Announcement

**ValidRouge** · June 18, 2007, 02:48 PM

Re: On day 19 and doing sort of okay

For a quick grab and go breakfast--keep a dozen boiled eggs in your fridge. They are awesome for quick!

The key to this "diet" is to plan, plan, plan. On the weekends, do a lot of prep work for the upcoming week. Cut up veggies ahead of time, cook meats and cut them up ahead of time, boil the eggs and have them ready to go. Always have something in the fridge ready to just grab and go.

We ALL have busy lives. It really depends on how bad you want this. If you want it, you'll find a way to make it work. Coming here and asking for help is the first step toward that!! Good for you.

**Sherri** · June 18, 2007, 02:52 PM

Re: On day 19 and doing sort of okay

Hey Mondavis, it's o.k to feel a bit overwhelmed when starting something new. If I may suggest something. You said you have to get up and out of the house early. You might want to prepare something the night before for breakfast so you can just reheat it. Try going over to food and recipe forum for ideas it may help you. One thing I know that works for this woe is plan, plan ,plan. Congradulations on your weightloss thus far. Great job! I'm sure others will be here to share with you and have more suggestions. Just hang in there. You'll get a routine down with this woe. We all started with baby steps and worked our way to leaps and bounds. Some trips and falls in between, but manage to get up and brush ourselves off and start again. It's gonna be all right. Everyone here is so supportive, you'll make it. Sincerely Sherri

**Fuschia** · June 18, 2007, 02:58 PM

Re: On day 19 and doing sort of okay

What bars did you get? I admit I also broke down and bought a pack of the breakfast bars. The flavour I picked said that there were no sugar alchohols/carbs. They probably aren't that good for me, but I just needed a break from the eggs.

However, I would guess that regardless of what we all eat in the morning, everyone here on the board, and indeed, dieters everywhere, get frustrated and disappointed numerous times. You just have to remember why you are on this diet- for your health, and for your child. In the meantime, focus on mini goals-maybe just losing 5-10 pounds or be able to walk father then you used to. When you beat those small goals, reward yourself with a something you would like. ...er, not food though!

Have you looked though the recipes section for breakfast ideas? Maybe this woudn't work for you, but can you eat a small something or other to take the edge off your hunger and then eat a regular breakfast at work later?

**Scooterjam** · June 18, 2007, 04:15 PM

Re: On day 19 and doing sort of okay

Those breadfast bars are soooooo bad for you!! Frankenfood is how we lovingly refer to the around these parts!! Always keep a snack handy, whether it be at work, home or play. Planning (thank you Joy) is the key to success. Even though those bars say, induction friendly, or low carb, the sugar alcohols and the nuts etc can cause very adverse effects! Be very careful!

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

Rules of induction:
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard....read.php?t=6782

Acceptable foods:
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard....read.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!

**mondavis** · June 18, 2007, 07:48 PM

Re: On day 19 and doing sort of okay

Originally posted by ValidRouge

We ALL have busy lives. It really depends on how bad you want this. If you want it, you'll find a way to make it work. Coming here and asking for help is the first step toward that!! Good for you.

I guess that might be my problem. At heart, I feel like this was thrust upon me. I didn't choose to start Atkins or any "diet" or woe; I was told to do this and I suppose haven't been able to make the attitude adjustment to accept it and everything that it entails, even with the health implications. Right now, I've got so much pressure (full-time work, husband 3000 miles away for 5 weeks, a 3 year old in a brand new preschool, aging mother, mentally ill mother-in-law), all of this production and planning what I eat is becoming the thing that will put me over the edge. I'm seriously about to crack and my main coping mechanism, food (not meat and salad, things like fruits and potatoes) is no longer possible.

It's not even my intention to come here to spill out all of this but I'm struggling and desperate because I feel that something has to give soon. I guess it helps a little to even write it out and thanks to everyone who has replied. I'm going to continue to try for as long as I can. I figure I'll either get to the point when I can cope or I'll have to try something else.

Regardless the support is much appreciated.

**ValidRouge** · June 18, 2007, 08:06 PM

Re: On day 19 and doing sort of okay

I can understand that.

Here's the beauty of Atkins. A lot of the feeling of being 'deprived' is because of the ADDICTION to sugar/starch/flour (the white stuff). That addiction caused us to consume more and more and more of those types of food. That in turn causes the high cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes thats going to kill us.

I am an addict. My drug of choice is carbohydrate.

Anyway...back to the beauty of Atkins....the first two weeks is the induction phase where we break that addiction to carbohydrate and switch our bodies to using our STORED fat for fuel instead of those pesky carbs. Once you switch over, then the cravings for sweet stuff goes away. AND you get an additional benefit of a really deep appetite suppression. Most people find themselves having to FORCE themselves to eat. How'd you like that to happen to you too?? You'll also get a really big boost in energy all of a sudden too.

My advice to you would be to do your two week induction, don't use any bars or shakes or sweets (even if artificially sweetened with Splenda or Saccharine and ESPECIALLY not aspartame) and break that addiction. Then, after the first two weeks, immediately start the Ongoing Weight Loss phase and start adding the foods back to your diet in the appropriate order (more veggies, dairy, nuts, berries, alcohol, legumes, fruits, starchy vegetables, and then whole grains).

We'll be here to support you and guide you every step of the way.

**mondavis** · June 18, 2007, 09:05 PM

Re: On day 19 and doing sort of okay

Thanks. I do need the support and the inspiration because this is one of the hardest things I've ever done. Lame but true.

With the exception of the stupid entrapment bars, I have followed the rules of induction and for about a week, I had no cravings, no temptation. I did have to eat on a schedule because I wasn't hungry. Then the stress ramped up and for the past 4 or 5 days, I've been struggling. Cravings are back but it's probably stress induced, because, as I said: when things get tough, I reach for the cookies. I'm also feeling hungry again but I'm wondering if that's because I added exercise to my routine (just walking for now). Or have I completely screwed up?

Is there a way to "correct" your induction? Or do you just make sure you strictly follow the rules ... ?

Anyway, I do look at all of your pictures and feel so much awe because you've all accomplished so much and look so happy and healthy. I want that for me, too. I guess I just need the guidance. It looks like I might have come to the right place.

Edited to add:

Fuschia, I forgot to answer your question.

Originally posted by Fuschia

What bars did you get? I admit I also broke down and bought a pack of the breakfast bars. The flavour I picked said that there were no sugar alchohols/carbs. They probably aren't that good for me, but I just needed a break from the eggs.

I got the Chocolate Chip Crisp Atkins Morning bars. I totally got fooled by the "2" in the blue circle and the "ok for induction". I also needed a break from the eggs. I usually grab and go for breakfast. Pre-Atkins, it was a bagel or some fruit and coffee. I tried eating the eggs for about 3 days and just got sick of them. I'm going to have to find something else to have in the morning equally as quick and portable (I eat in the car on my way to work).

**SandyL2002** · June 19, 2007, 04:29 AM

Re: On day 19 and doing sort of okay

Hello.. Welcome to the board.. Instead of saying.. I am doing Atkins.. Start thinking of yourself as eating healthier and more pure.. Meat and veggies..and no yucky stuff. I know you are under a lot of stress...but at least the food and your health is something you can control.. Please don't wait until your little one is 14 or 17 like my kids and start taking care of yourself.. I have missed out on a lot because of my size... Hang in there and post we will help cheer you on

**rolaidir** · June 19, 2007, 04:58 AM

Re: On day 19 and doing sort of okay

Hi there,
You really sound as though you could give yourself a great big pat on the back and congratulate yourself on not only managing your weight loss magnificently but also on being able to juggle a hectic and stressful life......
If you can remember that as the weight comes off your stress levels will decrease and your energy levels will multiply.....
i have a four year old daughter and am a single working parent and for me its hectic but i GET SUCH A BUZZ from making this work. i see it as a huge challenge and I'm gonna win.

My favourite reakfast is fried mushrooms stuffed into sliced bacon and cheese and rolled and nuked.......delicious comfort food and all legal.

good luck.

**ValidRouge** · June 19, 2007, 06:30 AM

Re: On day 19 and doing sort of okay

The "Dr. brain" is prescribing you sugar for your stress! It's thinking back to times when you were stressed, remembering that sugar made you feel better and sending the signal for sugar. So, that's where your cravings are coming from.

As for hunger, a lot of times we (overweight people) mistake signals that are for THIRST as hunger. So, if you feel you are hungry and you've recently eaten...then drink water. If, after you've had some water, you are still hungry, then by all means...EAT! There really is no reason on Atkins to EVER be hungry. When you do eat, you want to make sure that you eat something that is a protein and fat combination. Meat and cheese, or meat and ranch dressing or something like that. A boiled egg is almost a perfect food for this combination. The protein/fat combination makes you feel satisfied for long periods of time.

I *love* cream cheese and it's a staple in my diet. I also *love* a vegetable called jicama. I'd never even heard of jicama before I started Atkins. Jicama is a root vegetable (like a potatoe) but it doesn't have the starch of the potato. I eat it raw with cream cheese or ranch or blue cheese dressing. Or, just plain. It's got a hint of sweetness and I use it as a substitute for apples. Yummy stuff. For breakfast, this is a great for grab and go.

**obkbbby** · June 19, 2007, 09:24 AM

Re: On day 19 and doing sort of okay

Hi! I just wanted to let you know that you always have a choice. Don't think of it as a 'diet' someone 'made' you start. Instead, you've chosen to follow your doctor's orders because you've finally been convinced that you cannot continue to eat and live the way you have been or you're going to have major health issues. (I think it's awesome that your doctor believes in the Atkins WOE. Many of us have to explain our WOE to doctors without using the name Atkins because they still believe that we eat meat, lard, bacon, cheese, eggs and nothing else.)

I know many of us lead very busy lifestyles. It's one of the reasons why I held out coming back to Atkins for 10 years. But, once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature to plan ahead. I keep premade muffin sized quiches in the freezer. I can pull them out and nuke them for a quick breakfast or whenever I need a snack. Whenever I cook casseroles or larger meals, I cook extra. I store the leftovers in single servings so that I can have them during the week for lunches or even breakfasts. (I got tired of eggs very quickly.) I also make sure I have legal veggies on hand at all times. The jicama is great. You can do so many things with it. Cauliflower can be used like potatoes and rice. And I always keep legal cole slaw and broccoli salad. These are made in bulk and kept for easy grabbin' whenever I need them!

Hang in there. I know you can stick to it and you will feel so much better that you did!!!

**mondavis** · June 19, 2007, 10:01 AM

Re: Doing better today with all of your help!

Originally posted by SandyL2002

Please don't wait until your little one is 14 or 17 like my kids and start taking care of yourself.. I have missed out on a lot because of my size...

Sandy, thank you for this. I've been trying to shift my focus to her and how much better it will be for her if I'm healthy (not to mention alive!). Once I figure out how to do it, I'll have to post this picture of the two of us at Disneyland last year. I HATE this picture because I hate how I look. It makes me so sad to feel that way about any picture of me and my daughter, who is the light in my life. Then I think about all the times I tell her "Mommy can't play right now, I'm tired" ...

Originally posted by obkbbby

Instead, you've chosen to follow your doctor's orders because you've finally been convinced that you cannot continue to eat and live the way you have been or you're going to have major health issues. (I think it's awesome that your doctor believes in the Atkins WOE.

You're right. You're very right. I could've blown him off and gone to Pinkberry on the way home. Instead I went to Borders. When I think if it that way, I do see that it was my choice. I'd been unhappy with my weight for a long time but didn't do anything about it. I kept saying 'next year', 'next month', 'next week'. I got myself here and I have to get myself out. So you are very right and thank you for the perspective. It seems simple, but I just didn't see it until I read it.

My doctor is this kind, grandfatherly guy who up until the Infamous Weight Conversation, had always been so amusing and sweet. That day, he was so deadly serious that he scared the crap out of me. He wasn't sweet grandpa who would bounce you on his knee anymore; he turned into frightening grandpa, yelling at you for doing something dangerous. He told me a story about how back when he was a resident, he worked for the public jail system and they got a grant to test the validity of Atkins. They took 100 overweight inmates and moved them to another facility where they put half of them on Atkins, other other half on low-fat, controlled calorie. According to him, the Atkins group lost an average of 40 - 50 pounds in 3 months.

I asked him questions because I had concerns about all of the misinformation I'd heard about Atkins (i.e., pound of bacon). He rolled his eyes and said that it was perfectly safe (he answered all of my questions), that he was advising me to do it and that he'd keep an eye on me along the way.

He said he wants me to lose a total of 100 pounds (which might be a little aggressive for me but I'm going to try), the first 50 off in three months. He sent me for labs and two weeks later I was back to check my dosage for my bp meds. He complained that I hadn't started yet but I told him I needed to read what I'm supposed to do first. That was May 14. He told me he wanted me 30 pounds lighter by my next appointment July 9. I'm almost halfway there, so I've set that as a mini-goal with a new Coach purse (my other addiction) as my reward when I get there!

**PaulaMM** · June 19, 2007, 10:44 AM

Re: On day 19 and doing sort of okay

Hi there and welcome to the board.

The others have given you some great advice and you seem to be well read and knowledgeable about this WOL so what I'll offer is my support.

Although not advised by my doc. there have been times (this is my second serious go around with Atkins) when I felt resentful of this "diet". I hated that there were so many of me that didn't have to watch what they ate. I hated that staying thin was so effortless for so many while I could gain at the sight of food. I was really resentful of the overweight folks who walked out of convenience stores carrying bucket sized cups of Pepsi and chomping on Snicker's bars. They didn't care, why should I?? Amd like you, I always tried to find my comfort with food.

Even now, although it's only been 2 weeks, I still feel twinges of resentment when my family gets to have their burgers on buns or mashed potatoes. It doesn't feel fair.

I have to remind myself that, fair or not, I can't eat like that and expect to be healthy. I can do this or I can not do it. It's ultimately up to me. My health is up to me.

Please stick around and use this board as your sounding board. Nearly everyone here has done some whining at some point, I'm sure. Pop into the journal section and read the struggles others have faced with this WOE. It really helps to know you aren't alone in this fight. Even better, start your own journal. It really does help.

Congratulations on the success you've had, thusfar!

**ValidRouge** · June 19, 2007, 11:14 AM

Re: On day 19 and doing sort of okay

You know, when I first started Atkins, I (like SOOOOO many others I'm sure) just wanted a quick way out of obesity. You know, a "magic pill". Well, I got the book and I sorta skimmed over it. I found this site, and sorta participated. I exercised a little bit and I lost some weight. This is going to sound terrible, but, I snagged me a man and went off my diet. GORGED for a couple years...and I mean GORGED. Gained all the weight back, plus some. I read what people had said on here, but it didn't apply to me...ya know? I did my own thing. Bah! The second time I decided to do it. I read the book. Really read it. Paid attention to what the man said. Then I got pissed off at the government, and medical doctors and pharmaceutical companies that keep preaching this low-fat mantra that has gotten us all FAT and SICK. That really gave me a focus, ya know? I was *FINALLY* going to get healthy, thin and fit....and I was going to do it FAST without having to starve myself to do it.

And that's exactly what I did.

Read that book, read studies...get ticked off that all the garbage they've been feeding us (literally) has made you FAT and SICK! Then use the momentum from that to get you on your way.

Announcement

On day 19 and doing sort of okay

On day 19 and doing sort of okay

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment