Reasons To Avoid Carbs

[BigSouthernBoy]

Though I just (re)started Atkins today, and thus have had no weight loss success, I feel the mental milestone I've reached is a success within itself.

This is a letter I wrote to myself, inspired by JohnSantos' "I can't live morbidly obese - here's why." I've finally reached the point where I'll no longer settle for "starting tomorrow," regardless of how wonderful that sugary cereal or Mt. Dew will taste momentarily. The joy of being healthy will last a lifetime.

Once I decided to be brutally honest with myself and face my demons, this is a list I came up with of reasons to avoid carbs. Hopefully it will touch home with you as well if you're stuck in the I'll-start-tomorrow-cycle.


Reasons to Avoid Carbs

1. None of your shirts fit right. If they fit at all, they hang off of your stomach and show the large hump of fat on your back.

2. You get out of breath just walking up the stairs to your room.

3. Your bed squeaks with every inch you move because the rails can barely stand the weight.

4. The lawn chairs on the back patio nearly snap in half each time you sit in them.

5. People look at you as that poor, lazy fat guy who can't stop eating.

6. You've never had a girlfriend in your life.

7. You can barely fit in most booths at restaurants. Some you can't at all.

8. You're afraid to try new things and meet new people.

9. You wear a size 44 pants and need an XXXL shirt, which generally aren't sold in stores.

10. You don't even bother shopping for new clothes anymore, because no matter how much you dig and dig they will never have a size that fits you.

11. Any time you walk into a room you fear people are thinking about how fat you are.

12. Every time and everything you eat you feel guilty about, regardless or how great you felt while eating it.

13. You've given up on your dreams of a career in law enforcement, because you know your weight will automatically disqualify you.

14. You can't bare the thought of going to the doctor for fear of what the nurse will say or look like when she weighs you and gets out the "fat" blood pressure cuff.

15. You hear of heart attacks and diabetes on TV and wonder when yours will happen.

16. You hate even mentioning dieting to your family, because they've seen you fail so many times they don't even take you seriously anymore.

17. You constantly wonder what it would be like to be thin and not constantly stressing about your weight.

18. You completely panic at airports, dreading the time when the steward asks you to fasten your seat belt.

19. You intentionally get to class early to make sure it isn't blatantly obvious that you can barely breathe in the desk you can barely squeeze into.


I'm sure I could think of a dozen more, and I might, but this is a nice list to reference every time I think Atkins really isn't all that great and I can start something else tomorrow.

Thank you all for your support and inspiration. Hopefully I can be an inspiration to others in the very near future.

[Andrewswife]

Re: Reasons To Avoid Carbs

U couldnt be more right. I'm (re)starting atkins tomorrow and planning on sticking with it. I lost 5 pounds in 5 days while on it and totally blew it over the weekend. I gained those 5 pounds back in 2 days! lol Anyway, your message is very motivating. Thank you!

[FwL]

Re: Reasons To Avoid Carbs

16. You hate even mentioning dieting to your family, because they've seen you fail so many times they don't even take you seriously anymore.

Of all the things you mention, this is the worst. When you can't even count on your family for support and understanding, things have gotten pretty low.

You have to understand that being obese is not some crime you have committed. There's a lot more going on inside your body than the easy excuse of you being too lazy and too much of a glutton to do something about your weight.

People who don't have a weight problem will never understand just how dificult it is to be fat.... and how difficult it is to do anything about it.


You can lose weight, and Atkins can certainly help. It will be hard work, though. You will have to find the willpower to stick it out and keep to the plan even when it seems like it's not working.

This is a great site for support and encouragement, but you still have to fight the battle for yourself.

[imagood1]

Re: Reasons To Avoid Carbs

Hi and welcome -- your letter is somethig you should print out and carry with you. When you get weak read it -- post another copy on your refrigerator or in your bathroom on the mirror - some place where you will see it to reinforce the reason you are changing your life.

Don't eat the same thing over and over -- vary your meals, if you eat a variety of food you won't become bored or feel "deprived" of things you can't eat. Check the recipe sites and find things that sound good to you.

You can do this -- and at the end you can go into Law Enforcement like you've been dreaming. There is nothing you can't do but more importantly you CAN succeed!!! When you need help, come here - we will help get you through the hard times, we will pat you on the back during the good times and we'll become the friends you need during all the inbetween times.

Make a copy of this list http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-low-carb-dieting-faqs/6781-what-foods-can-eaten-induction.html and take it with you when you go to the store. If a food isn’t listed on the acceptable food list don’t eat it. Learn to read the label on all foods you buy - don’t just look at the “carb” number look at the ingredients list of everything and check the ingredients against your list. Just because it says "low carb" doesn't mean you can eat it. Also check for hidden sugars (learn the names used in place of the word “sugar”).

The recipe sites are helpful for meal planning – just make sure you use Induction Recipes to begin with.
http://www.genaw.com/lowcarb/menus.html (Linda’s)
(Never ending induction recipes)(Never ending induction recipes)http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-diet-14-day-induction/58513-never-ending-induction-recipes.html (Induction recipes)
(Induction Recipe Basics--More recipes added)(Induction Recipe Basics--More recipes added)http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-diet-14-day-induction/6807-induction-recipe-basics-more-recipes-added.html (Induction Recipe Basics)

If you need anything we’re here to help you!! Good luck to you!

[Reborn_Warrior]

Re: Reasons To Avoid Carbs

You’re right on the money with the list. I have applied to five law enforcement agencies, a job I always wanted. I fill in the application online because I know I have six months before I will have to take any test. I get all the paperwork in the mail telling me where to take the tests, and then I don’t go because I haven’t lost any weight.

[BigSouthernBoy]

Re: Reasons To Avoid Carbs

U couldnt be more right. I'm (re)starting atkins tomorrow and planning on sticking with it.

Good luck to you. For me, the first day is the hardest. Each day gets a little bit easier.

You have to understand that being obese is not some crime you have committed. There's a lot more going on inside your body than the easy excuse of you being too lazy and too much of a glutton to do something about your weight.

I know that deep down, but after so many attempts you kind of begin to blame yourself for not taking control of your on life. I've finally escaped that mentality and started this for the long haul. Thank you for the support.

Hi and welcome -- your letter is somethig you should print out and carry with you. When you get weak read it -- post another copy on your refrigerator or in your bathroom on the mirror - some place where you will see it to reinforce the reason you are changing your life.

Better yet, I hand-wrote this before I decided to post it here. I have it right on my desk, where I see it every time I'm in the room. Thank you very much for the support. You and countless others on the forum are and will be an invaluable resource.

You’re right on the money with the list. I have applied to five law enforcement agencies, a job I always wanted. I fill in the application online because I know I have six months before I will have to take any test. I get all the paperwork in the mail telling me where to take the tests, and then I don’t go because I haven’t lost any weight.

I understand completely. Those applications that require you to go ahead and list your weight and height on the application are the worst. When I get to that portion, I just say screw it and tell myself it will only happen when I'm fit. I start a new diet the next day that doesn't work out, so I tell myself I'll start another diet the next day, and the vicious cycle continues. Not this time though. I wish you luck and hope that one day both of us will be sworn officers.

Thanks again guys for all of your input and endless support.

[IrishIrish]

Re: Reasons To Avoid Carbs

Just remember, you have a lot of people here on this board who support you, understand that letter perfectly and who will be here to answer questions. Many of us have been there where you are and know exactly what is going through your mind as you begin Atkins.

I was one who didn't share it with anyone but my son and husband when I began Atkins because I had been on dozens and dozens (literally!) of diets in my life. I thought I'd try Atkins for two weeks and I was sold when the weight started coming off.

I'm no longer "morbidly obese".
I'm no longer on oral medication and insulin for my diabetes.
I'm no longer on hypertensive medications and the nurse actually says, "Has your blood pressure always been low?" after using the regular cuff.
I can walk. I can swim. I can ride the bike at the gym. I do my routine and no one stares.
I can fit in a booth in a restaurant and easily get in and out of the car.

When I read your letter, I felt a lot of emotion. Yes, you can do this! Many of us know that firsthand.

Be an advocate for Atkins. Read DANDR 2002. Share your successes. And best wishes.

[BigSouthernBoy]

Re: Reasons To Avoid Carbs

IrishIrish, thank you for the kind words. Your story is so inspiring and really keeps the hope that this can be done alive.

[mitzimarie]

Re: Reasons To Avoid Carbs

I will certainly be in your corner, cheering you on. I know that you can do this.

BTW, I'm a Southern Girl.

[Splandrea]

Re: Reasons To Avoid Carbs

Soon you will have to change your log-in name to Lean Southern Boy! =)

Congratulations! We are in this together!

[BigSouthernBoy]

Re: Reasons To Avoid Carbs

I will certainly be in your corner, cheering you on. I know that you can do this.

Thank you so much. When I see stories as inspiring as yours, I'm truly at a loss for words. It's a huge encouragement. How long did it take to forget about the fried, starch-filled, southern foods?

Soon you will have to change your log-in name to Lean Southern Boy! =)

I certainly hope so! We are indeed and we can do it.

[Sherri]

Re: Reasons To Avoid Carbs

Hi,
Your list is all too familiar to me. I read it with a great deal of emotion as well.
If it's one thing that I do know about Atkins is that it's a very healing lifestyle. A lifestyle for life.
As you go throughout your weightloss journey, you will be checking off things on that list because you will be able to do them. You will no longer be waiting on the side lines watching life pass you by. You will start living life to the fullest. There will be rewards around each corner in your journey. I'm really excited for you.
Welcome to the healthiest lifestyle there is. I look forward to watching you melt away and reaching your goals. I know you can do this. Believe in yourself and don't ever give up.
Sincerely, Sherri

[BigSouthernBoy]

Re: Reasons To Avoid Carbs

Thank you Sherri. Checking this list off, item by item, is my ultimate inspiration and you and others have made it perfectly clear it's possible. Huge congratulations on your success as well.

[attagirl_]

Re: Reasons To Avoid Carbs

so great to see this thread....most of us have some variation of the same story. the numbers on the scale may be different, but i'm willing to bet almost all of us started atkins not really believing that we could be successful. most of us hope, but most of us don't believe. not only does the weight come off quickly if you do a clean induction but it simultaneously proves to you that you CAN do this.

the best advice is come here early and come here often. check in and read stuff, converse with your new buddies, ask for help, vent, celebrate the little and big victories. i used to come to this site three times a day just to stay on track and remind myself of my goal. so even when all the rest of the world doesn't have faith in you, the little voice inside yourself that does will be mirrored by all the people here. we'll root for you, we'll prop you up, we'll give unsolicited advice , we'll call you on the carpet when you're b.s-ing yourself, we'll do the happy dance when you succeed. stay strong and stay connected. you're brave and you're gonna do this, finally; your story inspires all of us, believe me.

[colocali]

Re: Reasons To Avoid Carbs

That was really moving. Take it one day at a time, you have a lot of support here!