Fat To Skinny

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: morgan on May 31, 2014, 10:20:09 PM

Title: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: morgan on May 31, 2014, 10:20:09 PM
I've been reading quite a few posts lately about falling off the 'wagon' and coming back on board, but it shows me how dedicated we really are to ourselves to get better/healthier.  No matter how many times we may fall off, trip over, no matter how many lbs we may put back on, we can dust ourselves off, and to use my favourite phrase 'put our big girl panties on' and deal with it.  Myself included.   The important thing - to keep getting up and getting back on board. The thing is - what is it that sets us off and how do we put the brakes on it?

I know there's lots of talk about controlling the 8' around us and it's how we deal with things, but hey - theory good, in real life not so great.  Emotions, stress, family, temptations, you name it, we have to find a way to deal with it, and we all know it ain't that easy.  Some days we cruise through life, other days - break out the cake!

My life - not so crash hot atm, but that's another issue, but I did fall off and bounced along the road quite a bit, put weight back on, applied the brakes, took weight off, fell off and put it on.  Now happy to say that have hopped back on and feeling better. 

It was a bit precarious on Day 1, but I'm sure the ghost of Doug was looking after me - I was in the mindset, everything prepared and had to go into town.  Friend came with me and decided she wanted fish & chips (fries to y'all) (fish is battered and deep fried), I would like to say I wouldn't have succumed to the temptation, but will never know cos (thank you God) the shop was closed.  It was one of those crossroads moments.  Day 2, walked into my daughter's local supermaket on a visit and all the Lindor Chocolates (my absolute favourites) were all 1/2 price.  I was speechless, during my gorging none of the things I used to love were on sale - I give them up and they pop up everywhere.  I just had to have a laugh to myself otherwise I think I would have run screaming or curled up in a little ball sobbing.  NB - I still have my sense of humor. :D

Emotions are my downfall, I know I stuff things down my throat so words don't come out.  Words I don't want to say that might hurt others feelings, instead they hurt mine.  The thing is though, I would rather hurt myself than anyone else, it's just the way I am and I have to find another way to deal (preferably not by eating).  Stress and finances also have factored in but I can put those to one side as I can't do much about them and they don't make me want to eat.  I tend to do a 'head in a bucket of sand' scenario on those.

I'm not sure what made me hop back on and stick to fts, but I think it was the scale.  I know we all hate the scale (lord knows I could have shot it any number of times), but it was the realisation that I had put back nearly all the weight I had lost in just a number of months.  I mean, we all know that weight comes back on faster than off - but really!!!!!!
But looking at that scale and realising all that wasted effort. Damn damn, double damn (excuse language).  I was not happy and when you're eating everything in sight and you still not happy - as Dr Phil would say "how's that working out for ya?"  Well it wasn't, so therefore to change you have to change your actions. 

They say it gets harder everytime you fall off and start again - well yes in one way and that is getting into your mindset and starting, but easier in the sense that you know what works and what to do.

It's good in a sense that I am not the only one (sorry guys) and to know others deal with the same issues. 

So what were your 'triggers' and your 'brakes'.

Title: Re: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: umpa on June 01, 2014, 10:27:03 AM
Triggers and Brakes ,I like this Morgan.
I dont really have any triggers but I do have brakes.I have been in Menopause for 7 1/2 years and that makes it very easy to gain weight . I am almost 50 so I am not as hard on myself as I was in my early 40's,weight is adjustable. ;)
Title: Re: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: mouseissue on June 01, 2014, 11:15:53 AM
Hi, Morgan! :)

In my life, my "triggers" have been:

1) Stress from family issues and life's curve balls.
2) Lack of sleep. I guess it's my age, but I often have problems getting a good night's sleep.
3) Some family gatherings. We ALL know about this one!... I always come prepared.
But every so often, someone brings something I LOVED that I haven't eaten in many years.
The temptation (especially if I'm tired) can be VERY tough to overcome.
And afterword, I'll feel sick from the carbs that day, and hungover the next day.

My "brakes":

1) Prayer, prayer, and more prayer!... When I hand "the load" over to the Lord, everything gets MUCH easier.
2) Being as prepared as I can for expected hunger and unexpected temptations.
3) Keeping my "before" pictures handy and looking at them as a reminder of where I was.
4) Daily renewing my commitment to staying healthy. I have a great desire to watch my grandkids grow up.

Tony
Title: Re: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: AliciaInTX on June 01, 2014, 12:46:38 PM
I'm with you, Morgan, on both the triggers and the brakes!

Triggers - emotions. Big Feelings seem to make me feel like I need to either celebrate with or drown my sorrows with SUGAR.  Oy. It's rough. Also, socializing with friends who are enjoying a glass of wine or beer. Resisting that is very difficult for me sometimes because I'm a little on the anxious side and I know I relax a lot with alcohol (bad medicine, I know).

Brakes - yup. The Scale (capitalized because it is THAT important to me). People suggest not weighing every day but it is both what keeps me motivated (hey! Look at me...I'm maintaing/losing!) and what keeps me in check (woah, gaining...where am I sabotaging myself and what should I do to get back on track?).
Title: Re: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: SherriPie on June 04, 2014, 07:40:23 AM
Morgan I am so glad we are all back at it together! Triggers happen, but with all of us here...supporting our journey...we can do this. :)
Title: Re: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: madoctor on June 04, 2014, 01:21:13 PM
Oh Boy, I'm so glad you started this thread Morgan. 

Talk about a trigger, I'm fine until I get the 5 o'clock "I need spicy cheetos" howl from somewhere inside me.  I know I'm not hungry, its just one of those thing!!!   Funnily enough the scale is one of my triggers, I get on there and if its not what I think it should be I get all distracted, stop eating, exercise like crazy and go off the rails.  So I limit weighing to once a week and that helps.

Tony's brakes work wonders and a 5-10 minute brisk walk.  I always try and remember how that short walk felt like before ( it was like climbing a mountain and I hated it), and how easy and pleasant it seems now. That's my way of instant gratification.
Title: Re: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: Strucker on July 09, 2014, 03:41:48 PM
Hey Morgan:) I think my brakes were, yall know who I live with so well leave it at that. Mine was, I just didn't want to hear the mil gripe (putting it mildly!) About how she made this big olé meal and I wasn't stuffing my face! I just got tired of eating the same way "every single night!" & feeling so miserable at the end of the day. I mean what happened to me? I "never" ate like this in high school and kept the weight off. Now it's like I'm in a battle. A battle of wills. It just seems like anything I've wanted in life I've had to battle something or some one, so to speak. I even yes even told the mil the weight I've lost and all I got was a wow. But I'm doing this for me, not her right?:)
I feel you on the emotional eating! Mine is stress and bordum:)
It's hard, but I'm gonna make it!:)
Title: Re: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: umpa on July 10, 2014, 09:25:39 AM
maybe you should move Stef :)
Title: Re: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: shawn116 on July 14, 2014, 08:15:30 AM
Hi Morgan  Yep...we all fall down but I'm with all of you.  Thanks to FTS and the FTS family it's easy to find the breaks  ;)   

Title: Re: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: umpa on July 16, 2014, 11:47:31 AM
TooTrue Toosweet ;)
Title: Re: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: Elizabeth779 on July 27, 2014, 05:59:27 AM
Great thread morgan and tony.  Gives me lots to think about 
Title: Re: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: shawn116 on August 06, 2014, 08:26:38 AM
Needing to put on the breaks myself.....I've been a little lazy here lately and not logging my meals and allowing myself a slip once in a while.  My hubs loves Mexican food so we frequent the local restaurant often.  One of my favorites is to get the grilled taco salad....buuuuuut here lately I have been indulging in eating the shell.   :-[ :-[  bad bad bad  Haha  I have notice the scale creeping up  :-\   No reason for it because they are more then happy to accommodate my low carb ways.  Just goes to show that we all get on and off that wagon.  It's just called living  ;) ;) Thanks to Doug and Umpa we have the skills to help make it a long ride   ;D ;D
Title: Re: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: umpa on August 06, 2014, 09:52:47 AM
Life moves on ;)
Title: Re: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: mouseissue on August 06, 2014, 11:16:30 AM
Hi, Shawn! :)

Nice to hear from you again! ;D ;D ;D
Like Umpa said, life does move on, so no worries.

Being aware of what's going on is important.
And not allowing temporary "slippage" to become a lifestyle is also.
You know what to do to get back on track before the slip becomes a fall.

You'll do just fine! :) :) :)

Tony
Title: Re: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: rennard on August 07, 2014, 12:25:11 AM
I can relate to  this post......just like you guys. I fall off in the wagon too. But, what is important is that we stand.
Title: Re: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: umpa on August 07, 2014, 10:11:24 AM
Thats right Rennard! ;)
Title: Re: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: Elizabeth779 on August 19, 2014, 12:55:35 AM
HI everyone.   I fell off the wagon then laid on the road and let all the wagons roll over me for a while.   Started seeing a counselor for work  stress and she was on vacation this week.  So I started having panic attacks and had one at work on friday which is not good.   Have been sugar bingeing for last three weeks the most of it was while working.  

It started out thinking I could eat "normal" but it wasnt too long before I was diving into Sugarland again.  

I kept eating all this sugar and restaurant meals thinking "this is the  LAST time I will eat this before going back to low carb."  ........sort of like an alcoholic thinking they're having their last drink........ Then after 3 weeks of bingeing I realized 4 things:  

1.  Because I was bingeing any time I wasn't asleep, the bingeing and overeating was no longer working as a coping or self-comforting mechanism.  Therefore, that's why stress levels went up to panic attack level.  (And the job is very stressful).

2.  Then I realized my panic attacks were more about the stress I was putting myself through with the out of control sugar bingeing.  Because I was out of control the world seemed out of control.  

3.  Then Saturday night realized I was only fooling myself that I was eating a bad meal "for the last time."  

4.  Thought about giving up sugar, flour, etc again and started low carb again sunday morning when I got up.  

Sooooooooo I just finished Day 2 without the white stuff and this sugar detox isnt going to be fun but I'll hang in there  

I hope yiu are all doing well  

Welcome back Shawn.  
Title: Re: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: mouseissue on August 19, 2014, 12:53:11 PM
Hi, Elizabeth! :)

Sorry to hear about your slip up.

It's true that most of us here are carboholics.
For alcoholics, one drink is too many and a thousand are not enough.
We are the same way with carbs (sugar).

We cannot fool ourselves into thinking that "some sugar is OK today. I'll restart tomorrow".
By doing that, the "tomorrow" we expect usually won't come along for quite a while.

Sugar detox is no fun.
And every time we go thru it, it seems we lose a bit slower afterword.
For me (being s slow loser already), that's more than enough motivation to "stay clean" of carbs.

The next time you start feeling like you're going to slip, please talk to us first.
We're here to help you... You're going to do fine! :) :) :)

Tony
Title: Re: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: Elizabeth779 on August 20, 2014, 01:29:45 AM
Hi Tony, and thank you for your kind words.  Well, I liked both responses I was typing, but the typo gremlins were not cooperating and I hit some wrong button and the reply posts went "poof".....so I'll try again tomorrow. 

But it's day 3....and I'm looking forward to Day 4....each day gets me closer to the end of detox. 

And Tony, told counselor today "it's not about the weight -- even though it's not a good thing to way 299 -- but it's the lack of control."  I would gladly stay 299 if I could just stop the battle with sugar, it's taking all my energy....

Oh time to sleep, took a muscle relaxer for TMJ.....oh, and counselor and med doc are taking me off work.....

Hope everyone is having a good sleep...nite all.
Title: Re: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: mouseissue on August 20, 2014, 11:06:43 AM
Hi, Elizabeth! :)

Just take it one day, one hour, and one minute at a time.

Live each moment to its fullest.
And when one comes along to chose, remember that the next moment will be different.
So choose wisely and more of life's moments will be pleasurable.

You're gonna do great! :) :) :)
Remind yourself everyday of that.

Tony
Title: Re: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: umpa on August 21, 2014, 10:53:15 AM
Hi Liz! All will be well ;)
Title: Re: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: Happy2bthin4me on August 21, 2014, 07:20:57 PM
I've spent so much time on the ground looking up the wagon lately that I'm surprised I haven't gained a bunch of weight. At least at some point in my twisted brain I think I thought at least if I'm going to fall off I should watch my portions of the carbage....haha. Perhaps that's helped mitigate some of my troubles but sometimes all that does is push me further off the wagon, into a ditch per say, where I can justify just about anything. Ugh. I don't know about you guys but for me that ditch is pretty deep. However, I'm working my way out of it. I know I need to forgive myself and some of my weakness to certain foods and such but I am trying to really get back on that wagon and stay there. Falling hurts! I also know deep down, my life really depends on it. So here I am!
Title: Re: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: umpa on August 22, 2014, 09:16:08 AM
Welcome  back Happy2bthin4me !You know what to do! The forum is very important in maintaining and losing weight.Surrounding yourself with people that are in the same wagon or that think the same way is very important.You can do this and we are gonna help :)
Title: Re: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: mouseissue on August 22, 2014, 12:51:33 PM
Welcome home, Michelle!!! :) :) :) :) :) :)

The first thing you must do is let go of the guilt about the past.

As you recall, we carboholics are very much like alcoholics.
When we fall off the wagon, the last thing we should do is condemn ourselves.
Condemnation leads to guilt, which leads to discouragement, which brings on emotional pain,
all will keep us in "the ditch".

Falling off the wagon does hurt. It's very disappointing.
But what's more important than falling is what we do with the hurt... Let it go, now!

Each day we're alive, we have choices to make. Yesterday's bad decisions cannot be changed.
So to succeed tomorrow, we must focus on the decisions we make today.

You've made the right decision coming back home to FTS.
Just renew the commitment to yourself that you will not let slips hold you back... EVER!
But you will focus on how to succeed. By doing that, success WILL follow!

We're right here with you all the way, Michelle! :) :) :)
And we'll continue to help you reach your health goals.
So enjoy each new day life brings, count your blessings, and look forward to a healthier life!

Tony
Title: Re: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: mouseissue on August 22, 2014, 01:32:06 PM
Hi, Alicia! :)

If you used to look forward to a "break" from your FTS eating and a chance to enjoy the foods and drinks I'd been missing, tells me you haven't been taking advantage of the TONS and TONS of wonderful REPLACEMENT recipes we enjoy.

This is one of the main reasons FTS works so well.
We will NOT do well for long missing good food and beverages... That's why diets fail!

So please take some time and research the recipes we have here and in the FTS cookbooks.
If you don't like cooking or are pressed for time, make double or triple recipes and freeze the leftovers.

Where there is a will, there is a way.
And with FTS, it takes much less will due to all the great food we enjoy! ;D ;D ;D

Tony
Title: Re: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: Happy2bthin4me on August 22, 2014, 01:34:53 PM
Umpa, thank you! Yes I definitely do know what to do. I love the perfect simplicity of it for sure! :-) Now to deal with some detox. Fun times! ;-)

Tony, thank you so much for the kind, welcoming words. You are so right about not condemning. I'm trying to use my falling as a learning experience and just get right back to business! I haven't been really really far off but I've definitely let too many carbs back into my daily intake. I just remember though how much better I feel when I eat right! My mind is clearer my energy is more stable and I don't get that need to nap so much around 3 o'clock everyday. I'm so excited to get back to cooking. I've been eyeing all my favorite recipes and a few new ones I want to try! Yay!!!! Love it!
Title: Re: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: Elizabeth779 on August 23, 2014, 04:03:29 AM
Hi alicia,  michelle and tony, umoa too and anyone i missed.  You are right we are all on this journey together.  Im still haning in on my first week ofdetox.  Going over to monterey this weekendbut pkan to stay on course.  Lucky me I have had a 10-pound whoosh this week.  Its been helpful to read everyone ' s positive comments.  Illchk in when I get bsck  also plz ignore typos etc .  
Title: Re: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: Happy2bthin4me on September 01, 2014, 11:48:08 AM
Wow 10 lbs! Awesome! Congrats and I hope your trip goes well! :-) Stay strong!
Title: Re: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: umpa on September 08, 2014, 09:45:44 AM
Congrats Elizabeth!! ;D
Title: Re: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: morgan on September 20, 2014, 01:33:42 AM
Jumping back on the wagon here.  Though I wish people wouldn't roll there eyes when I leave the white bread behind or not have a biscuit/cake or potato or anything else I don't want.

I went to visit a friend and stayed over.  She is a toast and tea person for breakfast (well actually all she eats is carbs), I opted for an cheese omelet.  When I got up in the morning she had put out the pan, egg, cheese - which was good of her but it felt like it was inconveniencing her, especially when dinner came around and she said she didn't have any food that I eat. ?????
She's been around since I've been eating low carb and she still seems to make an issue of it.  I said I  could always get a burger and ditch the bun - not a problem.  PS - I had brought some of my own food.  Some roast chicken and salad stuff; which I had had for lunch and dinner the previous day.

Is it us or the people around us that have the problem?  I'm beginning to wonder.  Truly.  I've been accused of being 'fussy' when I leave stuff on my plate or not order something at a restaurant/cafe because they don't serve anything I want to eat.  If I am happy with a coffee/cream (and a snack if I bring one), why aren't they.  Why don't they worry what is on their plate and not mine?

Title: Re: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: mouseissue on September 20, 2014, 01:03:32 PM
Hi, Morgan! :)

When others around you give you any hassle about your food choices,
tell them you have insulin resistance issues and must avoid certain foods.

That will usually do it. If it doesn't, find new company to keep. ;)

Tony
Title: Re: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: shawn116 on September 20, 2014, 09:26:13 PM
Morgan I so get what you are saying!  They do it to me before we even get our food.  Many of my friends and family will look at the menu first thing and try to pick out the things they think I can eat.  It cracks me up every time.   It's very frustrating for me because now I am always the one to have to choose where we go because I have what they call "special eating requirements".  It's so silly.  I tell them over and over that I actually take it as a challenge to go to new places and see what I can eat  Haha  I think it just makes everyone uncomfortable around me because they see my choices and lifestyle as being very strict and me having great will power.  My response is usually "Does a vegetarian show will power by not eating meat??"  It's really more their problem then it is ours.  I find the folks that are bothered by it the most are the ones that are probably struggling with their own health issues caused by excessive weight.   
Title: Re: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: morgan on September 20, 2014, 11:57:11 PM
The thing is I don't look for specific restaurants to eat at. Wherever we go I just scan the menu for what's suitable and what I feel like and if I don't feel like anything I just have a coffee. I am so done getting something because everyone else is.  I know people think they are helping but I wish they would just worry about themselves.  I do tell myself that it's because they care, coz I'm sure they do.   :)
Title: Re: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: umpa on September 21, 2014, 09:38:33 AM
I like being a picky eater :) I can eat anywhere but I have a short attention span when it comes to food. Most people that come to our house for dinner the first time dont even realize we eat low carb they think its just Mediterranean.We eat fresh.   ;)
Title: Re: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: mouseissue on September 21, 2014, 12:51:31 PM
Hi. Morgan! :)

I have NEVER found a restaurant in which I can't eat.
I just tell the server what I want (or don't want), and they'll get it for me.
The most challenging are Chinese restaurants. So I don't eat there often.

If you are TRULY hungry, you should NOT deprive yourself.
Coffee is no substitute for good food.

In fact, food deprivation is a good way to trigger an eating binge.
But if you're not that hungry, then have your coffee and enjoy it. :)

Tony
Title: Re: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: morgan on September 21, 2014, 03:44:22 PM
Not to worry Tony, if I am truly hungry nothing will stop me from eating.  It's  just sometimes when a group of us go out impromptu  and I'm  not that hungry, that's when I might just settle for a coffee.
Good reminder though on the eat or binge - been there and  done that when I've left it too long.
Title: Re: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: o0OSusieO0o on September 21, 2014, 06:39:10 PM
Morgan good to see you're doing what what you have to.
Title: Re: OFF THE WAGON
Post by: umpa on September 22, 2014, 09:13:40 AM
Morgan has this she will be fine ;)