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Jill · #1 10-03-2004, 11:20 PM

Hi! My name is Jill and this is my first time to join an Internet group of any kind, so I am really a newbie. I am back on the low carb bandwagon after a long three year fall. In 2000-2001, I lost 90 pounds following the CAD. The best part was that I felt so good when I was eating low carb. Then, several things came together that added greatly to the stress in my life, and I began to falter. After losing the same five pounds over and over, I just gave up. My weight began to climb, and now I am back exactly where I was before I started. During the past three years, I have tried again and again to get back on track, only to give up after a month, or a week, or a day. Even the memory of how good I felt while eating low carb didn?t help.

Now, I really want to get going again. I am trying to figure out what I can do differently, and I thought maybe joining a support group might help. I hope it does. I have been reading the postings, and they are full of good information and suggestions.

Any suggestions of how to keep motivated?

Jill

Kumus · #2 10-03-2004, 11:36 PM

Hi Jill, welcome to our LC forum. You'll find great support and encouragement here. I definitely believe accountability helps. Just checking in with the forum each day helps keep me on the right track.

Try not to severely limit yourself on good veggies, etc. There's not a perfect answer for sticking with your plan. I think something has to click deep within. I think we've all lost weight, only to gain it back. When trying to get back on track, I think we do a lot of self talk. Monitor what you're thinking and saying to yourself. I know that I've self sabatoged many, many times. You can do this, just take it one day at a time.

Start a journnal here, that helps lots of people along.

Many of us here have/are in your exact situation. Best wishes to you and just know that you aren't alone.

Mother Bear · #3 10-03-2004, 11:38 PM

Hi Jill,
Welcome. I am very new here myself and these folks have been so supportive no matter where you are starting from. I am now looking forward to the road ahead. There are some amazing stories on this site. Just wanted to jump in and say Hello. (It does feel different joining a support system on the internet, this is my first go at it but it is fun to have everyone cheering for each other.)

CushieButterfield · #4 10-04-2004, 12:53 AM

I know where you're coming from. I lost 90+ pounds seven eyars ago and gained that plus 40 more back over the years. I think the key it just not to give up when you gain a few pounds back but to catch it right away. Obviously we both couldn't do that before, I am thinking with my inspiration (my son) I finally have my motivation to do this. I think motivation is a really individual thing. There are plenty of practical reasons: obesity can lead to adult onset diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure (which can lead to stroke) ... the list goes on and on. But the truth is you need to find something that really hits home with you so you can truly be motivated. For me it was the birth of my son and wanting to be there while he grows up. People can say just do it for you but the truth is I had such low self worth that doing it for my child has more motivation for me. So you need to find something for you, whether it be your health or something else. Whatever it is good luck. I have found this site to be a great source of inspiration and support. I find reading other people's thoughts helps me not feel so alone. You know we are all in this for the same thing.

Maxibee · #5 10-04-2004, 02:59 AM

Welcome Jill! You've come to the right place. Read everything you can on here, though it may take awhile! Ask questions, start a journal, and/or join a challenge. Whatever you want to do. You could start by reading a poem I found that encourages me every time I read it. Just go to the Everything Else forum and click on the "Need Encouragement?...." topic.

We are all one big family here, and everyone helps everyone. If you stick with us and to this WOE, you'll lose the weight again.....and keep it off this time!

KCTinter · #6 10-04-2004, 09:06 AM

I'll add my welcome here, too, Jill. You have picked the best forum for encouragement. No question is too dumb, no problem too small. You mentioned CAD. Have you chosen a different plan for now? One book I am reading now is by Dana Carpender entitled "How I Gave Up My Low-Fat Diet and Lost 40 Pounds" She prefers Atkins, but does go into the other low-carb eating plans. She also gives a lot of information about why low carb works in an easy-to-understand manner. There's a lot of science involved here! You have obviously started your commitment just by writing to us! One note: since you have been on a low carb eating program before, you may not loose as much in the beginning phase as you did before. But it still works, and I am testament to that. Pick a plan, read the book, set a date and GO! Avoid bars and shakes and a lot of the processed low carb stuff. Stay totally natural food, especially for induction, and JOIN THE CLUB! I wish you the best and hope to see you post often!

celest24209 · #7 10-04-2004, 01:07 PM

Hi Jill,

Another welcome aboard for you, somehow i feel you have already found your motivation. Joining a support group shows you are preparing for success. So good luck to you and happy low carbing.

Goddess · #8 10-04-2004, 01:08 PM

jill- welcome.

i've found the message boards here an ongoing source of support, ideas, information and inspiration. i think you'll find it helpful as well.

as far as staying on track, my best suggestion is to stay positive! i believe that coming from a place of self-love, using your eating and exercise as a way of taking care of your needs (and not punishing yourself for past "sins"), surrounding yourself with positive supportive people and ideas and info, and reminding yourself every day not only of how well you're doing, but also how many blessings you already have in your life is one of the best ways of staying on course there is...

best wishes to you!

teelbee · #9 10-04-2004, 09:34 PM

Hi, Jill

Perhaps it's time to try a different low carb plan? I started with CAD almost two years ago; but I found I still had food cravings. I suspect that was due to what I was eating during my RM (reward meal). About a month later, I switched to another plan that didn't feature a higher carb reward meal. I was much more comfortable on that plan.

I love to recommend the book, The Secret to Low Carb Success - How to Make the Most of Your Low Carb Diet, by Laura Richards.

There are two reasons why I think it could be helpful in your situation.

1. It has a succinct summary of the major low carb eating plans and a comparison chart that illustrates the similarities and differences between them.

2. It is full of helpful tips and hints, do's and don'ts that make low carb dieting more successful.

Anyway, welcome back to the world of low carb! I'm looking forward to getting to know you.

Shelleyg · #10 10-04-2004, 11:25 PM

Hi Jill,
Welcome to LCE! Very good advice from everyone so far. Good luck on your LC journey. Post often and let us know how you are doing.
Some folks say, take it one day at a time...heck, I have to take it one MEAL at a time, some days!
Best of luck to you!

Shelley

Jill · #11 10-05-2004, 12:37 AM

Thanks for all the suggestions and encouragement. I will look for the recommended books, and I will learn more about Adkins. It seems like most people on this site follow Adkins, since the CAD forum isn't very active. Is that right? The CAD really seemed to suit me for time that I was faithful to it before, though. I did learn that I didn't do well with simple sugars at all, or even Splenda. So, I mostly chose complex carbs for the reward meal. I actually felt no cravings at all, as long as I was faithful. So, I am a bit confused. For this new start, I will check into Adkins. I am glad I discovered this site, and I sure appreciate the warm welcomes.

Jill

DebbyH · #12 10-05-2004, 02:16 AM

Jill,

Please don't feel pressured to switch to Atkins. It sounds like you were doing CAD in a very healthy manner by choosing complex carbs for your RM. I, on the other hand, did not follow it that way. And, it still worked for me. I lost about 40 pounds on CAD. But, once I got off I had a hard time getting back on. That, coupled with trying to find a plan that will be more flexible for my next pregnancy (fingers crossed), led me to Atkins. Along with a REALLY great book by Johnny Bowden called "Living the Low Carb Life". It's similar to the one Teelbee mentioned, but I liked this one better. Explains the history and science of low carb in a very readable and understandable manner.

Anyway... getting off track here. Just wanted to welcome you and let you know that there are others that are following CAD (I know LalyT does), and if you post in that forum maybe the 2 of you can get it a little more active. And, even if it's not... this is an awesome site full of wonderful people! I'm sure you could gain a lot of support, inspiration, understanding, etc. from a lot of the people and their posts.

Good luck on your journey, whichever plan you decide on.

Goddess · #13 10-05-2004, 10:48 PM

there are a lot of folks here on atkins, but you'll find support whatever low carb plan you use including, like a lot of us, our own made up stuff of what works for us personally.

heykim · #14 10-07-2004, 09:33 PM

yeah.. since i still drink the coffee DEVIL i guess i cant REALLY say i have followed atkins...(hmmmm need to reread the book... maybe the coffee devil ban was just induction.. (i DID do DECAF for it.. ) i am not sure i did the ladder thing very well either..(i dont think i added them in the right order..
dont feel you have to switch to atkins.. do what is RIGHT for YOU.. we are here to support ya!

ladybug29 · #15 10-12-2004, 01:24 PM

Take a look at the progress pictures and do not put a time stamp on progress. My downfall is lack of patience. I want those pounds to melt off quicker than quick..in reality..it took over a year to put the pounds off with no work at all, it is gonna take longer and work, to lose it. Do not think too far ahead when it comes to meals..and avoid the scale but once every other week. It is true when people say, mind over matter. Funny...the mind is made up of matter...hehehe..anyway- set a realistic goal...for me I wanted to drop ten pounds. Once i accomplished that, I wanted to drop ten more. I have accomplished that, Now i want ten more. But it has taken 2.5 months to drop it. It takes time...and will power....and deffinately avoid temptation. I went to my parents for a game of cards last night..my husband bought krispy creme donuts...and I didn't falter. It feels good to be in control..and knowing the proceeding guilt after one does falter is enough to keep a downward spiral going. I was 225 when I began my woe...and 2 months later i am at 200 mark. Now I began walking two miles a day, plus hiking the college campus and all the stairs with it, I am more active. If I do not exercise then I feel like i cheated, as if I ate a slice of pizza. IT is all in your mind, how you view things, how you feel about yourself and your readiness and willingness to commit with no excuses.

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