I Am Worth It Challenge II

[SunnySmile501]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge II

I have never bought into the theory that we are all human, therefore we can use that as an excuse to cheat or fall off the wagon. To me, being human does not justify being able to say I am not responsible for my actions. Each time I fail, it is because I haven't done the necessary actions required to succeed. This is something I always knew, but since taking on the responsiblity for my weight journey....I have become more aware of it. I still make mistakes with this WOE, but it is a learning experience and I improve my plan with each decision I make. I have tried different foods, but always with a conscious effort and recorded them in my food journal and wrote down what effects they had on me. Everything I eat is an experiment. To me occasionally means when I try something different, something I wonder if I can tolerate without gaining. If It doesn’t work, I don’t try it again. To me, committed means not only M-F, or not to be discarded on holidays or special occasions, the conscious awareness of what I eat is with me 24/7. I know I am ‘AT RISK’ everyday to becoming fat again. I must never forget that. I know I must be on guard forever and I am okay with that. This program has brought me this far and I know as long as I don’t revert back to old ways, I will continue to have peace with myself.

You can't see it or hear it, but I am giving you a standing ovation!

Sunny!

[OzLover]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge II

I am so enjoying reading everyone's answers to these thought provoking questions. I feel as if I'm getting to know everyone on a much deeper level. It is interesting to see the common threads that we all have. We are strong, we are fierce, we are dedicated, we all struggle and we are all striving for the ultimate goal of better health.

Thanks to all of you for sharing!
Glenda

[fowlergirl]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge II

December 18
Looking Back
Homework/Board Work
1. These are to be posted in this thread. Copy and paste the questions then answer.

• Reference a time when you were completely committed to a project, cause or life event.
• The project that I have been committed to lately is reclaiming myself. It is a difficult project for me because for so many years I have neglected myself in order to care for others. I thought in order to be a good mother that it was necessary to do put everyone else first. However, I am finding out that it is neither necessary, nor is it healthy for my family or myself.
• Relate to the group what struggles you had and what you did to stay the course.
• The struggles that I have had since beginning this reclamation project are feeling guilty for taking time for myself, getting back into the habit of exercising, determining exactly when I decided it was OK to not take care of myself, and making myself a priority. I am staying the course by writing in my own private journal things that I like about myself, encouraging myself, and motivating myself. I cannot take proper care of my family unless I care for myself first.
• How did you feel when you met the obligation?
• I have not met the obligation. I am learning to meet it daily because it is a work in progress.
• Have you ever over committed?
• Of course I have. I am a Mom. I commit to bake sales, fund raisers, sleep overs, etc.
• How did this affect your challenges, woe, etc.
• I have fallen off the wagon on occasion. I have eaten things that were convenient because I didn't have, or take, the time to cook healthy things for me.

Virtually everyone has a problem now and then with slow losses, no losses or even gains. We are human. Dr. Atkins knew this but he also used the word “occasionally” in reference to eating off plan, many times in the DANDR. “Occasionally” should never be confused with every other day or be the scapegoat come Friday. Keeping this in mind, answer this question (as it applies):

1. If you are committed, why do you find yourself continually battling cravings, falling off the wagon, giving in and giving up?
I struggle because I am human. This way of eating is completely different than the way I have eaten in the past. Old habits die hard! During times of stress, I find it so easy to fall back into old patterns. I have to constantly work on this WOE/WOL. I am committed but it takes work and accountability. I will not give up. I may stumble and fall. However, I have seen that this works for me. This is a lifestyle change. The cravings are not as often and the stumbles are far less often. One day I hope that they will no longer be an issue.

[SunnySmile501]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge II

Virtually everyone has a problem now and then with slow losses, no losses or even gains. We are human. Dr. Atkins knew this but he also used the word “occasionally” in reference to eating off plan, many times in the DANDR. “Occasionally” should never be confused with every other day or be the scapegoat come Friday. Keeping this in mind, answer this question (as it applies):

1. If you are committed, why do you find yourself continually battling cravings, falling off the wagon, giving in and giving up?
Because carbs taste good!!! I'm such an addict and I don't think I could ever look you in the eye and proclaim chocolate is gross, ever. There is a difference between battling cravings and giving in and just giving in and quitting. My opinion is, this WOE is for the rest of my life. No one, not even God himself expects me to go the rest of my life without good food. However, that does not mean I eat carbs on every day ending with Y! That means I am on program at least 90% of the time (after induction/6 months). This isn't a contest for me. This isn't a race. I'm going to lose weight AND live life at the same time. If there are donuts in the office I can say no, but if there is a special occasion (birthday etc) then I will indulge a LITTLE with the promise of getting right back on with my WOE at the next meal, not the next day, week, month etc.

This will always be a battle for me. I'm ok with losing a few battles as long as I win the war.

I think a lot of us with a lot of weight to lose felt this way in the beginning. Hopefully, by the time you get to that "after induction/6 months" stage, you will have stuck to Atkins closely enough to know that Atkins food is better than "good" food! It's fantastically delicious food. If you don't eat off plan, you quickly change your tastes and start to really like Atkins food. I was so amazed at how much weight I lost, I didn't go through with a single 'cheat' that I had planned as a reward. There is a way to make almost any favorite food Atkins friendly. On the very few times I have eaten off plan: #1. the food did not taste as good as I remembered. #2. I could not wait to get back to my legal Atkins food. I missed it. #3. I got sick as a dog!

If you stay here long enough, you will see that taking that one bite is a slippery slope and it is never easy to get back on track. You have admitted that you are a carb addict. It is really not any different than being a drug or alcohol addict. If, after being sober/clean for six months, would you consider having a drink or taking some drugs on special occasions?

I'm trying to give you something to think about. You started out at over 500 pounds, and you can't possibly hope to lose enough in six months to allow you to make goal doing Atkins 90% of the time. It won't work. Staying on Induction that long might backfire, as well. Moving up the ladder has caused many of us, me included, to lose even faster. Plus, you have more options and won't get bored with all the yummy new choices.

I made an awesome Thanksgiving feast and every bite was legal as long as you are at rung 3! I posted pictures just to show what you could do with a little creativity. I plan on doing the same for Christmas. I didn't feel deprived at Thanksgiving and I won't at Christmas.

Sunny!

[willlose40]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge II

· Why are you here at the ADBB? To make better and healthier choices on what goes into my body

· Why are you doing Atkins? I have been on many diets and this is the only way I truly love to eat, also this WOE is not depriving my body

· What does the word “commitment” mean to you? To fully understand that I am resposible for why my body has the shape it does and without actully taking steps to improve myself will I always live with everything in a negative

3. Find a quote concerning commitment and share it in this thread.
Interest versus commitment

"There's a difference between interest and commitment.
When you're interested in doing something,
you do it only when circumstance permit.
When you're committed to something,
you accept no excuses, only results."
-- Art Turock



4. Comment on the following quote:
“Commitment is what transforms the promise into reality. It is the words that speak boldly of your intentions and the actions which speak louder than
words. It is making the time when there is none. It means coming through time after time, year after year. Commitment is the stuff character is made of; the power to change the face of things. It is the daily triumph of integrity over skepticism” -This is how I need to look at exercising on a every day basis if I do not get on the tredmill no one else will do it for me
5. Make a list of synonyms for the word “commitment“. Put this list in your journal.

[Suga_Britchess]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge II

Reference a time when you were completely committed to a project, cause or life event. Relate to the group what struggles you had and what you did to stay the course. How did you feel when you met the obligation?

There has been 4 major commitments in my life other than marriage
*The 1st being of course school, I promised my mom and dad that I would finish school if I did nothing else.......of course it wasnt too hard when your mom tells you, "the day you drop out of school is the day you pack your things and move out", they were big proponents of "tough Love"
*The 2nd being the 90 days I commited myself to treatment for, if you read my introduction I mentioned briefly that I use to use drugs, well the truth is I used and abused drugs for 10 years or so and getting clean and staying clean has been a commitment that I am still keeping every day of my life. Its not always been easy but it is an accomplishment that I am proud of and I never joke myself or let my guard down thinking it doesnt have a hold on me anymore because I know it can creep up when I am at my weakest.
*The most recent commitments are ongoing too, losing the extra weight and getting healthy by quitting smoking are proving to be the hardest and Im sure will be the most rewarding.

Have you ever over committed? How did this affect your challenges, woe, etc?

Some people might day that I am overcommited right now trying to lose weight and quit smoking..........I havent been at either very long, but so far I am happy with my progress. I went back to the doctor today for the 1st time since I started Atkins and Ive lost 6 pounds. Yeah for me!

If you are committed, why do you find yourself continually battling cravings, falling off the wagon, giving in and giving up?
Again I havent been on Atkins long so this hasnt really become an issue for me yet. I do know to expect them and am prepared......today while waiting on a prescription to be filled I was browsing the sugar free gum hoping to find something suitable, well of course they keep that right next to all the other candy and goodies in the store, I must have looked for 20 minutes trying to find ANYTHING that fell into the "induction friendly" category. Finally I said to myself "your just torturing yourself, get out of this section" and I went and waited in the pharmacy.

[kate58]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge II

I am a day behing here - sorry, I hope that does not put me out. Yesterday was just impossible.

Here is yesterday's homework. I am going to get to-day's done before I go to bed.

1. Copy/paste the Challengers Commitment.....
Done. And pasted onto the mirror in my bathroom also!!


2. Copy and paste the following questions....

· Why are you here at the ADBB?

Because I am very, very lucky to have found this place just after starting. ADBB educates me, inspires me, keeps me strong and entertains me. I love the fabulous people who are here and the great positive and supportive, but also strict and no nonsense, approach. I absolutely KNOW that without all of that I would at best be having a much harder time and at worst would not have stuck to this WOE at all.

· Why are you doing Atkins?

Because I have to. I was fat, miserable, taking no exercise and sliding rapidly towards very poor health. All I had ever heard about Atkins was bad stuff, but then a friend's doc recommended it to her and I took a closer look. It didn't take much reading to see that this was the answer.

And 48 pounds later, with more confidence, a fantastic sense of acheivement and a much happier and less temperamental approach to life that is a certainty. In just 31/2 months this WOE has already changed my life for the better in so many ways, and I know that I can make even more positive progress in the months and years ahead. I just know it.

And also because I LOVE the food!!

· What does the word “commitment” mean to you?

To bring something to the centre of my life and make it vital. And to make it a natural thing, as natural a breathing, because it is so important that it can't be left to one side.

3. Find a quote concerning commitment....
"Commitment, by its nature, frees us from ourselves and, while it stands us in opposition to some, it joins us with others similarly committed."

4. Comment on the following quote:
“Commitment is what transforms the promise into reality. It is the words that speak boldly of your intentions and the actions which speak louder than words. It is making the time when there is none. It means coming through time after time, year after year. Commitment is the stuff character is made of; the power to change the face of things. It is the daily triumph of integrity over skepticism”

I find that quote slightly intimidating to be honest. It seems such a BIG SCARY thing - "time after time, year after year".

But I am thinking that by making part of the commitment to be to not being afraid to look for and accept help when it's hard, it could be made seem less scary. As a dyed in the wool skeptic about most things, the last bit seems to be speakng directly to me!!

5. Make a list of synonyms for the word “commitment“.

Duty, responsibility, vow, garauntee, pledge, imperative, need, must, persistance, doggedness, focus.

[pamelainaustin]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge II

I apologize in advance if my post upsets or makes anyone sad. It is the first thing I thought of when I read this assignment and I could not think of an "easier" thing to write about.

• Reference a time when you were completely committed to a project, cause or life event. Relate to the group what struggles you had and what you did to stay the course. How did you feel when you met the obligation?

In 1998, at the age of 63. my mom was diagnosed with lung cancer that had already metastasized to her brain. I lived across the country from her at that time. My then 33 year old brother moved in with her and my 29 year old sister already lived with her. She had surgery in January 1999 and due to various complications she remained hospitalized for 5 months. Everything that could go wrong did. I spoke to her almost every day during that time. She went home and still needed help with things. My siblings could not be bothered to actually stay home and help her due to needing to hang out in bars and “live their lives” so she was alone most of the time.

My brother was very verbally abusive to her and at one point she got dehydrated and her doctor actually made a referral to the State Elder Abuse hotline because he felt she was being neglected. Turns out she was avoiding drinking water because my brother got so upset if she could not make it to the bathroom in time. At about that time, my mom became very worried because my brother continually threatened to “put her in a nursing home” and my mom did not want this. Needless to say, from across the county I was livid.

At that time I had a full time position in a private practice and very limited time off. When her doctor called me and said my brother was requesting he have her transferred to a nursing home, that was it. I quit my job, loaded up myself and my dog and drove across country to go take care of my mom. My husband traveled a lot at that time so he was able to arrange to come see me occasionally.

I made the commitment to my mom that she would not under any circumstances be put in a nursing home. She granted me power of attorney over her affairs and a bit later she was put on Hospice. My siblings were still around but spent little time with her. I told both of them that I was there to take care of mom and if they had a problem with that they could leave. I made it clear that I would do whatever I had to do, including having them removed from the house, to take care of her. There was some intermittent trouble but nothing I could not handle.

My mom died in October of 2000 at home in her bed with me at her bedside. As hard as it was to lose her, I knew it was time for her to go. I was so glad that I put her before anything else in my life and was able to keep my promise and commitment to her that she would not be warehoused somewhere. I did whatever it took to assure that she was comfortable and well cared for during that time. She was responding to me until the very last day of her life. I was so glad I made this commitment and followed through. It was and is so reassuring to me that I was able to make her last days good ones and that I do not have to wonder what might have happened since I was right there.

• Have you ever over committed? How did this affect your challenges, woe, etc.

Back when I was younger, I used to at time do things for people that I did not want to do and spend time with people I did not really enjoy. As I have grown older, I am pretty selective about how I spend my time outside of work. My work is demanding in that I never know what will happen when I go in a room. I see kids from age 1 day to age 19 and many times what they come in for is not what they are really here for. Most days are somewhat rushed but I have done this for so long that I am used to it and it does not bother me. The only influence I can see is that many days I have 10 minutes for lunch (this actually works great with Atkins because I can eat "on the fly" between appointments at times). This time of year especially it is also very hard to "formally" exercise when I get home because I am physically and mentally exhausted. I do walk A LOT and I suppose wrestling with 2 years olds to examine them counts for something



1. If you are committed, why do you find yourself continually battling cravings, falling off the wagon, giving in and giving up?

I feel very blessed that I can honestly say that to this point this WOE has been very easy for me. I have had no more than brief cravings and actually enjoy what I am eating, even on induction. That is how I know this WOE is right for me and that I will be able to keep the commitment I have made to myself to STICK WITH IT.

I did "fall off the wagon" last Saturday in terms of having some alcohol due to our celebration but otherwise was perfectly legal and have been since. I thought about it alot ahead of time and the isolated planned "deviation" was just that. It is over now, I am not sorry I did it but do not plan to repeat it anytime soon. I am not giving in or giving up. I wish I would have discovered this WOE and this awesome community here a long time ago. Would have saved myself a lot of grief. I am loving it so far.

Pam

[decreaseself]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge II

Sunny, your story is amazing. It takes a special person to do all that you have done. What a great job you have done at CRASHING down barriers (that's crashing, not knocking). What an awesome God we serve. I loved the part of your story that said, "But, I remember more, the exhileration." (I do not know how to insert quotes to comment on) I was moved by your story.

Silly, Way to go helping save the hospital!

Glenda, Congratulations on becoming a nurse. I understand Nursing School is very difficult. One of my dear friends went through it, so I saw it first hand.

Elsy, You made the right decision. We only get one set of parents and we must treasure every day that we can spend with them.

Suga, Nice job on staying clean. I lost my dad in 2004 due to drug and alcohol abuse.

Thank you Jimmie for this Challenge!!!

[purplecat]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge II

1. These are to be posted in this thread. Copy and paste the questions then answer.

• Reference a time when you were completely committed to a project, cause or life event. Relate to the group what struggles you had and what you did to stay the course. How did you feel when you met the obligation? When I was 22 I set out to lose weight. I started at 165 pounds in mid June (off for the summer from college and working a summer job). I cut my calories to 1200 per day with no more than 30 grams of fat per day. I exercised for a minimum of 1 hour per day (sometimes 2 hours). I struggled with not eating out (with coworkers) and not participating in all-you-can-eat food marathons on my job (ate lots of microwave popcorn and drunk at least 1 gallon of water a day). I never cheated and attained my goal of 140 pounds by August. I was ecstatic. The attention was amazing. It's awful how differently you get treated by people based on your weight. I managed to keep my weight off for 2 years and then I got married. That was all she wrote.

• Have you ever over committed? How did this affect your challenges, woe, etc. In 2003 I was on the Six-Week-Body Makeover. If you're not familiar with this plan then you've got to realize you can't have any oils, no salt, and only Mrs. Dash for seasoning. I couldn't eat certain meats (depending on my body type) and was supposed to eat fruit for two meals a day (which I did despite my food allergy because I was so tired of being fat). I didn't cheat and I ate the same meals (no change) day-in and day-out for 3 months. I lost a lot of weight but I got tired. I didn't want to quit for fear of failing but one day I couldn't take another piece of baked chicken or plate of green beans. I was on my lunch break at work. I called my friend/coworker and told her that was it. I threw it in the trash and went and got a candy bar in the canteen. This set off a binge that lasted months. Of course I gained back the weight and then some. The point of this? Don't deprive yourself, IT WILL backfire.
  

Virtually everyone has a problem now and then with slow losses, no losses or even gains. We are human. Dr. Atkins knew this but he also used the word “occasionally” in reference to eating off plan, many times in the DANDR. “Occasionally” should never be confused with every other day or be the scapegoat come Friday. Keeping this in mind, answer this question (as it applies):

1. If you are committed, why do you find yourself continually battling cravings, falling off the wagon, giving in and giving up? Hi, my name is Catrenia and I'm an EMOTIONAL eater. I used to eat when happy, sad, bored, lonely, etc. Sometimes I would eat without even realizing I was eating (no joke). I'd wake up in the middle of the night starving and would eat two bowls of cereal (if not more). Sometimes I'd eat just because the food was there and it looked good - not because I was hungry. I could see a commercial on television with food and it would set off a trigger to go eat ... no matter if I'd already eaten. I've been cheat-free since I started but at times (over the last few weeks) I've felt like what surely an addict must feel like. I've had what feels like "physical" pains because I've wanted sugar so bad. It was like I was going through withdrawal and waiting for my next fix. Solution? I fixed the Mock French Toast (www.genaw.com/lowcarb) off of Linda's site. Since I didn't have syrup, I mixed cream cheese and splenda together and spread it on the "toast". It worked. Thank God!! I refused to cave in. I just kept thinking if I caved, then what? Remorse!! I never want to be one of those people who say, "if only". I want to be the one saying, "I made it!!".

[kate58]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge II

Reference a time when you were completely committed to a project, cause or life event. Relate to the group what struggles you had and what you did to stay the course. How did you feel when you met the obligation?

My second year of a five year course in college, I lost the plot completely. Partied like crazy, was out pretty much every night, got involved in loads of clubs, societies and extracurricular events and misses a LOT of classes and ..... unsurprisingly.... failed my exams. All of them. Resat in the Autumn after a lot of work over summer, and passed all but one.

That left me unable to go on to the next year, having to drop back while my friends carried on, taking a year out of college and knowing that if I failed again I would be chucked out of the course for good. Part of me wanted to just pack it in there and then.

But then I just thought of the prize - a qualification I REALLY wanted. So I got a job for the year for almost no pay but which would teach me a lot and give me valuable experience. Moved to a much grottier place to live in order to save money, cut back drastically on my social life and worked, worked, worked, studied, studied, studied. Any time I was tempted to slacken, I just looked at the people I was working with and thought about how much I wanted to be like them, to have their knowledge and their work lives.

I also learned the very important lesson of not being afraid of accepting help - which to this day I don't find very easy. I asked a couple of friends to help me out with the coursework and keep me getting the books out when I really didn't feel like it. Not just that year, but in the following years. And they did, and were really glad to, all it took was for me to ask.

I passed the exam, and never again failed one. The feeling when I graduated and my parents were so proud of me was second to none.

Have you ever over committed? How did this affect your challenges, woe, etc.

Yes, I gave far too much time and energy to a voluntary position in an organisation, which was very interesting, quite prestigious and high profile.

But at the time I was running my own business and had staff and clients who suffered from my lack of attention and focus as a result of this voluntary work which took up a lot of my time, effort and thought. I know that a lot of people felt very let down by me at that time and I almost let my own business go into terminal decline before I got a hold of myself and focused on the things that were really important.

It was an experience that made me realise two things - that misplaced commitment, however sincere and well meant, can be harmful to more people than it helps and that good people from whom you expect the best deserve nothing less than your best also.


If you are committed, why do you find yourself continually battling cravings, falling off the wagon, giving in and giving up?

I have been very, very lucky so far. I have not fallen off the wagon or even been tempted to and nor have I had many cravings. But I am not fooling myself - I know that starting is the easy bit, seeing it though to the end will be much harder.

[jimmie 48]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge II

gpsh i have so much reading to do! and i need to get your final assigment posted.
i promise to get everything read and thank you to those who continue to post and chat and encourage.

reading i will do later on tonight but the other i will do in just a few minutes.

[jimmie 48]

assignment day three

This is due tomorrow. Copy and paste it as the others and answer the questions. You can copy/paste into your journals but it is not required.

December 19
Looking Ahead - Commitment In Action
Homework/Board Work
1. The first focus of making a plan is to identify things that will jeopardize your commitment to yourself. This could be a hospital stay, vacation, relatives that know nothing about Atkins or are ill informed, or simple a restaurant. List at least 2 in each category:
Events:
Places:
People:


2. Write out alternative actions that will help you stay committed when you are faced with these temptations.

3. Put your plan into action. Practice what you will say to people you know might try to get you off plan. Say it till you feel comfortable saying, being self assured and confident

[kate58]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge II

Pamela, you have no reason to apologise at all. Your story is very sad but also very inspiring. My mother died of cancer too, with all of us with her at the time, although sadly not at home as she really needed to be in a hospital.

I've had cancer and I know the terrible fear that comes with it, not least of which is the fear of a 'bad' death. Thankfully I have recovered now, but it would have been a huge comfort to me in the low and scary times to have known that if the worst had come to the worst, there would have been someone to take care of me with the love and attention with which you took care of your mother.

[ValidRouge]

Re: I Am Worth It Challenge II

Jo I want to join this challenge if it's not too late.

December 17
I’m Committed! Oh, Really?
Homework/Board Work
1. Copy/paste the Challengers Commitment into your Journal either in Journal Chats or Journal Stats or write it into your personal journal.

2. Copy and paste the following questions in this thread and then answer. You may also place this in your journal but it is not a requirement.

· Why are you here at the ADBB? To get support from like minded people. People who understand what it is like to be overweight. People who understand what it is like to be addicted to food. When I support, I am supported. When I help, I am helped.

· Why are you doing Atkins? To start out, it was just to lose weight. But now, it is to maintain my weight loss AND my new found health and vitality. I have discovered food intolerances that I never would have known I had unless I’d followed this WOE. I have been able to lower cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, taken up exercise, and made my doctors very happy.

· What does the word “commitment” mean to you? It means I make a statement of intent and I follow through on that. There is no backing out. There is no quitting.

3. Find a quote concerning commitment and share it in this thread.
”There are only two options regarding commitment. You're either in or out.” --Pat Riley
4. Comment on the following quote:
“Commitment is what transforms the promise into reality. It is the words that speak boldly of your intentions and the actions which speak louder than
words. It is making the time when there is none. It means coming through time after time, year after year. Commitment is the stuff character is made of; the power to change the face of things. It is the daily triumph of integrity over skepticism”



Speak boldly—put your intentions out there for the world to see and then place ACTION behind them. Have integrity and follow through on those words, see it to the end. Don’t allow the skeptics to get in your way.


5. Make a list of synonyms for the word “commitment“. Put this list in your journal.



Devotion

Dedication

Promise

Perseverance





December 18
Looking Back
Homework/Board Work
1. These are to be posted in this thread. Copy and paste the questions then answer.

• Reference a time when you were completely committed to a project, cause or life event. Relate to the group what struggles you had and what you did to stay the course. How did you feel when you met the obligation?

When I was in junior high school, my Mother encouraged me to try out for the band front going into high school as a freshman. I was overweight, awkward, and lacked a lot of self confidence. I went for the first practice and they made us RUN. I went home and swore that I wasn’t going back. My mom gave me a pep talk…she must have said something good (or at least told me I HAD to do it) because I did go back. I endured the physical strain it took for me to run and exercise with the other girls. I was always the very LAST person to finish the run. I ended up making the team and was very proud and committed to that for my entire 4 years of high school.

In 1999 I decided to go back to college and finish my bachelors degree. It wasn’t always easy. I took a rather large pay cut in order to get free tuition at the university. I had financial struggles, I had the struggles of going back to school. The classes weren’t always easy. It was a big part of my life for four years to work full time and go to school part time plus meet all of my obligations in my personal life and at home. There were times I wanted to quit, but I kept chipping away at it until I graduated. I was extremely proud of myself to following it through.

• Have you ever over committed? How did this affect your challenges, woe, etc.

I recently over-committed myself. I told people that I was going to run a marathon. I tried to uphold that commitment, but I am finding that I just cannot do it. I’m not saying that I’ll NEVER run a marathon, just that I won’t be doing it by January 27, 2008. It affected lots of things in my life. My self esteem because I do tend to be very self critical when I cannot accomplish EVERYTHING I set out to do. My eating because I couldn’t find the right amount of food that supports that amount of exercise. I tried to support the exercise with the wrong amounts of food. It’s just too much of a balancing act that I’m not ready to support yet. I also feel like I lost site of the commitment I originally made in regard to weight loss efforts. The marathon/running took over and what I really wanted (goal weight/size) got side tracked.

Virtually everyone has a problem now and then with slow losses, no losses or even gains. We are human. Dr. Atkins knew this but he also used the word “occasionally” in reference to eating off plan, many times in the DANDR. “Occasionally” should never be confused with every other day or be the scapegoat come Friday. Keeping this in mind, answer this question (as it applies):

1. If you are committed, why do you find yourself continually battling cravings, falling off the wagon, giving in and giving up? I’m not sure about this. I haven’t given up this time around, but I do find myself battling cravings and falling off the wagon for a day or few days--occasionally. I continue to fight myself and my body and this lifestyle. I am not sure why. I want those foods that I am addicted to. If I can’t have those foods, I want a substitute for them. This is really not unlike meth addiction, nicotine addiction and their crutches (methadone or the patch/gum). I have got to give up the fight and accept/surrender that this IS my life. This IS my choice. I can go back to my food addiction but it comes at a price. That price is being fat. I can have those foods, but I will be fat. Or, I can choose to be thin and not eat those foods. I have to be very careful about ‘giving in’ to those foods because if I excuse eating them, or allowing them in, then the allowance is going to become more and more frequent. Until it is not “occasionally” but “frequently” until I am no longer on plan. That is NOT acceptable.