2nd Time Around

[Nick9973]

Hello,

My name is Nick. This is my second attempt at Atkins, and I have made a firm decision to make it my last. This time, I will not fall off the bandwagon! The first time I attempted to go on Atkins, I went at it with mediocre enthusiasm. I did well, don't get me wrong... but I didn't stick to it, which is the ultimate purpose, right? I started in October of 2007 weighing 238 lbs. Over the course of five months I lost roughly 45 lbs., ending at around 194 lbs. I ended in early March due to the phenomenal stress brought on by graduating college. I realize that this is no excuse and that Atkins actually helps combat stress, but like I said... I didn't have the enthusiasm or motivation to stick it out.

Since March, I have steadily gained about 12 lbs., making me 206 lbs. My ultimate goal (aside from good health, better self-confidence, and a more positive outlook on life) is to achieve my goal weight of 169 lbs. Although it would be nice if I could achieve this by the time grad school starts, I realize that it may be unrealistic. In any case, I understand that I am on this program for life and it really doesn't matter when I lose the weight... just so long as I lose it.

I have been on induction for four days now and I've lost a total of 4 lbs. Woo hoo! I am still motivated and this time I'm doing things right. Previously, I was addicted to Diet Rite and sugar-free Russel Stover candies. While these products might work for some people, I realize now that they only fed my sweet tooth and ultimately led to my failure. This time, I am going whole-hog and sticking only to the approved foods list. This time, I plan to succeed! Please, wish me good planning and doing!

Thanks!

[Chicklady]

Hi Nick Wow! You DO sound ready! Wishing you all the best in your Atkins journey ... If you ever feel temptations creeping in, just come here and let us nag you, errrr, i mean talk you out of them

[Nick9973]

Thanks! I really am motivated this time! I really want to experience living the life I have never had.

You have lost a lot too! Congrats!!! Any tips? Oh... and your cats are adorable! I have a Maine Coon calico that looks similar.

[Chicklady]

My only tip is to go by the book. Variations just get you in trouble. I did Atkins before, and rarely left induction, ate very few vegetables, and when I finally did add more carbs, it was not good stuff (mai Tais, sugar free chocolate, and such ) Well, I never learned how to eat for life! I'm doing it right this time. my mother always said i had a brick skull

[2MuchMike]

Congratulations on being 4 pounds down!

There was one thing in your post that sounded familiar to me. You mentioned falling off the wagon when you reached graduation, and also mentioned the start of grad school. In the past I've fallen into a trap of being so focused on a particular date or event, then when that date comes I fall off the wagon because "hey - I made it to April" or "I made it to my next doctor appt." The focus is lost. We really need to take a long view on this and it sounds like that's exactly what you're doing this time.

I think giving up the diet rite is the way to go too - I've found giving up diet coke has really reduced the cravings for me. Sounds like you're off to a great start - stay steadfast!

[Greeneggs&ham]

Welcome Nick. I agree with the other posters that you certainly sound like you have the right mentality going into this WOE this time, and applaud you for coming back with only 12 pounds re-gained.

I have found that making time to post to one or two topics a day here really helps me stay focused and on plan. The community found on this board is like going to a Weight Watcher meeting without wasting gas -- well, that and a nice ribeye doesn't use up all your points for a day!

Keeping in touch with others who are on the same path we are on, and having the added benefit of hearing from those who have already reached their goal this way has truly been helpful. Hope to see your name here often!

[Nick9973]

Thanks for all the kind words and motivation!

[carbless_in_seattle]

those russell stover's candies are the devil. I had never heard of them before, and I had been seeking sugar free candy forever!! my boyfriend and i always have movie nights and he has candy so i wanted my own.

Well, they have a bunch of sugar alcohol which either makes people stall, or makes people a little too regular if you know what i mean. Anyway, i tried them for the first time on the fourth of july. I said they'd only be a treat every once in a while but found myself eating three in a row like popcorn

I went to the grocery store yesterday and was picking out which kinds i want to try this time. was about to go for the toffee bites, but also saw that reeses has come out with their own sugar free peanut butter cups. i had both in my hand and was decided when something came over me, i put them both back, said i don't need them, and moved on.

yay, go me!

Best of luck on your journey ahead.

[Nick9973]

That's awesome willpower! Hopefully I'll be that strong after I'm on for a while.

[gman]

Welcome! Ditto Chicklady's tip - go buy/by the book.
Glenn