I think I'm done :(

[tracymitch]

I don't know why I can't stick to this woe. I'll do really well for about 3 weeks, then go on a carb bender for a day or so.

The last week has been hard. I'll do well most of the day, then near the end of my work day someone brings in chocolate or donuts and I go right for them. I have these lame excuses: "well, they're Godiva chocolates, so I have to have one," or "I'm starving and stressed under deadline, I'll just have 1 cookie". But I know I can't have one! I'm truly addicted to carbs, which is why this program works so well.

I think I'm getting really burned out. I work full time, at least a 9 hour day, and have a 1 year old. I'm tired of constantly cooking and washing dishes (we don't have a dishwasher. We'd get one but we may be moving soon). I keep making the same recipes over and over and they're starting to get gross to me.

At one point, I was 20 pounds down. I'm only at 13 pounds down now. I've been doing this since last July.

I know I keep sabotaging myself when I feel like I'm losing. I'm an emotional eater too, and just finding this very hard to keep up. I don't want to stop, but for some reason, I find myself wanting to join weight watchers or nutrisystem or something!

Any thoughts?

[APanthesilia]

Re: I think I'm done

Hi Tracy,

I hate to say this but if you feel you are unable to stick with this programme why do you think you will be able to stick to another one like weight watchers? Sure, you can have small amounts of the carby foods you want on weight watchers but for me at least having a very small amount just makes me want more, it's much better for me to just cut those foods out entirely.

You say you've been doing this since last July and you are only 13lbs down but you haven't really been doing it if you keep quitting and starting over. I know it is hard- especially at the beginning but if you don't stick with it past the beginning you won't get to where it is easier! Have you read the book? If you stick with it past those first few weeks you get to move up the rungs and introduce new foods so there is no reason at all for you to be cooking the same dishes over and over again. There are so many recipe books and websites (and even this forum) with wonderful low carb menu ideas so you don't get bored. Planning ahead is key, so when the co-workers bring in those donuts you have a legal snack of your own ready and you have dinners thought out in advance so you are able to try new dishes instead of relying on the same ones over and over again.

Emotional eating is tough to conquer, I know a lot of us deal with that and with a lot of stress in our lives. That is where having a vent like the ADBB is so helpful. People here understand what you are going through and can offer advice and encouragement.

I understand completely where you are coming from, I "started" last June but I didn't really. I would go for a week and quit or I would pretend I was doing it while I was around people but would eat crisps and pizza for lunch when I was alone. It was because I wasn't ready to commit yet even though I thought I was. It feels completely different now, I'm ready so I am really working the programme instead of half-heartedly trying. I know there will probably be occasional slip-ups (which the people on this board help me avoid!) but I'm not giving up until I get what I want.

This is all my way of saying that there are some wonderful tips and support on this board but I'm afraid there is absolutely nothing anyone could say as a magic way to keep you strong on this WOE (or any WOE), if you are ready to do it and make it work then you will.

You can absolutely do this, you can have the body of your dreams, but you really have to make a committment to work towards it. When you do (and I hope you do today!) everyone on this board will be here to support you every step! Good luck!

[Georgiana]

Re: I think I'm done

To avoid the temptation of donuts, chocolates and other sweets, you can take some snack with you at the office. I take cheese chips for example and they are great. Also flax crackers are ok.

I live on campus so there is always someone who eats pizza, chips, cake, etc. around me. But going on the scale and seeing you're ** pound(s) down is a much better feeling than the taste of a tiramisu. At least that's how I motivate myself, even though my saliva levels grow by 200%.

Anyway, good luck if you choose another diet, though I think 13 lbs are a long way and it would be sad for you to stop here.

[Sherri]

Re: I think I'm done

Hi Tracy,

I hate to say this but if you feel you are unable to stick with this programme why do you think you will be able to stick to another one like weight watchers? Sure, you can have small amounts of the carby foods you want on weight watchers but for me at least having a very small amount just makes me want more, it's much better for me to just cut those foods out entirely.

You say you've been doing this since last July and you are only 13lbs down but you haven't really been doing it if you keep quitting and starting over. I know it is hard- especially at the beginning but if you don't stick with it past the beginning you won't get to where it is easier! Have you read the book? If you stick with it past those first few weeks you get to move up the rungs and introduce new foods so there is no reason at all for you to be cooking the same dishes over and over again. There are so many recipe books and websites (and even this forum) with wonderful low carb menu ideas so you don't get bored. Planning ahead is key, so when the co-workers bring in those donuts you have a legal snack of your own ready and you have dinners thought out in advance so you are able to try new dishes instead of relying on the same ones over and over again.

Emotional eating is tough to conquer, I know a lot of us deal with that and with a lot of stress in our lives. That is where having a vent like the ADBB is so helpful. People here understand what you are going through and can offer advice and encouragement.

I understand completely where you are coming from, I "started" last June but I didn't really. I would go for a week and quit or I would pretend I was doing it while I was around people but would eat crisps and pizza for lunch when I was alone. It was because I wasn't ready to commit yet even though I thought I was. It feels completely different now, I'm ready so I am really working the programme instead of half-heartedly trying. I know there will probably be occasional slip-ups (which the people on this board help me avoid!) but I'm not giving up until I get what I want.

This is all my way of saying that there are some wonderful tips and support on this board but I'm afraid there is absolutely nothing anyone could say as a magic way to keep you strong on this WOE (or any WOE), if you are ready to do it and make it work then you will.

You can absolutely do this, you can have the body of your dreams, but you really have to make a committment to work towards it. When you do (and I hope you do today!) everyone on this board will be here to support you every step! Good luck!

Ditto what AP said! Plus this, "YOU GET BACK WHAT YOU PUT INTO IT" Also here is a quote from DR. Doug Kauffman from Know the Cause, "As long as you continue to do what you've always done, you will get what you've always gotten"
www.knowthecause.com
You can do this Tracy. This is not a diet, it's a lifestyle. Making healthier choices for a healthier you. The weightloss is just one of the benifits to the Atkins Lifestyle. There are so many more benifits. Like getting healtier so you can live a longer healthier life to be with your beautiful one year old for many years to come.
This is the healthiest lifestyle there is. Stick with it and make your mind up if you want to be healthier. You'll be making healthier lifestyle choices. Stop focusing on the scale and focus on healthier choices. Once you do that, everything will fall into place for you.
This lifestyle reversed my Type-2 Diabetes, High blood pressure and helped me lose 155 lbs. As you can see, Some weight has crept on. We stumble and we may fall, but it's so key to get back on track and continue getting healthier. It's your choice. It's for you to decide where it is you want your life to be for a healthier tomorrow.
Read the book again. Referr to it often. Refresh yourself to this lifestyle and get back on track. If you need help with recipes, ask. We are all here for you, to support you. You can do this!
Sincerely, Sherri

[brandywine1241]

Re: I think I'm done

Tracy, I think I know where you're coming from. It's not easy working 9 hours, coming home dog tired, and having to deal with a 1 year old. If you are like me, cooking is not your favorite pasttime and building a whole new repertoire of things to fix is hard work, not fun. Plus, you can't just stop on your way home and pick something up.

Maybe now is not the time for you to totally commit to this WOL. If you have read the book, you know the principles of Atkins. I think I read (or saw) somewhere that Nutrisystem has a low glycemic form of their diet, and they cook for you! That may give you some ideas for new recipes. I don't know how Weight Watchers works today (I last did it about 15 years ago), but I imagine you can concentrate on the veggies, whole grains, etc. In other words, you can change your mindset about eating refined carbs. That in itself is healthy!

Good luck to you no matter what you decide to do. If you decide to stay here, there are lots of folks ready and willing to give you tips and moral support.

[UrbanShaman]

Re: I think I'm done

Hi Tracy! I agree with what everyone else is saying but I wanted to pop in and say I totally understand where you are coming from. I work as a singer and an administrator at a school until I can sing full-time. This means 13-14 hour days for me. I would run through fast food three times a day and figured that was just all I could do. When i saw what we had to do with Atkins, I screamed inside and then learned to do it. I know the only reason is because I want it. Please take the time to focus on you, even for a little bit and give yourself the gift of better health. Those 13 hour days are easier now after being on Atkins because it gives me so much energy. Getting rid of the carbs completely will do wonders for you, I promise. Please consider giving it one more shot at a clean Induction before you decide it's wrong because I'm willing to bet that after two weeks without the junky carbs you'll feel a lot better. Good luck and I'm sending good energy your way.

[dreamof145]

Re: I think I'm done

I'm sorry for the frustration you are feeling. We've all been there, either on this program or another. What I'd like to suggest is for you to dig deep, really deep and have a serious talk to yourself. Read the book and write down the reasons you want to lose the weight, decide if you really want to commit to changing your ways because once you are ready and really want this for yourself then the new healthy actions you make won't be disruptive with temptations and doubt. Do it for you. You deserve to look and feel your best. We are all here for you. No food tastes as good as being thin feels. This used to be just a saying in my mind. Now I believe it in my heart. There is no feeling as great as being in control of your body and your mind. I really want that for you.

[sadie147]

Re: I think I'm done

Ditto what all the others said!!!

You know, if you keep sabotaging yourself, and your issues go deeper than your food choices, chances are you will not be successful on another woe either.

We've all been there, either on this program or another. What I'd like to suggest is for you to dig deep, really deep and have a serious talk to yourself. Read the book and write down the reasons you want to lose the weight, decide if you really want to commit to changing your ways because once you are ready and really want this for yourself then the new healthy actions you make won't be disruptive with temptations and doubt. Do it for you. You deserve to look and feel your best

This is an excellent point!!!!


That said, I'm also a believer that not every WOE is perfect for everyone, i've done weight watchers 3 times, and though I lost weight, i was so unhappy with my food choices I would gain it back. On the other hand I have a friend that tried to do Atkins and was unsuccessful, but has lost and kept off 25lbs on weight watchers and loves counting her points and her food choices...to each his own. We each have to do what works for us. If you choose to change woe's...all the best of luck!

I think you should first, as Becky said, dig really deep to get to the root of the emotional side of it and learn to do this for you..and no one else. Everything else will become much easier..no matter what way of eating you choose!

[tmn]

Re: I think I'm done

Yeah, go through what you think might be a heart attack. It'll shake the living H-E-double hockey sticks right out of you!

It did me! I've been REEEEALLY good ever since that happened almost two weeks ago.

Don't give up!!! Your health is too precious for that!

[mitzimarie]

Re: I think I'm done

Hi, Tracy

Just a few thoughts...

I believe that most "diets" will work, it is just a matter of finding the one that fits the best with you, that you can stick to consistently, for a lifetime. Atkins is not for everyone... I will be the first one to admit that it takes effort and patience. However, after many attempts on many plans, I KNOW that it is the only one that works for me. I was not (and still am not) a good cook. I don't really know how, and I don't enjoy it it. But, I am learning because I know that is what it takes for me to be successful.

One of the reasons that Atkins works for me, is because I am a true carb addict. Not everyone who does Atkins is an addict, but for those of us who are, it is truly the WOE that makes the most sense. It is scientifically suited for us... it gives us a way to break the addiction. It only works, though, when followed to the letter. So, you have to make up your mind to commit 100% to get the full benefits of reduced cravings and tastes changing.

Since you called yourself a carb addict, I would think that Atkins would be the plan that you need. But if you can't commit to it, it is time to try something else. There are millions of people who lose weight on Weight Watchers, and for those that can stick to it, I think it is great. It never worked for me, because having "a little" of some foods, just triggers binges in me. So, it is better for me to be able to have a good sized protion of non-problem food, than a few points worth of trigger foods. That's just me, though. Like I said, you need to figure out what your problems and priorities are, with regard to the kind of food that you want to eat.

OK, now I want to talk about NutriSystem. I was on NutriSystem for a couple of months prior to re-starting Atkins last year. I opted for NutriSysytem because, like you, I did not want to spend my life shopping for, preparing, cooking the food, and cleaning the kitchen, that is required when doing Atkins. The idea of a month's worth of food being dropped on my doorstep each month was very appealing! All of the foods can be prepared in a minute... literally! I was so excited when that first shipment came... It took a couple of hours to sort through all of the containers... I got everything all organinzed, and dove in. OMG! Words cannot begin to describe how gross and disgusting this food is. The one dinner that I could stand, that I ended up ordering a ton of for the next month, was a hamburger patty. But get this... it was dehydrated... and was the consistentcy and weight of a piece of paper. You put it in a plastic tray, and added boiling water to it, and let it sit for a minute. It eventually inflated, and you ate it. There was a board for support, similar to this one, and the main topics of conversation there, were - which dinners were the most disgusting, what little tricks we had found to disguise the taste of some of the dinners (like adding packets of Splenda to the tomato-based dinners, or fat-free sour cream to the meat based dinners). Or, they would complain about how they had ordered certain dinners, but got sent substitutions instead... that was a very common complaint. And think about it... the only fresh food you got was the daily fruits and veggies that you have to go out and buy anyway... the rest of the food had an incredibly long shelf life - with no refrigeration required! I can't believe that I lasted as long as I did on that plan. And, while I did lose 9 pounds during the 2 months I was on it, during the last week I was on, I ate about 3 weeks worth of the desserts in a few days, started cheating with real food, and gained back all of the weight. All that time and money down the drain!

I guess my point in telling you all of this, is to get you to dip deep, and figure what exactly you want for yourself. And, if you do decide to do something other than Atkins, I wish that you would chose something other than NutriSystem. It is just so artificial, and gross. H*ll, I even gave my leftover dinners to my mom (who will eat anything), and even she turned up her nose at them. They went into the garbage. My niece tried NS for a month before her wedding last year, and she had the same experience. It is disgusting.

Dig deep, Tracy, and decide what is most important to you. Make a list of pros and cons of each of the plans you are considering, and get real with yourself. We are here to support you in whatever decision that you make.

Good luck!

[DebOnAtkins]

Re: I think I'm done

Dear Tracy

I am very much like you and understand exactly what you are going through. I have restarted Atkins about 5 or 6 times now. Like you, I did well for 3 or 4 weeks and then I would get bored and want something else. I tried Weight Watchers and Ediets, etc. etc. and I was never able to stay on any of them. I have come to the realization that it is not about the diet but it is about me not being able to stick to anything or work the program because I have not been willing to make it a lifestyle change. This is a forever kind of thing. I have been told by people on this board over and over that you have to get variety in your meals and not get stuck in making the same old things. That is a sure fire way to get bored.

I wish you the best. I think over half the battle is a mindset change.

[tracymitch]

Re: I think I'm done

Wow. The replies have been awesome. I can't thank you all enough.
One of the posters who suggested I wouldn't be able to stay on another WOE totally hit the nail on the head. I'm embarrassed to say how many times I've been on Weight Watchers.

Today, I'm really going to do some inward thinking about why I eat what I eat, and why I self-sabotage. I've been dieting since I was 12, so I've really done a lot of self-harm to myself I believe.

Atkins is the only thing that works for me, when I work it. I do believe I'm a true carb addict, and I mix in a little self-medication (carbo-load) to comfort my low self esteem.

Thank you to everyone who wrote such kind and compassionate responses. I know I need to do a clean 2 week induction starting now. I have the DANDR and it always inspires me. When I'm done typing, I'm going grocery shopping!

[mitzimarie]

Re: I think I'm done

Wow. The replies have been awesome. I can't thank you all enough.
One of the posters who suggested I wouldn't be able to stay on another WOE totally hit the nail on the head. I'm embarrassed to say how many times I've been on Weight Watchers.

Today, I'm really going to do some inward thinking about why I eat what I eat, and why I self-sabotage. I've been dieting since I was 12, so I've really done a lot of self-harm to myself I believe.

Atkins is the only thing that works for me, when I work it. I do believe I'm a true carb addict, and I mix in a little self-medication (carbo-load) to comfort my low self esteem.

Thank you to everyone who wrote such kind and compassionate responses. I know I need to do a clean 2 week induction starting now. I have the DANDR and it always inspires me. When I'm done typing, I'm going grocery shopping!

Way to go, Tracy! Sounds like a winning plan to me. Come back and talk whenever you feel the need. We'll be here.

[brandywine1241]

Re: I think I'm done

There are tons of threads on the board about ideas of new things to eat - ideas for breakfast, things to take to work for lunch, etc. Do a search or, if you don't find what you want, ask a question.

[APanthesilia]

Re: I think I'm done

Wow. The replies have been awesome. I can't thank you all enough.
One of the posters who suggested I wouldn't be able to stay on another WOE totally hit the nail on the head. I'm embarrassed to say how many times I've been on Weight Watchers.

Today, I'm really going to do some inward thinking about why I eat what I eat, and why I self-sabotage. I've been dieting since I was 12, so I've really done a lot of self-harm to myself I believe.

Atkins is the only thing that works for me, when I work it. I do believe I'm a true carb addict, and I mix in a little self-medication (carbo-load) to comfort my low self esteem.

Thank you to everyone who wrote such kind and compassionate responses. I know I need to do a clean 2 week induction starting now. I have the DANDR and it always inspires me. When I'm done typing, I'm going grocery shopping!

That's great, Tracy! I am so glad that you are being introspective and deciding that you are worth it! You ARE worth it! Good luck! Make sure to post back so we can support you and see your amazing progress along the way!