Rolyatlcf

linda- hi linda! welcome to lce.

so sorry to hear you're having a hard time. big breaths. ;kay?

people tend to lose a little slower on subsequent attempts at aktins than the first attempt, but it generally doesn't preclude them from losing. also, it's not unusual for one's metabolism to slow as they age, which can also impact rate of loss, obviously. the first time i low carbed i lost 12 pounds during induction. the second, about a year later, i lost 8. (that time was the charm for me, as i figured out how to fit it into my life.) but it's hardley an issue where you had one chance and blew it, okay? you can improve how you're eating at any point and reap benefits.

if you're ready to start exercising your options, let's take it a little bit at a time. if you want to do atkins again, find or replace your book. reading it is the way to start up.

since you find induction challenging, you may be interested in considering protein power. they start you at a slightly higher carb level (30 a day) and emphasis adequate protein intake, so you might have a little more flexilibity with your food choices. and if you do opt for atkins this time, then just do the two week induction. don't drag it out if you find it difficult to follow, since you want to focus on long-term livable. ok?

figure out what you'll need foodwise and start eating more in line with it as much as you can now. that makes it easier and GREATLY helps reduce an induction struggle, since the more carbs you've been eating, the more uncomfortable the first week of induction is as you go through carb withdrawls. If you take a few days to gradually ramp down the amount of carbs you're eating, it will be more comfortable.

Regardless of when you decide to start, however, you can start making progress now. Drink more water. Start avoiding sugar and flour products. Make sure you're eating plenty of veggies. You can do quite a bit to improve your habits without a lot of pain, and anything you do beforehand will help ease the transition as well.

As far as coworkers, your best bet is going to be bringing your own stuff. As time goes on, many times coworkers who may have initally been very unsupportive become interested when they see you doing well.

Honestly, from what I can tell the most difficult thing about all of it is getting in the headspace, not the nature of how you're eating. And for that, I would suggest you stop yourself every time you realize you're saying something negative and look to replace it with something more positive. Besides the idea that it feels a whole lot better, it makes good weightloss sense, too. It's easier to make good choices when you feel good about yourself.

Spend some time here, and read the forums. And hang in there. It can take a bit to find your zen, but it's way worth it!

Hi Linda,
I do understand how you feel about it being hard trying to stay on LCE at work...I manage a High School kitchen where we make fresh bread, cinnamon rolls and cookies almost on a daily basis...in fact I have gained 22 pounds in the 3 months I have had this job but enough is enough! I am taking back control of my life and I am going to get back to feeling better while dropping pounds We are all in control of our destination and really when you think about it eating is really one of the few things we do have control over in this crazy world we just need to change our way of thinking about the whole control thing...they can lead a person to a buffet table but they can't make us eat things we don't want too...that is our choice! This is one of the reasons I started back on LCE the day after Christmas and not waiting until after New Years becasue I knew it would be easier to have a week or so under my belt (being in control) before I had to go back to work. Hang in there my friend and please keep in touch and let me know how you are doing and I will do the same on this blog page.
Cathi