The "give up" spot

One thing that I am working really hard at this time (as there have been so
many others times) is making permanent changes, making it last and to do
that I have to recognize my weakness and pitfalls. So last month I entered
what I call the give up spot. For me that is between 160-170lbs. From 200lbs
it is a significant loss. This is when almost everybody is commenting and
assuring me that I can eat a little of this or that and be fine. I start
convincing myself that a cookie here or cheat there will be ok. Then I jump
to I have been deprived for so long of my favorites and its not fair that I
am fat and have to eat different...see the cycle. I typically maintain for a
few weeks and then start gaining.

So how do I get past the "give up" spot. I mean hell, I am buying size 10 &
12's - normal sizes. But my BMI is no where close to "normal" and I don't
fell as healthy as I would like to. I have found myself not reading the
newsgroup as often lately or posting. That worries me that my interest is
waning.

My first strategy has been to recognize this pattern over the years of yo-yo
dieting. I have never realized why I gave up before. I am fighting some
pretty good cravings for cookies - real ones. But have been successful so
far at overcoming them. I am also exercising which has never been on my
to-do list. It is helping that after a stall at 169 I am moving downward
again but I will be glad when I can get below 160lbs.I am open to other
suggestions of how to get past this hurdle.


Thanks,
Melisa
203/166/140 @ 5'4"
http://www.users.qwest.net/~ztimm/blog/

There is no try, only do or not do.

Quit whining and make up your mind.

--
JC

Eat less, exercise more.

--
"mzahn97" wrote in message
...
One thing that I am working really hard at this time (as there have been
so
many others times) is making permanent changes, making it last and to do
that I have to recognize my weakness and pitfalls. So last month I entered
what I call the give up spot. For me that is between 160-170lbs. From
200lbs
it is a significant loss. This is when almost everybody is commenting and
assuring me that I can eat a little of this or that and be fine. I start
convincing myself that a cookie here or cheat there will be ok. Then I
jump
to I have been deprived for so long of my favorites and its not fair that
I
am fat and have to eat different...see the cycle. I typically maintain for
a
few weeks and then start gaining.

So how do I get past the "give up" spot. I mean hell, I am buying size 10
&
12's - normal sizes. But my BMI is no where close to "normal" and I don't
fell as healthy as I would like to. I have found myself not reading the
newsgroup as often lately or posting. That worries me that my interest is
waning.

My first strategy has been to recognize this pattern over the years of
yo-yo
dieting. I have never realized why I gave up before. I am fighting some
pretty good cravings for cookies - real ones. But have been successful so
far at overcoming them. I am also exercising which has never been on my
to-do list. It is helping that after a stall at 169 I am moving downward
again but I will be glad when I can get below 160lbs.I am open to other
suggestions of how to get past this hurdle.


Thanks,
Melisa
203/166/140 @ 5'4"
http://www.users.qwest.net/~ztimm/blog/

In article ,
"mzahn97" wrote:

One thing that I am working really hard at this time (as there have been so
many others times) is making permanent changes, making it last and to do
that I have to recognize my weakness and pitfalls. So last month I entered
what I call the give up spot. For me that is between 160-170lbs. From 200lbs
it is a significant loss. This is when almost everybody is commenting and
assuring me that I can eat a little of this or that and be fine. I start
convincing myself that a cookie here or cheat there will be ok. Then I jump
to I have been deprived for so long of my favorites and its not fair that I
am fat and have to eat different...see the cycle. I typically maintain for a
few weeks and then start gaining.

So how do I get past the "give up" spot. I mean hell, I am buying size 10 &
12's - normal sizes. But my BMI is no where close to "normal" and I don't
fell as healthy as I would like to. I have found myself not reading the
newsgroup as often lately or posting. That worries me that my interest is
waning.

My first strategy has been to recognize this pattern over the years of yo-yo
dieting. I have never realized why I gave up before. I am fighting some
pretty good cravings for cookies - real ones. But have been successful so
far at overcoming them. I am also exercising which has never been on my
to-do list. It is helping that after a stall at 169 I am moving downward
again but I will be glad when I can get below 160lbs.I am open to other
suggestions of how to get past this hurdle.


Thanks,
Melisa
203/166/140 @ 5'4"
http://www.users.qwest.net/~ztimm/blog/



Oh, man, you are reading my mind! I am exactly where you are! This past
month I have not been working out as often, and I've been cheating in small
ways. Not completely falling off the wagon, just a few extra nuts here and
there, a bite of cake, a piece of candy, etc. Mostly I've been staying
low-carb but just eating too much!!! I feel like I may have gained weight
this month. (

Wednesday I start my new work-out plan though, at the YMCA. I'm going to be
doing things I've never done before and hopefully will enjoy, like
kickboxing and yoga. When I am more vigilant in my work-outs I am also
more vigilant in my eating, I resist temptation easier because I don't want
to sabotauge all my effort in the gym!

One thing that helps me stay/get back on track is getting rid of clothes
that are too big for me now. So if my jeans start feeling snug, I either
have to eat less and exercise more, or I'd have to buy new jeans in a
larger size, which is way too depressing.

--
Michelle Levin
http://www.mindspring.com/~lunachick

I have only 3 flaws. My first flaw is thinking that I only have 3 flaws.

On Mon, 16 Feb 2004 10:27:22 -0700, mzahn97 wrote:

So how do I get past the "give up" spot. I mean hell, I am buying size 10 &
12's - normal sizes. But my BMI is no where close to "normal" and I don't
fell as healthy as I would like to. I have found myself not reading the
newsgroup as often lately or posting. That worries me that my interest is
waning.


I have also been doing little things like this. Cheating a little and not
going to the gym as much as I have been. Well, inspiration to get back on
the wagon came just a few minutes ago, but it cost me a pretty penny. I
got a haircut, bought a new cologne and a new winter coat. And, I now feel
like I have to keep up what I've achieved to keep looking good, and to keep
fitting into my new coat, and to keep being worthy of my new scent. I
think I'll head to the gym this afternoon.

--
Jim Marnott

"He who has wine and meat will have many friends."
- Chinese proverb

Wow, can I relate to your post. I would get to 199 and go right back up to
210 over and over again. I just couldn't break into the weight I really
wanted to get to. People around me made it even worse. They would tell me
that I don't need to lose anymore and why aren't you eating the birthday
cake or drinking beer and so on.

Here is what I did and am still doing. First of all, I don't care what
people say about being too thin or whatever. Trust me I am not too thin. I
have a mirror and I am getting my BF checked to be sure. Anyway, not
listening to all the people helps. I have an inner determination to get the
look and feel a certain way I want. I have an advantage in motivation right
now. My mother died a few months ago and it has had an impact on me to do
what needs to be done. It shook my world and made me realize I better get
it in gear. Life is not all that long and the time is NOW! So, I really
want it. You mention that you are exercising. EXCELLENT! That will make a
big difference in how you feel for sure. It takes time and I hope you enjoy
some exercise. If you don't keep doing different routines until you find
something you enjoy and don't be afraid to change when you get bored. It
can be fun and more fun if you see progress, which you will.

I think it takes a real inner determination to get past that weight that is
your mental bottom. To get there you need to really be determined. I think
about how I will stay at my optimum weight, but not much. First thing is
first. Get to the weight you want to be. It can be done, but it is hard
work. You have to change your life in some ways as well, or at least I did.
For example, when I took a trip I would schedule stops at my favorite
restaurants and eat like a pig. Now, I say to myself, I don't care about
stopping there. There is more to life than eating. I think about other
things to do. Lets face it, over eating is a substitute for good living
IMHO. I do love food and eat really well, but I am not going to plan my
life around food anymore. I also used to plan my life around drinking beer.
I am done with that. Will I drink beer on an occasion? Sure. Then I will
be on Induction for the next three or four days to make sure I don't gain.
Whatever it takes!

I hope you can get past all this and move down to those new weights. There
are people (I am convinced) that you will encounter that don't want you to
lose anymore. You have to want this on your own.

Nice work so far!
Curt

--
Started low carb May '03
211/185/185 . . 6'2"
Highest weight 250


"mzahn97" wrote in message
...
One thing that I am working really hard at this time (as there have been
so
many others times) is making permanent changes, making it last and to do
that I have to recognize my weakness and pitfalls. So last month I entered
what I call the give up spot. For me that is between 160-170lbs. From
200lbs
it is a significant loss. This is when almost everybody is commenting and
assuring me that I can eat a little of this or that and be fine. I start
convincing myself that a cookie here or cheat there will be ok. Then I
jump
to I have been deprived for so long of my favorites and its not fair that
I
am fat and have to eat different...see the cycle. I typically maintain for
a
few weeks and then start gaining.

So how do I get past the "give up" spot. I mean hell, I am buying size 10
&
12's - normal sizes. But my BMI is no where close to "normal" and I don't
fell as healthy as I would like to. I have found myself not reading the
newsgroup as often lately or posting. That worries me that my interest is
waning.

My first strategy has been to recognize this pattern over the years of
yo-yo
dieting. I have never realized why I gave up before. I am fighting some
pretty good cravings for cookies - real ones. But have been successful so
far at overcoming them. I am also exercising which has never been on my
to-do list. It is helping that after a stall at 169 I am moving downward
again but I will be glad when I can get below 160lbs.I am open to other
suggestions of how to get past this hurdle.


Thanks,
Melisa
203/166/140 @ 5'4"
http://www.users.qwest.net/~ztimm/blog/

I know this is not what you are looking for Melisa....but wow.

All you need to do is look a the beautiful woman you are becoming. Great
Pics. I mean you were an attractive chubby girl...but wooohooo look at the
change!!!

I am astounded by how utterly different people look when the weight is gone
or going. All you need to do is look at the pics ...that should be your
incentive!

Louis






"mzahn97" wrote in message
...
One thing that I am working really hard at this time (as there have been
so
many others times) is making permanent changes, making it last and to do
that I have to recognize my weakness and pitfalls. So last month I entered
what I call the give up spot. For me that is between 160-170lbs. From
200lbs
it is a significant loss. This is when almost everybody is commenting and
assuring me that I can eat a little of this or that and be fine. I start
convincing myself that a cookie here or cheat there will be ok. Then I
jump
to I have been deprived for so long of my favorites and its not fair that
I
am fat and have to eat different...see the cycle. I typically maintain for
a
few weeks and then start gaining.

So how do I get past the "give up" spot. I mean hell, I am buying size 10
&
12's - normal sizes. But my BMI is no where close to "normal" and I don't
fell as healthy as I would like to. I have found myself not reading the
newsgroup as often lately or posting. That worries me that my interest is
waning.

My first strategy has been to recognize this pattern over the years of
yo-yo
dieting. I have never realized why I gave up before. I am fighting some
pretty good cravings for cookies - real ones. But have been successful so
far at overcoming them. I am also exercising which has never been on my
to-do list. It is helping that after a stall at 169 I am moving downward
again but I will be glad when I can get below 160lbs.I am open to other
suggestions of how to get past this hurdle.


Thanks,
Melisa
203/166/140 @ 5'4"
http://www.users.qwest.net/~ztimm/blog/

"mzahn97" wrote in message
...
.. It is helping that after a stall at 169 I am moving downward
again but I will be glad when I can get below 160lbs.I am open to other
suggestions of how to get past this hurdle.


Thanks,
Melisa
203/166/140 @ 5'4"
http://www.users.qwest.net/~ztimm/blog/



hi mELISSA,
Thanks for sharing your blog. I'm right about where you are, and share the
'hey, this is good enough' thought a lot of times. Hang in there!
Tracey
220/165/130

Concentrate on not gaining back what you've lost for now. I've managed
to keep it within 5-6 pounds for over 3 years now, weighing between 155
and 160. My goal was 130 and I still hope to reach it someday, but my
main thing is not gaining the 35 pounds I lost back again while waiting
to lose the rest. That is always so damned depressing. Good luck.

--
Cheri
Type 2, no meds for now.
"mzahn97" wrote:

One thing that I am working really hard at this time (as there have
been so
many others times) is making permanent changes, making it last and to
do
that I have to recognize my weakness and pitfalls. So last month I
entered
what I call the give up spot. For me that is between 160-170lbs. From
200lbs
it is a significant loss. This is when almost everybody is commenting
and
assuring me that I can eat a little of this or that and be fine. I
start
convincing myself that a cookie here or cheat there will be ok. Then
I jump
to I have been deprived for so long of my favorites and its not fair
that I
am fat and have to eat different...see the cycle. I typically
maintain for a
few weeks and then start gaining.

So how do I get past the "give up" spot. I mean hell, I am buying
size 10 &
12's - normal sizes. But my BMI is no where close to "normal" and I
don't
fell as healthy as I would like to. I have found myself not reading
the
newsgroup as often lately or posting. That worries me that my
interest is
waning.

My first strategy has been to recognize this pattern over the years
of yo-yo
dieting. I have never realized why I gave up before. I am fighting
some
pretty good cravings for cookies - real ones. But have been
successful so
far at overcoming them. I am also exercising which has never been on
my
to-do list. It is helping that after a stall at 169 I am moving
downward
again but I will be glad when I can get below 160lbs.I am open to
other
suggestions of how to get past this hurdle.


Thanks,
Melisa
203/166/140 @ 5'4"
http://www.users.qwest.net/~ztimm/blog/



Oh, man, you are reading my mind! I am exactly where you are! This
past
month I have not been working out as often, and I've been cheating in
small
ways. Not completely falling off the wagon, just a few extra nuts here
and
there, a bite of cake, a piece of candy, etc. Mostly I've been staying
low-carb but just eating too much!!! I feel like I may have gained
weight
this month.


Wednesday I start my new work-out plan though, at the YMCA. I'm going
to be
doing things I've never done before and hopefully will enjoy, like
kickboxing and yoga. When I am more vigilant in my work-outs I am also
more vigilant in my eating, I resist temptation easier because I don't
want
to sabotauge all my effort in the gym!

One thing that helps me stay/get back on track is getting rid of
clothes
that are too big for me now. So if my jeans start feeling snug, I
either
have to eat less and exercise more, or I'd have to buy new jeans in a
larger size, which is way too depressing.

--
Michelle Levin
http://www.mindspring.com/~lunachick

I have only 3 flaws. My first flaw is thinking that I only have 3
flaws.

Melissa,

Congratulations on doing so well with your diet, and even more so for
recognizing that maintenance is much tougher than weight loss. While you
still may have weight to lose, you are now entering the beginning of the
maintenance phase, psychologically, and you are very wise to start asking
about it now. It's much tougher than weight loss because you stop seeing
dramatic changes but have to keep doing the same kinds of diet control and
there really are no books talking about it in any detail (especially for low
carbers).

http://www.geocities.com/jenny_the_bean/diab-diet.com sets forth what I've
learned about the psychological adjustments needed to stay on a low carb
diet long term after 5+ years of dealing with it--4 and a quarter years on
and one off. I stuck with the diet for 3 years before the feelings of
deprivation and some physiological problems caused by keeping my carbs too
low built up to where they pushed me completely off course. I'm back on now
for 15 months, but I'm doing it very differently than before.

I really do believe you have to learn how to go off and on plan to succeed
with any diet. If you get into a rigid "on it or off it" mentality, when you
do eventually go off it, you won't know how to get back on and that's when
the huge weight regain happens.

But learning how to get back on a low carb diet is a bit tricky. As a
result, low carbers often grow a huge "fear of evil carbs" which can end up
derailing them. I wrote http://www.geocities.com/jenny_the_bean/offplan.htm
to describe the physiological changes that cause a lot of people to panic
when they go off their diet and try to get back on and the strategies that
I've found useful for getting back on when I go off.

I cycle back and forth between a rigorous low carb regimen and a more
relaxed regimen, but I keep my calories fairly low all the time, because
I've found that calories are what put on extra weight now that I'm below
goal. (I also find that hormonal changes make a huge difference in my
weight, but that's another story.)

For example, this past week, for valentines day, I've been eating about 85
grams of carbs a day--mostly chocolate, but I've only been eating about 1400
calories a day. Next week I'll go up to 1600 calories (top of my
maintenance range) but I'll cut my carbs back to 40 gm and go on a true "no
sugar added" diet with only slow carbs from veggies for a week.

Coming here every day and posting to help other people also helps me a lot
because it reminds me of what I'm doing and why.



-- Jenny - Low Carbing for 4 years. At goal for weight. Type 2 diabetes,
hba1c 5.2.
Cut the carbs to respond to my email address!

Low carb facts and figures, my weight-loss photos, tips, recipes,
strategies for dealing with diabetes and more at
http://www.geocities.com/jenny_the_bean/

Looking for help controlling your blood sugar?
Visit http://www.alt-support-diabetes.org/...0Diagnosed.htm



"mzahn97" wrote in message
...
One thing that I am working really hard at this time (as there have been
so
many others times) is making permanent changes, making it last and to do
that I have to recognize my weakness and pitfalls. So last month I entered
what I call the give up spot. For me that is between 160-170lbs. From
200lbs
it is a significant loss. This is when almost everybody is commenting and
assuring me that I can eat a little of this or that and be fine. I start
convincing myself that a cookie here or cheat there will be ok. Then I
jump
to I have been deprived for so long of my favorites and its not fair that
I
am fat and have to eat different...see the cycle. I typically maintain for
a
few weeks and then start gaining.

So how do I get past the "give up" spot. I mean hell, I am buying size 10
&
12's - normal sizes. But my BMI is no where close to "normal" and I don't
fell as healthy as I would like to. I have found myself not reading the
newsgroup as often lately or posting. That worries me that my interest is
waning.

My first strategy has been to recognize this pattern over the years of
yo-yo
dieting. I have never realized why I gave up before. I am fighting some
pretty good cravings for cookies - real ones. But have been successful so
far at overcoming them. I am also exercising which has never been on my
to-do list. It is helping that after a stall at 169 I am moving downward
again but I will be glad when I can get below 160lbs.I am open to other
suggestions of how to get past this hurdle.


Thanks,
Melisa
203/166/140 @ 5'4"
http://www.users.qwest.net/~ztimm/blog/

I really appreciate the support and ideas from all. Jenny really hit a spot
when she said that maintenance is harder because you still have to keep
control over your eating but the rewards are different. Losing weight and
changing sizes is a huge mental boost now. But the motivation will be
different when I get to goal weight. It will be about staying there. The
real goal.

In the past I dreamt about getting to goal weight and eating "normal" again.
That was before I realized if I eat that way I would look the way I used to.
Now I think of things like adding back healthy carbs and finding my even
point. Knowing how to balance too many carbs on a special day or great meal
out and going back to induction for a few days. Knowing that the scale does
go up and down every single day and that is ok. I am looking forward to
other types of exercise - so I don't get bored. And I need to be able to
respond to people when I do go back to induction for a few days - moving
through the phases (SBD) on an "as needed" basis to maintain doesn't mean
that "OH my God I gained all the weight back" it means I am managing my
weight. Something naturally thin folks know nothing about.


--
Melisa
203/166/140 @ 5'4"
http://www.users.qwest.net/~ztimm/blog/