new to low carb, again

[Curt]

Have tried low carb several times, and it works every time, but it's so easy to fall off the wagon, SURROUNDED by carbs. This is the first time I've ever reached out for some type of support. I don't know you guys, but we all share the same battle for survival. My wife is luke-warm at best to low carb, she's still stuck in the low-fat diet world, so I need to know that people are having success with low carb. I want this to work for me soooo bad. I'll do my best to help keep you all on the straight and narrow, and in return I hope having a place to go helps me do the same

curt

[CushieButterfield]

Welcome, Curt. It can be very hard to convince someone that low carb isn't a fad diet or not just a meat and cheese thing. I've had a hard time with people around me adn I've had great success so far even with some detours along the way. Today I actually convinced my doctor that I was doing the right thing since being back on low carb and under his care I've lost another 38 pounds in the last four months. I had a woman in the waiting room congratulate me when she'd heard I'd lost 111 pounds in all. And then she went on and on about it. It's been two years since I started, I was off plan for about six to eight months total. (Some day I'll figure that out exactly.) You can have success on low carb and yes you do need people to support you. When I first started this was the only place I found support. No one in my life believed I could do this. I'd been down the diet road too many times. I (and many people here) have had many ups and downs while on low carb but if we keep pressing on to make this a permanent part of our lives and not just look at it as a "diet" we can overcome any obsticale put in our paths whether you have over 200 pounds to lose (as I did) or 20 pounds or you just want to get healthy low carb can and will help if you stick with it and don't give up.

I hope you can find some of your strength here as I did and maybe show your wife by example in how much better you feel and hwo well you will do tht this is not some cursed diet but a healthy way of life.

[Goddess]

Hello and welcome, Curt. It can be challenging to low-carb around die-hard carb eaters, for sure. And it's VERY common for folks who don't low-carb to have lots of misconceptions about what low-carb is and how it works...

When I first started, my family (and/or anybody else) didn't have much faith I'd really get anywhere, either. I mean, why should they? I'd been there, done that, got the 4X t-shirt, you know?

From my observations, your best bet for getting your wife's support will come as you've done this a while, and she's seeing the positive changes in your weight, energy level, moods, etc. and realizes a true low-carb diet is full of healthy veggies. Most people come around when they see it's working, and before you know it, the former naysayers will be asking, "What is it you eat again?"

Being surrounding by former food favs can be tough. If possible, try to buy (or get wife to buy) those items that are least appealing to you in the carb area. I also found it invaluable to have low-carb alternatives to satisfy cravings. The one-minute muffing (in the cooking thread with a sticky) is one of the house favorites around here. But check out recipes, have "legal" snacks on hand and the stuff to make something sweet if you get the urge, so you'll be prepared with an alternative that supports your long-range goals.

Low carb really isn't hard if you prepare. Since you can eat until you're full, you don't have to battle hunger all the time. You drink lots of water, which helps detox your body and clear your skin and helps you lose.

If you haven't picked a specific plan and got the book for that plan, I'd strongly encourage you to do that. Understanding how it all works is especially important when your spouse doesn't quite get it, and it will help you tremendously as well.

Good luck and looking forward to seeing more of you!

[QueenMama]

Curt, welcome. I can't say it better than Noel and Goddess did. I hope we can be of encouragement to you.

[Rob]

Welcome Curt! You're sure to get lots of support here.

[jessicat]

Hi Curt! Glad you're here. This is a great place to get support & encouragement!