Permanent Lifestyle Change or Just Another Diet

[Suzanne_H]

I believe I have come to finally accept that I must have an eating disorder. Through journaling I have discovered that I have never eaten carbs in a "normal" fashion. For that matter, prior to doing Atkins I don't believe I ever ate anything in a "normal" fashion. I don't eat a serving of potato chips... I down the whole bag in one sitting. I don't eat a serving of ice cream... I eat about four or six servings and add all the chocolate syrup and extras. And I graze like I'm put out to pasture, strolling through the kitchen never failing to nonchalantly pick up a snack and never even think about the fact that I'm eating AGAIN. I'm an educator, and the lounge has long been my favorite place. God bless our PTA ladies who take such good care of us... but I cannot count the pounds I gained every conference night just passing through the lounge only to exit with a plate piled high with goodies. I wasn't hungry, just bored.

Anyhow I'm very thankful to those on the boards who remain firm in their views of Atkins as a permanent lifestyle change. I'm slowly but surely coming to accept that certain foods will never be part of my diet again, and for the simple fact that I don't seem to respond to these foods like some folks do. This WOE seems to be working so far, though. I'm not complaining, just coming to some conclusions I can live with.

[Sims]

Re: Permanent Lifestyle Change or Just Another Diet

Good observations. I think journalling really helps us see the what, how, and why we eat. I know this has to be a permanent change for me. The way I look at it is ... I have 2 choices. I can change my life for the better by listening to the advice and knowledge of Dr. Atkins or I can continue on as I was and let changes happen as they were which would mean more weight gain until I die. But before then I'd likely end up bed bound unable to move and unable to take care of myself. I can't imagine how horrifying it would be to not be able to use the bathroom on my own.

When I think of that I know Atkins will be a lifelong lifestyle change for me.

[Suzanne_H]

Re: Permanent Lifestyle Change or Just Another Diet

I think about that every time I go into a grocery store and see the electric scooter carts... I wonder if that'll be my ride around the aisles one of these days because I'm too morbidly obese to walk while I shop. *SCREAM*

[Sims]

Re: Permanent Lifestyle Change or Just Another Diet

I have Fibromyalgia and I walk with a cane and my biggest fear is "graduating" to a scooter and being fat when that happens. I don't know if Atkins will help with the Fibro but I'll be damned if I'm going to be another fat person riding around the city.

[sallyseachange]

Re: Permanent Lifestyle Change or Just Another Diet

I believe I have come to finally accept that I must have an eating disorder. Through journaling I have discovered that I have never eaten carbs in a "normal" fashion. For that matter, prior to doing Atkins I don't believe I ever ate anything in a "normal" fashion. I don't eat a serving of potato chips... I down the whole bag in one sitting. I don't eat a serving of ice cream... I eat about four or six servings and add all the chocolate syrup and extras. And I graze like I'm put out to pasture, strolling through the kitchen never failing to nonchalantly pick up a snack and never even think about the fact that I'm eating AGAIN. I'm an educator, and the lounge has long been my favorite place. God bless our PTA ladies who take such good care of us... but I cannot count the pounds I gained every conference night just passing through the lounge only to exit with a plate piled high with goodies. I wasn't hungry, just bored.

Anyhow I'm very thankful to those on the boards who remain firm in their views of Atkins as a permanent lifestyle change. I'm slowly but surely coming to accept that certain foods will never be part of my diet again, and for the simple fact that I don't seem to respond to these foods like some folks do. This WOE seems to be working so far, though. I'm not complaining, just coming to some conclusions I can live with.

In a way, finally coming to accept ones difficulty with carbs is quite liberating don't you think? I reckon you've won half your battle right there!

[Ohbehave007]

Re: Permanent Lifestyle Change or Just Another Diet

I believe overeating is a eating disorder. I had the same thing before this WOE. Now I know that indulging in something doesn't mean eating the whole thing.

Example: My boyfriend bought be a very expensive white praline chocolate bar a week ago. I now can have one bite and it be enough to satisfy me. Before I would have eaten the whole thing with in a few minutes...Now keeping my boyfriend out of it is another thing .

[Kntrylady]

Re: Permanent Lifestyle Change or Just Another Diet

I believe I have come to finally accept that I must have an eating disorder. Through journaling I have discovered that I have never eaten carbs in a "normal" fashion. For that matter, prior to doing Atkins I don't believe I ever ate anything in a "normal" fashion.........

.........This WOE seems to be working so far, though. I'm not complaining, just coming to some conclusions I can live with.

Thank you for posting a very insightful post. I believe Suzanne, that you have perfectly described the "calm" I have tried to describe that I feel towards this WOL. An acceptance of 'Our' carb/food addictions, and what we need to do to move through the rest of our lives.
I agree with Sally that this acceptance is Very liberating and it will help us succeed. Best wishes on a successful journey...

[bocajoes]

Re: Permanent Lifestyle Change or Just Another Diet

You described my attitudes, which is something I have never been able to quite put into words. My appetite used to be insatiable; I would cut calories, come home from work, then "graze" in the kitchen while making dinner because I was so hungry from the calorie deprivation! Talk about self-sabotage!

Food has always been my anti-depressant, my drug of choice. I am going to have to come to terms with it and I think the Atkins way of life is a start BUT dealing with food as a drug...well, ask any addict and they will tell you that dealing with their addiction isn't as simple as "just saying no."

[DaveS]

Re: Permanent Lifestyle Change or Just Another Diet

I know what you mean, when I weighed 400lbs, 105ish pounds ago I would eat a whole carton of ice cream in a sitting or eat a whole giant bag of potato chips. And don't get me started on buffets, many times I ate so much I could not hold it down in the parking lot.

Honestly never really thought of it as an eating disorder but thinking back now it very well might of been. If I was bored I ate, if I was mad I ate. I still eat more when very stressed but I've learned to take smaller portions. I always thought of it as a battle of my willpower vs my appetite. I miss getting to eat constantly but I don't miss the fat.

*edit add* oddly enough though on Atkins I eat less and feel less hungry.