I've enjoyed reading many of your comments, ideas and inspirations. This the first message that I have sent, however. After being on the Atkins program for 11 months (71 lbs) I had my first real 'sugar binge'today. I need some words of encouragment as I am feeling very ashamed and disappointed in myselfnot to mention rather ill from the sugar...

Hi LAH!

You had your FIRST sugar binge in over 11 months?!?!

YOU ARE MY SUPERHERO!!!

If only I had the willpower you have. It's not wrong to fall off the wagon every once in a while. Just remember to get back on. No real harm (so long as we're only talking about the carb wagon) from an indulgence or overindulgence as long as it doesn't become a habit.

You should just focus on what you've accomplished so far...the sick feeling from the sugar will help you remember why you got off of the sugar in the first place.

All the best!!

KC

I found these things at the tops website. I thought they were helpful. Remember that all-or-nothing thinking can make you discouraged and pessimistic.
Eating an unplanned snack or missing a scheduled exercise session doesn't undo all the progress you've made . . . unless you let it!

Watch for warning signs of such rigid thinking,
like exaggerating the seriousness of your lapse ("I've blown it!") or abruptly deciding to abandon your quest ("I ate way too many cookies today, so I might as well go off my new eating program altogether.")

Thanks for the encouragement! I have to say that this morning I woke up with new resolve. I am back on track and more determined than ever. Thanks again for your responses!! LAH

Check out Hold the Toast (http://www.holdthetoast.com). Dana Carpender is the writer and she talks about indulgence days.

So far, I haven't needed or wanted one, but basically they are to handle things like holidays and birthdays, etc. However, the idea is that when you eat more carbs than you should on a given day, think of it as an indulgence, not falling off the wagon or being bad and so on. And indulgence days are even more effective when planned.

Dana says that she has maybe 4 indulgence days a year. She talks about them in her newsletter archives.

;-Deb

It might be good to do some aerobics or quick walking after an indulgence day. If you already walk then maybe do twice as much.