I think I'll always have that risk of falling off track...I could prob compare myself to any other addict. Sometimes, just the smell of something will cause me to snap. It gets very challenging when you're scooping out choc chip and cookie dough ice cream for the little one! lol

Yes, if that is a low carb recipe I'd love to have a look at it. I have no idea if there'll be issues posting it...perhaps you could pm it to me to be safe? My only worry is that eating artificially sweetened foods will make me crave sweetened foods. I'd def have to be cautious...

Thanks!

Hey! I sent you a PM!

Got it...thanks!

Hey!! It's Jason, right? I'm going to be really embarrassed if it's the wrong name. My memory's not what it used to be (just one of many things that are not what they used to be).

The cardinal rule for me is don't cheat. It's the only way I can manage....the reason I chose Atkins in the first place. I just cannot limit or control simple carbs....esp. my nemesis....SUGAR. I'm like an alcoholic who loses ALL judgment when I have any......and deluding myself that I can control it or can stop when I want to is just that....deluding myself.

I don't exactly know why...or know what sort of metabolic aberration I have....but I just know that I have the problem. Unfortunately for me....it has to be all or none. The upside is that I don't have to constantly worry about gaining, not fitting into my clothes, etc. I've come to the realization that the trade-off is completely worth it.

****, nothing is free, right? There's a price to pay for everything.

Seriously, just make a list of foods that are triggering for you, that you have difficulty controlling and limiting, and that seem to persistently get you into trouble. And then just avoid them as much as you possibly can.

deena

Yes, it's Jason...I guess some things are the way they should be...hahaha! I know what you mean...if I sneak a carb filled snack, that turns into about a dozen empty wrappers on the counter. I'd binge like a madman...I'd eat two boxes of my wife's 100 calorie snacks, 3 packs of bear paws, a bag of choc coated almonds and any other snack that isn't tied down. I'll lose control for a week straight! Each binge I'd convince myself that this will be the last bite and I'd get back on track tomorrow. These tomorrows would drag out for weeks and months until I'm 21lbs heavier and feeling like crap. Like you, I dint think I can safely add carbs back...all or none!

gosh you sound just like me ! Maybe the low carb goodies like chocolate clouds will keep me from doing that....if I only eat one a day! I have to keep the control! you can do this

Jason, I'm glad you're back on plan. The struggle not to binge is so hard when we're not eating well. Apparently, anything that only TASTES sweet - regardless of the source - can trigger a binge. I can binge on sugar-free, artificially sweetened stuff that's not even all that good. I've been fighting the same five pounds for two months, and I think it's because I haven't given up artificially sweetened treats. Eating them leads me to eating more of something...even protein.

I've been reading Geneen Roth's books; she has some profound things to say about the connections among our inner and outer lives and our relationships with food. No way am I giving up Atkins and giving myself permission to eat whatever I think I want; I've lost too much weight and worked too hard to go there. But I do think she has some valuable insights for those of us who crave, binge, diet cycle. I'm trying to teach myself to eat more mindfully and consciously.

It's hard, but it's harder without the support of all of you. We can do it! Have a great week, everyone.

That's my fear...I am planning on trying those cookies though, but I may wait a few weeks until I know I'm strong enough to handle them. I'm having a hard enough time trying to cut back my cheese and almond intake. I love the almonds because they are a low-carb alternative to munching on chips or popcorn. I enjoy the cheese because it's a filling snack between meals. My other weakness is snacking on pepperoni and cheese at night. Oops, going off track...

Yes, for now I'm going to avoid even artificially sweetened snacks. I have one can of diet pop a day that I'm considering cutting out. My military dress uniform has gotten too snug since last summer...I NEED to fit into it again. I had it tailored last year after I lost my weight. My lazy months of being in school are almost to an end and I'll be back in uniform again...should be motivation enough!

Thanks for the comments everyone!!

Diet sodas don't seem to trigger anything; I rarely drink them. I've been drinking flavored (but not sweetened - artificially or otherwise) seltzer water. It's not delicious, but it has bubbles. For me the triggers are desserts, sugar - real or not. Anything that's close to ice cream, candy, or cake seems to trigger me to eat too much, but that's what I crave.

I love cheese, always have. Limiting myself to four ounces is hard. But I lose weight best when I limit it to one or two ounces a day. I have to get over myself and eat what's good for me. Have a great week.

You're going to do great! I like to have something to snack on while watching a movie at home and I now snack on sunflower seeds. They aren't approved for Atkins induction but I don't do induction. I just keep my total carbs under 30 for the day. For one Frito Lay pkg there are 5 carbs. It may sound like a lot but it takes a while to crack those shells. One pkg could last you all day and give you the sense that you are snacking on something. Plus, they taste wonderful Very good for you too....