Hi everyone,

I fell off the wagon on Nov.10th (after a 40 day successful clean diet) and I cant seem to get back on. I really want to stick to it today, but Im having crazy cravings for Starbucks (specifically, Frapiccino and gingerbread loaf). I have been having this everyday since Nov.10th so I know it is just withdrawal, but it is so powerful. I keep reminding myself how good I felt on atkins and how I lost a lot of weight and fit into some really cute clothes, but this craving is almost more powerful than all that. And btw, I have gained almost all my weight back

As I've said before on this forum, Is anyone hogtying you and forcing Starbucks down your throat? If not, you know who is responsible for the "craving."

Read part one of your statement above over and over. Write it on the back of your hand. Stay the heck out of Starbucks.

you could also theoretically try to recreate the flavors... get yourself a small coffeepot, and find a grocery store that offers loose beans in various flavors. if they don't have something resembling gingerbread or a pumpkin spice, grind up a mix of cinnamon hazelnut and vanilla beans. when you brew it, for however much coffee you'd use for a pot, add a tablespoon of cinnamon and half a tablespoon of nutmeg to the grounds. add heavy cream and splenda to taste... that might get you close to what you're missing.

Mmmmm...I have a blend of decaf and caf hazelnut and/or vanilla beans that I grind fresh for my morning coffee. And I just treated myself to the Davinci SF syrups to add a little with cream. I can't wait.

BTW, the reason I bring this up is because Davinci has wild flavors like gingerbread and egg nog (which coincidentally they're currently sold out of, probably because of the holiday rush). I just picked up vanilla and chocolate and I'm looking forward to these as a periodic treat!

I totally agree with the make your own coffee treat.

I also suggest that for the first few days you eat all you can hold of protein and fat. It really does help.

Interestingly enough, the last time I "fell off the wagon" was at a Starbuck's a few weeks ago...I walked in, looked at the dessert display, then fell into the Oh, I've been so good, what will one hurt?? mode of thinking, which led to a huge Maple Latte, 2 big cookies, etc...and I usually could care less about sweets when I'm deep into this WOL.

Starbuck's is just too tempting for me. Like a gambler walking into a casino, or an alcoholic walking into a bar. It's best I stay away! We all have "triggers" that are potential pitfalls for us. Obviously there is something in that atmosphere that weakens my willpower.

The LC suggestions here are wonderful, thanks, folks!!

Starbucks is a dangerous one for me too. gone in for americano but walk out with peppermint latte and a cherry danish

After four years on Atkins, I can't be tempted by Danish, doughnuts, sticky buns, or anything like that anymore. I look at them, and something inside me just goes, EWwwww!

I'm no saint, though. The one thing I cave on from time to time is birthday cake. The worst kind. The stuff with the lard frosting. Especially the lard frosting. Luckily, most friends in my age group are pretending not to have birthdays, so the temptations are few and far between.

ROFLOL! According to the guy at the State Fair last month, I'm 42 Dh had his age guessed too and the guy guessed him at 57, right on the money. I got a prize After that, I decided not to have another b-day, hehe!

Gee-ma, that's great! I've sometimes wondered if I could fool one of those weight-guessers at the theme park. I'm glad you succeeded!

I truly believe that low-carb--along with a substantial investment in fitness activities--is a great youthifier. It's hard to prove, because some of that appearance of youthfulness may be related to good genes. I have two sisters--one older, one younger, but close in age--who are really good-looking. But with the extra weight they carry, I still have the edge.

Youthfulness is one of the less celebrated benefits of low-carb, but very real. The gal in the picture up there is 60 going on 40.