Finally Committed ForLife

[ForLife]

I have struggled like many with weight issues for years. In February of 2007, I went to a doctor to get help. He gave me a diet and I took pills to help control my appetite. The basic diet was not a low carb diet and the combination of diet, pills and exercise worked. I went from 315 pounds to about 240 pounds until I could not afford the pills any longer. I had to do it on my own.

What I discovered was that I had been doing it on my own. I continued with the same diet plan and did not need the pills because I had gotten used to that way of eating. I then hit a plateau, I could not seem to get around the plateau, so I tried another method of dieting. I ate a tasty sandwich for breakfast, had tea for lunch and tried not to eat dinner. I continued to exercise, running or walking and I continued to lose weight. Each time I hit a plateau, a long plateau, I switched my diet plan. In fact, with the constant switching, I was able to break the plateau each time.

One day a friend was discussing her success with Atkins and I remembered that I had once tried Atkins, loved it and had good success with it for a prolonged period of time, but made the mistake of having some sweets one day, and that one day led to many days of more sweets and I crashed and burned. But my friend reminded me of how good it felt when I had been successful on it. Unlike any other diet, it felt like it was the best method for me because the things that I could eat, were things that I loved. I just had to overcome the sweets issue.

I started Atkins again, did well for awhile, went down to 187, but again crashed and burned on sweets, and new job stress.

I went back up to 219 and finally realized that I had to reign this monster in. This had to be a way of life. I had great success with Atkins until the moment that I made just one sweets violation. The Cookie Monster ruled my life, and if I let him, he was going to win again.

I decided, finally, that this had to be a way of life. All of the pieces were there. I just had to get control of the moments of weakness. I finally made the commitment. In addition to the sweets, I noticed that I was not counting my carbs accurately and I would get bored with the foods that I was eating. I am not a cook, so I would generally stick with the same things and ultimately get bored.

Then I found this great place. I am really quite excited. I read quite a number of the recipes at LCF and I am going to try a few. The first one that I am going to try (several months from now to ensure that I am in control) will be Chocolate Fudge.

I am exercising an hour or more a day almost every day walking. If I can find a hill, I am there. I am trying to increase my water intake to 64 ounces consistently. Other than coffee, water is all that I drink, but I usually drink 32 ounces. I want to get that up to 64, then more, if I can.

I am trying to shift my meal plan around, I am not so good with that, eating farely similar things each day. I am going to read more about what others are eating and get some variety. My new favorite thing is lettuce, some chicken or ham bits, mayo mixed with walden farms 0 carbs dressing. I discovered Slim Fast low carb, only 2 net carbs. I like it and it curbs the appetite mid day. I am trying International Delight sugar free in my coffee as a creamer 1 carb per tablespoon and that is helping also, coffee is my most important morning gift.

I weigh myself every day, keep a journal of my total carbs, time put in to exercising daily, weight per day, and any other information relevant to that day. I have never felt quite like this before. I feel as though I have finally transcended the roller coaster. I don't know for sure, but I feel as though I am going to make it to goal, 145, this time without crashing and burning. I feel a sense of commitment that I have never felt before. My goal is ten pounds per month. I am hoping to be finished with this initial phase by November or so. I will then go right into maintenance.

Anyway, it is an exciting journey this time. I feel like another person, almost. What I mean by that is that unlike other times, I now feel as though I can resist temptation. I never felt that way before. If it was your birthday and you handed me a piece of cake, I would eat it, of course. I finally feel the strength to resist. I finally feel as though I can sit at a table with my friends and not have cake, even if everyone else is having it.

My big test will come on Friday evening. Homemade cake will be served at a dinner that I will be attending. My goal is to just say no to the cake and only eat the low carb items.

I am at 202. I am finally committed ForLife!

[ForLife]

I had a good day yesterday. I walked for one hour and twenty minutes in the heat, up several hills. I only ate 16.5 carbs. Shredded salad with ham, mayo mixed with Walden Farms was the main meal. I had two servings at two separate meals. I have found that separating my meals into two or more is working best. Instead of eating everything at one sitting, spreading it out over two times keeps me feeling fueled.

I am finiding it difficult to get my water in. I had about 32 ounces again. If I could start drinking earlier, I could get it in, but I can't seem to start drinking water until about 2pm.

Today is Cake Day. I have a dinner tonight that I have to get through. I have to stare that cake down and say "No thanks." We'll see what happens. If I can do it, it will be a huge accomplishment and proof of my commitment.

What is so good about LC is how satisfied I feel generally. But for "exposures" like tonight, I would not have a problem. I have actually narrowed my problem down to "exposures"! It seems that when I go off plan, it is because an external force has come into my life that day. I mean that if I stay home alone and see no one, my eating is fine. If I go somewhere where someone else is, that someone brings something bad and I have to suffer through those moments, usually joining in and crashing.

It would be nice to have LC friends around all the time, instead of the high carb friends that I do have.

Anyway, here's to a great LC, home-made cake-less day.

[ForLife]

I made it through Cake Day by showing up late and leaving the table early. Perhaps not the best strategy, but I made it through. I had 3 more carbs, though, than intended, but no cake. I am up today to 203, because the chicken that I had was lightly seasoned with barbeque sauce. Although very lightly coated, I guess the sugar from that caused the spike.

I am glad however, that I did not have cake, because it would have been higher than that. Based on my notes, it seems that the only time that I spike is when I go to these dinners with friends. Perhaps I should just keep to myself until November. Unrealistic, I guess. Plus I suppose that I am learning how to deal with eating in social settings, although, the "just say no" method would have been more mature, than the "leave the table" method. But at this point, for me, the fact that I made it through Cake Day by any means necessary, is what I am going to celebrate.

I am going to walk extra long today. I started drinking water earlier yesterday. Still did not do 64 ounces though, but will try again today.

I really wish this were a faster process. I want the weight to be gone.

[ForLife]

Was able to stick to the exercise schedule now that I have joined WATP, normally I would skip exercise if I could not walk during the day, but now I can do my walk inside or outside and at any hour. This is really great, another wonderful discovery from LCF.

My journal is indicating that when ever I sit down with others at a table, I have a problem. Almost without fail, my weight goes up one pound and then I have to fight to get that off.

I am going to have to bring my own food to the table. I'll see how that works. Isolating myself feels so lonely and makes me feel different, but I guess if I have to take that route, then so be it. I'll try bringing my own food to the table first.

I drank 58 ounces of water yesterday.

[ForLife]

I have come to realize that my mission is to re-create my previous successful days. My goal each day is a re-creation of a prior day when I followed my plan, felt good, exercised, drank water and made it through the day without issue.

I have noticed that it is easier to do each day. My difficult hour, late at night, when I think, let's just have one more thing, I am overcoming now, by saying, no. No more for tonight, and finding out that it really is ok. It is almost becoming a ritual. A re-creation of the success I had with the same reaction the night before.

I have never really had an eating pattern in my life. I just ate whenever, and for that I am paying that price. But, a new plan is emerging. I am eating at the same times, generally. I am eating the same amounts, generally. I am finding a pattern that feels warm, fuzzy and familiar.

Here's to the re-creation of a prior successful day!



62 ounces of water.

[nicsweed]

Wow i think ur story and presistance is amazing....i think i seen you on the WATP challenge thread I wish you the best of luck; stop by my journal sometime; i have recipe's etc; somedays i think i'm a low carb vetren; somedays are not so nice~Nic

p.s. what type of diet pills where you taking from ur Dr. just curious!

[ForLife]

Hi Nic,

Thank you for the compliment and for stopping by, and I will stop by your journal and say hi.

I actually don't remember what the name of the pills were. Something that he prescribed. At the time I knew the names, but since I moved, I no longer have the bottle with the information on it. They were an appetite suppressant and in combination with at that time a non-low carb diet, it got me on my way. But I think LC is the best.

Yes, I am on WATP and am so happy to have found it. On the days that it was raining or too hot or I got in too late, I would just miss my exercise, now I know that I can re-create it in my house. It's been a big coup.

I will stop by to check out your journal and will check out your recipe's because that is one of my problems, not having enough variety.

I noticed on the WATP thread that you like to walk outside also, when the weather is nice, there is nothing like it.

Oh well, off to get stuff done. Talk to you soon.


24 ounces of water . . . eek.

[ForLife]

Exhausted yesterday, but feeling much better today. Did my walk, one hour yesterday and one hour today. I have almost finished my 64 ounces of water, my glass is by my side and I will soon be done.

I've only had 7 carbs today, which is interesting. I was not hungry early so I only had coffee. When I finally did eat, it was so late that I guess it was dinner.

A friend just walked in and said, "I brought you a whole cake, not just a slice, a whole cake." I would like to know why. She knows that I have cake issues, sweets issues, why bring an entire cake. Specifically for me, no less.

Well, I am feeling stronger than I have ever felt in my life. I don't even want it. I am so close to the onesies, I am not going to go back up. Once I leave the twosies, which should be in a day or three, I will never see 200 pounds again. Ever!!

Today I am feeling strong, so I will not eat the cake. But I will keep a log of what happens to the cake as the week progresses.

Let me remind myself that my goal is to re-create my previous successful days today!

With that said, here's to another gulp of cold water.

[sheryl0423]

Just stopping by to say HI!! You are doing great!!!! Keep up the good work!!!!

[ForLife]

Hi Sheryl,

Thanks for the encouragement. I appreciate it very much. Much success to you too! Yes. You can do this, and this time will be the last time! I will stop by your journal soon.

The journal may be one of the most important things in my journey. Getting a opportunity to express what I normally keep inside, talk with people of like mind and give and receive encouragement.

Hope you have a great day!

[ForLife]

The cake that I spoke of is in the refrigerator, someone has been eating it, but not me! My committment to LC has given me great strength. When I do everything as I should, exactly as I should, I crave nothing and I feel great.

I know that this will be my life style plan. Nothing that I have had previously has worked like LC does. I can barely believe that I am resisting cake. Pretty amazing.

Well, the plan is to have completed the weight loss portion of this journey by November.

end of:
Jun 199
July 189
Aug 179
Sep 169
Oct 159
Nov 149

The final two pounds the next week.

I am on course and feeling strong. I noticed that I am walking faster than before and feeling lighter over all.

The pounds shed now will never be seen again.

Twosie Graduation Poem
I needed you twosie pounds, I don't know why,
But now it's time to say good bye.
I'm in the onsies now to stay,
Good bye twosies - hip hip HOORAY!

An additional thought. The TV program, The Biggest Loser, which I no longer watch, was such an inspiration to me. I realized that very heavy people could actually lose weight fairly rapidly and quite successfully. I did not think that I would enjoy watching a show about losing weight, but what I learned about consistency, determination, exercise and attention to eating habits and the impact of emotions was invaluable.

[ForLife]

I think I'll just have salads today. Salad with little bits of ham. Some protein powder. A cleansing day.

Water 64 oz.

[ForLife]

Followed the plan, felt very satisfied. They are having a picnic tomorrow, have to attend, don't want to, really tired of every social event surrounding food. Would love to find some alternative to socializing with food. Anyway, I really have to get over it since when you think about it, this is life and this is how it is. I am going to have to learn to accept it and develop a lifelong plan for dealing with it.

I always try to find the common denominator and I think that there is a connection between eating more than necessary and being happy. Happy is being with friends so you eat more than you would normally. My eating journal shows that the only time that I deviate, or my weight fluctuates, is when my friends are in tow.

But the journal is proving to be an asset, in that I can see the clear pattern. It is so obvious.

Well, I told them that I am bringing my salad, the salad from yesterday (which I love) and that will be all that I will eat. I know that I can do this. I know that I will.

I beat the Cookie Monster and I will now deal with the Social Event Monster. I'm slaying monsters one by one.

Had my 64 ounces of water. I realized since I bought this great water bottle that is both pretty and incredibly functional (large enough opening to put ice in bottle, also with a straw that can fold up and remain hidden), I have been meeting 64 ounces regularly.

[ForLife]

Social Event Monster was put in his place. I sat there with my water bottle and when it was time to eat, I cut my salad greens, used my LC dressings, added ham and was just as content as I could be. I now see that you have to have a plan in advance.

LC, ketosis and an advance plan have given me the willpower to withstand the need to veer off course.

Incredibly, I did not exercise for the last three days and I lost two pounds. Now that is incredible!

Here's to sticking to the plan and not letting my social network of eaters impact my goals and my success.

I am now 50lbs from goal and on target for July. Goodbye 2lbs. I will never see you again. Not sorry to see you go. You will have to find someone else that wants you.

[ForLife]

Another light bulb moment. Instead of counting cheese and other zero carb items as zero, I count them as .5 per unit of measure. When I add up the ounces daily, I realize how much of an impact counting zero products as zero has had on my daily carb tally, instead of recognizing that, in many instances, the products do have less than one carb and are allowed to say zero. It all adds up in the end. You can't fool your body.

I think that is making a big difference because I am now not going over my daily carb limit.

[sheryl0423]

Wow!!!!!! only 50 lbs to go.... you are kicking butt!!!!!!!!!!
I see you have some pretty good ideas, such as counting <1 gr as .5 that is one way for carbs to creep up on you.
KUTGW

[ForLife]

Hi Sheryl,

Thanks so much for the compliment! And yes. I think that one may be one of the biggest conclusions. I notice when I do that, it all seems to work out as I hoped things would.

Have a great and successful day!

[ForLife]

I'm feeling very peaceful about my WOE. A tremendous sense of peace. Also, two of my friends (one a cake sabotuer) is going to start Atkins shortly. I am feeling a sense of joy that I am contributing to that.

I also had an interesting day yesterday. Someone asked me to carry something upstairs for them, on it there were two chocolate bars. I looked at the bars and had a reaction. I had not seen chocolate bars in quite a while. The reaction was a powerful one. Like a pulling from the heart. An internal desire. However, because I have been performing Atkins to the letter, with no deviation, I had the strength to resist without even a thought. I looked at the chocolate and thought, I have the power.

What an incredible feeling. I thank the power of Atkins for giving me the proper WOE that has seemed to change my power to resist temptation.

Since I am satisfied, I don't have that crazy need for the wrong thing. What I eat is delicious, satisfying and I do not feel deprived. That is the power of Atkins!

Forty eight pounds to go with no going back! Never to see those pounds again. I told the pounds to take a hike. They've left the premises!

[ForLife]

Well, I finally blew it. Atkins cocolate covered Endulge coconut bars started it. I now realize chocolate is just not in the cards for me. How sad. Well, I did it and I'm done with it. But I really am shocked, though. I didn't think I could fall to an Atkins product, but I could feel the "weakness" coming. It sort of overcame my body. Like the body snatchers. Next thing I knew, I was sunk.

Any whooo! I'm happily over it. Back to strength.

[ForLife]

Sad to discover that I can't even eat Atkins chocolate. I thought that their product would be a great substitute, but alas . . . it is not . . . at least for me. I gave myself a break this week. No walking. No weighing. But sticking to the eating plan without deviation.

It worked well and I will include this in my arsenal at later points when I need a break in the routine. I just kept the faith that if I stuck with the plan, the plan would stick with me and true to belief, it has worked true to form.

My mother used to say, be good to yourself. It is a maxim that I am incorporating into my life.

[ForLife]

Walked . . . walked . . . walked. Hills, flats, heat, really enjoyed it today. I probably could have walked an hour longer today, it felt so good.

I need to find something that I can have at the end of the day that would be satisfying and low carb. Not sure what that should be though. Something that I could rely on. Something that would provide a slightly sweet taste, but no carbs and would not lead me down the chocolate path.

I really need to figure this one out.

[sheryl0423]

Do you like sugar free jello? I love the lime flavor with a dollop of HWC on top, yummy!! It's my sweet tart!!!!!!!!!!

[ForLife]

Brilliant!! I am running out to get some right this minute. That may be the perfect solution. Enjoyable but not too sweet. I am actually running out the door now.

[Livywilltim-mom]

You are doing an amazing job...I have loved your journal! Consider stopping by mine to leave some words of wisdom...you are amazing!

Peace

[ForLife]

Well I ran out and got the jello and hwc and whipped it with splenda and vanilla extract, delish! I totally had forgotten that sugar free jello tastes so good. My new gift to myself, thank you, Sheryl. It's easy, cheap and the perfect solution.

Hi, Jaimie, thank you for saying that. How incredibly kind of you. I will surely stop by . . . and thanks for the reminder, something that I never acknowledged in my journal, clearly, all things are possible with God!

[ForLife]

Sad to say that I'll have to give up whipped cream, it's an out of control trigger for me, but the jello is perfection. Perfectly sweet, perfect solution to the evening blues and no triggering.

I have been walking and or running consistently. Minimum of an hour per day of whatever exercise I engage in. Weight loss is on track.

I heard an exercise guru, the guy from Extreme Makeover, say that long and slow is the best way to effect the burning of fat, so I have been adding more time to my exercising when I can.

It is consistently falling off, so I guess he is right. Forty five pounds to go.

The best concept is when the pound goes away, I know that I will never see it again. That is really exciting. Like a double accomplishment, the loss of weight and the loss of a pound never to be seen again.

Just a couple of days till no more nineties. Way cool.

[ForLife]

I have been feeling kinda down. Exercising has been up in that I have been giving more hours to it than ever before, yet weight loss has slowed down to a crawl. I have not violated my carb intake, so I am troubled.

I have walked as many as three hours or more in a day. Do I have to walk for twenty four hours to have a significant drop. This really seems ridiculous. I am sad, but am on point. I am sticking to it, both exercise and food intake, and will continue to, but I am not in a good place because this doesn't make sense.

Anyway, onward sad soldier.

[ForLife]

Well, I figured it out. I created a chart that lists how many days I am at a particular weight. The days that are the longest are the days that I ate, for example, atkins endulge candy or even hot dogs.

So I now know that I have to stay clean and stick to the basic plan even though certain foods are low carb, they don't help me to lose weight as quickly as possible. So I am staying clean, sticking with those basic foods that help me to lose as quickly as possible.

Feeling much better now. Hate to put extraordinary effort in and get nothing back in return.

[ForLife]

Forgot to celebrate the 80s!

No more 90s. Never to see the 90s again. 90s in the trash can. 90s for sale. It feels great to celebrate the loss, but also to celebrate the fact that I will never see the 90s again. Dual celebration.

Onward happy soldier.

[Livywilltim-mom]

Dear ForLife,

It is such a great thought you have about leaving the pounds behind you FOREVER! I am going to be thinking on that as I move down the scale again.

Peace and Blessings for you friend.