Looking for a Solution

[GracefromBoston]

Hi everyone,



I'm new on this forum and just looking for some moral support. I have struggled with my weight all my life. Currently I'm about 60 lbs. overweight. My biggest problem is that I have absolutely no willpower whatsoever. I will start a diet on Monday and be off by Wednesday. I just can't stick to ANYTHING. The only thing that's come close to working is South Beach, which I can do for about 4 weeks then it's down the drain. I've tried everything, from starving myself (terrible I know but it only lasts a few hours before I cave), Weight Watchers, Atkins (HA! yeah right! I live for carbs!), Slim-Fast, you name it.



Just wondering what gives you strength and keeps you going. No matter what I do and how strong I feel at the beginning of a diet, it crumbles by day three then the whole "I guess I'm not that bad" feeling sets in. But by Monday, I'm depressed and mad at myself, and the whole process starts over.



How does everyone keep it going day after day?

[wnt2b skinny]

Hey Gracefromboston,

I think we were twins from another time.. I too have been just like you.. I got to the point where I said to myself that I need to finally do something not to say that I am the biggest I have ever been and don't feel like doing anything anymore and I know its because of my weight.

I also did the south beach diet and felt wonderful on it but didn't lose any weight. I started Atkins on Monday the 15th and I have lost 6lbs so far.. the other time I was on Atkins I didn't follow it like I should have and didn't lose that much.. but this time.. I am determined to lose it.. I get on this message board EVERY day because it helps me.. I also told myself if I get ready to munch at night (I'm a night snacker) then I will go to bed early.. (the other night I was in bed at 7:45.. but it worked I lost weight..

This message board is the best the support here is GREAT!! If you need a buddy.. I am here for you.. don't give up keep fighting because you will win!!!

[nomoretears]

I, too, tried all kinds of diets before. I was on the frequent registration list for Weight Watchers! As long as I'd see results and I'd see the scale move, I'd stay clean and honest.

But, the second that scale had the nerve to defy me - I'd be off the wagon. My thinking was "what difference does it make?" - and after that, I didn't only fall off the wagon, I'd get run over by it and I'd be back to where I started or worse.

I think you have to look at it in small stages, otherwise it's overwhelming. Day by day. Set daily goals for yourself. "Today, I'm going to stick to the plan and I'm going to feel better". Tomorrow, you'll feel better and you set another goal for yourself.

Personally, I bribe myself with shopping. If I stay clean and honest and lose to my next mini-goal, I buy new shoes. Before you know it, you're hooked and you feel good. Plus, I'm a ridiculously competitive person so I choose to look at it as a contest and I'm going to win.

Just don't give up before you really try - you can so totally do it. How could you not; you have us!!

[sallyseachange]

Hello and welcome Grace!

Don't despair... lots of us have tried every diet out there and battled with repeated cave ins... but many of us have gotten to goal and managed to maintain happily. This board can help by giving you inspiration, good Atkins advice and lots of support. Check in regularly and share your progress/problems/successes with us. We're here to help.

Try to stick with it through induction. By doing a clean induction you'll be well on the way to killing the carb cravings. Believe me, it gets easier the longer you stick with the plan without cheats.

Happy losing! You can do this!

[dreamof145]

Hi Grace. Welcome to the board. You've made the first step. This board is absolutely the best for making friends to share your journey with and helping you plan for success.

Have you read the book? Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution, edition 2002? Its the best way to acquaint yourself with the program, what to do and how to do it properly for permanent success. It will give you lots of case studies, recipes, and scientif studies as to why it works.

Everyone here is especially friendly, helpful and filled with motivational words to help you as you make healthy changes that will bring you to goal.

Its hard to make changes, so take baby-steps, learn as you go, form a plan as to how you will exercise, eat and think more positively. You can do it. We are all here and willing to cheer you on, answer your questions and encourage you to never give up on yourself. Geat active, make friends and enjoy the program....don't fight it.

[GracefromBoston]

Sally and dreamof145 - your pictures are utterly inspiring.
Thanks so much!

[Lillywight]

Hi GracefromBoston:

I'm new here too and suffer with some of the same issues that you do. Currently, my daughters is doing the Plan with me. When I want to quit, she's there to talk me in off the ledge. We plan meals together, cook together, walk together . . . and weigh together. I made it through the first week of Induction without any cheats and I'm anxious for the upcoming week! Pehaps there's a "friend" who can help you stay on track. If not -- I'm sure the Board will be a great motivator!!!

[LishJustLish]

Hi Grace,

I just joined this board, too, but I could write a book filled with all the useless dieting information I've absorbed during the last 30-plus years I've been trying to lose weight. It all boils down to this:

1. On Atkins, after that third magical day of induction, I no longer have sugar or carb cravings. Period. I've been on it since April. I don't need willpower anymore; I've simply lost my taste for sugary things, which makes me think that my sugar addiction is a very physical one, not psychological.

2. On Atkins, I'm never hungry. I eat a hearty breakfast, and then I sometimes forget to eat lunch. Mind you, I'm still about 170 lbs. overweight (lost 60 so far), but I do sometimes forget to eat lunch! I always have a good dinner with salad or cooked veggies.

3. On Atkins, I'm the healthiest obese person you will ever know. My lipid panel shows that my cholesterol level is 179, my triglycerides (key indicator of heart disease) are 46 (200 or below is good), I have no diabetes, and at the ripe old age of 45, I take absolutely no medications. I exercise by walking the family puppy to and from my daughter's school every day.

This is the diet that works and is working for me. Read the book and try it. This is the only diet I can honestly say is a true lifestyle change for me. Dr. Atkins said a diet isn't a bus you get on and off, it is a lifetime plan for healthy eating. I've found my plan, and you can too!

Lish

[GracefromBoston]

Hey Everyone -

Thanks so much for your kind and encouraging words!