Hello. I am new to the forum here. I have tried Atkins in the past but never really stuck with it. I quit smoking in September '05 and now am working on the weight. Wow I miss bread and cannot find the low carb bread I used to get at the grocery store anymore
I started my low carb venture on 1/11/06 at 230 lbs. (15 of which were added in last 4 months of not smoking). Today I am at 222lbs. Not bad for a week I guess. I still have trouble seeing myself tolerating this for much longer. I physically do feel better, as I always did when doing low carb, but I wish I could mix in just a few common foods like bread. I am discovering lots of interesting recipes but still have not found one that satisfies as a sandwich bread. Many recipes are too high in carbs.
I have two children, son is five and daughter is turning 3 in a week and a half. I need to get in shape to keep up with them! It is hard making meals for my husband and kids and then having to bypass 50% of what they are getting. I find myself frustrated a lot...almost angry that I have to make sacrifices when others are not (some leftover frustration with quitting smoking when my husband continues to do so). I don't want to go through this with such resentment. I am doing this for my own good, and my kids, but part of me is feeling isolated and like I will be more quietly resentful even as I lose. Kinda like "Don't be happy for me if you didn't have to go through anything yourself". I hope this bitterness passes. I also hope I am not the only one feeling this way. It is so hard to make these types of changes....physically and mentally. I hope this forum helps to motivate me. It was a forum which helped me stick with the smoking quit so maybe I can be successful at this too. Good luck to everyone! Thank you.

Hi,

We have alot in common. I quit smoking 4/05 I have gained 30 lbs since. My husband still smokes it was challenging at first. But now not bad except when we are in the car. I wish he would stop for his on good though. I started on atkins 1/8/06. I feel so much better. I have been excersing and that helps alot with stress. Deep breaths have got me through alot to cravings of every sort. I have lost 5 lbs since starting I only weigh on Mondays looking forward to this Monday I feel like I have lost a few more. 230/225/155goal. There are also supplements one can take to help with anxiety and stress you may want to look into that. Just watch out for hidden sugars. Welcome keep on keeping on!

Hello MargoP. Thanks for the support. Yes, we do have quite a bit in common. The deep breathing really helped me through strong cigarette cravings but doesn't work well for stress or the cravings I occasionally get with this venture, not sure why, just isn't as helpful. I think I am going to talk with my doctor about an antidepressant. I needed one before this so I am sure it will be helpful now, though each day on low carb I feel emotionally stronger unlike quitting smoking when I thought I was going to fall to pieces..lol. I need to curb my irritability though...especially with the children.
We can do this!

Welcome to the forums. Congratulations on stopping smoking. Best wishes on your LC journey as well.