118 I hated it and once i gained weight i didnt see it because the image of toothpick legs was all i saw, still to this day. Now i have the opposite- i'll loose weight and still see myself large-lol!

Tonight will be my 4th night doing exercises. Little by little the exercises will change my body. I just can wait to have a waistline so i can wear a belt and not look like a tamale-lol!