ok idk how much truth there is to this fact, but someone told me the other day that a psychologist told them that it only takes 21 days to form a habit. (for example if u work out for 21 days in a row, you will actually want to do it after that) So a habit would be formed out of this diet after 21 days and it will be much easier. Has anyone found any truth to this?? just curious cuz i think its real interesting.

Interesting idea. I am not sure I would say exactly 21 days, but this WOE does get easier after a while. Some cravings are harder to break, partially because they may have a biological influence as well.

Started on 9/20/03
235-->190; 150 goal

This is a myth that's been around forever. It's supposed to be reassuring to people trying to get into good habits. Only BAD habits stick after 21 days. GOOD habits have to be started up again every single day

Barb L.
Started Atkins January 2003
162/137/130

I watched a show a few months ago that talked about the brain. The pathways in your brain form a map and it takes 21 days to re map those pathways.
I used this information to stop my daughter from sucking her thumb. She only sucks her thumb at night and doesn't know she is doing it. We placed socks on her hands every night for 3 weeks and now she no longer sucks her thumb in her sleep.

Jen

Atkins since 11/11/03

5'3" 140/130/115


I used to be indecisive...But now I'm not so sure!

I don't know if it's true or not, but it sure seems to help.

I've heard this before, too. It was the quoted reason that OA required 21 days of abstinence (sticking strictly to the food plan with a sponsor) before you could move to the second step in the 12-step program.

**************
"Sometimes I think you have to march right in and demand your rights, even if you don't know what your rights are, or who the person is you're talking to. Then on the way out, slam the door."

Hmmmm, not sure if the forming is true, but the breaking in 21 days worked for me. Before I went home for the holidays, I always drank coffee to stay awake, but over break I wanted to save caffeine's effects for my all-nighters next semester. I had a 27-day break from coffee and tried some last week. Severe bowel problems. I finally realized that my body could no longer tolerate coffee when I tried to drink it again tonight. I was back in the bathroom QUICK.

Started Atkins 08/23/03
Restarted 01/16/04
151/149/???