New, Scared, and Frustrated

[Steph76237]

I've been doing this diet for about a month and a half and although I've experienced some weight loss, I've gained it all back. I keep cheating. And I'm struggling with just overeating in general, especially nuts, cheese, and peanut butter. I gave up peanut butter. Looking back on everything I feel like I've worked my butt off for a month and a half and have made zero progress and I'm sick of being in induction and I want to eat fruit and I want to give up. At the same time I do want to lose weight so I decided to maybe reach out to some of you people.

[tommiec68]

I can totaly relate to how you feel. I have been lc for just over 4 weeks. Although I lost 10 lbs the first 2 weeks there hasnt been much # progress since. In fact the scale has been going up even though I have not cheated. I would make the following suggestions. If you did not measure yourself in the begining do it now. Your chest, waist, hips, arms, legs and neck. I too rely too much on the scale to tell me I am acheiving my goals. As for your problem cheating, remove any and all things from your fridge and pantry that you should avoid. If its not there you cant eat it. Make sure you have things on hand that are o.k. to eat when you get hungry. When I am realy wanting some fruit I have been eating sugar free life savers. You have to watch those too, I find that sugar alchols arent for me and slow my loss but I would rather eat 2-3 of those and satisfy my craving than eat fruit right now and realy hurt my plan. Nuts are known to stall some people as well. Try sunflower seeds, I dont think they are as bad. Unless you are eating alot of cheese thats not bad. Sounds like you need some virety. Check out some recipes, there are some great ones here. Hang in there and remember there are alot of us doing the same thing. I have faith that the scale and tape measure will become my friend.

[pammiejoe6]

hi hun! hang in there! induction is the hardest part! if you can just get through 2 weeks of CLEAN induction ( WITHOUT cheats....strictly by the book) you will feel 1000 times better! after you get through that first phase your body goes into ketosis ( fat burning process) and you lose your cravings and gain energy! its fantastic!

just think a second....does it make sense to just give up? where would that get you? nowhere! giving up isnt really even an option is it? seems like if you are serious enough about losing weight that you started atkins in the first place you are tough enough to see it through and give yourself a chance! you ARE stronger than you think! give yourself the opportunity to feel FABULOUS and PROUD of yourself! you can do it!

take it one day at a time....one SECOND at a time!!


and come by my journal if you need anything ok?

xoxoxo

[Magicbyrd]

After such a short time I am not suggesting you give up Atkins...it is an outstanding way of eating. BUT maybe you should research a few of the other plans...South Beach (although the initial induction is pretty much the same as Atkins). Check out the GI Diet or Formula 101, just to name a couple, maybe even the Zone. All of these may allow for a bit more of the foods you like early on. That said...be sure you have read Atkins and understand it. I find even on induction that there are lots of great receipes, on this website and others. Good luck and hang in there!! This is a good place to come for support. :wave:

[writermom]

First hang in there.

Second, I echo the previous that maybe you need to simply modify a bit.

Have you thought about CAD (Carb Addicts Diet) - It allows for more "variety" in that the reward meal - while not intended to be a "binge" will allow you some of those things you so desperately want. I don't think you'll lose as quickly with CAD but this is about long term success right?

I truly wish you the best of luck and strength - the hardest part, I think, is breaking old non-constructive and harmful habits and finding new, healthful and satisfying ones. :agree:

[photoguy]

It does suck.. Limited foods, etc.. it all sucks really bad.. BUT, you have to weigh it out.. What is more important, eating what you want and maintaining, possibly gaining weight, or being healthy for yourself and your family? I think in the longrun its not so bad of a trade off.. Who cares if you mess up? Try again :) Dont give up because its for your own good. Find foods you like that are acceptable and stick with them the best you can. Also you found the right place to post because the people here are great for encouragement.. Good luck to you!

[brat4]

Hey Steph, I'm just about your height and 1lb less than your weight right now. I experience the same stalls as you do. DO NOT give up :cheer: . I find that the last few pounds are the hardest, but Pammie is EXACTLY right. The first two weeks cheat free are the hardest, but I'm well on my way now. She is right about the energy/ketosis and drive afterwards. Just feeling as good as I feel makes the LC WOE worth the effort :hyper: . I found that water was what I needed when I stalled. Try drinking more water. It really is important. You've done the right thing by joining the forum. Smile, you are not alone ;) !

[chaotixx]

Perhaps try slowly cutting out carbs, First cut out the refined types...then reduce the amounts..Before actually starting a plan...that's what I did...helps tremendously with the cravings....my body didnt feel so "shocked".

Allison

[skippie]

I think you have already had a lot of advise. Just want to welcome you. And please stick it out. Its only 2 weeks, and once you make that far you should be feeling better. You are in the right place for support and advise.
Welcome,
:wave:

[joanne42]

Just give it a few days.. Give your body a few days without the junk and you should be fine....If you feel a cheat coming on?? go for a walk.. or exercise.. Usually works for me.. Any program is hard sticking to at first.. Are you adding variety to your foods.. Sticking to the same old boring meals can cause one to give up as well. There are so many wonderful recipes on the boards here.. Good luck Steph..

[JAnn]

Hi Steph,
Thought I would put my two cents worth in. I, too, find the Induction restrictive. And I have had the problem of gaining while LCing.

Some hints: Add a couple of tbsp cream to diet sodas. I use DietRite tangerine, raspberry, and white grape. Even made a root beer float.

When I can't stand it, I overindulge on vegetables, usually a big salad and mashed cauliflower. The berry family is very low in carbs, so if you have to indulge, try them with whipped cream.

Also if you're not drinking enough water you will end up craving fruits and vegetables--they have a high water content. Although I once went three years without drinking any water, I now drink 75 oz a day at least. It was hard to make the change since I can't stand the taste of water, but if I want to lose I have to drink it. The water flushes out the toxins in your body and makes it easier to lose.

Cruise the threads to see how others have handled your problems.

Just a few thoughts. Hang in there and if you don't succeed try, try again!

Jude

[kidnj]

Well if you're looking for permission or the "suggestion" to quit -- you're unlikely to get it here, from what I've seen. And it sounds to me like your issue with losing weight isn't necessarily about carbs at all, rather, like you said, from simply overeating in general. Overeating on any diet will cause you to gain weight. If you're having trouble quitting the overeating part of your lifestyle, my suggestion is that you figure out what your triggers are and then perhaps see a hypnotist or a therapist about it. I know that carbs are not truly a problem for me, but I like this diet -- I used to just overeat, and wasn't eating whole foods -- all this was following two pregnancies where I ate what I craved.

At any rate, I hope you find something that works for you!
Best of luck,
d.

[secondtyme]

Don't feel discouraged! Exercise! I was surprised how much I am addicted to my exercise every day! I started it off at around 20 minutes a day, and now I am up to one hour a day! It makes you feel good about yourself and puts you in control. I go into my room , shut the door, turn on the TV and the bike, and I am alone for one hour! Talk about stress relieving! It also gives your metabolism a boost! Work out in splits-half in the morning , and half of your time after dinner in the evening, and don't eat anything after 7 P,M., except water and crushed ice! I have lost 43 pounds since October 10th , hit one plateau, but changed my exercise pattern, and after a week and a half of no loss, went back on the slide down. Just keep up the same diet and routine, and the dam eventually breaks!!! Good luck, and try not to cheat, you are in complete control!