Ready to make a change

[Mrs_S]

Hello everyone! I posted an little intro in the Second Time Around board, but I thought I'd drop by here as well.

I am a 24/f living in Chicago. Recently married this past summer.

My first experience with the AWOL was back in 2005. Throughout that year I lost 50 lbs and it was wonderful! I maintained my weight all the way til my wedding in June 2007 (aw today is our 9 month anniversary hehe). After the wedding has been a struggle. I'd have good "weeks" then fall off. I started doing WW with a little success but not whole heartedly. I'd keep going back and forth...which is better..low carb...low fat..ahhh!

I loved my experience with Atkins and I want to make this time work. I really worry that I've used up all my "tries" with this plan..like it won't work anymore.

More than a number, a clothing size, I need to get back to that secure place where I was in control of my eating and the emotions that go along with. I am between 5-8 lbs more than where I was at my lowest, but yet I feel so far away emotionally from where I was when my eating habits were in check. I want to lose weight, but I want to be confident and secure with my choices of eating and not let food rule me anymore!!

[mitzimarie]

Re: Ready to make a change

I loved my experience with Atkins and I want to make this time work. I really worry that I've used up all my "tries" with this plan..like it won't work anymore.

Hi, Mrs_S

Welcome to ADBB

Well, you have just touched upon one of my favorite topics.

Please don't ever fall prey to the "one golden shot" theory. As you can see from my stats, I have been at this at least a couple of times. And I am here to tell you, that this time I have done better than I ever have before.

There were a few differences between that first time, and this time. While I read the book to start Atkins on that first time, I didn't progress up the rungs properly or bother to find my CCLL. I was never a veggie eater prior to Atkins, and on that first time, I only ate salads for veggies. And sure, I lost weight... but I never reached my goal, and I didn't have the skills to maintain the weight that I was able to lose. This time, I have followed the book to the letter, and have embraced veggies. And I found out something... I don't just tolerate veggies now, I LOVE them! Even in Maintenance, most of my carbs come from veggies. I have been able to get down UNDER my goal weight, and have been maintaining since November. (that means I even made it through Thanksgiving and Christmas!) I never looked upon it as a diet to lose weight... it was just the way I eat now. That way, I was able to relax into it and learn as much about the WOE and my body as I could. I only averaged a loss of between 1 and 2 pounds a week (including the 7 pounds I lost in Induction), which means that some weeks I lost 2 pounds, most weeks I lost 1, and there were weeks when I lost none. Weight loss in not linear, and body weight can fluctuate for so many reasons, so you can't get too obsessed with the scale. And, I didn't have this board on my first time around. I have had it since the beginning this time, and it has been KEY to my success.

Keep this in mind - you get out of Atkins, exactly what you put into it. If you embrace it, rather than fight it, it DOES work! So, spend some time exploring the board, make some friends, and BELIEVE... you will get where you want to go.

[dreamof145]

Re: Ready to make a change

Welcome back. I agree, one of the best things about this plan is being in control over your eating instead of being miserable and feeling deprived all the time. Glad you've returned ~ keep us posted on your progress. We care and are here for you.

[Martylaine]

Re: Ready to make a change

Congratulations Mrs. S on both your Anniversary but also on your decision for a happier and healthier lifestyle. Mitzi is right... you still have every chance for success. This is my 4th time and I am doing fine. DO NOT give up and be patient.

[Mrs_S]

Re: Ready to make a change

thank you for all of your responses. i think one of the hardest things is the psychological roadblock and saying yes i can do it yes i deserve and yes it WILL work!! i am getting there! and i am going to stick with it!!!

[southstargazer1]

Re: Ready to make a change

Just wanted to say welcome.

[Diva68]

Re: Ready to make a change

This is a great place for support!!

Happy Losing!!

[Martylaine]

Re: Ready to make a change

Remember... anytime you feel that you may not be worth it.. Come see us.. we'll tell you THAT YOU ARE !!! Keep the faith in yourself.. you CAN do it and it will be worth it !!!