One Meal at a Time

[I'mGoingDown]

Hi all. I introduced myself a couple weeks ago, but just got serious about starting (re-starting) on Sunday. So far, so good, but man was it a challenge yesterday. I had a rough day at work, and when I left, the first thing I thought when I got in my car was--What's for dinner? And I instantly had visions of McDonald's and ice cream and Checkers running through my head. And then I remembered I was a new woman with a new WOE and I was instantly depressed. But I told myself when I started that it was going to have to be one meal at a time. I can't even do one DAY at a time! So, I made myself list 10 things that I looked forward to doing when I get smaller. You know--crossing my legs, wearing a swimsuit with no shame, running a marathon, being the hottest thing in the room , etc. And then I made myself decide whether I wanted to the 10 things or wanted to go off the plan. Imagining all the things I will do once the weight is off won! And, I'm glad it did. I weighed myself this morning, even though I said I was only going to do it once a week and I'd already lost 4.5 lbs!!! I feel good. And the appetite suppression is definitely starting to kick in. So that should make these little battles easier to win.

Happy losing!

[Hoping]

Re: One Meal at a Time

Glad you made the right choice! Just remember to keep snacks handy so you don't fall into temptation due to hunger.

[chinadoll]

Re: One Meal at a Time

You are in DC--if you get depressed about you same old choices and can afford it, go get some Maryland crab and make a crab salad or other seafood dish as a treat. NOthing like a decadent seafood meal to make you feel better about this woe.

[I'mGoingDown]

Re: One Meal at a Time

The worst thing about me being here is that I don't eat shellfish!!!!! lol. It always looks so great, and them I'm reminded that hives and shut airways will come if I partake . But there are plenty of other great things to eat. I think the interesting thing is that it's not even about what I eat so much as it is the need to sabotage or spiral when things are stressful or aren't going my way. I think that's going to be my biggest challenge. When I'm feeling great, it's easy! It's those yucky days that kill ya!

[ldyj]

Re: One Meal at a Time

Can I copy your "if I stick to plan list?" It's a great list and is sure to keep you motivated!

[I'mGoingDown]

Re: One Meal at a Time

So, far it's worked. lol. At first, I thought there were just enough things to keep it to 10. But every time I think about it, I seem to come up with more. Even when I'm just driving along, I think, How cool will it be when I don't have to pull out so much the seat belt to get locked in? or How cool will it be to sit uber-comfortably on my next plane ride? or Can't wait to cross my legs! or Can't wait to wear a halter top! It's endless. It also makes me conscious of all the ways my weight is affecting my life negatively and how losing it and being committed can turn it all around. It's amazing that one thing (eating well and moving) can completely change your life. I'm just looking forward to it all! (As you can see, today is a good day )

[ShannonK]

Re: One Meal at a Time

You are such an inspiration. We have all been in that situation and you handled it exactly right. What did you end up eating that night to satisfy yourself? Just curious.

I live in a place where fast food or other quick foods are not so readily accessible and that does help me. That can be a real problem for me!

Oh, sorry to tell you. You will not be the sexiest woman in the room. That spot is for me!

[I'mGoingDown]

Re: One Meal at a Time

We'll just have to share that title . I actually just drove home. My strategy is to use downtime (usually Sunday) to cook as much food as I can for the week. So, Sunday, I cooked a bunch of chicken legs. And I have one of those large containers of pre-washed baby greens and pico de gallo for a quick tasty salad. So, I just had a little of that. And water! I have been soooo thirsty. Once I got through that mini-crisis and settled myself on eating the right thing, it was easier to just pop what I have in the microwave and keep it moving. "This too shall pass..." lol Even the worst cravings and scary imulses go away with time. When they linger, we might be in trouble.

Oh! I've also started carrying around those mini Babybel cheeses. I still haven't had one. But, I thought it was a good thing. The go in your purse, so there's no excuse for not having approved foods. I can carry it with me wherever I go. It's my "in case of emergency food" because I can often get stuck in marathon meetings. I might try one tonight just see whether they're worth buying again.

[imagood1]

Re: One Meal at a Time

check the recipe sites -- find a couple recipes that sound good and make them up - freeze a few portions for the nights you don't really know what you want to eat and might be tempted to over indulge ..... I have stuffed green peppers (Linda's site) and quiche in the freezer at all times. I make 4 peppers up at a time (that's 8 servings so I have plenty to freeze).

Good luck to you.

Recipe Sites
http://www.genaw.com/lowcarb/menus.html
(Never ending induction recipes)http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-diet-14-day-induction/58513-never-ending-induction-recipes.html
(Induction Recipe Basics--More recipes added)http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-diet-14-day-induction/6807-induction-recipe-basics-more-recipes-added.html
http://www.sugarfreesheila.com/RecipesPage.html

also:
Drink a minimum of 64 ounces of water each day, including:
Filtered water
Mineral water
Spring water
Tap water

Crystal Lite, sugar free drinks of any kind are not acceptable – PURE water is the only thing that count toward your daily water intake.

After your 64 ounces you can have the following:
Clear broth/bouillon (not all brands; read the label)
Club soda
Cream, heavy or light (limit to two to three Tablespoons a day; note carb content)
Decaffeinated coffee or tea*
Diet soda made with sucralose (Splenda); be sure to count the carbs (causes weight stall in many people)
Essence-flavored seltzer (must say "no calories" and should not contain aspartame)
Herb tea (without barley or any fruit sugar added)
Lemon juice or lime juice (note that each contains 2.8 grams carbohydrate per ounce); limit to two to three Tablespoons
*Excessive caffeine may cause unstable blood sugar and should be avoided by those who suspect they are caffeine dependent. Everyone should try to avoid caffeine.
Grain beverages (coffee substitutes) are not allowed. Alcoholic beverages are also not permitted during Induction; those low in carbohydrates are an option, in moderation, in later phases

[Eama]

Re: One Meal at a Time

What a fabulous way to deal with those emotional cravings!

That room is going to be full of sexy women! Ha ha!

[imagood1]

Re: One Meal at a Time

I carry string cheese with me - or the BabyBel cheese. I prefer the string cheese (and they are cheaper) but it's a personal choice - the BabyBel seemed creamier but also saltier to me.

If I leave the house for any length of time I also take a snack size baggie of cut up veggies in case something happens and I need something in a hurry. Plus I always carry a gallon jug of water in my car to refill my water bottle...I don't go anywhere not prepared...it happened once and will never happen again!