I am back

[AOT]

Hi Everyone,

Well my story isn't new. I have been on Atkins on and off for some time. I quit again back in September but I know its the best way for me to lose weight and get healthy. So I am back and really determined to strive forward. I just joined a gym so wish me luck. I need all the support I can get. I get discouraged easily and very depressed when I fall off the wagon.

I look forward to your comments, support and supporting YOU!

AOT

[clogger]

Re: I am back

Welcome back AOT!

You're in a great place for support and motivation. Just know that you are not alone in restarting. I have and so have many, many others. Obviously it would be best if we would just stick with this way of life, but that's not always the case. The best thing is that we come back. Don't give up! You can do it!

One of the ways you can set yourself up for success is to PLAN ! Make food ahead of time so you always have something good to eat. Decide on what day(s) and time(s) you're going to go to the gym and GO even if you don't feel like it. There are many times where I got myself out of bed at 5:15 in the morning so I could go to the gym when all I wanted to do was turn off the alarm and sleep or exercised at 10 pm at night because I hadn't gotten my workout in for the day yet. There is not one time that I regretted forcing myself to workout.

Baby steps will get you to your long term goal. YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!

[judyintn]

Re: I am back

AOT,

Good to see you back. I just started back on Friday, together, we can do this!

Judy

[AOT]

Re: I am back

Hi guys! Thanks for the support! Why is it so hard getting started again! Really.... I always fall the first day a few times over. Today I was doing so well. I was well within induction the entire day, then I went to work out and did some water aerobics and a little swimming and felt really great. Then I was starved coming out of the gym, I came home and had two choices, meat that needed a lot of time to defrost or fish that was quicker but had a thin flour coating on it (not too much but definitley not atkins). So I went for the fish as I was really starved. Now I am deflated again (wishing I could have a piece of chocolate right now, luckily I have none at home)... sad and hoping tomorrow will be better. I am defrosting that meat to cook it for lunch tomorrow .... Tomorrow will be a new day again...

[Chynna]

Re: I am back

Hi and welcome back to ADBB!

Even though you did make a bad choice in what to eat, you at least stopped there. That's the important thing. I know it does not make you feel good at all that you had to go with the fish, but be proud of yourself for not giving up completely and actually having that piece of chocolate!

I agree with Clogger. You really need to plan ahead in order to avoid situations like these. Make sure to defrost any meats the night before or buy them fresh at the market, stock your fridge with Atkins friendly snacks to tide you over in case you need some time to prepare your foods or just make them ahead of time.

I also joined a gym recently and I go as often as I can. I strongly encourage you to take full advantage of your membership. Take courses, use the equipment provided and talk to the trainers there often about exercising for weight loss and getting over stalls.

Good luck on taking back control of your health and think positive!

[AOT]

Re: I am back

Good morning Chyanna and Clogger!

Its 8am here in Europe and so far so good (except I don't have cream for my coffee so I used milk instead).

I feel better today and your words of encouragement really do help. I have just had a boiled egg for breakfast and cooked my meat and brussel sprouts for lunch. On my way to work I will stop by the super market to buy atkins friendly ingredients, including CREAM for my coffee.

Waking up in the morning and reading your messages really seems to help a lot. So now my plan for today is to buy my ingredients and go go the gym after work.

Here is to my 2nd first day on Atkins!

Thanks again for the support. By the way, how do you start the journals? Is there somewhere on this website to do it?

AOT

[tfek70]

Re: I am back

AOT,
The way I have found it to be easiest to stick to this WOE is to get rid of the unfriendly foods in your house to not have to make a bad choice. Second and most importantly is to have a variety of friendly foods cooked and ready to go. I cook on weekends for the entire week and that way I have at least seven choices on Mondays that are all good ones. I failed the first time because I ate steak every day. Now I make sure I have beef, chicken, pork, and turkey on hand at all times. I don't do fish, but if you do, that's another great choice. Good luck and stay strong.

T. J.

[AOT]

Re: I am back

Thanks T.J!

Well I went to the grocery store today and boy Atkins in Europe can be expensive! I spent 73 Euros thats about 103 USD. Anyway I also bought things that are expensive. I figure if I am going to change my lifestyle and start Atkins I might as well get the things that I really like. As you mentioned I cleaned out my pantry. There is nothing in my house now that is non-Atkins friendly....that wasn't so hard as I just moved to Europe so I don't have the same pantry I had before.

Now I am stocked with lettuce, beef, chicken, fish, some other seafood, ham, cheeses, cream... I think thats it (nothing breaded or flour coated!). Lots of it! So I think I am armed for the next two weeks. I hope this food lasts me two weeks. Really 103 USD! Thats a lot for a single person... but it will be worth it when I start seeing results. Thanks for the suggestions and the support... I am really trying hard. So far so good. I've stayed in the Atkins zone all day so far, its 15hrs now. I just need to make it through the first 2 weeks. Its all much easier after that. Have a nice day, T.J. when you read this, I will be sleeping...

[Lisa]

Re: I am back

Welcome back!

Sounds like you're ready and stocked up...good for you! Don't forget exercise...it matters.

Best wishes!

[AOT]

Re: I am back

Thanks Lisa! You are totally right about the exercise. Not only does it make a difference in the weight loss but it sure feels great when I actually get through it. As we speak I am on my way to the gym to try out their Zumba dance (aerobics) class. I hope I make it through it.

[clogger]

Re: I am back

Zumba is a lot of fun! Did you enjoy it?

You can go here and choose to start a journal in Journal Chats (you and others can post) and/or Journal Stats (only you post).

It can feel expensive when you go to the grocery store, but I find that I eat out FAR less often so I probably spend the same or a little less than I used to.

Way to go on stocking your place full of GOOD foods. You had lettuce on the list, but what about other veggies? It's important to get in different veggies for the nutrients and the sheer variety. Zucchini sauteed in butter and sprinkled with parmesan is really good. Do you like mushrooms and peppers? They are good in scrambled eggs. How about cucumbers, tomatoes, and celery? They make a salad better.

You are definitely on the right track. Stay focused. Come to the board for support and motivation. Soon you'll be seeing awesome results!

[tfek70]

Re: I am back

It doesn't have to be as expensive if you buy the lesser cuts of meat and prepare them properly. I am eating a blade steak for dinner tonight and probably tomorrow also that I paid $1.94/lb. I marinated it in a homemade hot pepper mix, seared it, and threw it on the grill. A little butter to top it off and I am at about $1 per meal. I also smoked a pork shoulder $1.09/lb. I have been munching on it for a week.

[AOT]

Re: I am back

ok guys its almost midnight and I did very well today so I am feeling pretty good right now. Everthing I ate was within Atkins and as Clogger has mentioned in other postings the first few days snacks are needed and I did just that but all atkins friendly and induction friendly. I had a great work out at the gym, an hour of moderate cardio and about 45 minutes on the weights. Followed by jacuzzi and steam room (these are my rewards after working out)! I came home and had a nice salad with beef and pork cubes (thank goodness I did the shopping). So I am going to sleep now and feeling really great. A little nervous about the party I am going to tomorrow because of the food and alcohol. It is NEW YEARS! Always a challenge. By the way does anybody know how to start up the journals. I see other people have them and I think it would be a great too. I just don't know how to do it from this website. Any tips? Have a nice evening and good night. HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of you and looking forward to a new year. By the way did I mention that one of my biggest influence is that I am turning 40 in 2009 and I want to feel and look fabulous... I want to be one of those 40 year old that look and feel fantastic! One day when I have more courage I will post a picture of me now. Good night and thanks for all the support. You guys are all great!

[Lisa]

Re: I am back

for making it through the day and planning ahead...and the fantastic exercise with the awesome reward of jac. and steam. Woo hooo! I'm excited for you. You'll make it through New Years with no problems

[AOT]

Re: I am back

Hi Clogger and TFEK 70. I have just seen your posts. My internet sometimes doesn't work so well. As for your question Clogger (and I really want to add that you are such a great supporter!!!!! You are an asset to this board!), I did buy broccolli, and brussel sprouts, I also bought cucumbers, bell peppers and mushrooms and tomatoes and half a roasted chicken. So tonight when I came home from the gym I had many options. Thanks again and great that you gave me the tip for the jounals. I have been trying to figure it out.

TFEK70, oh how I wish I were in the states now, the cost of everything is much cheaper. Everything in Europe is soooo expensive and it doesn't help that I was living in Africa for over seven years before I moved here this year. Everything here is at least four times more expensive than in the states!!! But I will try to look for cheaper cuts of meet. I should be more observant of costs before I put them in my grocery basket. Good night and thanks loads!