I really want to stick with it...HELP

[esclottes]

Hello,
I'm new on the forum. I am hoping that by joining this forum and reading all of your motivational/inspirational postings I will have the self discipline to stay on Atkins.

I have tried to start Atkins at least 20 times this year. I can never make it through the first three days. I'm an emotional eater! I tried to start today, and gave up by lunch! I have read the book cover to cover, and I always think that I will start first thing tomorrow.

I'm ready to stop saying that to myself. I'm married and have a 14 month old daughter and am a teacher. I am sooo tired of being tired! I have no energy for myself, my family or my students because of my eating habits. I am not leading the life that I want to lead. I am not the mother or wife that I want to be. I am so tired of being exhausted and grumpy all the time. If you have any tips on how to get through the first few days of cravings I would appreciate them. I think that I am truly addicted to sugar. As soon as I think of not eating sugar, bread or pasta I start obsessively thinking about food. I have never been a smoker, but I think that my food addictions are just as strong as they are for people addicted to nicotine or alcohol.

ANyone out there experienced this? If so what can I do to get through the tough first few days?

Thanks,
Esclottes

SW-177
CW-177
GW-135

[dreamof145]

Re: I really want to stick with it...HELP

Hi Esclottes! Welcome. Congratulations on coming back and making this WOE a way of life. All habits are hard to change, but change is what it takes to make it happen. The thing I'd recommend you do is to make a plan (in writing) (journal, diary, notebook) on what changes you need to make and why. Then, write out the reasons you had problems on your last attempts. Make solutions now so that when obstacles arise, you'll be ready for them.

Coming here often, getting involved with the other members in challenges, journalling, sharing recipes and comments on things that are happening in your life will make a big difference in developing a good attitude about the changes you are making. Reading the success stories, looking at the before/after photos will also keep you motivated. Take your measurements so you can see the inches falling off as you do the program.

Re-read the Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution, edition 2002 (if you haven't read it, it really is instrumental in getting you in a good mind to do the program). Make your plan and don't let anyone or anything stand in your way of reaching your goal. You are so worth it, your daughter deserves it, and you'll be a better mother, teacher, wife, and friend to everyone when you are beaming on the inside - it really does show in everything you do. Best wishes. I know you can do it. Don't give up, we are all here for you....if you have questions or comments, just let us know. We all want to see you succeed. Keep us posted on your progress.

[annRN]

Re: I really want to stick with it...HELP

Hello. I definitely know what you mean about starting and stopping. Over the last couple of years I have done the same thing. For me the first week or so was a little tough. It definitely took will power not to eat carbs. However, by the second week I was in deep ketosis. It is amazing how you just don't feel hungry once you get into this diet. It is so, so, so much easier to resist temptation when you aren't hungry. My suggestion to you is give it a week. Push yourself through and resist temptation. After that first week, see how you feel. You will probably be amazed at how good you feel and how easy this WOE becomes. I lost 6 pounds the first week, without exercising!

Tomorrow will be the end of week four for me. My friends/family can eat anything in front of me and I am not even tempted anymore. I want to lose the weight more than I want the carbs. I did start exercising two weeks ago, also, and that has made such a big difference in the way my clothes fit! I weigh in tomorrow, but even if I didn't lose anything this week, I feel great! I have more energy and I love the fact that my clothes are starting to get baggy!

Good luck and you can do it!

Ann

[sallyseachange]

Re: I really want to stick with it...HELP

Hello there Esclottes... welcome to ADBB. So glad you decided to post here. I'm sure you'll find this place to be wonderful for support and inspiration.

The tenacity to stick with a plan to change your way of eating has to come from within. I think that those of us who've been successful here have all reached a point where slimming down was more important than the food cravings we suffered from.
It sounds like you are at that point, which is good. If you stick with this way of eating, you'll be giving yourself a wonderful gift: Better health.

Use the board to bolster up your commitment. We all have moments of difficulty; so, when cravings hit, try to focus strongly on your goal and imagine how you'll feel when you reach it (and it's the most awesome feeling, I can tell you!)... then imagine how you'll feel just two seconds after finishing whatever carby treat you're contemplating eating. Ask yourself: "Is the brief gratification worth it?"
Keep high fat snacks ready at all times to squash those cravings.
Join in on the board activities, all of which are fun and motivating.
Drink masses of water and exercise.
Post lots and keep us updated as to your progress. We're here for you and happy to help out where we can.

You can do this!

[SandyL2002]

Re: I really want to stick with it...HELP

Welcome to the board.. You can do this.. The first couple of days make sure you are eating lots of meat and of course your vegetables.. But if you hungry have some more meat.. The fat from the meat will help you stay full to get those sugar cravings out of you. Plan your foods out for the week.. Know what you are going to have for dinner. And then when you get the urge for something..which we all have.. come on here...Go to the Before and after Picture section and you will be inspired. This has truly been the best board I have ever been too.. They kept me from my hormonal almost cheat on Monday After a few days you will start to feel so much better you will be glad you did it

[Scooterjam]

Re: I really want to stick with it...HELP

Food Addictions. Yup. I hear your pain. Welcome to the board Esclottes. My name is Scooter, and I'm here to tell you that this wonderful way of life works. It's pretty awesome and it can work for you too! I came here a year ago needing to lose 100 pounds, I've lost 76 pounds so far, and still pushing on. The success has been reliant on coming to this site and posting, making friends, sharing ideas, sharing recipes, and most importantly, sharing support!

Here are some other threads and links you may find help to get the wheel in motion. The intial movement of the wheel is all you need, these links will keep building up the momentum!

Rules of induction:
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...ead.php?t=6782
Acceptable foods:
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...ead.php?t=6781
Awesome Recipes:
http://www.genaw.com/lowcarb/index.html
Caloric Counter/Carbs/Protein/Etc/Reports:
www.fitday.com (Free on-line, this is awesome!!) or some members use this one
http://www.thedailyplate.com
Anyway, congrats on going low carb, make sure you jump around the forums and make your presence known, we are very happy to have you with us!!

Best of wishes! Life is good!

[sillygirl]

Re: I really want to stick with it...HELP

Hi Esclottes! Welcome to the board. Have you any clue why you've started and stopped so many times? it's nice to figure out your food triggers so you can avoid them in the future. Post often here so we can all see how great you're doing.

EDIT

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