Living in Canada,we had Thanksgiving almost 3 weeks ago. MAJOR downfall for me! Since then I have been off and on.I haven't been totally pigging out,but not necessarily eating properly.My starting weight back in June/05 was 210. I now weigh 172. I was down to 170 so I only gained back 2 pounds and I thought "well that's not to bad".WRONG! I was at bingo last weekend and some total stranger came up to me and said"I dont know you and I hope you're not offended by this but you've dropped ALOT of weight and you look fantastic!" I have had more compliments in the last month than ever and it feels great! Definatly not the time to go back to my burger and fries routine. I found it really hard to strictly go back to this WOE after I pigged out at Thanksgiving.My body craved the bread and potatoes more than ever. The funny thing is that after I ate that stuff, I literally had to lay down for a rest! How sad si that? The good news is,is that I've done really weel the past two days and I feel MUCH better.No more laying down til noon.

Good for you Canadsdee! So many other people who've had long-term success with this WOE have said that it's all about falling down and getting back up again. That's so true. We have to have a relationship with food for the rest of our lives. So it's not about being perfect all the time, but rather most of the time. Now that we know what we need to do to get and keep the weight in check, it's all a matter of self control... most of the time. That said, even if you have your little downfalls, you're armed with the knowledge that you need to take charge of your situation.

I think that to make it through the holidays we need to factor in some little pleasures. Have a little stuffing and a lot of turkey. It's incredible how just a small amount of your favorite food can be so satisfying. We don't have to load up on that stuff to feel satisfied. But complete self-denial can also be dangerous.

You're so right that getting back on track can be a challenge. I'm glad you hear echoes of those compliments in your head--that feels good--but, of course, the only real motivation is the gumption (that's a good old-fashioned word!) to keep on keeping on.

My experience suggests that it takes at least two years before the idea of LCE as a way of life, not a "diet," really kicks in. Then, occasional off-plan eating becomes part of the plan, and not a "cheat." Along the way, you learn to respect and cooperate with the new way your body is using the nutrients you put into it.

Best wishes!

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Barb L.
Atkins since Jan 2003
Maintenance as of 4/05


My Fitday Journal

Thanks so much for the feedback you two. People don't realize how much encouragement this WOE takes sometimes when you are fairly new to it! And your absolutly right BK, on alot of days it does still feel like a diet, I just know that even though the temptations are there, my body feels so much better when I don't put that stuff in my mouth. I have ten times the energy and looking ten times better doesn't hurt either!!!!!!

Dee, good for you for getting back on track!!!!! I just wish more people who try this WOE, who fall down, could get themselves back up. But some people fall down and stay down. It makes me sad. But kudos to you!!!!!! Keep up the good work. And isn't it nice to get noticed for your hard work? It feels so good!!!!

Barb, I couldn't agree more. I've been doing this for over 2.5 yrs now and it's just my way of life now. I do occasionally have a "naughty treat" now and then. But it's usually for a special occasion and it no longer derails me. I know the next day I have to get back to it and then I also incorporate more exercise the next day. I know when I will have one of those days, because it's for special occasions, so I plan for it. I don't let it get me down. I just keep movin' on and doing the right thing 99% of the time.

And the good news is: when you get closer to your goal weight and you have incorporated a regular exercise program, you can have that occasional treat and bounce back from it much more easily. Now that's not to say that I return to my old habits. I just choose my treats more carefully. For instance, I no longer eat crappy chips and swerve into the nearest Steak and Shake for a shake. Those things just aren't on my rader screen anymore. If I want a shake, I make one at home with my protein powder and Kefir, which totally satisfies my now. I do occasionally have popcorn once in awhile, but not very often. I figure it's better than a whole can of pringles and a high octane coke. (which I used to do almost every night in bed in front of the TV) But the funny thing is, now my treat of choice is some fruit, which is like candy to me now. I soooooooooooooo appreciate fruit now. I used to NEVER eat fruit pre-LC. I love it, love it, love it now.

So, the good news is, life doesn't end during LC.

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