I just can't get motivated again...

[daisyHair]

The holidays are already doing a number on me, I need a swift kick in the arse. I just can't seem to wrap my mind around low carbing again.

I keep going back and forth. Low carbing and then wanting to bake/cook my traditional holiday stuff. I have put on 10# in the last week (I am sure it's at least half water).

I made a grocery list this morning (LC) and promised myself I would get there and get started again but I just can't seem to find it in me to even get out of the house today.

I did give Patrick (DH) the last batch of Rum Balls we had and asked him to hide them (I send some to my father each year) so I am not tempted until we mail them.

I just feel blah. Blarg. Boooooo.

There that pretty well describes how I feel.
What in the world is wrong with me?

Anyone else struggling right now?

[kimlou]

Right there with you Daisy......
Keep promising myself and then about three days into it........ I just blow it.

So far in the past 2 weeks I have done really good , But I know I am one bite away !!!!

[7littleangels]

been there. This is the first Holiday season that I have been on track in the 8 years that I have been doing low-carb. Difference this year is that it is life or death. I have type II diabetes now and I want to have a long healthy life. Find your reason why you stay on plan and it will maybe become easier.

Jeanie

[Ilpirata]

I do okay during most of the week but have been eating a pint of hagen daas the last few sundays in a row! My weight is pretty much even... once I correct the sunday damage during the week but the mindset is just screwed off right now.

[daisyHair]

Hi Kisha!

Nice to see you.
Ya, I am screwy right now too. Totally undecided and no where near committed. AND I really do need to do this. I am borderline diabetic again.

7littleangels,
nice post, thank you.. very true.

Kimlou,
Two weeks is good progress. Don't you feel a little less shakey now?
It's the first few days that are so hard for me.

[chiody]

Disposing of the rum balls is a good move. Dig deep inside for the motivation and reasons necessary to continue and they'll steer you back on the right track.

You can do it!!!

[peanutte]

Here's my advice: if you don't want to do low-carb, don't do it.

If you feel like you're dragging yourself back to Induction and dreading it...don't do it.

If it feels like an obligation and a burden...don't do it.

The high fat food we eat on Atkins will be a disaster if you're going back and forth between that kind of food and higher-carb, sugary, starchy food. And no diet plan will work for you if your heart's not in it. So in my opinion, if you can't seem to get yourself into a committed frame of mind, just do whatever you want to do, but at least watch your portions.

There will probably be consequences, including some health concerns and weight regain. If that really depresses you, then maybe you should think about getting your commitment to low-carb back. Re-read the book. Go back and read some of your old posts from when you were doing really well. Get out some of your old "fat" clothes and ask yourself if you really want to be wearing them again. Look at your "before" pictures if you have some.

Instead of making it vague, make it concrete and real. "I might want to go off this diet for a while and just enjoy all my holiday food. If I do that, here are the probable consequences. The food will taste good and I will be twenty pounds heavier. My diabetes will get worse. Is that okay with me?"

I think when we get into a reluctant frame of mind, sometimes what's really going on is a form of self-pity. You begin looking at your low-carb diet as punishment--something you "should" do but don't want to do. "Everybody else gets to enjoy all these cookies and holiday treats but I have to stick to this stupid low carb diet!" That's no way to think.

No one is making you do a low-carb diet, but it brings such great rewards with it. If those rewards aren't satisfying to you, then don't do low-carb. If those rewards are satisfying to you, then give yourself a reality check and deal with it, because we don't get to experience the good things without sacrificing a few cookies. The foods we choose to not have are only as important as we allow them to be.

I don't believe anyone should be on a diet that makes them miserable. So people can either change their attitude about it, change their actual diet--or change their goals. It's up to the individual to decide.

[CurlsNCuffs]

Originally Posted by peanutte

Here's my advice: if you don't want to do low-carb, don't do it.

If you feel like you're dragging yourself back to Induction and dreading it...don't do it.

If it feels like an obligation and a burden...don't do it.

The high fat food we eat on Atkins will be a disaster if you're going back and forth between that kind of food and higher-carb, sugary, starchy food. And no diet plan will work for you if your heart's not in it. So in my opinion, if you can't seem to get yourself into a committed frame of mind, just do whatever you want to do, but at least watch your portions.

There will probably be consequences, including some health concerns and weight regain. If that really depresses you, then maybe you should think about getting your commitment to low-carb back. Re-read the book. Go back and read some of your old posts from when you were doing really well. Get out some of your old "fat" clothes and ask yourself if you really want to be wearing them again. Look at your "before" pictures if you have some.

Instead of making it vague, make it concrete and real. "I might want to go off this diet for a while and just enjoy all my holiday food. If I do that, here are the probable consequences. The food will taste good and I will be twenty pounds heavier. My diabetes will get worse. Is that okay with me?"

I think when we get into a reluctant frame of mind, sometimes what's really going on is a form of self-pity. You begin looking at your low-carb diet as punishment--something you "should" do but don't want to do. "Everybody else gets to enjoy all these cookies and holiday treats but I have to stick to this stupid low carb diet!" That's no way to think.

No one is making you do a low-carb diet, but it brings such great rewards with it. If those rewards aren't satisfying to you, then don't do low-carb. If those rewards are satisfying to you, then give yourself a reality check and deal with it, because we don't get to experience the good things without sacrificing a few cookies. The foods we choose to not have are only as important as we allow them to be.

I don't believe anyone should be on a diet that makes them miserable. So people can either change their attitude about it, change their actual diet--or change their goals. It's up to the individual to decide.

:c lap:

[Magicsmom]

Originally Posted by 7littleangels

been there. This is the first Holiday season that I have been on track in the 8 years that I have been doing low-carb. Difference this year is that it is life or death. I have type II diabetes now and I want to have a long healthy life. Find your reason why you stay on plan and it will maybe become easier.

Jeanie

This is me without the diabetes. I can do it now while I don't have diabetes, or do it later after I develop it. My choice is to avoid it.

Originally Posted by peanutte

Here's my advice: if you don't want to do low-carb, don't do it.

If you feel like you're dragging yourself back to Induction and dreading it...don't do it.

If it feels like an obligation and a burden...don't do it.

The high fat food we eat on Atkins will be a disaster if you're going back and forth between that kind of food and higher-carb, sugary, starchy food. And no diet plan will work for you if your heart's not in it. So in my opinion, if you can't seem to get yourself into a committed frame of mind, just do whatever you want to do, but at least watch your portions.

There will probably be consequences, including some health concerns and weight regain. If that really depresses you, then maybe you should think about getting your commitment to low-carb back. Re-read the book. Go back and read some of your old posts from when you were doing really well. Get out some of your old "fat" clothes and ask yourself if you really want to be wearing them again. Look at your "before" pictures if you have some.

Instead of making it vague, make it concrete and real. "I might want to go off this diet for a while and just enjoy all my holiday food. If I do that, here are the probable consequences. The food will taste good and I will be twenty pounds heavier. My diabetes will get worse. Is that okay with me?"

I think when we get into a reluctant frame of mind, sometimes what's really going on is a form of self-pity. You begin looking at your low-carb diet as punishment--something you "should" do but don't want to do. "Everybody else gets to enjoy all these cookies and holiday treats but I have to stick to this stupid low carb diet!" That's no way to think.

No one is making you do a low-carb diet, but it brings such great rewards with it. If those rewards aren't satisfying to you, then don't do low-carb. If those rewards are satisfying to you, then give yourself a reality check and deal with it, because we don't get to experience the good things without sacrificing a few cookies. The foods we choose to not have are only as important as we allow them to be.

I don't believe anyone should be on a diet that makes them miserable. So people can either change their attitude about it, change their actual diet--or change their goals. It's up to the individual to decide.

[jo2621]

ditto what peanutte said

My turning point was realizing that the "diet" part was just one piece of the puzzle. My changes had to come from within.

First, a willingness to accept the fact that if I kept on doing what I always have done, I would be the way I always was.

And most importantly that it wasn't just for one halfhearted day or month. It has to be a way of life.

Nobody can make the decision to do this for you. You have to do it yourself.

Added: The holidays were not easy for me. I have 3 adult children who come home during their breaks. I am a mom, a homemaker and I love to bake and cook. BUT for the first holiday season I told them that if they wanted it they could do it/buy it themselves. And they did. Now my 3rd season into it, I can do it all and it doesn't even faze me.

[peanutte]

I want to make it very clear that I have been there too. There was this period of time when I remember going off Atkins, coming back to Atkins, going off, coming back...it just doesn't work. You can eat the Atkins high-fat food when you're not eating carbs for your primary fuel source, but you can't eat that kind of food in carb-burning mode and not gain weight. So all my half-hearted Inductions did more harm than good. That's why I say do it or don't do it; it's nobody's business but your own.

BUT for the first holiday season I told them that if they wanted it they could do it/buy it themselves. And they did. Now my 3rd season into it, I can do it all and it doesn't even phase me.

That is so awesome, Jo.

[KOO]

I am in the same boat. I do well and then I hit the Christmas cookies. The last couple of days I have been trying to just grab a couple ounces of cream cheese and sprinkle it with splenda to take care of my sweet tooth. So far it has been working. I am PMS'ing so the sweet tooth is especially bad right now.

[peanutte]

I sympathize with all the temptation because this time of year is tough with all the sweets and baked goods. But it's going to be Christmastime next year too, and the year after that, and the year after that. At some point we have to figure out how to deal with it.

For some that might mean giving themselves permission to have a free couple of months where they eat all those things. For others it will mean saying no to those things. For others it will mean deciding to have very set portions of certain foods. No matter what your strategy is, it has to be something you feel good about and can stick with.

[Magicsmom]

Originally Posted by peanutte

I want to make it very clear that I have been there too. There was this period of time when I remember going off Atkins, coming back to Atkins, going off, coming back...it just doesn't work. You can eat the Atkins high-fat food when you're not eating carbs for your primary fuel source, but you can't eat that kind of food in carb-burning mode and not gain weight. So all my half-hearted Inductions did more harm than good. That's why I say do it or don't do it; it's nobody's business but your own.

I've been there too. I can remember posting here that I was in rebellion and didn't care. I cared when I woke up one day 20 pounds away from my highest weight. I cared plenty, and still do. I made a conscious decision that THIS Christmas would be different - that I WOULD NOT let it derail me like it has in the past. In the words of the great philosopher Yoda, "do or do not, there is no try".

[jo2621]

Originally Posted by peanutte

I sympathize with all the temptation because this time of year is tough with all the sweets and baked goods. But it's going to be Christmastime next year too, and the year after that, and the year after that. At some point we have to figure out how to deal with it.

For some that might mean giving themselves permission to have a free couple of months where they eat all those things. For others it will mean saying no to those things. For others it will mean deciding to have very set portions of certain foods. No matter what your strategy is, it has to be something you feel good about and can stick with.

And the problem with a "free" time excuse is first it's Christmas, then Valentine's, then Easter, then Memorial Day, then July 4th...etc and on and on in a vicious cycle.

That's how I became a competitive eater.

[daisyHair]

Peanutte!

Nice to see you and yes thank you very much. This is what I need right now.
I AM feeling sorry for myself, absolutely. I just didn't realize that this is what was truly going on. I am reminiscing and allowing myself to be wrapped up in those "warm, fuzzy" vague feelings of comfort these foods bring during the holidays. I also have let myself sort of fall victim to people pushing me a bit to participate the way I used to.

jo2621,
The fact that after a couple of years you can get thru without the old "traditional" trappings gives me hope. Right now it feels like gritting my teeth. BUT...

I am re-committing right now.. not tomorrow, right now.
and I am going back to read some of my old posts. I KNOW I have given advise to others in the same frame of mind that I am in right now.. I just can't seem to remember my words right now.

I love you guys,

Cary

[peanutte]

And the problem with a "free" time excuse is first it's Christmas, then Valentine's, then Easter, then Memorial Day, then July 4th...etc and on and on in a vicious cycle.

Oh, I know! That's why it would not be my choice. I'm just allowing for all the different kinds of choices people can make.

The thing is, having gone through the phases of Atkins and not remaining in an Induction mindset, you do have a lot more freedom and can eat things in moderation that you probably wouldn't have eaten earlier in your weight loss. Whether you view certain food groups like starchy vegetables and grains as off-limits for you is another story, but it's not like you can never have some of these foods again. If you've tested them during OWL and know how many carbs you can have, it's not as restrictive.

[daisyHair]

I truly wish I could actually make the treats and not feel like I have to eat them as I am making them (testing them). I read about people doing this and I tried with the Rum Balls and this ginger soufflé I make every year for my sister's BD. I learned the hard way that I am just tempting myself by making them - I didn't have it in me to "just say no".

These foods are favorites and they are really steeped in tradition in my family. THIS is what is the issue for me. There is so much more too it than it just being "forbidden" foods. I feel guilty if I make them and guilty if I don't.

I have to get a backbone.

[jo2621]

Originally Posted by peanutte

Oh, I know! That's why it would not be my choice. I'm just allowing for all the different kinds of choices people can make.

The thing is, having gone through the phases of Atkins and not remaining in an Induction mindset, you do have a lot more freedom and can eat things in moderation that you probably wouldn't have eaten earlier in your weight loss. Whether you view certain food groups like starchy vegetables and grains as off-limits for you is another story, but it's not like you can never have some of these foods again. If you've tested them during OWL and know how many carbs you can have, it's not as restrictive.

Don't wanna threadjack here but.....

Well sure. I don't look at anything and say that I can't ever have it again. Because, truth is I CAN have it. Doesn't mean I have to have it. Means I choose to have it. There will always be holidays, anniversaries, birthdays, parties, celebrations. And most are always "food centered". I cook and I love to feed people. I love to go out.

You and I have discussed this. If I want a bite or a small portion, I have it.
It took me a while to get to this point. But, it darn well better be worth it to me.
And I better be able to accept the fact that if I have a little, it doesn't give me free reign to have a lot.

[Rdm]

Originally Posted by jo2621

Don't wanna threadjack here but.....

Well sure. I don't look at anything and say that I can't ever have it again. Because, truth is I CAN have it. Doesn't mean I have to have it. Means I choose to have it. There will always be holidays, anniversaries, birthdays, parties, celebrations. And most are always "food centered". I cook and I love to feed people. I love to go out.

You and I have discussed this. If I want a bite or a small portion, I have it.
It took me a while to get to this point. But, it darn well better be worth it to me.
And I better be able to accept the fact that if I have a little, it doesn't give me free reign to have a lot.

ITA. And starting a new woe during the holidays when your mindset and heart is not in it is just setting yourself up for failure. Hope you can figure out what you need to do.

[2bflawless]

Motivation? Getting into a smaller pair of jeans and all the while never counting a single calorie just limiting my carb count. I tell you what, I have been on every diet known to man and short of eating less than 500 calories and rollerblading 6 miles a day did I stay at goal. IMHO, Atkins gave me a life back, I eat foods I enjoy and have the energy to not only rollerblade but powerlift! Unfortunately, Atkins did not prevent me from developing diabetes but it has empowered me to be in control of my bloods sugar and given me energy and the ability to maintain a healthy weight! You have to be your own motivator, there are plenty of yummy foods you can eat while on Atkins. For instance, I ate tons of turkey with homemade cranberry sauce and LC pumpkin pie. I was very satisfied and not once felt like I was missing a thing. Most of the foods you desire can be modified to fit your lifestyle. But more importantly once you discover your carb limit you won't desire some of those foods any longer. You can do this but it is entirely up to you! Good luck!

P.S. Your avi is gorgeous!

[daisyHair]

Originally Posted by jo2621

You and I have discussed this. If I want a bite or a small portion, I have it.
It took me a while to get to this point. But, it darn well better be worth it to me.
And I better be able to accept the fact that if I have a little, it doesn't give me free reign to have a lot.

You and I are totally in different places right now. I hold out hope that some day I can eat like this but I have had this struggle every year for the last four years in a row at Christmas time. I WANT to have that kind of self control. Right now for me "a sliver leads to a slap leads to a slob". I AM going to get my control back though.

[peanutte]

You and I have discussed this. If I want a bite or a small portion, I have it.
It took me a while to get to this point. But, it darn well better be worth it to me. And I better be able to accept the fact that if I have a little, it doesn't give me free reign to have a lot.

Absolutely! It is not a free for all to have potatoes, for example, just because you've passed that rung of OWL. You have to be mindful and realize you are not going to be taking a cup, cup-and-a-half (or more!) like you used to.

Daisy, I'm sorry you end up feeling guilty either way. That kind of sucks.

[jo2621]

Originally Posted by daisyHair

I truly wish I could actually make the treats and not feel like I have to eat them as I am making them (testing them). I read about people doing this and I tried with the Rum Balls and this ginger soufflé I make every year for my sister's BD. I learned the hard way that I am just tempting myself by making them - I didn't have it in me to "just say no".

These foods are favorites and they are really steeped in tradition in my family. THIS is what is the issue for me. There is so much more too it than it just being "forbidden" foods. I feel guilty if I make them and guilty if I don't.

I have to get a backbone.

I know this is going to sound silly but I have three things I do that help me when I am cooking "goodies".

1. Wad of gum in my mouth. I can't lick my fingers or my spoons if I have gum.

2. Never wear sweatpants/stretchy pants to cook. Put on a well fitting pair of jeans. You will be amazed how much you don't want to stuff yourself when there is no room. Don't laugh it works.

3. I keep several "before" pix in my kitchen in full view. That stops me and makes me think every time.

[daisyHair]

Originally Posted by jo2621

I know this is going to sound silly but I have three things I do that help me when I am cooking "goodies".

1. Wad of gum in my mouth. I can't lick my fingers or my spoons if I have gum.

2. Never wear sweatpants/stretchy pants to cook. Put on a well fitting pair of jeans. You will be amazed how much you don't want to stuff yourself when there is no room. Don't laugh it works.

3. I keep several "before" pix in my kitchen in full view. That stops me and makes me think every time.

You know, you and I are exactly the same age. I know you can relate to the holiday situation. Also being Southern is not helping me as my entire family gets together for large meals several times during Dec. and well, food is very revered, some recipes are almost sacred, you know what I mean.

To top it off, I am the oldest of six girls and four of us have birthdays in Dec. (mine is Christmas Eve - 47 this year) and so then you have big celebrations for each of these and I am the ring-leader.

It's truly crazy and lovely at the same time.

I love the gum idea, you would think I have made all of these things enough that I would not have to taste test, wouldn't you!

[jo2621]

Originally Posted by daisyHair

You and I are totally in different places right now. I hold out hope that some day I can eat like this but I have had this struggle every year for the last four years in a row at Christmas time. I WANT to have that kind of self control. Right now for me "a sliver leads to a slap leads to a slob". I AM going to get my control back though.

Sorry daisy... I was threadjack'n & I was talking to peautte with the "you and I have discussed this" part when she refered to OWL

You can do this. One day, one meal at a time. It's okay to look at the big picture but focus on right now.

You can do it.

[peanutte]

You and I are totally in different places right now. I hold out hope that some day I can eat like this but I have had this struggle every year for the last four years in a row at Christmas time. I WANT to have that kind of self control. Right now for me "a sliver leads to a slap leads to a slob". I AM going to get my control back though.

I may be mistaken, but I do not think Jo began being able to do this until she was at goal and maintaining.

2. Never wear sweatpants/stretchy pants to cook. Put on a well fitting pair of jeans. You will be amazed how much you don't want to stuff yourself when there is no room. Don't laugh it works.

I know. I never used to wear a belt. I've been wearing one ever since last March because my jeans were getting too loose before I went down a size each time. Pretty soon I was out of holes on my belt and have been adding new ones ever since. Maybe it sounds silly but keeping things snug helps you to be aware of your body. I was walking around the house the other day without my belt on and my jeans felt a lot looser, which made me realize that if it were not for that belt, I might have a less accurate idea of whether I was the same size or had put on a few pounds. Clothes can stretch! They can and they do.

[Beezle]

Originally Posted by daisyHair

I did give Patrick (DH) the last batch of Rum Balls we had and asked him to hide them (I send some to my father each year) so I am not tempted until we mail them.

Most would say good job getting rid of the rum balls, but you're going to face this situation over and over again. I think until you can set those rum ball out on the kitchen counter and ignore them you don't have "it." By "it" I mean that state of mind where you've decided what you want, and know what you're willing to do to get it. Don't pass the buck and muddy your relationships with other people asking them to take responsibility for your food intake. You have to accept responsibility sometime.

[jo2621]

Originally Posted by daisyHair

You know, you and I are exactly the same age. I know you can relate to the holiday situation. Also being Southern is not helping me as my entire family gets together for large meals several times during Dec. and well, food is very revered, some recipes are almost sacred if you know what I me.

To top it off, I am the oldest of six girls and four of us have birthdays in Dec. (mine is Christmas Eve - 47 this year) and so then you have big celebrations for each of these.

It's truly crazy and lovely at the same time.

I love the gum idea, you would think I have made all of these things enough that I would not have to taste test, wouldn't you!

Yep...I'm originally from SC so I am Southern all the way. Big family too.

I'll be 47 on the 30th of this month.

[daisyHair]

Originally Posted by peanutte

I may be mistaken, but I do not think Jo began being able to do this until she was at goal and maintaining.

I know, I totally understood, just comparing situations. Not upset or anything.