struggling . . . please help

[7Miriam]

I find that I'm really having a hard time staying on this WOE again. It has been very hard to work in all my salad veggies, and a couple days I've probably only had about one cup of them. I also feel sick of protein, sometimes I look at my food and just don't want to eat any of it. I also haven't done my exercise for the last couple days. Mostly because I have not been feeling that well. But I think I'm starting to get over the cold now.

But I am very afraid to give up this WOE. I was in a very bad place before I started, constantly tired, mood swings, lots of bad headaches, acid reflux, couldn't sleep through the night, and all of this is much, much better - most of these problems are now gone. I've been doing Atkins for 7 and a 1/2 weeks now, and am down 25 pounds. But I still have about 150 left to lose.

So I'm wondering how people stay motivated and find a way to stick to the plan. I find that coming here and reading the posts helps me a lot, as does all the wonderful support that everyone here gives. And I don't want to be too complaning, but I really just feel overwhelmed by how far I still have to go and am having a very hard time just now.

The last few days I have really felt like quiting. I try to keep remining myself that even though I haven't been perfect (not enough salad veggies, missed exercise) I have not eaten anything I shouldn't have or gone over my 20 net carbs per day - and I try to convince myself not to drift further astray and make it even harder to get back on track.

I'm thinking of going up to 25 net carbs and after that adding in some more types of food (I've stayed on rung 1 w/ more veggies and up from 16 during Induction to 20 net carbs).

Any advice on how to stick to this for the long term would be most appreciated!!!

[liv]

Re: struggling . . . please help

We are not perfect any of us. So don't worry about that part. Try to focus on what you want to look like. Perhaps buy something nice and too small that you can't fit into yet but will if you stick with it. Set mini goals for yourself. Think of something nice reward you can have (not food related) when you reach your next mini goal. Focus on things not food related.

Look at some of the very successful people here and their pictures. If they can do it so can you.

Try some new recipes. There are so many around. Excite yourself.

And yes move up the rungs so you can get some variety in there. It will help.

Hope some of that helps. Hang in there.

[Tamarind]

Re: struggling . . . please help

I've found this site really helps with recipes especially for vegetables:
Linda's Low Carb Menus & Recipes - Home

I was doing the salad thing too but I had to expand. Try some Mackafoni and cheese or spinach with feta cheese. Stirfry some broccolli.

As you keep doing this you'll look forward to all the new flavors.

[DLS]

Re: struggling . . . please help

I would definitely try some new recipes. Nothing like spicing up the menu a bit. And absolutely you should move on up and add some more yummies to your diet. If you are already having trouble getting enough veggies you could skip adding 5 more carbs of veggies and go up to the next rung. (Atikins police will crucify me for that!) I believe dairy is the next. Try cottage cheese or yogurt. I LOVE my yogurt! I've also added nuts. (careful here as they tend to stall some) Then as you progress you will in no time be in the berry rung! YUMMY! Added to yogurt or flax pancakes super yummy!

You might also want to try going to a new market if you typically shop at one or two stores. They all carry a bit different stuff in the "health nut" section.

I KNOW how you feel though. Been there. But I am so glad I didn't quit!

[Skeptika23]

Re: struggling . . . please help

Going on OWL has helped me a lot - I'm taking more "risks" with new veggies (I'm on the first rung right now) than I could under Induction, getting a better variety of meals. It's true that the variety of OWL and the process seems to be helping me stay on the WOE - it's getting easier, not harder.

Here's what I get from your post: You're just so daunted by having another 150 pound to reach goal - and that is perfectly REASONABLE, so don't beat yourself up about that. So, as a coping strategy, instead of focusing on what you haven't achieved YET, if I were you, I would focus on how far you have come and celebrate each achievement as you go, instead of being so focused on the goal itself right now.

Twenty five pounds - that's FABULOUS! That's AMAZING! That's INCREDIBLE! I demand that you stand up at your computer and high-five yourself and let out a "WHOO HOOO!", because it's awesome.

To really "feel" what losing 25 pounds represents, try this:

Go to the grocery store, pick up five five pound bags of sugar or flour, and hold them in your arms. It's really heavy, isn't it? That's how much of you is GONE!

It's hard to visualize it unless you try something like this - then you realize how much excellent progress you really have made.

The rest of your goal isn't as important as the victories you are achieving and should be celebrating right now.

[Lisa]

Re: struggling . . . please help

on losing 25 pounds! That's fantastic! I agree, move up the rungs slowly with providing more varieties of foods. And stay exercising, even if it's walking in place in your living room for 20 minutes while watching the news. Exercise is essential and part of Atkins...they go hand in hand . Keep up the great work!

[Tamarind]

Re: struggling . . . please help

To really "feel" what losing 25 pounds represents, try this:

Go to the grocery store, pick up five five pound bags of sugar or flour, and hold them in your arms. It's really heavy, isn't it? That's how much of you is GONE!

Omg, thanks for that visualization! I'm going to remember that (and definitely try it out when i'm in the baking aisle hahaha).

[DLS]

Re: struggling . . . please help

I like using bags of potatoes. I'm up to 3-ten pound bags now! HEAVY!!!!!

[Mickkey]

Re: struggling . . . please help

Everyone has given such good advice, all I can add is; don't think "150" yet to go. It's too daunting to keep thinking about. Think 10 pounds at a time, that in itself is enough. Or set some goal that you can realistically reach, like 15 pounds by the new year. Losing for most of us is a slow process. But, you've taken off 25 pounds already!! That's awesome. Do try some recipes to spice up your food to make eating more appealing, and step up the ladder of the rungs to keep from getting bored. Look at the dessert boards too, and get some ideas too.

[misplaced southerner]

Re: struggling . . . please help

congrats on the weight loss so far! i think the advice you have gotten so far is good. for me, i could not look at the total number i wanted to lose. heck, i could not even think in terms of 10's. i focused on 5 at a time..it was often maddening but much easier than the larger number.

i think some recipe research might help too. there are so any yummy veggies there....maybe a veggie challenge is in order! we learn about so many different things we can eat. mix it up a little. i could eat the same thing almost every day and that is fine with me mostly because i do not enjoy cooking but my family might not like that so much. there are loads of low carb recipe resources available. have fun experimenting!

and for me, once the weight started coming off, THAT was motivation. that and exercise. i would challenge myself to do more and better! those visuals are really helpful and you have lost a lot! as you shrink, your energy will continue to increase, as your energy increases, you will work harder, the harder you work, the more you lose, the more you lose........well you get the picture.

and when all else fails, COME HERE! read about all our friends who have worked so hard and found success in their individual goals. i am a stubborn gal and i always said "if SHE can do it, then I can do it by golly!" (well, i didn't really say by golly...) set SMALL AND ATTAINABLE GOALS.....frequent successes. you can do this!

[FLdoodette]

Re: struggling . . . please help

25 lbs. already ... that is awesome!!

I agree that setting "mini goals" is a good thing; it gives you a real sense of accomplishment once you meet one

Most of all ... be kind to yourself! You deserve it

If you ever feel yourself faltering, check in with this board ... it is SO helpful!

[not2late]

Re: struggling . . . please help

I agree with everyone else! Congrats on your loss.

I loved OWL because it opened up my food choices. If you eat the same stuff over and over again, you're going to get bored really fast. A salad every day is boring, imo. Especially if you have the same salad every day. So jazz it up! Instead of eating a lettuce salad, eat a chopped tomato and avocado salad with some red onion sprinkled in it. Have a radish salad---thinly sliced radishes and onion held together with a combo of sour cream and mayo---it's excellent with beef or chicken.

There is something called a "salad nicoise" (might have spelled that wrong...) anyhow it's tuna (canned or seared) with a salad of steamed green beans, tomatoes and any other veggie (no lettuce!) The dressing is a simple oil and vinegar. You can substitute chicken or even steak for the tuna.

Want some sauce with your meat? Make a tomato sauce or a red pepper-tomato sauce: rinse a jar of roasted peppers, toss in the blender, add tomato, salt, pepper, a dash of hot sauce, and a garlic clove, blend until smooth and you have a nice sauce. The sauce does double duty as a soup, if you add chicken broth to it (plus a dollop of sour cream and you have a wonderful soup.)

I love casseroles. Layer slices of zucchini, eggplant, or shredded cabbage with cooked ground meat and cheese and/or tomato sauce. Throw it in the oven and cook until hot and bubbly. You have a "lasagna".

So think outside of the "salad" box.

[Georgiana]

Re: struggling . . . please help

I agree with everyone else! Congrats on your loss.

I loved OWL because it opened up my food choices. If you eat the same stuff over and over again, you're going to get bored really fast. A salad every day is boring, imo. Especially if you have the same salad every day. So jazz it up! Instead of eating a lettuce salad, eat a chopped tomato and avocado salad with some red onion sprinkled in it. Have a radish salad---thinly sliced radishes and onion held together with a combo of sour cream and mayo---it's excellent with beef or chicken.

There is something called a "salad nicoise" (might have spelled that wrong...) anyhow it's tuna (canned or seared) with a salad of steamed green beans, tomatoes and any other veggie (no lettuce!) The dressing is a simple oil and vinegar. You can substitute chicken or even steak for the tuna.

Want some sauce with your meat? Make a tomato sauce or a red pepper-tomato sauce: rinse a jar of roasted peppers, toss in the blender, add tomato, salt, pepper, a dash of hot sauce, and a garlic clove, blend until smooth and you have a nice sauce. The sauce does double duty as a soup, if you add chicken broth to it (plus a dollop of sour cream and you have a wonderful soup.)

I love casseroles. Layer slices of zucchini, eggplant, or shredded cabbage with cooked ground meat and cheese and/or tomato sauce. Throw it in the oven and cook until hot and bubbly. You have a "lasagna".

So think outside of the "salad" box.

OMG, I can't wait to move outside campus and cook rather than eat at the canteen!

[7Miriam]

Re: struggling . . . please help

Thanks everyone!

We have gallons of water, and I weighed one on the scale, it was about 8 and 1/2 pounds. I tried picking up three of them, and it was quite heavy, hard to believe I lost that much weight.

I am going to focus on just losing 10 more pounds, instead of the whole 150, and maybe that will help too.

Will also try to find some new recipies to try out.

[misplaced southerner]

Re: struggling . . . please help

oh yea, 150.....that would make my head explode! set those smaller goals and REWARD yourself....think pedicure, new bright colored fall scarf, a massage.....you get the idea. and those smaller goals just mean that you get treats more often!

keep your eye on the prize and remember that WHILE you are losing the weight, your body is becoming healthier by the day. it won't just happen when you reach your end goal. it is already happening!