A New STAC'r

[redfoxglove]

Hello, I've just read several posts. People, I just want to say, I'm back and PROUD OF IT! Not to take away from anyone else's journey. I am just proud of myself for choosing to come back to what I know is great for me. I don't consider myself a failure for not sticking with the WOE. I just made other choices. Yes, I gained back some of the weight I lost last time. But I must have been doing something right this past year because right now I really like and love myself, and that's why I'm becoming a STACr.

Lately it's been really strange. I've been seeing my reflection in the mirror or a store window and thinking, girl, for 52 years old you're pretty hot. My butt is sticking out, my belly is bigger than my boobs, but somehow I like the look of me in those jeans. My hair is age-appropriate trendy, my makeup makes me feel pretty, and yeah, I need to lose the next 40 pounds. Maybe 50, I don't know, I'll know it when I see it.

My biggest challenge is, once I get on the program, it's almost too easy. I lose the weight quickly, then I think, just as someone said in another post, it came off so fast and so easy that I can just sneak this or that...pretty soon I'm way off plan. I do well with a structure and a routine, up to a point. I can't take it too far or else a part of me rebels. That part of me is not so much in control of my life as it was when I was younger.

So yesterday I took Step 1, that was to stop by the produce stand and buy some veggies, some meat protein, and some eggs. Now I'm not sure what will be the next step. Should I do a 14-day induction while I study up on the OWL? Because last time I just did a 30-day induction, lost 22 pounds, and then kept it off for about a year. The weight re-gain has all been in the last 6 months. I think this time I want to do it more "officially", go through the steps, find my acceptable carb level, and make it a lifestyle not just a temporary weight drop.

My upcoming challenge is I'm starting my 3rd college quarter in 18 days, and I need to have a routine established so I don't crash on cafeteria junk food. The days are going to be long over there at the campus. I'm snugly fitting in to my size 18 jeans again, and I don't want to buy new ones for school in a size 18. I was so close to buying size 16! Maybe by the end of this year I can treat myself to size 14 jeans for Christmas!

It's my TOM so in a day or two I'm going to weigh myself. I'm pretty sure I'm 202. I had gotten all the way down to 187. My goal is 150-160. I see that some people have mini-goals of 10 pounds. That sounds like a good idea. Anyone care to make some suggestions?

Glad to be back.

Redfoxglove

[momtomany1]

The good thing about STA is you have done it before, and you know some of the things that we miss when we are newbies. You already know which veggies are high carb, which ones low, you have a better idea how to measure salads, etc.

I think you are very wise to get into the groove before classes.

You already know this.. but you are NOT supposed to lose all your weight on induction. So yes... do it by the book!

May I give you an big 'attagirl' on the excellent 'tude, by the way! You go girl!

[redfoxglove]

Thanks, momtomany1! I am so jazzed after spending several more minutes on this forum reading all the inspiring stories and good tips. Now I'm going to dig up my book, I know it's here somewhere, or I might just have to buy a new one if I can't find it quickly. I think I want to start by reading the book and getting my ground rules established. I do think I want to do another induction.

But last time the reason I did an extended induction for 30 days was because I was afraid that if I started adding new foods the weight loss would stop. So after 30 days I was bored with my food choices and just "winged it". Which worked, for a while. Yes, I think getting the book and getting my ground rules is what I need to do, Today.

You mention measuring the veg, I read on the sticky about weighing it, that seems like a good idea, but call me dummy, I could not understand how to read the measurements given. Any tips?

Thanks for the feedback, looking forward to this new chapter.

[momtomany1]

My main tip is to remember, vegetables are measured raw. If you are going to cook yellow squash, for example, and eat one cup, you will measure the raw squash, not the cooked, or you get too much.

Leafy vegetables, being pretty low in carb, don't worry me too much, a one cup serving of leafies is about the size of a baseball. So eat two or three 'baseballs' worth of salad veggies a day, raw, or two of those and one cup of the 'other vegetables.

I found a nice 2002 Atkins book in Goodwill, try your bargain shops if you have them!

[redfoxglove]

Hey great idea, yes, I'll check the "Salvy"...surely there will be a book there for me.

I've made up my mind not to buy jeans until I get into a size 16. I've given away all my size 20-22 clothes last time.

Just ate a sauteed veg with scrambled egg dish that whipped up in no time. Let's see, maybe I need a kitchen scale...

Later, MTM1!