Those of us in the Triple Digits Club have a long way to go and it can be hard to stay motivated over the long haul. We face some big obstacles (no pun intended). We have all heard a lot of advice and obviously some of it sunk in cause we are still working it!

What is the BEST advice or tip you ever got about staying on this WOL? Did someone every say something to you that really stayed with you??

For me, the basic 12-step concept has really been helpful. ONE DAY AT A TIME! You cannot dwell on yesterday and we don't know about tomorrow...........but today, I can make this my best low-carb day! Today I can exercise even if I didn't yesterday and might not tomorrow. Today I can make the best food choices. Today I choose to take care of myself.

I have to lose 126 pounds. The only way I can handle that thought is to concentrate on today. I think of it in ten pound increments. I can deal with that. Any other thoughts? Cindi

I think for me it was Karen saying:

Low carb dieting isn't ment to make you stress, it's ment to make you healthy.

After that the light went on. Don't focus so much on the scale, but focus more on life and getting myself healthy.

Thanks Karen.

You know, I think I'd have to point to two bits of advice that stuck with me...

...the first came more in the form of a warning and picture of the future from my doctor, whom I trust. Though he offered to help me through both the physcial and financial hurdles of surgery for weight reduction, the picture he painted for me was scary as hell. I am not going to be that man...

The second would have to be a rolled-up version of the things I learned here in this forum in my first few months. Specifically that this is not a diet, there is no end date. It is a new WOE. This picture of my future I can definately embrace and call my own.

Donald

You know, I never was a fad dieter. I always chose the medically accepted ways: diabetic diet, low-fat, etc. But, I have been dieting since I was five years old and my mother decided I needed to lose weight. I finally just gave up. I "realized" that my weight was not under my control and never would be, and that I was really dieting for health maintenance. (Well, THAT was a big lie, but I didn't know it at the time.)

There came a point where I seriously considered surgery. But, when I spoke with a friend who had done it, twice, she told me of all the health problems involved and all the risks and then told me that it STILL came down to controlling what you eat - only by being FORCED into portion control. And she told me that some foods would be forever banned. Well, what's the point of that??? If you've got the willpower to stay on a diet at all, WHY kill yourself to do it?

But, as a teen, Atkins was considered just another fad diet - ergo I never took it seriously until I MET someone who had achieved success with it. Even then, after more than ten years of low-fat dieting, the concept of eating mayonnaise horrified me. I'm not kidding. I gagged the first time I tried.

However, when the doctor tells you that you have two years or less to live if you continue your current lifestyle AND YOU'RE ALREADY DIETING LOW-FAT FOR OVER TEN YEARS AND DOING EVERYTHING YOU CAN TO LOSE WEIGHT, there comes a time to try something radical. Atkins was my radical last attempt before surgery. Thank all the powers that be that it works.

Two things come to mind:

"Play the tape to the end (dummy)"

I'm parapharsing and I added the 'dummy' but that was the gist of it. Think about what happens next; what are the consequences of doing this or not doing this. Can you live with them? ( Thanks, Karen )

I emoved the world "cheat" from my lexicon

Making something off limits or illegal is one of the best ways of making it all the more desirable and putting it in the forefront of your mind. Whatever you do right now, do not think about a red dress .

Whatchathinkig 'bout?

Nat

I find that the times I start craving carbohydrates are when I am stressed out -- my teenagers are driving me crazy, my boss is driving me crazy, the house is a mess, etc. -- all the basic stressors in life. Instead of breaking down and eating carbohydrates at those times, I've been giving myself permission to do something I really enjoy: sipping a cup of herb tea and reading a book, taking a warm shower, driving to a park for a walk rather than trudging through the streets of my neighborhood, or calling up a friend. I often have trouble finding time for myself in my life; since starting this WOE I have decided that finding that time is a priority if I'm not going to slip back into unhealthy ways of eating. Carbohydrates help with stress temporarily, but in the long run they cause more stress.

Liz

You couldn't be more right.

CARBOHYDRATES =

Donald

That's why it is an addiction -- you temporarily feel great when you eat carbohydrates, then you crash and want more of them, and then you keep repeating the vicious cycle and spiral down hill. That's why I'm trying to find other ways to deal with stress and feel better -- the alternative ways take more time in the short run (it's faster to eat half a box of cookies than to take a walk in the park), but in the long run the other ways are healthier and, by making my life run on a more even keel, save me time.

Liz

that to treat ourselves.. it can be fulfilling to try something that involves the other senses...not just our tastebuds..
and it needs to be planned.. just as you say.
If you plan a "treat'.. you KNOW its a reward treat.. or a calm down treat..
Something specific for that time..
Great ideas.. thanks!
:-)
Poofie!

Advice for staying on LC...

Hmmmm, why do I stay on Atkins...

1. I love the way I feel.
2. I am in control of what I eat.
3. I don't think about food all the time.
4. I have never, NEVER, NEVER had this much energy.
5. I don't crave sugar all the time.
6. My Lipids are in normal range for the first time in 12 years.
7. My brain isn't as fuzzy as it use to be.
8. I am no longer on an emotional roller coaster. My moods swings have diminished.
9. I feel great about myself.

oh yeah ....

10. I have lost 102 pounds in 10 months (Tomorrow).



I don't need potatoes, bread, pasta's and Hostess Cupcakes to survive. I no longer live to eat, I eat to live.

I guess this is all the motivation I have needed.

Hope this helps.

Dee