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.

[mammac-5]

It's awful to have to say this, but there's no easy answer.

In order for this to work for you -- for you to get the results you want in your appearance and your health -- you must somehow commit to a CLEAN 2-week Induction. There is no easy way around that fact.

The bright side is that, once you've completed that 2-week period many (most?) of your cravings for "forbidden" foods will be broken. Those no-no's won't be calling your name any longer and you will have replaced them with foods that you find you are really starting to enjoy.

It's tough. Induction can really suck, especially if you are a person who is very hooked on carbs. But it's a necessary step to break clean of sugars and get on with the results you desire.

[DiannaH]

I'm sorry that you are feeling frustrated. It's so dissapointing to lose the weight, then see it creep back on.
Are you able to control your environment so that high-carb foods are not around to tempt you? I also had to give up peanut butter 'cause I love it too much! I don't buy the natural p.b. anymore. Just the regular stuff for my family, which I don't like at all. I also don't buy nuts, unless it's a small amount or I will eat them all at once. What I do buy is lots of sugar free jello, eggs, diet pop, cheese sticks, pepperoni sticks. Then I have lots of snack options.
I hope you are able to find a plan that works for you!

[ZoesMom]

Mammac said it best. If you pratice complete self control, the benefits are well worth the struggle. Induction is very strict, and if you follow it perfectly with no slip ups, the results will encourage you to continue with this WOL. I promise....take it from a carb-loving fool, the cravings DO go away. I thought I would NEVER be able to reisist things like lasagna, and warm French bread, and some sweets, but now, I could care less about them. The urge has been completely removed from me. Hang in there!!! I promise you....the rewards are more than words could say.

[sjkling]

i agree with all that has been said above. i was a person who could NEVER pass up the dinner rolls, mashed potatoes, or other carby, sugary foods. It has been 18 months, and I can resist almost anything. It isn't easy, and it takes time to relearn those old habits. Stock your fridge with all kinds of good treats and when you have to eat, eat something really good and nutritious. I love sugar free jello with a little whipped cream. it works for some people, but not everyone. I love microwaved pepperoni, i even like hard boiled eggs! once you get past induction, berries are a real treat! focus on the positives and how good you feel! you will notice over time that things you thought you couldn't live without, don't even tempt you anymore! hang in there!

[nikkil]

I agree with everybody else in that you have to decide that it's important enough to struggle thru and get that clean 2-week Induction done BY THE BOOK! No nuts, stick to the cheese allotment, eat your veggies, etc. It will be so worth it once you get thru it.

That said, maybe a different LC plan would be better for you? Check out the "plan comparison" and see if one like CAD or South Beach (fruits added back in earlier) might work better for you. No use banging your head against a brick wall, trying to do a plan that you can't stick to.

Take care,

Nicole

[eacoy]

Of course you are frustrated, but you are still working to solve the problem. That is what it takes.

Do you track your food using complete food diary (FitDay.com is an automated version.) What helps me is to write down what I am going to eat IN ADVANCE. Therefore if I'm on the high end of my allotted carbs and am about to eat some food with a lot of carbs, then I know it just isn't an option. I can go looking for something else I want that is low carb.

Also, you can go back and see what you ate and determine if some foods are causing you more problems. I was on PP for about a month before I figured out that the lc pumpkin pudding souffle recipe was not going to work for me to lose. It might work if I was fighting off a binge and wanted to stay lc. But only one serving was a "treat" and I tended to browse back for more.

This didn't make me a bad person. It didn't make me a person who couldn't eat healthily. It only meant I had to learn not to tempt myself with that food.

I also noticed that not all carbs are created equal for my body and some foods were just fine and others were really likely to hold my weight on.

Finally, when you lose, guild that food plan or at least save it for reference. During a stressful time or busy day, use that food plan again and stick to it exactly. It will probably suit you and also help you eat according to your plan and lose.

This yo-yo stuff (and I know it well) will nearly drive anyone crazy. It is important to look for net loses and not freak out when there is a gain. Also, notice when the losses tend to come and try to replicate the foods you ate those days.

You can do it. One month is a beginning. This is a WOL. You may not have had a smooth, WHOOSHY start, but you've had a start. Stick with it and you'll conquer these problems.

It requires dedication and persistence in the face of frustration.

Keep asking for support on the Forum. We are all here to help you. These are the holidays and the skills and discipline you develop now will pay off double after this stressful, food-laden time of year is past.