update

[nene1958]

Dear Tom,

Thank you for your email. I have managed to lose 50.8 lbs. since starting the Atkins diet but was on vacation last week and ate quite a few carbs. I am having trouble staying on it again. I will be fine for a day or two and then I will eat carbs. If you have any suggestions I am open to them.

Sincerely,

[chinadoll]

Hi Nene. I am not Tom , but my suggestion is to just keep pluggin away at working toward a perfect day. It may take a while. At least it does for me on the occasions when i have strayed. But don't give up, just keep getting back on the path to low carb and it will eventually click in again.

[msanjelpie]

Sometimes you have to take a rest and get up the gumption to make that major committment again. Binging on carbs can really mess with your head especially if it thinks it has been deprived and 'wants to catch up'... Think of the best carby meal you can have, let that be your LAST one, and then wake up and DO IT! You'll know when the right day comes along...

[nene1958]

Thank you for your words of encouragement. I just hope the day comes soon so I don't gain the 50 lbs back. I have done well so far today.

[imagood1]

When you get hungry for carbs pick up a glass of water and drink it....a lot of times when we "think" we're hungry our bodies actually are dehydrated so drink up and give it 15 - 20 minutes. If you are still hungry go for something legal. If you need something that reminds you of carbs try microwaving a slice of Deli Deluxe Cheese (cut it in pieces) until it's brown - it tastes like Cheese-Its. Or microwave some pepperoni slices -- they taste like chips.

You have to get through 1 day before you can get to the 2nd day -- stay strong, I know it's not easy but there are plenty of us here who have been where you are!

Good luck.

[nene1958]

Carole,

Thank you for your help. I have been craving ice cream and chocolate like crazy which is not good. I am afraid to get on the scales. I will try the cheese in the microwave. I think I am eating out of boredom. My husband has changed shifts at work and I am alone for the 1st time in years.

[ldyj]

Eat hard boiled eggs. They really help with the sugar cravings. If you're bored, that's another game. Go for a walk. Go to the library and look at the books, you can even read one, at the library. The idea is to get out of the house and away from yourself. If this is going to be an on-going problem, find some place to volunteer your time, some place where there isn't any tempting foods to distract you. You've done this before, you KNOW you can do this. So, go on, get back on board, we're here for ya!

[nene1958]

I will. I am in bible school this week and am not able to walk after work. I normally walk 4 to 6 miles a day. Bible school ends tomorrow night. I will be able to get back on my schedule. The walking and eating will be back at normal times and I won't be grabbing junk food. Thanks for your help.

[Slidesdownmountains]

nest of luck Nene, and well done for owning up to your cheating (feels lousy and shameful, I know!)
You can try taking Chromium Picolinate, and Magnesium for sugar/choc cravings.

Carbs and comfort foods like soft white bread [I believe] causes the release of the hormone dopamine, which is a feel-good hormone, and easy to get addicted to.

Try getting straight back on the wagon (it's very easy, believe me, to keep extending that 'start' date further and further away!), and clear out the 'bad' foods. I personally find it easier to curb a craving for a high-sugar/high carb food by eating something a bit fatty - like cheese, for instance.
If you want something absorbing to do with your hands - crochet is good!

[nene1958]

Thanks for the vitamin advice. I have magnesium that I take every day but not the chromium. I have lots of cheese too. I am glad I have you all to get me back on the right track. If not I would weigh 500 lbs. You all are the greatest.