I'm so sorry for the struggles Laura. I know how tempting it is just to throw in the towel ... just know if you do that, that you will come back again with even more to lose. Have you talked to the people at your center? Think about retaking some of the classes in why we eat, behavior modification, etc. Also Denise's visual about getting off of the interstate, turning around and going back to the exit you wanted is a powerful one. I don't remember exactly how she puts it -- but basically just make a u-turn, get back on the road you intended to be on.

But more than anything, I understand how you feel ... I have days when I feel the same way. Also, you've gotten enough of the weight off that you feel and look better, so it's easy to say "well, this is good" (which it is -- but even more could be even better!) This is a journey where we learn a whole lot about ourselves.

Right now I'm totally staying OP and my weight loss has been agonizingly slow -- but I know I want to get this off, so I'm just hanging in there.

Only you know what your answer is, just know we understand.

Okay, I am not the role model for this plan by any means. I also fall off after a few days. But your body seems to recover pretty quickly. I am NOT advocating cheating and saying you can still lose weight. But do not beat yourself up over it. That will only stress you out and make you want to stress-eat more. (at least it does me).

Here is what I found after being off plan for about 4 months. I still lost about an inch (all measurements together) even though I gained 4 pounds. I kept working out, even stepping up my cardio a bit. I think it helped my body stay the same "size". Just food for thought. Drink your water, do not get mad at yourself and step up your workouts. Even if all you do is run up and down the stairs for 5 minutes a day. It is something!

The stairs thing really works! My dog chases me so she gets a workout too!

Laura,
Please dont give up. You have hit a rough spot for now, it is ok. You honestly can not beat yourself over it. You really have to try to motivate yourself as well as having the support of all of us. I know you can do this, the question is does Laura know she can do this? Every one is going to slip up every now and then, heck I am going to be 36 next month and for my birthday I am having a beer! Yup I sure am. I deserve it! So why not try this Laura, talk to the center about maybe carrying some sugar free candy around with you? I mean if it helps to get you back on track, why not try it. Anything that will help you. I think the biggest thing is going to be having you believe in yourself. Come on now girl, I believe in you!!!! Lets do this together!!!!

You rock!!!!!! Congrats!

I'm on DAY 5 of the program. There are no MRC centers near me - did the program years ago and pulled out my stuff - ready for another go at it. I have tried everything on earth, but never have I found anything so EFFECTIVE. I keep telling myself that, with some patience and dilligence, will come some AWESOME weight loss. I've been about the same for a year and a half, trying to lose...quitting...lose...gain...but within 10 pounds.

DAY 5 - I should reward myself for making it here - with a SODA! Any encouragement would be super appreciated. I am mentally breaking htis up in 3 weeks.

I recall that years ago, my MRC counselor told me that every 9 meals was a "segment" or a fat burning segment...er - well...I can't remember exactly. I just remember trying to perfect 9 meals at a time. Can anybody refresh my memory?

At first I purchased Special K protein supps to replace HNS, now, I am using Whey Protein. I have worked out 3 times this week, doing both Yoga and running/bicycling. I didn't run a marathon (starting out with a mile - run/walking), but I will get there.

I just desperately need some support in this, because I am feeling alone - MRC is like nothing else in the world, and unless you've tried it, you can't really relate to it.

RIGHT??????

I have been reading your stories about the weight loss and such...and it is encouraging. This "ketosis" stuff is new to me. I thought that MRC didn't put you into ketosis because you ARE having some carbs - just a very minimal amount. I read that if you overeat on carbs, then your body stores it as fat. If you overeat on protein, then you excrete it right out.... which made me go "OOOOOOH" that is why.

I also read that Ketosis - long term shuts down your organs (no thanks). I guess for a short while it doesn't hurt you, but isn't the whole idea to look good AND be healthy????

I genuinely believed that it was the protein thing (not overeating on carbs therefore not storing them as fat) which caused the rapid loss.

Any input?????

P.S. - the SODA on day 5 is a Caf. free diet Soda...but I don't like saying "Caf Free Diet" when I am rewarding myself!!!!!

Laura,
I know exactly how you feel. I have been there numerous times in the past 2 yrs. I know how hard it is. Just focus in getting past the 3 days and then you will be in ketosis and that will make you think twice about eating off plan.
That is my motivation, I just think that if I avoid that temptation, there will be one more day added to my success. It is a daily battle with me too. I am proud to say I have been on program 5 days 100% on plan, and I feel I am accomplishing something that has been impossible for me for 2 yrs.
I started noticing my clothes are looser and my hubby said my face is smaller. Stay focused my friend, you have done it before and you know it works, let that be your motivation.

Hi Laura, I know how you feel. I have been getting discouraged myself for the last couple of weeks. Seems my weight loss has slowed to a crawl and I get upset and want to cheat. I have lost 2 pounds in 21 days! I have been eating the right things and I don't know what I am doing wrong. I take all these supplements and drink my HNS....I have increased them to 4 a day in the last week. My body is fighting me for every pound. I am planning to start walking tonight and see if I can at least get to sign the 20 lb board next week. That is my mini goal!

My suggestion is this: Ok, you slip up with one tiny thing....don't mess up again the rest of the day, eat what you are suppose to eat for your next meals. Don't skip any just because you cheated. Tomorrow is another day and tomorrow you will be 100% OP. Take one day at a time, one meal at a time. Cook new dishes from recipe thread. Shake things up! Good luck and please....don't give up!

Wow Bonnie!! That is so amazing! You should be very proud of yourself....that is quite an accomplishment and in so little time! Keep up the great work! You are truly an inspiration to us all!!


Caffeine free and sodium free.....the sodium will make a difference. Good luck, you are doing great!

Hope everyone has a great weekend.....spring forward!!

Mel

CONGRATULATIONS Bonnie!!! That is so fantastic!!

KeepinOn - I love the new picture!!! You look wonderful!!!

I'm not an expert in ketosis in fact, I never register but I want to encourage you to keep on going. Think back to the reasons you've started the diet and take things one day at a time and maybe with smaller goals. Keep up the good work and post here for support.

Discovery,
I have been negative all but one time when I have gone in to get weighed. I am on day 14 of the program. The one time I was slightly pink I talked to my counselor about it and she said anything from moderate and below is good, I rather see it stay negative . Bonnie, big congrats on the 50 lb board, keep up the great work



Day 14, 8 lbs down and 17 inches gone!

Thanks!! I thought I should change my picture now that my double chin is gone! I'm looking older but at least I'm thinner Losing weight really brings out the wrinkles!

I would try to get into your center and have a heart to heart with them. The ladies here are always such good motivators and they have just the right thing to say when you need encouragement.

Whenever I feel tempted to cheat I always just say to myself that the bite of "whatever" will just make this diet torture last longer and I want this over as soon as possible. That usually makes my decision easier. So far it's been working for me and I've only had planned cheats on the holidays (Christmas, Thanksgiving and our anniversary last week). I know that's not the most encouraging sounding mantra but it really makes me think about what I'm eating and what my ultimate goal is. Do I want the temporary satisfaction of eating that brownie or do I want to get to my goal and start stabilization so I can be done with dieting!

You can do it if you just set your mind on it and don't let the food have control over you! Don't give up! Keep on keepin on!!