how do you keep focused?

[Jes]

Question...
I just stared Atkins yesterday, so far so good but I am scared about Saturday. My friend is getting married and I am affraid I will fall off the wagen. How do you guys keep focused on situations like this. I really want to stick to it but I think I will need some herlp. Any advise?

[Richt]

Re: how do you keep focused?

To stay focussed all I really need to do is take a look at my before photo!

I hope that helps.

Rich

[not2late]

Re: how do you keep focused?

I keep my focus by remembering how fat I was when I started and how I don't want to be that fat ever again. When I began Atkins, I was also out of shape. Now I hike, bike, and can do many more physically demanding things I wasn't able to do. I don't want to be the out-of-shape potato I used to be. My health have improved tremendously----this is probably the biggest motivator for me: I don't want to spend the rest of my life swallowing multiple pills 3 or 4 times a day, getting blood draws every 6 months, being on death's door in a hospital intensive care unit every few months for weeks at a time.

There's no way, I'm going to die fat and diabetic with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and on a mile-long list of medications. That's my motivation. I want to be healthy and remain that way.

[Laurenfra]

Re: how do you keep focused?

Plan! Know what is being served and what you can eat. Eat before you go and keep a legal snack in your purse. I fail because I get too hungry.

[ValidRouge]

Re: how do you keep focused?

Definitely take things with you in your purse or your car. You can put a cooler in your car with all kinds of legal foods. When it's cake time, make sure you are dancing or talking with people. Be the social butterfly...too busy to eat.

[Miss Phode]

Re: how do you keep focused?

I read somewhere on the board that anytime someone is tempted to eat something they shouldn't, they imagine it covered in maggots. That is very effective. In fact, last night, hubby and I were out to dinner, and he ordered onion rings. I wanted an onion ring, but didn't want to give in, so I imagined the onion rings covered in maggots and other creepy things, and that killed any desire I had to cheat.

Over the long haul, I have this dress that I'd like to be able to wear again, so I keep it in my closet where I can look at it as a reminder of how I want to look. It's exciting to see myself getting closer and closer to goal.

[julirama723]

Re: how do you keep focused?

Like everyone said, eat a legal meal beforehand, brink legal snacks if possible, drink water, and dance your butt off! That way you're not only eating healthy, but you're getting a workout with your friends!

[Richt]

Re: how do you keep focused?

Another tip that others have tried is to eat whilst standing naked looking in the mirror. Now I understand that you cant really do that at a party, but you probably get the idea.

Rich

[dreamof145]

Re: how do you keep focused?

Write out a list of 'reasons' you want to lose the weight. Take the list with you. Take some motivational sayings with you that make you want to lose the weight. The wedding is one day of your life, but the WOE is going to make you happier and healthier for the rest of your life. Best wishes....let us know how you do!!

[Miss Phode]

Re: how do you keep focused?

Another tip that others have tried is to eat whilst standing naked looking in the mirror. Now I understand that you cant really do that at a party, but you probably get the idea.

Rich

That could make for a wild party.

[floydgirl]

Re: how do you keep focused?

Remember, Weddings, Birthday Parties, any kind of Celebrations are about PEOPLE ! Enjoy celebrating these occassions, enjoy the people you are with, etc. A celebration really isn't about food.

As was already posted, don't go there hungry. Bring along legal foods, drink a lot of water, don't stay seated -- move around! Keep a cooler handy in your car.

You can do this!

[Adena]

Re: how do you keep focused?

Great suggestions from everyone. I'd also suggest keeping a glass of water in your hand at all times. Maybe even club soda with lime, if there's a bar. Makes it harder to eat things you shouldn't if you only have one hand free. And, if you're already consuming something, people will be less likely to notice you aren't eating and try to force it on you.

Visualize coming back here and reporting to us that you didn't give in, how proud we'll all be of you, and most importantly, how proud you'll be of yourself!

The maggot suggestion is totally disgusting.... but really good, Miss Phode.

[Miss Phode]

Re: how do you keep focused?

The maggot suggestion is totally disgusting.... but really good, Miss Phode.

After dinner last night, I told my husband that I was picturing his food covered in maggots so I wouldn't be tempted to eat it. He was really irritated that I told him that.

[k5commando]

Re: how do you keep focused?

Weddings are very hard on induction, you just need to remember the only way to get where you want to be is to stop doing what got you where you are.

To keep focused I do a routine of things that don't let me lose focus, like a strict work out schedule. Fat photos really help as well, I hated being fat and hated everything that came with it. I'll do anything to never end up like that again, it's no way to live.

Eat good before you go, you'll be fine.

[Adena]

Re: how do you keep focused?

After dinner last night, I told my husband that I was picturing his food covered in maggots so I wouldn't be tempted to eat it. He was really irritated that I told him that.

Well, at least you were considerate enough to tell him AFTER dinner.