Newbie

[Againandagain]

Hi All!

This is my second run with Atkins. The last time I didn't hit goal weight, but I lost 4 sizes so I was pleased. Unfortunately, I let stress and chocolate destroy what I worked so hard for.

I just recently quit smoking and I am doing a bit better with that. Initially, I allowed myself all of the comfort food I wanted to overcome the nicotine and habit addiction. That was recommended. What I found was I was eating beyond full. I felt like I had eaten so much it was backing up my esophagus...so I decided to go back to Atkins to lose my cravings.

I have just finished two weeks and I wasn't 100% perfect, but managed to knock out 7 pounds. I feel like Atkins is harder for me as a non-smoker. I just feel like there is nothing left that I'm allowed to have to deal with emotional issues. I didn't realize what a head-case I was!!

Smoking was the void filler and the disciplinarian in my first attempt at Atkins and it seemed easier. Any advice on filling the void of carbs and smokes?

Thanks!
Sue

[chinadoll]

The key is exercising and knowing you are helping yourself get healthy, and are, in fact rewarding yourself by being healthy as opposed to feeling deprived. Its hard to make that mental change but if you can, it makes the difference between a life change vs. a diet. Maybe look for rewards in other places. Buying a new book you want to read, spending a lovely evening with your significant other doing something you both like but seldom take time for. Something other than a hand to mouth fix.

[liv]

yes Jill is right exercise is a good substitute. Sounds kind of strange if you are not into it (yet) but it helps with moods and it helps with getting a bit more self confidence so everything is not dealt with with food. And when you start exercising try different things and work up slowly.

I think another thing that helps is to be conscious of issues. I have learned so many things about my eating since starting Atkins and these are things that helps me in figuring out what I can and cannot do.

For me in the beginning there were a couple of things that was useful. One was water. I took it everywhere and drank it always. My house had water bottles all over so that I would not just crab a food item. And then a bit of cheese - sometimes cream cheese and sometimes cheddar cheese crackers were helpful. (but within the daily cheese limit).
Hope you have a great day.
Way to go on quitting smoking. That is a big accomplishment.

[imagood1]

I stopped smoking 3 years ago this coming July 4 -- the first few months were brutal (3 - 3-1/2 packs a day for more years than I care to remember) but after I made up my mind to do it I found celery sticks, water, exercise all took the place of them.

Good luck on your journey -- you can do this --- one step, one day at a time! You'll get there - I'm sure of that.

[Againandagain]

Thanks for your motivation everyone! This week has been easier. I stopped weighing myself every day and that is taking away my anxiety a little. I have read so many helpful posts and found great recipes for variety. I wish everyone the best with their results. You're all beautiful!!!

[blondegypsy]

Hey there! Ive never been real athletic, but I love to dance. I use to line dance some, also two step. Now I don't get to the clubs much so I found something I really wanted to do...shimmy! Fittv has belly dancing! HA! I would never have taken a course. I love it.

They have all kinds of work outs on the tube and I record alot of them on the DVR and do them around my schedule. I think if you can just get your blood pumping and even go for a brisk walk it helps.

I admire you for not smoking anymore, my partner smokes had has tried to stop. What ever addiction, try to pick a positive one! I think I'm addicted to the Atkins Bulletin Boards! EEEEeeeeee! LoL

180/179/130

Keep Happily Turning Purple!!!!!!