The cycle continues; when will it stop?

I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling down.

My first thoughts though when I look at the title of this thread is that 'it' will stop when you take ownership and become accountable. That in itself is a process I'm afraid. Why Atkins again? You may initially have lost weight using it but it didn't prove longevity. To start take an honest look at the portion sizes of what you are eating/drinking, weigh everything and track it in the diary. Just these simple things may highlight areas which you can quite easily modify. Are you able to do any exercise? A daily walk will help your weight/physicality and your self esteem.

I know it's hard at times, believe me, but don't feel down about it - that won't change anything. Only YOU have the power to change and there is so much support on MFP for you, so don't be afraid to use it!

I wish you the best of luck.

thedarkwombat wrote: »

I am back again, and a little down today. I have been fighting my obesity now for 15 years. Several times I have lost 20 only to gain it back. I been back and forth with low carb, more times than I can remember. At least I am not at my all time high of 342 pounds from back in 2008. I am 324 now, but I need to lose 100 pounds.

Three weeks ago I started Atkins again and the first week the weight flew off. I went from 328 to 321 in one week, and was feeling great. Most likely water weight at first. Two weeks later and my weight is 324, and I feel bloated. Ive been drinking water too, and really sticking with it.

So I have decided to just watch calories and stick with it here on Myfitnesspal. In late 2014, I did get down to 307 just from counting calories, so I know it is possible.

I guess I am here this morning because I could use a "pick me up!" I need some motivation.

@thedarkwombat based on my personal success over the last 18 months you have finally made a decision that may change the rest of your life for the better. I did something similar (LCHF) starting Oct 2014 that has been a game changer for me. MFP has a few groups doing what you are doing so you can find more meaningful info. The one below has been a huge help to me and some have been where you are today.

community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/394-low-carber-daily-forum-the-lcd-group

Welcome to MFP forums and best of success.

Know that you are not alone. Many of us have done the yo=yo thing. I agree that maybe a 'diet' isn't right for you. Do log everything that goes in your mouth. And study it. Where can you cut things out or sub in? You don't need to overhaul everything at once. Perhaps start with adding vegetables to every meal. Eat those first and see if you can't cut out other things on your plate. Can you exercise or walk? Every little movement helps in the long run. No one starts out doing a marathon. you take baby steps. Look over what works for you and tweet. It's a lifelong habit...that is, you will not be able to return to poor habits and maintain a weight loss. Good luck!

This is a long process, but you're totally capable of doing it. ^_^ Just keep in mind that whatever change you make to your eating habits to lose weight should be one you'll be willing to keep doing for the rest of your life. If you like doing low carb, then that's fine. Some people are perfectly happy with that. But if you only look at it as a quick weight loss plan, it doesn't help you keep the weight off. CICO is the reason why diets work, but if you don't take the time to learn habits to do that on your own, you'll continue to yo-yo diet. If you change your eating habits to ones you're comfortable with, you'll have a much easier time with not only losing the weight, but staying in your goal range once you get there. It's slow, but it works, and can totally do it. ^_^

Lot's of good comments above, @thedarkwombat .

To me the difference is that people try to diet versus changing their diet. One is a verb, the other a noun. Going on a diet is temporary and by definition it comes to an end, isn't sustainable, and creates the yo-yo effect you describe above. You are much better off making changes to your diet that are sustainable and effective as part of your lifestyle, not a temporary quick-fix, like cutting carbs. Your body requires carbs to function properly, so by denying your body those nutrients for an extended period of time you sort of set yourself up for failure, in my book (you fall off the carb wagon and binge). But YMMV, that's just my opinion (I tried Adkins once, worked for about 2 weeks, then it was back to the real world...).

The only really effective method is to make sure your calories in are less than your calorie out (CICO). If you eat at a deficit, you will lose weight. Period. Exercise is not required, but can be a way to give the process a little push/nudge. 80%-90% of your gains (or losses in this case!) will be through your calories consumed.

There is a ton of advice on here about ways to manage your calorie intake, foods to eat, etc. For me, when I was in "losing mode", I tried to keep my foods to low fat options (lite mayo, low fat cheeses/dairy, lots of fruit and veggies), and kept my carbs under control at dinner time (that worked for me). I would have most of my carbs early in the day (oatmeal for breakfast) and lunch (sandwiches with bread, etc). You just have to find what works for you. Don't deprive yourself, though. If you're hungry, eat. Don't go to bed hungry (I would get hunger headaches at first until I learned how to up my calories).

Lean meats like chicken, turkey, lean ground beef even. Tuna is great! Eggs. Lots of veggies! Mustard is a great way to add flavor for ZERO calories! Salsa is awesome, its like 10 calories for a tablespoon or two.

Measure EVERYTHING that goes on your plate and into your mouth! Do NOT guestimate! You will be wrong.

Find healthy recipes for some of your favorite foods. There are websites that will show you ways to cook up a low-cal version of almost anything! I like cookinglight.com. Some folks use skinnycook.com. And once you put the recipe in MFP, it's easy to just pop it in next time you make it! BOOM!

In the end, you are doing this for you. If you have more successful days than bad days, you will win in the end.

Good luck!