redgirl1974's Journal, 02 Jan 16

I sent you a private message... 

No carb could possibly be as satisfying as how you felt wearing that beautiful black lace dress. Chew on that thought. 

Several here have mentioned what works for me as well: a good nutrient rich breakfast, a big one, is the main thing that's kept me lean most of my life. We ALL fast 1/3 of the day as it is: overnight. Break Fast is supposed to refuel us after that fast. So I supplement nutritional yeast and/or Spirulina, minerals from dried seaweed, and healthy nuts, grains and other sources of nutrients. As mentioned by me and many others here recently, our foods today are vastly depleted. So, we crave because the 'best' foods we eat are lacking so many things. Even Organic is not necessarily healthy. I say this since the big corporations took over organic, passing laws that make it only possible to be 'certified' organic if you are rich. Don't you wonder if they are doing proper crop rotation? etc.? to keep the soils from being depleted? Top soils are mostly gone. But very important: if I skimp on breakfast, in spite of an iron will, I will crave and eat cookies, cakes, pies in an inadequate futile attempt to fill those missing nutrients. I say eating a huge meal only at the end of the day is counterproductive. It does not work for me at all. As some have suggested, If it isn't working, Perhaps it's time for a change? (Fad diets do work, for a while.) 

night hours are the worst for me....i take in an apple and 70% dark chocolate.(not the whole bar)...that curbs the appetite....then a walk  

In the morning or even the evening before, cut up crunchy veggies, celery, carrots, diakon radish, cauliflower ect. Crunchy fruits too, but separated by calories in amounts of 70 calories or less to have on hand when the desire for "crap food" feels overwhelming. Having these on hand can help you get back on track while the sugar craving settles down.(usually 3-4 days of concentrated effort) Also there are many flavored teas that have zero calories but have a sweet flavor. Good luck.  

Atkins has been around a long time though; and has been modified. http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/atkins-diet/art-20048485?pg=2 Most people can lose weight on almost any diet plan that restricts calories — at least in the short term. Over the long term, though, studies show that low-carb diets like Atkins are no more effective for weight loss than are standard weight-loss diets and that most people regain the weight they lost regardless of diet plan. However, studies have shown that people who continued to follow diet plans, such as Atkins, for two years did lose an average of nearly 9 pounds (4.1 kilograms) overall. Some studies suggest that it's not cutting carbs that leads to weight loss with Atkins. Instead, you may shed pounds because your food choices are limited, and you eat less since the extra protein and fat keep you feeling full longer. Health benefits The Atkins Diet says that its eating plan can prevent or improve serious health conditions, such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. In fact, almost any diet that helps you shed excess weight can reduce or even reverse risks factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. And most weight-loss diets — not just low-carb diets — may improve blood cholesterol or blood sugar levels, at least temporarily. One study showed that people who followed Atkins had improved triglycerides, suggesting better heart health. But there have been no major studies to show whether such benefits hold up for the long term or increase how long you live. Some health experts believe that eating a large amount of fat and protein from animal sources, as allowed on the Atkins Diet, can increase your risk of heart disease or some cancers. However, it's not known what risks, if any, the Atkins Diet may pose over the long term because most of the studies about it have lasted for two years or less. Risks The Atkins Diet acknowledges that drastically cutting carbs in the early phase of the program can result in some side effects, including: Headache Dizziness Weakness Fatigue Constipation In addition, some very low carb diets restrict carbohydrates so much that they result in nutritional deficiencies or insufficient fiber, which can cause such health problems as constipation, diarrhea and nausea. Eating carbs that are high fiber, whole grain and nutrient dense can improve the health profile of programs like the Atkins Diet, though. In addition, the Atkins Diet has changed over time to help prevent health problems, and it now recommends taking a small amount of extra salt, along with vitamins or supplements. It's also possible that restricting carbohydrates to less than 20 grams a day — the level recommended for phase 1 of the diet — can result in ketosis. Ketosis occurs when you don't have enough sugar (glucose) for energy, so your body breaks down stored fat, causing ketones to build up in your body. Side effects from ketosis can include nausea, headache, mental fatigue and bad breath. In addition, the Atkins Diet isn't appropriate for everyone. For example, the Atkins Diet recommends that you consult your doctor before starting the diet if you take diuretics, insulin or oral diabetes medications. In addition, people with severe kidney disease should not follow the diet, and the weight-loss phases of the diet aren't suitable for women who are pregnant or breast-feeding. 

Get the crap food out your house. Replace it with healthy foods that fit your plan. Try eating lots of calorie sparse foods such as vegetables. You know the drill, you've been down this road before. You can and will do this! 

OK, I survived one whole day!!. Loaded up my supper plate with fish , low carb friendly slaw and a half an avocado. I drank water till I couldnt see straight and I stopped by the market at loaded up on Atkins shakes and bars ( for emergencies).. and only had one today. I got plenty of nuts and crispy veggies too and brought out my "big' book. All the comments today reminded me of my path this last year and how hard I worked to get here and how so many of you really really have my back and have seen me thru this.. good times and bad.. Ive been reminded that I just needed to take it back to basics.. I love Cat's post.. "you know the drill".. yes I do.. now time to stop making excuses and get my butt back to work..one day at a time..  

HCB, i dont think your message came thru ..  

I just read something today that said when you start craving unhealthy food, turn on your favorite music and sing along. You will distract your thought process from food. (If you get into the music and start dancing you will get in a little bit of caloric burn.)  

Sounds like you've figured it out. Holidays have a tendency to derail us at times. But it sounds like you will be OK.  

Lots of good advice here for anyone having trouble getting back on track 😀 Glad you have made your mind up, Andee, that's the main thing! 

You can do it. Try to follow the JJ Virgin elimination plan for the next 7 days. I did this before and felt great...just slowly got off the wagon and am trying to follow it again.