i haven't lost any weight lately, probably for about a month. i just learned something about myself that this woe helped me with that is far more beneficial. prior to starting this woe, i would always turn to food for comfort. well, lately i've been feeling really down about so much in my life. i am not sure if its hormonal or not. but this time was different!!!! i haven't turned to food & i don't even feel the need to. WHAT A GREAT FEELING! i think i finally have a grip on my eating habits.

christine

166/145/120
L/C 8/04/03

Congratulations Christine for learning something so important!

I am a "comfort food" person too... and I have had to learn how to deal with emotions rather than stuff them. It's not easy but it is better for you in the long run.

My doc keeps telling me the best cure for depression is exercise. Sometimes I'd like to "exercise my foot against his behind" as I kick him out the door..... but I know he is right.

I just wish I could get the routine down and be consistent about it.

Hang in there! Count your blessings! You've lost over 20 lbs and that is GREAT!!! (better than me and we started about the same time. I've only lost 12)

Michelle
Started Atkins 9/03

OUCH Michelle..dont be hard on yourself!!! 12 Lbs is awesome!!!! ALways remember whatever the loss....it doesnt matter..its a LOSS!! YIPPY for that!! I think your doing a great job! dont give up or get discouraged!!!
Good for you Christine..getting it under control and knowing whats going on is always a good thing!!
I am a comfort eater too.... well was!! I love this WOL and work hard at this to always make it work!!! I feel so much better about myself and feel good!!
Oh well girls! we all have to find our place in this WOL and I know you both will too!!
Hugs, Lisa

lc since 8-8-03
298/263.5
want to be 175 at least
"Where every you go There you are"

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by christine9471:
i haven't lost any weight lately, probably for about a month...i think i finally have a grip on my eating habits.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hey Christine, I went through the same thing as you did...suddenly not needing food for comfort. It feels great, and doesn't it relieve one of the ENDLESS GUILT of overeating? It's what I like to call feeling closer to "normal".

NOW....don't feel bad if you cheat one day! That will not necessarily mean the addiction is creeping up on you. Lately I feel that whenever I want a high carb dessert, it's not a maniacal craving, but simply my tongue wanting to taste something (big difference). Hang around

-WRITE GIRL

Sorry Lisa! I didn't mean to be hard on myself.

Yep... 12 lbs is GOOD. It is GREAT in fact. Now I just need to nudge it some more! Cause I have a loooooong way to go. (about 50 more lbs.)

Thanks for setting me straight.

Michelle
Started Atkins 9/03

What a difference a year makes! "Butter, Sugar, Flour, Eggs: Whimsical Irresistible Desserts" is the title of one of the many Southern Comfort Food cookbook titles on my Most Wanted Christmas List last year. This will be my first Christmas without "visions of Sugar Plums...and cakes, pies, cookies, doughnuts, candy and every other imaginable sugary treat. The good news is that I am still eating Butter & Eggs...and finding out that they are actually healthy food.

I have 50 years of Southern Comfort Food lifestyle behind me and it's not been an easy habit to break, but I'm making progress. I was number 1 on the "Ten Most Wanted Sugar Junkies" list. I could consume an obscene amount of refined sugar goods every day and still be looking for my next fix. It was never enough and I was constantly collecting cookbooks and recipes for the most sinful desserts on earth...just so I could "practice" making them until I "perfected" them. I didn't just like desserts, I didn't just love desserts, I LUSTED for desserts! Potatoes, bread and pasta were no big deal to me 'cause my theory was...they're just something to fill you up; so I made sure I always had room for dessert...2 or 3 servings!

Well, the first week on Atkins was dangerous around me. It wasn't the headaches and such. It was that almost uncontrollable craving for a Doughnut! I thought, "somebody is gonna' get hurt here if I don't get a doughnut!" I thought I was gonna' die...but I didn't! That was 11 weeks ago and now I look back and am glad I toughed it out for that first 2 weeks, for sugar is no longer the ruler of my life! I realized that I was using food as a comforter as well. I had known it for a long time but didn't want to admit it. I even bragged to all my friends that Southern Comfort Food was my specialty...both cooking it and eating it.

I really never believed it was possible to live life for a single day without craving for sugary foods. I had seen people eat half a candy bar, wrap it up and put it down...but I always thought there was something wrong with those folks...nobdy in their right mind eats half a chocolate bar. So I always helped them out by finishing it up for them...afterall, what are friends for? It's been 11 weeks now without any refined sugar, white flour, bread, potatoes, pasta or rice...and I'm healthier than I've ever been. And I don't plan on ever going back to those poisons. I jokingly say I finally figured out what was causing all that swelling around my middle...I got doughnut poisoning...and biscuit poisoning, and cookie poisoning, etc.

I too am learning that food is not to be used as comfort but for nourishment of our bodies. It is a whole new lifestyle for me after 50 years of bad eating habits. It is a learning experience and I am now spending my spare time reading about health, exercise and nutrition instead of baking the latest, greatest sugary treat. I have read How I Gave Up My LowFat Diet and Lost 40 Pounds, Atkins Diet Revolution, Protein Power, Schwarzbein Principle, Low-Carb Success and Atkins Vita-Nutrient Solution.

We can all do this! It is not a race! It is a "NEW ATTITUDE"! We are creating a New Lifestyle with lasting benefits. I didn't have any serious health problems...I just got tired of hurting all the time from daily activities. I just decided I didn't want to lose my legs and eyesight to diabetes like some of my friends. I am eating healthier than I ever have in my life and have joined the YMCA and exercising 5 to 6 days a week.

Just like the quote below...I'm determining my Low-Carb habits today, because I know that will determine my healthy future! Thanks to everyone on this site for all the encouragement.

Have a Happy LC Thanksgiving! You'll be glad you did!

Ron

Started Atkins 09/02/2003 @ 283
Currently @ 245
Goal = 175

"Men don't determine their future. Men determine their habits and their habits determine their future!" -- Mike Murdock

thank you to everyone for your insight. eveyone here is so supportive. thanks ron for your wonderful post. i read it a couple of times because it sounded so much like me. i was addicted to sugar as well, mostly chocolate candy. i would eat a whole candy bar & all the while thinking what treat i was going to have next.
i have also taken up a lot of my time reading books including; atkins new diet rev, the fat fallacy, life without bread, living low carb, the secret to low carb success, good carbs bad carbs & south beach diet. i find that reading up on health keeps me motivated to chose the right foods.

christine

166/143/120
L/C 8/04/03