Back for good!

[lorlypop]

As an introduction, I started Dukan in January 2011. I went from 13 stone 9...



...to 10 stone 7 at my lowest Dukan weight, and after a final push with a month on the Exante diet last August (I couldn't face chicken anymore!) I got down to 10 stone 2.



I'd never felt better... But by then I was living off 600 calories a day, doing the 30 day shred before work in the morning then going to the gym after work in the evenings, and couldn't remember the last time id been out with the girls! It completely took over my life.

So, I have plenty of excuses (don't we all?) - a tricky family situation, a stressful job, relationship worries - but as soon as I wobbled or let myself have a little bit of a treat, I couldn't stop. I went through months of binging all weekend, then reverting to Dukan in the week. Somehow, despite some weight gain, I managed to keep relatively slim (my new size 12 clothes still fit)... Until February this year, when I decided to try the 5:2 diet.

With binging tendencies, this was tempting fate, and to cut a long story short, I've found myself back at 12 stone 4. I must admit that I've had a great time putting it back on - a two week cruise in the Med was probably the straw that broke the camel's back - but after too much "good living" I'm reverting to the trusty principles of Dukan (hopefully the binging has not done too much damage) and resolve to see it through to the end.

Like so many, the relaxed rules in the consolidation phase were just a little bit too relaxed for my mind to cope with - knowing how much pain I went through to get to the 10s before, I really don't want to have to go through this again! It's great to see so many Dukaners who were on the forum when I did this the first time around - I seldom posted, but did read the diaries religiously - Siddid, ChrisR, Maintainer, Ellie, Trudy, Caledonian Dreaming.. I'm hoping that by posting, I will have a little bit more accountability.

I have a few issues with food - binging being one of them, as above - eating anything and everything, just for the sake of it, whether hungry or not. A counsellor I spoke to thought this could be related to my problems at home but I've moved out now and anyway, that's no excuse - this is a habit I need to kick. When I have one "bad" item of food I do not need to fill my stomach with any more of the same. Also, I have a horrible ingrained notion that vegetables are "bad", after seeing how much weight comes off after a PP day - they're not, of course, but when I am in full-Dukan mode, I stupidly try to avoid PV days as much as possible for fear of putting on half a pound. This needs to change. (I also need to stop calling food "good" and "bad"..!)

So here goes - lets get back to 10 stone 7 and stay there. Lots of chicken, jelly & boiled eggs ready for munching. One PP down, a few more to go...

 

[Shirlmal]

I've been there before many times I brought myself a second mountain bike I am determined to do regular exercise that I will enjoy instead of paying tons out for a gym I hate and never go to so I am on my attack stage so fingers crosses we will be 10st something very soon


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[sididd]

Lorly, welcome back. We all have food issues so we can relate to your introduction. The rules of Dukan suit us as binges as, as long as we pig out on protein when the wave of self destruct comes it does not become a problem. So agree with the accountabity of having and posing regular on this forum. I feel this is my 'wagging finger' and even when I don't want to admit to treats it works it stops the treats become daily habits again. Good luck xxx

 

[lorlypop]

Thanks Ladies - am trying to pig out on chicken and jelly but the protein is really filling me up at the moment! I love this feeling of being in control right now, it's nice to be back (note to self: read this post when you are sick to death of chicken and contemplating your next carb infested feast...) I just need to remember that when "normal" eating resumes, it is not "normal" to eat as much cake as you like!

So a week down.. and God knows how, I think I must've had plenty of water retention or food left in my tummy from the "Sunday-night-before-the-diet-let's-see-how-much-food-I-can-cram-into-my-mouth-before-midnight-when-the-diet-starts-binge", but... according to the scales... I've lost 12lbs in a week. That leaves me with 13lbs before I hit target.. Really shocked as it never came off like this before, so I'm very dubious - cruise is where the proper weight will come off.

I got stuck at 10st 10 for months before (which, coincidentally, Dr D calculated as my true weight - i just stubbornly chose to fight it), so hoping the curse has lifted for this round of Dukan, as 10 and a half stone just sits better with me. Mind you, still a little way to go just yet though... I'd love to get to 10st but I know I'd have to work so hard to get there/maintain it, I would be completely miserable.

I'm enjoying reading everyone else's posts, thank you for being so honest and sharing your trials and tribulations - whether you are doing Dukan or SW, healthy eating or anything else, the tricky bits of dieting are not much fun, but it is a comfort to know that there are people all over having the same struggles - and its lovely to read about all the successes too!

 

[sammianthalea]

That was a lot of weight to lose in the first place! Well done. It just proves you can do it and you will do it again

I also have the same problem. The scales become a bit addictive when you're losing on PP days and then my mind thinks that PV days are just slowing me down! But I have to restrain myself and eat according to the diet and not my crazy theories. I think identifying the problem is probably a good thing. At least we know what we're dealing with
I also love the Diet Coke frozen in ice cube trays. They're so tasty and allowed! They give my mouth something to do while my brain reprogrammes itself not to want to snack. They've been a life saver. I also love frozen custard (the no sugar kind allowed on the diet) as a treat. It's almost like ice cream and in Wisconnsin it's actually a point of pride of the state as they are famous for their frozen custard (not Dukan friendly).

Good luck!

 

[Maintainer]

Hello there and sorry to have missed your post last week.
What an amazing first week's loss! As you say, a lot of water there, but hey! It's now gone!
Your comment re veg and gaining weight has really hit a point with me this morning. Now no longer on Dukan, I am having some "things" (let's say) that are fine on any diet except the Dukan one. Seeing a gain of 200g on the scales this morning (why did I get on again when I'd checked in yesterday?!), I immediately thought "right! no more [x]". DUH! You've reminded me of how cutting back and back doesn't help in the long run. Thank you!
Nice to know a little more about you, and hope you become a prolific poster! x

 

[CHRISR]

Its lovely to see you back love. Reading your first post is why we are all here so your not on your own. I have gained two stone for some of the reasons as you. But ...... we are back on it like a rat up a drainpipe, for me its either diet or no diet. simple.
Just to add you are a beautiful young lady in both pics

Keep posting Mrs

 

[sididd]

Hiya, come on lets all struggle together xxx

 

[lorlypop]

Thanks for all your lovely messages ladies! So now the hard slog kicks in, with a 2lbs loss this week - at least this is more likely to be a "real loss" than just water, and with PMT added in to the mix, I'm still surprisingly motivated.

I've been keying my menus in to MFP each day to keep track of what I'm eating, and like you Jo, I do get a little thrill out of that message: "you've not eaten all of your calories today"! Mind you, I'm probably not eating enough...

I've been doing the dreaded shred most days and can already see my body changing, I just need to find something else to focus on when it's all over (if I ever get there...! Currently on Day 13...) The workout is so horrible that it should serve as a reminder never to go back to my old binging ways, lest I'll need to repeat this torture!

Possibly the most difficult part of this diet is avoiding/adapting social events, and I have a few coming up... It's sad when you actually dread going out for someone's birthday... Contemplating the role of designated driver to get myself off the hook. Next week I'm off to Scotland for the Highland Games, and would normally stuff myself with the local delicacies (lorne sausage, a proper fish supper..!) - will have to tip toe around the menus and ask my Granny to stock up on plenty of diet Irn Bru this time!

 

[Dukanista]

Hi lorlypop, Just had a look a peek at your diary, but it's been a bit quiet lately! Nice to see you on the exercise thread, though. How are things going so far? Caro x

 

[Maintainer]

Gosh yes - good to see this one bumped up - such a success story... how is it going?

 

[Joodle]

Hi Lorlypop - just caught up with your diary. You've done so well, especially to get back on the wagon. Funny what you said about 5:2 and your binging tendencies. I've been trying it too and am wondering if it's the same for me. Hope you post back soon.

Joodle x

 

[lorlypop]

Aww thanks for popping by ladies... I've not been posting here as there's not really an awful lot to say - I'm too much of an old hand at this Dukan malarkey to post menus, and the weight loss after the initial whoosh has been pretty slow!

After re-starting on 12th August, I've lost 9.65kg (most of that in the first week or so). I've been very strict, bar one night out with a few drinks, and a weekend at the Highland Games in Braemar, where it was a case of eating some carbs, or starving! (It involved haggis which has oats and things but at least it's offal-ly!)

This takes me down to the 10's, which I am very happy about - I also remember sticking at this weight for a long time, the first time round, so dreading a few weeks bumping around at the same weight but prepared for it at the same time.

I've finished the 30 day shred now (alas, not in 30 consecutive days, but maybe over the course of 6 weeks) and have started it again from the beginning as I just wasn't quite sure what to do with myself?! It's horrible - I'm not going to lie - but I can do it in my living room and it's done within 18 minutes - there are no excuses.

Keeping the cravings at bay at the moment, although there have been a few temptations thrown my way - my other half who is a real health fanatic 99% of the time, does like a "treat meal" every now and then - cue visit to Five Guys, the new burger restaurant straight out of NYC, in Covent Garden - I sat there meekly poking at my Tesco fat free Greek yoghurt, staring longingly...

It's my birthday next week - partly excited, party nervous - it seems a shame not to celebrate (with dinner) but then I'm scared of inviting the food demons in. I don't think I have the willpower to stop at a premature gala meal, and not turn it in to a whole gala day... The thought of peanut butter and chocolate pop tarts for breakfast has already popped in to my head! Argggg.

Oh and confession time - I don't eat my oatbran. I had real issues with acid reflux for years, and put it down to gluten, so I try to avoid it if I can. I have been taking psyllium husks to help with "transition" which haven't been fantastic, I have to admit - there was an incident on the tube involving some Dulcolax a couple of weeks ago when it all got a bit too much, and I nearly resorted to Diocalm when the opposite problem became a reality!

I've started dry skin brushing today too, after reading some good things about it - will keep you posted on any results...! Here's hoping I wake up with a healthy glow, without a sniff of cellulite!

Happy losing ladies

 

[Maintainer]

Wow that is a great weight loss, and yeah the slog is a pain when the loss slows and it all becomes a drag with social engagements. It's such a shame to have to dread them for fear of spoiling a good dieting spell, and we all know it's so much easier to continue what we're doing rather than try to clamber back on the horse afterwards. Is there perhaps a nice seafood restaurant, or one which serves abnormally huge steaks, you could source for your birthday meal?

Hang in there x

 

[lorlypop]

Thanks Maintainer - alas, not a seafood eater and being taken somewhere as a surprise. Think I will just enjoy the moment as an early gala meal and stick to the principles for the rest of the time.

Gave blood today so hopefully I've lost at least a few grams, temporarily! ;-)

 

[Dukanista]

It's your birthday, I think you should just have a gala meal, enjoy yourself without going overboard, and pick things up the next day. Happy birthday in advance!! Cx

 

[sididd]

Hi And well done, why do we always have to celebrate with food........could you not choose a show after your Dukan meal at home before you go out????? What ever you do, your a Dukan expert and know what to do HAPPY BIRTHDAY xxx

 

[lorlypop]

Hi And well done, why do we always have to celebrate with food........could you not choose a show after your Dukan meal at home before you go out????? What ever you do, your a Dukan expert and know what to do HAPPY BIRTHDAY xxx

Thank you! And good question Sid, why do we always celebrate with food?! We did end up going to the circus last night which was fab (but I did watch it with a bag of revels in my lap ooooops...)

So I've actually been very good this week, given that it was my "birthday week" - stuck to plan (& the exercise) until Wednesday evening when OH made dinner cooked with ingredients from Borough Market - goats cheese salad, steak & "proper" chips, cheesecake, red wine, choc... Lovely and not as much as it sounds (the portions weren't humongous as he was dishing them up, not me!!) but then a sniff of choc set the demons off deep within and I found myself turning the cupboards upside down for more sweet treats.. Thankfully, I didn't find any.

Straight back to it on Thursday, and Friday's weigh in was back to 69.6kg - just 3kg away from target. A few vodka sodas with the girls on Saturday night and I even resisted the pizza/chips on the way home! BUT.... Yesterday was a bad food day.

It started off with pop tarts for breakfast and ended with a late night binging session in the dark kitchen whilst OH was fast asleep in bed. I really wish I knew why I felt so compelled to do this. All the while, I know it's wrong, and disgusting, but it's like an outer-body experience? The angel standing over me shaking her head with disdain, and the devil inside trying to cram as many mini flapjacks in my mouth before the clock strikes midnight. I either have all of the willpower in the world, or none - when I'm in the zone, I'm in it, but when I'm not... How can that be possible?

I ended up being quite sick and as a result have only eaten my first calorie of the day just now (tuna and cottage cheese). I am well and truly in the zone (thank god these binges are very few and far between) but worrying what will happen when i face the next hurdle. I really hope I can find the strength in conso to resist the temptation and eventually stabilise with a "normal" way of eating, like so many have on here. Huge, huuuuge hats off to you who have made it!! What I struggle with is that yes, on Dukan, chicken/eggs/fish might be unlimited, but eating unlimited amounts of "all food" is what got me here in the first place, and these rules do not apply to "all food"!!

Hopefully in the time that it takes me to hit target, I can train my brain a bit better. If anyone has any advice or recommendations on what has worked for them, please share... Sididd, your post about maintaining is inspirational!

 

[Joodle]

Oh LP, I think any number of us could have written this exact post - I know for sure I could. You have described my exact issues so well. In my diary I've been saying the same thing - when I'm in the zone, I'm unstoppable, so why do I sometimes, um, stop?? I think there's a trigger issue - what you described with the chocolate and feeling desperate for something sweet I mean. Scoot has given up chocolate for good - Scoot, any thoughts? But it's definitely much harder to allow things in moderation than it is to be completely black and white about what we let ourselves eat. I've been reading this book where the author says she hates the phrase 'everything in moderation'. Her point is that some things are so bad for us and mess our bodies up so much that we should just avoid them. (Sugar, gluten, you know the deal). I'm still convinced it's possible to learn to eat like a naturally slim person but it's going to take us a bit of practice. You say your binges are already few and far between - what do you need to do to nip them in the bud completely? Every single time you resist one, you get better at resisting them, if you see what I mean...

You've also described what is my big issue with Dukan - that the unlimited eating didn't actually teach me how to eat in a 'normal', controlled way when it came to introducing other foods. Think that is what most people have struggled with in conso and beyond. I don't have answers, but you're certainly not alone!

One thing I'm persevering with is the idea of really trying to get in tune with my body and my hunger levels, so I don't eat past feeling full. It's really hard! But whenever I manage I do feel great. Am trying to eat slowly, savour everything, check in with my hunger levels as I eat.... Certainly not there yet but I do kind of see that it could be possible.

Hang in there though - you're so near your goal and you've done so well and you've made so many positive changes - don't give up!

Joodle x

 

[Maintainer]

It started off with pop tarts for breakfast and ended with a late night binging session in the dark kitchen whilst OH was fast asleep in bed. I really wish I knew why I felt so compelled to do this. All the while, I know it's wrong, and disgusting, but it's like an outer-body experience? The angel standing over me shaking her head with disdain, and the devil inside trying to cram as many mini flapjacks in my mouth before the clock strikes midnight. I either have all of the willpower in the world, or none - when I'm in the zone, I'm in it, but when I'm not... How can that be possible?

ooh I too can so relate to your post. Our local Lidl bakes fresh viennoiseries and, if I allow myself just the one (as I stupidly did two weekends ago), it's as if I've somehow set the pattern for the day and the inevitable will happen later on...

I'm pondering on the fact that you did this while your OH slept. Would you have done it in front of him (or anyone else)? Of course not because no one needs to eat a whole packet of anything in one go, right? So why do we do it? I've been known to isolate myself intentionally from OH so that I can "eat"! In fact, if I'm honest, last weekend when I settled down to watch some mindless reality tv for an hour, I groaned inwardly when he settled not far from me with his jigsaw! His mere presence, while in no way controlling or even preventing of my overeating as he has a tendency to simply join in while the going is good, suffices.

Food... low cal sort... for thought.

Celebrate the fact that there are long gaps between the binges... yes Joodles. Dukan has unfortunately taught us little about portion control but unfortunately my "too full" button is rather defective. If the food is in front of me, I will eat it. To counter this, I'm eating on smaller plates. Returning for yoghurt dessert rather than lining it up next to my salad main at lunchtime.

As someone said on the site at some point - my four year old can do this, why can't I?!
x