newbie, question about induction and snack bars

[mom-to-5]

HELLO ALL!!!
This is my first time here, in fact I just found this board.
I have done Atkins twice before and have lost a lot of weight both times, only to relapse and gain it all back.
I am an overeater and carb addict. I am a SAHM, and eat all day long, preferably cookies, cakes, chocolate bars. I'm out of control. when I'm not dieting, I gain at a rate of about 2-3 lbs a week. I'm disgusting! And the worst part is that all the fat gathers around my belly and hips only. I have chicken legs, skinny arms a small face and a big belly. People always ask me when I'm due.
After much thinking, I have decided to give Atkins one last try.
I hope to stick with it this time. I'm starting tomorrow, so wish me luck, please.
My question is,
I read some posts that say Atkins bars and shakes are not ok during induction. Is that true? I have used them previously and always still lost weight, [about a pound a day during induction] . Do I really have to give them up? They are the only reason I can do Atkins, in the first place. I used to have 2 a day during induction, and they kept me happy and losing. I feel like crying at the thought of living without any sweets.
Has anyone here used them during induction and still lost weight at a good rate?
Your response is really appreciated. thanks!

Sugarfreak.

[Chasin2Kids]

Hey you sugarfreak! Most people agree that the snack bars aren't ok if you want to have a clean induction. The purpose of induction is to GET RID OF THOSE CRAVINGS!!! So you'd really be doing your body a favor (and making Atkins work better for you) if you gave them up for that first two weeks. I know that there is also some discussion about whether or not they really have as few carbs in them as they say they do, but I have never had them, so I don't know.

[Brook]

Hi mom-to.

Okay, I don't expect you're going to like what you're about to hear..but know that it's coming from someone who is as big a carboholic as you are.

The bars and shakes are JUNK FOOD. Dependancy on JUNK FOOD is what landed you in the chubby boat to begin with. You CAN do Atkins without the garbage.

You're not going to starve a sweet-tooth or kill cravings by feeding them. It's like giving an alcoholic a beer instead of a shot of whiskey and expecting them to be able to handle it and be fine. It just doesn't work!

There are reasons you've been successful in the past just like there are reasons you've fallen off the wagon. If what you've been doing doesn't work, gear up, put on your big girl panties, and change what you're doing!

You're talking about spending what? $100-$200 a month on junk food and candy bars that aren't going to teach you squat about learning to eat properly and learning that you don't need those things to be satisfied!! I have to tell you, every time I put on a pair of size 8 or 10 jeans after being in a size 22 for so long - I feel PLENTY satisfied!

My best suggestion is this: Get rid of them. They're not teaching you to rely on real food and the truth is that if relying on them was enough to get you through, you likely wouldn't have fallen off the wagon and regained the weight to begin with.

CLEAN SLATE!!!

You may well be one of those people who can eat that stuff and continue to lose weight. <shrug> If it works for you, then do what you're going to do - but also know what the consequences of doing that are (perpetuating the sweeth-tooth and going broke, potential stalling, etc).

I have a rule about everything I eat. If it requires a degree in chemical engineering to pronounce the ingredients, I don't eat it. ~~shiver~~

You're going to be much more successful in the long run if you eliminate the sweet tooth and get busy doing what needs to be done the old fashioned way.

"Whether you believe you can or can't, you'll be right."

We KNOW you can do it. Do you?

I wish you success.
~Brook

[mom-to-5]

Thank you guys so much for responding so quickly. I never thought that eating the bars may have been the cause of me failing to stick to Atkins. It puts a whole new perspective on things...
I still don't know what I'm going to do...Your post was very helpful and eye opening, Brook, thank you. But it made me sad. Suddenly I'm not so excited to do Atkins. I know I have to. I don't have a choice. If I keep on eating this way, it will kill me. I'm only 28 and I already have arthritis. almost died last year from pencreatitis caused by gallstones, I have many headaches, stomache aches and back problems and no energy. I know the way I eat doesn't help. Something needs to change. I'll give it much thought today to wether I'll do a clean induction this time. It's a scary thought but I know I need to learn to live without sweets. Question is, can I do it without going crazy or making my DH and children crazy????????????

[Brook]

((((mom-to-5))))

Take a deep breath, okay?

We've ALL been where you're at. You're NOT alone here.

The thing is, you don't have to give up ANYTHING for forever if that's what you choose. There are distinct differences between induction, weight loss phases, and maintenance. Each provides more leeway than the previous one, but the learning process is important!!

The other thing is that there are alternatives available! You don't have to give up sweets and things for forever. It's going to require some planning and creativity on your part, but it IS doable and I know this to be true because I did it and so have countless others. YOU CAN TOO!!!!!!

Case in point:

Mock Cinnamon Apples.

This is made by slicing jicama (induction legal!) thinly and simmering it in a can of diet cream soda, a packet of sugar free apple cider, cinnamon, juice from half a lemon, and lots of cinnamon. It stays crunchy, but it takes on the flavor of stewed cinnamon apples and is divine served warm with a bit of heavy cream or just eaten cold (that's how my kids eat it).

There ARE alternatives. Invest some time going through the recipe sections and other low-carb recipe sites. There are zillions of them Go through and take a look at menu threads. Do a search here and you'll find tons.

It's not going to be easy at first, and those that love you and are around you may not like you so much for the first couple of days while you detox your body and get this party started.

YOU. ARE. WORTH. IT.

You really are.

~Brook

[mom-to-5]

Brook, thank you for all your support. it's wonderful that you spend your time helping people you don't even know. It's appreciated!
You have convinced me at least to
give it a try. I 'll take one day at a time. I started induction today. Been doing good so far. There is a box of atkins advantage bars, sitting in my cupboard staring at me, so I know it's gonna be tempting, but I think I can do it. Let's see how long I can go.I owe it to myself to at least be strong through the induction flu, it should get easier after that.
I'll keep you guys posted.
thanks,

mom-to-5

[Chasin2Kids]

If the bars are tempting you, maybe its best to get rid of them. If there are things in your house that cause major temptation issues, don't allow them to be there.

As for husbands and kids, I have submitted to cooking two different meals sometimes. Im past induction, so lots of things I'm eating they are eating too. But occasionally I will fix them a meal that I can't have and fix myself something else. And as for their attitudes, everyone is happier here because Momma is happier now. Not so crabby. Has energy to play. And lotsa other stuff. So I think the hardwork pays off because the whole attitude of the house changes. Induction is hard...but it gets better. I wish you the best of luck. We are all here for you!

[ginette06]

hiya i am only on day 5 so i am a newbie myself ,you can do it just remember nothing tastes as good as being slim feels ginette

[sillygirl]

Hi again Mom (I just posted to you in another thread). I completely agree with Brook, ditch the bars they are filled with additives and realistically are not 2 carbs at all. Look at the total carb count, and that's what you are consuming! The sooner you get rid of them and eat 100% Atkins style, the sooner you will not even crave things like that.

[Lisa M]

Late welcome, Mom to 5, but I hope you'll find this board a great help! As you can see we are all about taking it one day at a time, and making sure we put the right foods in our bodies to make a difference in our health.

Best wishes