Afraid to post & afraid to start agian!

[Amy-SC]

Hey. My name is Amy and I’m 36 years old. I don’t even know how much I weigh because I’m too disgusted in myself to step on a scale but I think it’s somewhere around 250. That’s MORE than what I weighed when I was nine months pregnant!! I’m addicted to food, I should say WE’RE addicted to food because my husband and I both desperately need to lose weight. Since we’ve been married we’ve gained another PERSON between the two of us. That’s not the worse part … this new person we’ve gained between the two of us is also overweight. Sad isn’t it? That’s our lives now … sad. I’m so depressed about it. Our health is getting worse too. Our backs always hurt, our feet hurt, our EVERYTHING hurts. I’ve done Atkins before and must’ve done something right because it did take my appetite away. It’s been so long ago though. I got bored with it very fast because I’m not very creative when it comes to coming up with things I can have on this diet. I’ve been reading the boards and something new that’s come to my attention is that the Atkins shakes and bars aren’t good to use, especially on induction. That really bothers me because I was thinking about starting again and because we’re both on the go with work so much, the shakes etc. were going to help eliminate at least one meal (probably breakfast) and now I’m reading we shouldn’t use them at all & I’m even more discouraged. I’m desperate to lose weight and feel better but I’m so down about it, fat, and LAZY I’m beginning to think it’s not meant to be. I was invited to go camping with friends this weekend and I won’t go because of my weight (they’re all skinny). I loved to swim when I was younger but won’t be caught dead in a swimsuit now because I’m so big. So I know I’m missing out on life and it feels like life is starting to go by very fast now. I need motivation, I need meal ideas, I need support and I NEED HELP! I should say WE (hubby and I) need help. I’m the meal planner so it’s up to me to put us on a diet and shop for the food etc. so please share some ideas. I’m desperate!

[tulsanurse1]

Re: Afraid to post & afraid to start agian!

Omg, you know that almost feeling you have? I totally understand where you are. Two weeks ago I felt the exact same way. You are so not hopeless, you are here and that means you still have drive. My start weight was 269, I made myself get on the scales. To hide is to ignore the problem. Within two weeks, ive lost some pounds, but more than that, Ive gained hope and pride in what Ive been able to do. By day two, I was different, and I knew I never wanted to feel that tired and depressed again. You can do this and because you are here, you can get tons of support and encouragement and tips and gosh, so much more. Welcome to ADBB, we are so glad to see you here.

[sparky29]

Re: Afraid to post & afraid to start agian!

Go the before and after pictures section. thats all the incentive you'll need. the best thing for you is that you're not alone. every person on this website is either where you are mentally right now, or has been there at one time or another. im confident you'll make the necessary changes for the sake of your health and your husbands.

try to play mind games with yourself. it works for me. rationalize with yourself. try thinking about things in this world that are so awful, or about our men and women overseas fighting for us carrying 100 pounds of gear on their backs. (i wont bring my political views in here, dont have any regardless) just an example that they're away from their families.

all you need to do is lose some weight. everyone here knows how difficult that is, but you wouldnt be here if you werent ready. make a change, and start right now. clean out the fridge, go to the supermarket and have a wonderful evening!

good luck

[dreamof145]

Re: Afraid to post & afraid to start agian!

Hi Amy. Your post could have been written by me a few years ago. I never went anywhere or did anything because of my weight. Well, you are here now, with friends and you have made the first step in changing your life and getting control over your weight.

How wonderful that your husband will be doing this with you. You can plan your meals, exercise and goals together. Have you read the book? Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution, edition 2002. Read it together and work out plans for success. Take your measurements, weight, and even take photos to share or keep in your journal for your own records. This will help you SEE your progress as well as read the numbers on the scale and meas tape.

Don't fight the program....learn about it and understand how it works so that you will feel comfortable with the changes you are making. As you continue with the way of eating and exercising, it will become a habit. This is not a temporary diet, it is a permanent life-style change. The more you enjoy it, the more you'll stick to your plans and the greater success you'll have.

We're so happy to have you both join us, get active in the forums and become comfortable with the program. Check out the forums, challenges, journals, motivational stories/photos and make lots of friends!! Keep us posted on your progress.

[OzLover]

Re: Afraid to post & afraid to start agian!

Starting to eat the Atkins way isn't going to make you feel any worse than you feel now. It seems to me that if you continue the route you are currently on then life will get worse mentally & physically. So bottem line is what do you have to lose??? I know this from experience!!!

I would encourage you & hubby to read the book, clean out the cupboards, set some goals & get started. Come to ADBB daily for knowledge & inspiration. This is a great site with wonderful people who will build you up & help you along the way.

It won't be easy in the beginning. It gets easier everyday! There are great recipes here on the board. Also check out www.genaw.com/lowcarb. There are wonderful recipes there. You will have to plan ahead & make up some breakfast dishes that will accomidate your busy work schedule. Pack lunches the night before.

Good luck!

[inhisgrip]

Re: Afraid to post & afraid to start agian!

Hey Amy,
I know exactly how you are feeling. I was on Atkins before and it worked for me perfectly but I quit and gained all my weight back. I knew I needed to get back on but I dreaded giving up so much "good" stuff. I'm not much of a cook and not very creative either when it comes to finding foods that will work on this program but that's where the ADBB has helped, the people here will give you tons of ideas some you never would have thought of! Check out http://www.genaw.com/lowcarb/index.html for some great and EASY recipes, go shopping, stock your fridge and pantry with Atkins friendly foods and get the ball rolling. You can do this! And you'll be going swimming with your friends in no time.

[SandyL2002]

Re: Afraid to post & afraid to start agian!

Hi Amy.. I have been where you are too.. My desire to lose weight is when I had to sit in a special chair at a Youth event because I couldn't fit in the stadium seats.. I was 289..and I was sitting beside another guy who couldn't fit in the seats either.. he was at least 500lbs and he smelled terrible... I am struggling right now..but I am not giving up.. I DO NOT want to be that way anymore..

[bradybunch]

Re: Afraid to post & afraid to start agian!

Welcome to ADBB Amy, you and your husband can do this, you know you can or you wouldn't be here. There is so many resources at your fingertips for meal ideas. The ideas one can come up with on this way of eating is endless.
I take a few hardboiled eggs with me for breakfast when I know I am going to be on the go. There is always a way if one will plan just a little.
Everything you said in your post about back hurts, feet hurts. I know that feeling too and it will soon be gone if you follow this way of eating.
Trust me and all the other members on here. We are here to support you and give you the best advice we can. We are all in this together, that is what makes this board so great. Good luck to you and your hubby.

[sillygirl]

Re: Afraid to post & afraid to start agian!

Welcome Amy! Hang around this board and you will not become bored with this way of eating. There's tons of recipes and lots of food talk so choices are limitless! I'm happy to hear you're the planner of the family because planning is a great thing to help keep you on track. You can do it, we're all rooting for you both.

[sallyseachange]

Re: Afraid to post & afraid to start agian!

Hello Amy and a very warm welcome to you and your husband.

Sounds to me like you've made a wonderful decision to start Atkins again. For several reasons, but here are two of them: 1. You really mustn't avoid doing things you love, because of your weight... and believe me that like you, most of us have done just that in our pre-Atkins days.
2. You absolutely don't need a third person in your marriage (in any shape or form)!!!

Kudos to you for posting here and making the decision. We'll help and support you all along the way and I'm positive that once you get going and see the first results you won't look back. All those feelings of depression will lessen and then simply disappear as you get healthier and trimmer.

As for the shakes... once you get yourself organised for your breakfasts, you'll find you don't really need them. There are loads of breakfast tips to be had here on ADBB.

Post lots, ask question, make friends... we're here for you!

[IrishIrish]

Re: Afraid to post & afraid to start agian!

Do yourself and your husband and your family the biggest favor that you will ever do and make sure you read Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution, 2002. I promise you ... if you invest a couple of evenings reading from the beginning of the book through Induction at a minimum, you'll be amazed with your results.

I could have written your post in 2004! My husband and I began Atkins together and we haven't looked back. While I had a great deal more to lose than you do, I know it doesn't matter ... just plan your menus, keep it simple and stay focused on the Acceptable Food List and the Rules of Induction. You'll be amazed how much better you feel in two weeks and you'll see the changes and feel them too. That will be your motivator!

Make a pact with your husband and commit to Atkins for the next few weeks and just watch the changes in your life!

Breakfast can be as easy as eggs and mushrooms or make ahead breakfast quiches or hard boiled eggs or a hamburger patty.

Keep your lunch and dinner menus simple and as you go, you may decide to experiment with recipes a little more. It can be a simple or as complex as you want it to be.

Drink water and exercise! And check back here with the board often. People will be supportive of you and answer your questions and celebrate your success!!!

[Shaemess]

Re: Afraid to post & afraid to start again!

Hey Amy, how's it going? I can totally relate to your story. Before starting on Atkins, I was 460 pounds and a virtual shut in. On top of the weight, I injured my back at work which caused me to develop a slipped disc. Things got so bad I had trouble walking to the corner store and back, which is pretty sad since I live right beside it. My life was absolutely miserable. In fact it had been so miserable for so long I'd practically climatized myself to it.

Things came to a braking point when someone close to me in my life said something truly hurtful. At that moment I said "F" this, I'm losing this weight. Since then I haven't looked back.

For me, the first thing I did was finally getting angry with that person's cruel words AND myself for allowing myself to get to were I was. The second thing I did was buy the Akin's New Diet Revolution and read it from cover to cover. Even today I go back and read over certain chapters just to refresh my memory. Third, I found this website and started to chat with a great group of people that are always willing to listen and lend support. I believe those 3 things equally helped me lose the weight I've lost.

Don't get me wrong, I get in those moods where it seems like losing the weight is insurmountable but I'm telling you from the bottom of my heart that there is hope. Think of it this way, you made your first step by starting this thread and reaching out for support.

Good luck and we hope you join us on this amazing journey.

[Forever_Autumn87]

Re: Afraid to post & afraid to start agian!

Hi Amy.. I have been where you are too..for most of my adult life. My desire is to lose all my weight between this year and next, but I usually fight with myself and end up giving up...not this time though, For I made myself a promise that this is going to be my year of success and it's starting to pay off. You have came to the right place Anything you need to know, or any help you will ever need is right here at ADBB.
The Guys and Gals on here are Fab, and we have all been in the dark place you are in at the moment, come in and feel the freedom here it will liberate you.

Love, hugs and blessings.

[Amy-SC]

Re: Afraid to post & afraid to start agian!

Just a quick THANK YOU to all who replied. I'm going to start this weekend, I really don't want to but I am. I've started working on my grocery list and hubby and I are going shopping this weekend. I'm going to get him on here too and read the postings so he can see how supportive y'all are too. I hope to be more possitive in the near future. It just seems so HOPELESS now. I absolutely HATE the way I look/feel and we have to do something about it. I'm like you Shaemess, the thought of walking from the parking lot across the street at work to the building is nothing to most people but I dread it everyday! Something so simple can be like hiking a mountain to someone overweight and it's SAD! I want to wear trendy clothes, go swimming, go to the beach, there's so much the skinny person in me is longing to do!

Anyway ... THANK YOU TO ALL!

[sillygirl]

Re: Afraid to post & afraid to start agian!

Amy! Ditch the negative thinking. I know it's scary, losing weight is a very difficult thing to do, mentally that is. Eating this way, the weight will come off. Slow and steady is the way to go. You will adjust to your new you as you lose.

It's great if DH will come read some posts here. Being on the board is the best way to get the support you need. It really keeps us on track. The other thing is that doing it together will be a big help. Make a promise to yourselves that you will do this properly and follow the plan. You may be surprised at the ease of it all.

I'm excited for you