I visit this site at least 5 times a week and I absolutely love it here. I figured that being here would inspire me to stick to the plan, but the truth is, I've been off the wagon for weeks. Oh, I do the plan in fits and starts, but I always cave before day's end. I actually sat here one day over lunch and read posts while I ate chips & dip, spaghetti, and yogurt, and this was after I drank a whole quart of chocolate milk on my way to work. Ah, the gluttony. Today I had chips & dip, chicken sandwich, chocolate bar, and apple for lunch. And I usually go home at night and eat myself out of house and home, too. Luckily for me, I haven't gained any weight, I just keep maintaining, but I think I can thank months of low-carbing for the metabolism boost. I need to get back on track before I destroy everything. Anyone got any words that'll knock me upside the head so I can think straight again?

God, you sound exactly like me. I inhaled lo mein for lunch today. I knew I shouldn't have gotten it, but I had no will power at all and even had to go out of my way to get it. I ate it like I hadn't eaten in weeks! I've gained about 5 pounds doing this over the past month or so and I really want to get motivated again to lose the rest, to goal. I just don't know where to turn now. I feel so out of control.

Maybe somebody on here can help us get back on track?

I think the important thing is to not be so hard on yourself.

I'm sure everyone here is guilty of slipping on their diets. So what? Just acknowledge you made a mistake, forgive yourself for being human, and try again.

Thanks for the advice, Novakane. I'm going to make up my mind to just DO IT, no matter how hard I think it will be. I know I feel so much better eating low carb foods, but my stubborn will wins out too much.

Yep, these things happen. Just give yourself a dusting off and jump back on the wagon. All self-loathing is going to do is make you want to indulge further.

On one hand you're trying to punish yourself, so you eat what you know you shouldn't. On the other hand you're now feeling bad or sorry for yourself (weather you've admitted it to yourself yet, or not) so you seek the solace and comfort in being "bad".

I lost seven pounds, went off track for weeks, and unfortunately gained the weight back. I started all over at day one and I am doing better now than I was the first time. I have more willpower, I'm more determined, and I'm more focused. I had to stop looking at the big haul, it seemed overwelming. Now I have mini goals. I make a goal every morning to make it through the day.
You can start over if you're ready. Just try and stay focused and remember you're worth it. It can be done.

Good luck!!!

Thanks for the replies, everyone. Today is not the day, I guess. I'm sitting here now with a large Frosty and spaghetti warming in the microwave. Tomorrow? What do ya say sobxlady? I think I better get to the store, nothing but carbs in the house now unless I just want to eat eggs all day!

Start when you feel ready, when you go off your diet just keep your calories in check and you shouldn't get hit WAY to hard with weight gain!

Remember this people, YOU CAN"T BE ON A DIET THAT HAS YOU LOOSING WEIGHT YOUR ENTIRE LIFE. You'd waste away to nothing!

It's cool to take a break here and there. The weight is always there for you to loose, just make sure you have a tight grip on over indulgence.

Drop the "oh crap I ate something, I'll get back on track later" and bring some structure to your carbohydrate based diet!!!!

Oh I wish I could but I know I don't have it in me just yet. Maybe next week?

One thing that finally helped me not bury my head in the fridge and whatever I could find in it at the end of the day was to do "planned" cheats for staying really good for a week. I spent one meal on the weekend and reserve it for anything I want. The other reason you may be cheating is that you aren't eating enough at other meals throughout the day. I did that too, so I make sure I carry a protein shake or a low carb protein bar or some peanuts/macadamia nuts with me to snack on when cravings hit

Next week, yes. Monday? Today is out, I just finished a lunch of 3 pieces of leftover pizza, half a sandwich, a burrito, and a Snickers. I'm such a hog! I'm sure I'll not be hungry the rest of the day, though. Geez I hope not.

Another thing to remember, starting back on induction, the first few days are the hardest, your body has to get rid of those carbs and switch to fat burning mode! Oh don't I know the feeling! I just hopped back on the band wagon myself( though throughout the last 6 months, i tried to watch my carb intake, even on those not so good days) Started back up on monday, and am in the Purple this morning, not sure how that happend so fast, but I find that the keto-sticks help me stick with it, as long as I see they are changing color. You really just have to be ready to do it, and you'll get there, support always helps.

Monday sounds great!! I'll shop this weekend and get my mindset ready. WE CAN DO THIS!!!!!!!

I like the idea about planned cheat. If you plan something you are really missing perhaps you can get right back on. The down side, as others have said, is getting back into LC mode again. I'll have to give this some thought. Perhaps once a week would put me back to square one too often. Hang in there everyone

Hey, all! I am right there with you on the back and forth and up and down of trying to eat better. I'm agreeing with much of what I've read here. I've only been doing LC for almost 2 months, but I think I'm starting to see some patterns w/ folks who are in stalls and those who are losing in spite of not doing this perfectly. Don't throw rocks . . . but I really do think it comes down to calories. Not being obsessed with them, but just keeping an eye and giving it some thought.
I started using FitDay (being honest and entering everything I've been eating for the last week or so - even the bad stuff) and even with some junk - my calories still often come in lower than some who are doing total LC - 20 carbs or less and are stalled. And I have lost 7 lbs since the 14th! (I didn't get a scale until the 14th - so don't know for sure what I started at) I've been basically trying to do 40 carbs or less per day during the week and then allowing myself a few higher carb foods on the weekend. I sure don't think I've solved this whole puzzle, and I have a long way to go yet, but at least for now it seems to be working for me.
Also on the times I blow it - I try not to beat myself up and make it a whole day of blowing it - just an isolated event - a bump in the road - and get back up, dust off and hop back on the wagon.
Preparation is my other killer. Heading out to work without any LC food almost ensures my failure - or that I go to McD's (right across from my office) and have to face resisting the fries, shakes and the bun that comes with the double cheeseburger that I CAN eat and still be LC - or opt for a salad.
Ok, I've rambled enough here - hang in there - we can do this together!!