Sometimes You Just Have to Hit Bottom

[fatgrltrying]

Hi Everyone!

I am so happy to have found this wonderful bulletin board. I am excited to receive support and give support- learning from each other.

I reached my all time highest weight about 2 weeks ago. I was so heavy that I could not sleep lying down without coughing all night. I barely had any energy to do anything. My husband and I went on vacation to the coast and I was so very uncomfortable. I cannot wear shorts without shame- so I don't wear them at all. I was so uncomfortable in the rental vehicle's seat, and the seat-belt barely fit. Walking along the beach was a STRUGGLE.

I knew that this was it. I was a food addict and if something didn't change, I would die. Dying seemed actually better than living that way...

I had hit the bottom.

I had already read Atkin's book about 2 years ago before my wedding. I did it to the letter for about three weeks and lost some weight, but wasn't really commited and for some reason went back to my old eating habits.

This time is different. This time I know this is a life change. Will I ever have carbs- pasta, candy, cookies, bread, etc. again? Sure. But now I know that these things will be treats (eventually) and not an everyday occurance.

I have been doing the Atkins eating plan for about 9 days with a day of a total binge cheat in between. I don't beat myself up about the treat- I knew I was going to do it before starting the program, but I figured starting the program immediately was best. Then I just re-started the program this past Monday. I am not perfect, but I am looking at this as my new life's eating plan. There will be deviations along the way, I am sure, but I am blessed to have found something that helps me.

Hi all- I am a food addict that has been helped by Atkins.

So far:

I have lost weight- my very tight size 30 jeans now fit.

I am sleeping lying down without coughing thru the night!

I feel energy- I can walk around and do stuff without the debilitating fatique and pain that just two weeks ago almost crippled me!

I am hydrated! Water-Water-Water.


And best of all- I am hopeful and not hopeless and for that I am truly grateful.

Let's take the journey to health together...

[Adena]

Re: Sometimes You Just Have to Hit Bottom

Welcome! I really like reading such throughful introduction posts. It shows that you have really given this some thought, and are truly ready to commit to a lifestyle change. For some reason, I have a feeling you are in this for good (and I've never said that to anyone before!). Ha -- I say this as if I'm an old pro... lol. I've been following Atkins for about seven weeks and have lost 20 lbs. More important, I FEEL great. Like you, I have a lot to lose. Every other diet I've followed I've fallen off the wagon by now (or soon after). For whatever reason, this FEELS different -- dobable, worthwhile. And I'm in it for the long-haul. Okay, enough about me!

This really is a great board full of lots of supportive folks. I recommend you consider starting a journal in Journal Chats. It's a great way for folks to be able to keep up with you -- and you them -- and a nice way to build a network of ADBB buddies. Also, consider joining a challenge (see Challenges thread) -- another great way to connect with folks and hold yourself accountable. Also, I highly recommend using Fitday.com to track your food. Keeping a food dairy is helpful, but even more importantly, it measures your percentages of fat, carbs, and protien so that you can make sure your ratio is right.

When you feel like cheating... come here. I can almost guarantee that if you post that you are "in danger of cheating," someone will respond within minutes. And while you're waiting... read other's posts, success stories, look at before and after pictures. IN no time, you'll remember why you are here and find strength. Or, if by chance the craving gets to you before you make it here, come anyway. I promise we'll only whip you with a wet noodle ... and then help you get back on track.

So, once again, welcome! Visit and post often. I look forward to seeing you around the board!

[rayard singh]

Re: Sometimes You Just Have to Hit Bottom

keep up the good work, just remember we all want to see you suceed, no one is here to judge you. try your best. when i started just 3 weeks ago, i constantly came on the board just to get inspiration and well not feel that i was alone in this journey. soon you will start to see the person you know is on the inside showing on the outside.

[Findingfreedom]

Re: Sometimes You Just Have to Hit Bottom

You are not alone by no means. I too have restarted atkins. My story is so very similar to yours. I have now completed 13 days cheat free. I too am feeling very good. I hope we can encourage each other in our wt. loss journeys. Stay strong!

[dreamof145]

Re: Sometimes You Just Have to Hit Bottom

Hello. We're happy to have you join us in our quest to get healthy and lose weight. Congratulations on being able to sleep better, feeling more energy and the noticable looser clothing. It only gets better as you follow the program.

I agree, when you hit bottom, you really analyze your life-style and are ready to make the changes that are necessary to dig your way back to health. Thats what happened to me. I can tell you that Atkins does work. It has been a lifesaver for me.

As for the planned cheats, I disagree. My method of dealing with this is to find substitute foods to eat instead. For instance, if I want pizza...I fix low-carb crustless pizza. If I want potatoes, I fix mashed cauliflower. It requires a bit of homework as far as checking out recipes and relearning to cook the things you want to eat, but it is so worth the effort. I've learned to plan my schedule around my new way of life.

The forums here in the ADBB are full of inspiring stories, photos, and advice from others who are making it happen. You can do it too.

[Jerrica]

Re: Sometimes You Just Have to Hit Bottom

I am so glad to see you here! I am very excited that you are on a road to being healthy. This board is so full of support. Visit the challenges and join a few. The exercise challenges are great. They help you to stay motivated. There is even a cheat free challenge. I highly reccomend this one to you. It has really helped me to think about what I am doing before I cheat. Rock bottom isn't always so bad because then we usually decide to make much needed change. I am very proud of you. Hang in there. There are also many great recipes here. This is a great recipe thread. http://users3.ev1.net/~FONTLADY/recipes.html It helps to keep food from getting boring. I am looking forward to seeing your progress. Also here is the thread for fitday that Adena mentioned. http://www.fitday.com/WebFit/Index.html

[Atkid]

Re: Sometimes You Just Have to Hit Bottom

Welcome to the board! I am so glad you found us and intend to post during your journey. You will never find such wonderful support as you will here. I clicked into your journal and seen where you "cheated" on some chocolate candy. I don't know if you have heard or not but alot of women find that during TOM that some cream cheese mixed with some splenda and Baking Hershey's cocoa really helps with that chocolate craving, and its induction friendly. Hang with us as you whittle your waistline!

[Kent]

Re: Sometimes You Just Have to Hit Bottom

I also wanted to welcome you to the board and congratulate you on the 12 pounds lost so far. I am glad to know you better, and look forward to seeing more on the board. Keep following the plan and you will see the results!

[Adena]

Re: Sometimes You Just Have to Hit Bottom

Oh, so sorry. Just realized from Atkid's post that you already have a journal! I've clicked over and read a bit, and have a few comments that might help....

Do check out the recipe link that Jerrica gave you (or ask hubby to, since he does the cooking). I've found some really great recipes there -- it definitely keeps things from getting boring. You can only tolerate a buger and salad for so long, as it sounds like you may be realizing! One of my favorite recipies from the site is spinach lasagne: http://users3.ev1.net/~FONTLADY/spinach_lasagna.html.

I realize monthly cravings are tough. But generally speaking, I feel sure you'll find those and all other cravings fade if you stick cleanly to plan, 100%. I'm not a "no cheat" fanatic like some you'll come across here, but I do strongly believe in how not giving in will help you to not only overcome but to truly AVOID those cravings next time.

Take care, and keep us posted!

[Thinner08]

Re: Sometimes You Just Have to Hit Bottom

Hello WELCOME TO THE BOARD. YOU SOUND JUST LIKE I DID WHEN I FIRST JOINED. ONE THING THAT YOU CAN COUNT ON IS THE SUPPORT AND INFORMATION THAT YOU WILL GATHER FROM THIS BOARD. A LOT OF TIMES I RUN TO THIS BOARD TO VENT, SHARE AND REJOICE! IT ALWAYS NEVER FAILS THAT THERE IS AN ATKINEER OUT THERE WITH THE FEEDBACK I NEED. THIS BOARD IS TRULY LIKE A SECOND FAMILY TO ME. SO TO YOU I SAY WELCOME SIS.

[Outback Jess]

Re: Sometimes You Just Have to Hit Bottom

Hey there Gurl,
Welcome to the boards...You have certainly gotten some good advice...
I want to follow up with Adena, you really need to get into ketosis, being completely sugar free, and when you get there, your appetite begins to truly supress, and your craving start to dimish, plus you will start to burn your fat stores..Some people can tell they are in ketosis by an "apple fruity taste" in their mouths...and some people, like myself spend the 12 bucks at a pharmacy and get the keto-sticks, and run them thru our urine...usually 3 days after clean induction, only eating 20 carbs, you flip the switch...and that switch helps so much on the appetite and cravings...Some people say it takes the whole two weeks to feel free of the sugars...I felt it in 3 days, but I had the headaches from detoxing off the sugars...The coolest thing is to get clean and stay that way for 2 weeks and then take the test on page 131 of the DANDR book, and see how much damage sugar was doing...oh my gosh I was a different person. I started Aug 1, it's day 55. I am a different person, and the weight has been coming off but it is nothing like the peace I have with food, and the energy to get up and be active and the desire to live again! Wait til that one hits you, Gurrrlllll, you are going to really find it all amazing...but you gotta get to clean induction, no sugars, no "treats" or slips, it keeps you out of ketosis...
Hey, great to have you hear...Keep posting and coming back....

EDIT

*This Spotlight-Introduce Yourself thread has been closed due to extended absence of owner. Please feel free to private message any compliments and/or comments to the original poster. If you are the owner and would like to revive your Spotlight-Introduce Yourself please PM the forum mod or an Admin.