Is It Just Me???

[Bethanyblondie]

Why the heck can I not stick with eating healthy? Why can't I enjoy when I start to feel better and less bloated and more energetic and losing weight...instead I just obsess over how far I have to go and then I get frustrated and stop.

I have been off of LC for several weeks again and honestly I feel like crap. I've gained back any and all weight that I've lost over the last few months and my energy level is SO low. I walk around in a fog with little motivation to do anything. I hate hate hate feeling this way and I hate hate hate that I keep sinking back into it. I let ANY little event in my life become an excuse to not worry about what I eat. It's like I think I think that eating healthy just takes so much more time that I IMAGINE that I won't have if I'm busy with other things.

Why can't I get to that moment where I just start and know I won't go back? It seems like many of you had that "moment" and just took off running and are doing great. I feel jealous of those who are succeeding at this and angry that I for some reason don't respect myself enough to take care of myself.

I'm feeling very low and sad and angry right now.

[flourchild]

Awww...

I think even the most successful peeps go through cycles like this. One thing I've learned is that any long-term success I've had isn't tied to a moment. I don't always feel motivated by failure, an epiphany or even success. Personally I need to make it as hard as possible to cheat so I'll think twice about doing it. Keep good foods around me. Spend a little bit more on something so I'll eat that, instead of going through a drive-through window. Keep something just a bit too small in daily view, trying it on periodically. I have to be proactive because a good LC day doesn't fall into my lap otherwise. A good routine carriers me through when willpower won't.

It sounds like you're fighting to make yourself a priority. It's tough, but a fight you can win. You just have to be prepared to put up your dukes every day, y'know? All the best to you.

[SusanKH]

You know, Bethany, I think most of us struggle with that - I know I do. And for me it's a matter of life and death because I'm diabetic. You have to look deep within yourself and find that place where being unhealthy and fat is worse than committing to your WOE. It's not an easy thing to do - I had to be honest with myself and look in the mirror and convince myself that I am worth the extra effort and expense to eat well. You have to concentrate on your long term goals and reaching them one step at a time. Post your successes here, even if it's only staying on your program for one day at a time. We'll be here for you as you will be for us.

[Zer]

Originally Posted by Bethanyblondie

Why the heck can I not stick with eating healthy? ... I feel jealous of those who are succeeding at this and angry that I for some reason don't respect myself enough to take care of myself.

I'm feeling very low and sad and angry right now.

Congrats on the wisdom to bring your anger back to LCFriends, for we all know just what you are talking about. Isn't that amazing? Where else can you admit that your life is not making sense and have a bevy of friends nodding as they read your post?

Climb back aboard your LC plan of choice. Make some LC snacks to carry you through the day. That's my biggest hurdle, having some stuff on hand that I like and that I sometimes frustrate myself by not making. Today is a day of crisis, as I consider turning off the computer and making myself go to the kitchen to boil up some eggs for eggy salad and opening a can of fish to make a fishy-mayo salad. So simple. So tasty too. Why can't I do it? Duh!

So you are definitely NOT the only one battling Inner Demons as you struggle to discern your reasons for sabotaging your weight loss. C'mon back and join us in our shared struggle to find that lean body that is inside each one of us!

[Bethanyblondie]

I appreciate all the words of support. We've also been battling a nasty stomach bug in my household the last few days and I was feeling really icky...which added to my frustration. I'm feeling a little better today.

[Hot Tamale]

Bethany - I feel your pain. I LIVE your pain! I know how that carb fog is...hard to find your way to the light. I did really well for months (lost 85 pounds in 10 months with just a few days of slip-ups...)...then, the wierd plateau started...and I helped it along by falling off several times. Now, I'm afraid to even weigh myself. I'm trying to stay strong, but is hard. I still want that fast(er) weight loss. Today I found a mini-twix bar in my purse - and I ate that puppy without even thinking. I ALMOST fell off again - but decided one bite of candy is not the end of the world. Tried to tell myself I am worth it = it is worth it to not fall off the wagon AGAIN and back my weight loss up even further!
So, what I do to get back on is go get all the low-carb things I really like - especially snacks. Then, when I do start, there are no excuses. The eggs are boiled. There are almonds in the house. I have some of my favorite cheese. There is sf jello, etc... Some people feel you have to go back to a strict induction, but I don't do that. My idea of white-knuckling it is just eating low-carb for a few days until the sugar leaves my body! Once you've done that you can get more serious with all of it. I know I need to adjust portions and begin the "E" word - exercise!!! EEK!!! I'm really wanting to lose 100 pounds total ASAP, so I know I need to get off my somewhat deflated but still quite fat hiney and JUST DO IT!!!!!!!!! I wish you the best - you can do it, too. You are worth it!

[Zer]

I see we share a goal, to let go of 100# in 9mos of faithful LC mindful eating.

Originally Posted by Bethanyblondie

I appreciate all the words of support. We've also been battling a nasty stomach bug in my household the last few days and I was feeling really icky...which added to my frustration. I'm feeling a little better today.

Glad you are feeling better. Sometimes a bug can clean me out, give me a fresh new start with a gut that is purged of all the carby stuff that triggers me to crave more carbs. Hope you too can find a new start after you recover from the icky part. Here's to the next 9mos! Let's GIVE up our 100# and never pick up those pounds again. How's that for a toast?

[Califrog]

Bethany, you're braver than me - when I went off program, I didn't tell anyone about it, I just scampered off to gain back all the weight quiet-like!

All I can tell you is to take it one day at a time, just like an alcoholic has to. This is NOT easy. It's common for many of us to lose our motivation and focus.

Get back on program as quick as you're able. I'm hoping that if I go off program I'll be brave enough to step up and say so this time, and I'm glad you were.

[Moretta]

Ditto to what others have said.

Please hang in there, cause you can do it taking it one day at a time. (baby steps).

[healthy lady T]

Hi Bethany,

I have also fallen victim to the very things you are talking about. The worst part for me is I always continue to exercise even when I fall off. I then pick up weight. I think to my self "I might not loose but should I be gaining" . Then I really fall off the wagon. I have been trying to find the other slow releasing carbs so I don't get so bored. I will occassionally have a baked sweet potatoe with my dinner, or some brown rice. Neither seemed to keep me from losing. The other problem though is I try to find other low carb foods ( Like Low Carb Cheese cake from the cheese cake factory) then I start to gain. I am like you I have a long way to go and sometimes get overwhelmed with the amount of time it is going to take. One thing I am glad of is now my husband,mother and brother's birthday has all passed. Mother's day is passed and I can just get focused until my birthdate in September. I think we have to continue to use this forum for encouragement and advice. One thing I have found extremely helpful though is to try and prepare as much food as possible on Sunday so I don't get hungry and then start thinking about all of the things I'm missing. Once I get hungry I usually screw things up terribly.

[meeha]

Wow!! I felt like I was reading one of my posts, believe me when I tell you I truly understand what you're feeling. I don't have a true answer (or I wouldn't be dealing with it myself).

Right now I am re-dedicating myself to this WOE 100%, will it ever get easier for us? but we owe it to ourselves to give it our all!!!

Please don't give up I know it's hard and you're frustrated, hold your chin up, plan out your meals for tomorrow and let's start a new day on the right track!

I am wishing you much success on your journey!

[whatjelly]

I guess you just have to jump back on that wagon before it runs over you.

Curses to the one that invented sugar But really if you think about it, living the LC way is really quite luxurious. At least I think so...

Going back and fourth though will only make it harder in the long run. I guess you just have to remind yourself that it will get worse, before it will get better... but it will get better, you just have to believe it...

Think of all the cheats as poison... And I read here that somebody said for each cheat, it will set you back 3 days...

Just pick yourself up, dust off, and jump back on!!!

You can do it!!!

[healthy lady T]

You know I forgot to mention one other thing that we all must remember. We are putting ourselves in a great amount of debt by not following through. Sometimes I refuse to buy any new clothes. I think if I keep buying these larger sizes I'm accepting that I am heavy. The problem is though we all need something decent for work or if we go out. That is when the biggest depression comes. The clothes are so ugly after they pass a certain number. Unfortunately for me I'm tall as well, which make finding pants for larger thighs and waist even harder. Now when I thing off how I will need to find more clothes as I lose weight that is a lot of spending. All I'm saying is remember what takes the greater toll on you and try to keep that in mind. I have struggled but your question has made me remember what I need to do as well. The summer season is almost here let's try and make it where we can wear one pretty outfit (shirt or dress) before summer is over.

Good luck!

[slimlizzie]

Bethany...I am starting over today right now!! I could have wrote your post, I am so glad I decide to come to this board today. I have been sooo frustrated.

I got on the scale today at 179.8 I need to get at least 20 off by August!

[Rebecca1979]

Because you don't think you are worth it..

But you are.

[Diana]

Are you attempting a clean Induction? By the book?

I lost all my weight in 4 months then 2.5 years later fell off and well I have tried several times to pick myself back up. Finally got it and I am running. hang in there, do a clean induction get water in and exercise

[slimlizzie]

YES by the book...the poundage has got to go! I am worth it too! I would like to do 15 carbs or less a day. Now on Day 2 175.8 this a.m.

[belleadonna]

And the really hard thing about losing weight is that it is not like quitting alcohol or cigarettes. You can live without the latter two things but you can't just stop eating!! It would be much easier to just quit something but with eating we can't quit it, we have to control it..

I AIN'T GOT NO CONTROL AND I AIN'T GOT NO EDUCATION!! IT'S JUST SO WRONG.

[Bethanyblondie]

I know I am not alone in the constant struggle. And everyday I say the infamous, "I'll start again tomorrow, " line and I still have not followed through. Not sure what is going to get me going again...I know it will happen...just haven't felt like it lately.

The thing I have to remember is that nobody else has it any easier than me. For the longest time I truly felt no one struggled with this inner demon over food like I did (do). All of my thin friends tell me they do stay aware of what they eat and they don't just eat whatever they want. I have a really hard time with consistency...I can follow through with a routine or an eating plan for a while then I just get tired of it and stop.

Keep the positive vibe flowing my way...I'm hoping to absorb some major inspiration here!

[Gnossienne]

Hey Bethany.

What sorts of things do you use to motivate yourself with, besides the actual weight loss and health benefits? Do you have something to look forward to and work towards every day? For me it's just those stupic little ketostix! There is something addictive about them and I do a little happy wiggle on the toilet every time I pee and then see purple!

I do not weigh myself. For me, it's counterproductive. My "scale" is 1)How do I feel? and 2) How are my clothes fitting?

I work out and don't want to be driven insane if I'm not losing any weight, or might even be gaining weight - simply because of the addition of muscle.

So that's what keeps me on the diet: I want to continue feeling good and I want to feel my panties getting baggier!

[whatjelly]

For me, I like the ketostix too...

Also, I quit drinking about 7 months ago, and I have a similar feeling about weight loss. As for the drinking, I just made up my mind... I don't want it anymore, not even a little, and I don't think about it. It is what it is.

Similar feeling about LC... If I want the benefits, I just have to do it... It is what it is. I'm ready.

I guess when it all comes down to it, you just have to do it.

[wifezilla]

One thing I noticed is that a lot of people who "fall off the wagon" aren't getting enough fat. I think if you are missing some fatty acids, it can mess with your head and you binge.

[healthy lady T]

The one thing that I've noticed is if I have one day or a weekend where I'm traveling, it seems my weight goes back up. Then it takes days to get back where I was. I almost feel like until I reach my goal I shouldn't travel or involve myself with anything that's fun and I can't control. For me that's not going to the movies, sporting events, or parties. Then when I see someone that's successful I say " All I have to do is stick to my plan for 6-8 months and I will be home free". I guess it sounds like a long way off when you are trying to lose, but when we hit our goal it will seem like time flew bye.

[slimlizzie]

The one thing that I've noticed is if I have one day or a weekend where I'm traveling, it seems my weight goes back up. Then it takes days to get back where I was.

This also happens to me.. for me it is water retention from eating out. Mega salt in all those foods! So now I will make sure I have food with me.

[meeha]

Just wanted to come in here and see how things are going for you.