I deviated......Now what??

[sofiya_divoted]

Hi guys! This is my first time posting on here (obviously)
Just wanted to post cause I'm really having problems with the diet.

I signed at the end of december with 30.5 kilos to lose-I had lost 17 so far and was doing fine. A few minor deviations in march because I had donated blood twice and as such was craving extra fruit. I still lost a few kilos so i didnt complain too much.

My godson passed away overseas, which was a major shock to me as i had been planning to see him in may once the cohens diet was over.

Before I began this diet I was recovering from clinically diagnosed depression-and i fell straight back into it again. Wouldnt get out of bed, wouldnt go to work or uni, stopped eating, showering etc.

Anyways my mum took me back to the doctors and I was put back on avanza soltab, my anti depressant medication. One of the adverse side effects is weight gain and increased hunger.

I havent just devaited this month, just fully derailed. One day I'm skipping meals and not eating anything, next im binge eating like no tomorrow.
I binge eat and feel so sick afterwards-its just awful. I have gained back 4 kilos. I feel so worthless and weak minded. Im stuck in this vicous cycle.

Anyways I saw the doctor on friday and have told him I am not going to take the medication anymore. I havent for 3 days but I still get intense cravings.

I know I sound like I'm whining, which I am but I didnt make this post for pity, I just wanted to know if anyone else has gone through anything similar? If so, how did you overcome it? And how did your clinic consultant react? Im getting my bloodtest done in 10 days but Im scared to make an appointment cause Im worried about how theyre going to react. Any adivce, tips or pointers would be really appreciated.

Thank you!

[asy]

Hey Sofiya,

I was very sorry to hear about your Godson, I have two goddaughters and I'd be devastated if anything happened to either of them, so I feel for you.

Now, Don't fret, we don't do pity, only support...

Firstly, were you told not to give blood while on the programme, I know I was. Just wondering whether you had the same advice. It's a really bad plan to give blood while you're on Cohens as you're body is so finely tuned on the programme that the extra effort gone into to make an extra pint or two of blood can really stuff your metabolism up. It's best to wait till you're finished the programme, THEN go back to giving blood.

Secondly, and most importantly, with respect to your derailment. That was yesterday. Today is today, get on with TODAY.

Don't worry about what happened yesterday, you can't change it, you have two options, wallow in the memory of it, or get on with making today and tomorrow better. I know which is the more productive course.

So, you went off the programme. At least you're still here, you're still motivated to lose the weight, you still want to complete the programme, THAT is what counts.

The cravings are part and parcel of giving your body sugar then taking it away. It's got little to do with the "depression", it's physical. If you stay on the programme, the sugar cravings will pass once your body detoxes.

Hope this helps, remember you're already half way to your goal.

Hang around here a bit, post, get to know people, read stuff, etc... Keep busy!

asy

[mullins]

Hi Sofiya

It really sounds like you are going through a tough time at the moment and my heart goes out to you. I also have about 30kg to lose in this weight loss journey and am only about 3 weeks into it. So far i have lost about 6kg and i can't wait to get to the fantastic results that you have. You must be so proud of what you have achieved so far.

I do have some advice for you firstly, don't be so hard on yourself. You have done a fantastic job to date and it is little wonder that you have gone off track with all you have going on around you.

My second piece of advice is to stay on your medication. I know this weight loss is important to you or you wouldn't have comitted to this very strict type of diet in the first place but I think your 'sanity' and having a healthy state of mind will benefit you more than losing kg's at this point in time - although i know that can be a vicious cycle in its self.

Thirdly, call your Cohen clinic now. There is no way they could not have empathy for you at this stage and may have dealt with this type of scenario before. I would be very surprised and disappointed if they could not help you in some way.
Keep your chin up.
Emma

[sofiya_divoted]

Hey Emma and Asy.
Thank you so much for your replies-words cant describe how much they helped once I'm reading. Was just about to reach for bad food again, and just threw it in the bin. I feel really uplifted, thank you so much.

Asy-I only found about the blood test at my next appointment. Lesson learnt-read your program thoroughly. I agree you're definetely right about the cravings, I felt the same the first week but I got through and I can do it again Thanks heaps, I def agree the forum is helpful. I was reading the different stories and felt so motivated-and btw congrats on your massive weight loss, its very inspiring!

Emma-heya hun, thanks heaps for the kind words and encouragement and welcome to the program. I had to admit when I first started it was pretty hard, but when you see the results, its unbelieveable. I feel guilty for losing track but wont be from now on. I'll just have to take it one at a time. Its also funny cause once I started the program, I felt so good and healthy, I was taken off the meds. I have to contact the doctors again after a week or two but I think I should be okay.

Thanks guys!
xXx
Sofiya

[heavenlylamb]

Hi Sofia,
I can relate... my dad passed away in January, my mum has dementia and life is generally crazy. I used to also suffer from depression.
So, for the depression, if you are not taking your medication, try 2-3 St John's Wort tablets a day. These are clinically proven in relation to depression and are allowed on the program. It may take a while to kick in (I don't find it so, but others find it takes several weeks). (if you are taking other anti depressants, then you shouldn't take the St Johns Wort)
Also, cognitive behaviour therapy is a must for changing the patterns of thinking that result in depression, so that you can stop it before you get too far into the rut
Remember also that COhen's is specifically designed to increase serotonin levels, so its also one of the best things you can do for yourself!

Having said that, I have found that trying to do COhen's 100% is just too stressful at the moment. I'm just doing my best. I have most meals COhen's style, but find resisting temptation just too hard most of the time. So, I accept that this will take longer than for most people, and each day I start a new day back on the Cohen's meals, even if I don't stick to it totally during the day. In a month or so, I'll be back on my feet and finish it off properly. So, my aim during this time is to not put any weight on, and if I lose some its a bonus.

Pen

[sofiya_divoted]

Hey Pen!
Thanks for the reply!
Im so sorry to hear about your parents, I hope things get better for you and thank you heaps for your advice.
Ive talked to the doctors and he's agreed that I should give st johns wort a go. Ive also (this sounds extreme) bought a small fridge for my room so that I can keep my stuff separate. I live in a big family and the amounts of time my food has gone missing has driven me crazy. No more excuses. Do or dont, I guess.
Here's to a better month!
xoxo
Sofiya

[heavenlylamb]

Hi Sofiya,
Good luck with the St Johns Wort... just make sure you take at least the dosage that it says to!
and good luck with the new determination to succeed on Cohens as well!
Pen

[niceplace8]

Hello- I am new here and live in Europe. They have a Dutch forum but my written Dutch is very limited. So I was hoping to be able to join the US forum? I have been on Cohen's for 2,5 weeks and it had worked beautifully-6 kilos. Now I went on a trip and totally blew it. For three days I have been eating like crazy. They say one mistake is one week- what about 10 mistakes? 10 weeks? Will this stop all my loss? As you can see I am panicking. Also, I will be travelling 3 times in the near future. What do I do in restaurants? At home? Packed lunches? How do i stop myself from binging? Any advice and encouragement is very much appreciated. Thanks so much.

[beanz]

Hi. First off, this is the Australian site. Most of the North Americans are at http://s3.excoboard.com/exco/index.php?boardid=3480 but I find this site just as helpful.

Every body is different and every body will respond to a cheat differently. Instead of focusing on the damage you feel that your prolonged cheat may have caused, dust yourself off and get back on plan. You can't take it back so just move forward. 10 mistakes in the span of 3 days is not going to hold you back 10 weeks. Relax!! Lots of water and back on track eating with Cohen's and I'm sure your weight loss will continue its downward trend. What else can you do?

Do yourself a favor and do not weigh yourself until the end of the 4 weeks! Trust me, you'll be much calmer. I'll leave the other questions for those who have been on the plan longer than I have and more experienced with these challenges. Good luck.

[niceplace8]

Thank you Beanz for your nice reply. I am determined to continue. How long have you been on the plan?

[baloo]

It's not just an Australian site, I'm certainly not in Australia.

niceplace, at the end of the day, just put the lapse behind you. There is no point worrying about what's happened in the past. Nothing you can do to change that. Recommit to the programme and follow it as best you can, ideally 100%. This programme works.

I've been on the program for 13 weeks and 6 days. I have lost 29.4Kg in that time. I've also had 3 business trips in that time where I couldn't be a good cohens boy but managed to get back on track and continue to lose weight.

[niceplace8]

Thanks Baloo, this is encouraging. Congratulations on your weight loss, this is amazing!I will visit this forum daily now.

[heavenlylamb]

Hi,
I have travelled quite a lot as well, and certainly not followed the program 100%. I try to generally avoid carbs in a meal, but will quite often succumb to desserts!
But it does have an effect. Firstly, I find that after travelling for a week or so, I have generally put on a kilo or so. It does shift again fairly quickly, but basically it wastes two weeks... One when you are travelling and/or eating out, and then the following week when you are losing the weight for the second time.
Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, it does make it harder to get back onto the program each time... the motivation sinks a bit each time.
I try to take into account the tips that I have heard from those who have finished the program, such as eating carbs in combination with a meal and only once a day etc
So, expect a slower, more difficult ride if you travel and eat out alot. Its not impossible, but it adds complexity. But it does also help you to learn what you can and can't eat and what impact it has.
But for now, get back on the program and start again! You can do this and finish it off.
Pen

[niceplace8]

Thank you Pen. Yes, I agree, probably each business trip wastes two weeks. I really do want to stick to this though since it is encouraging to hear that other people who travel as well achieved weight loss.

[Silverbee]

Ok I've done it and you have probably heard this quite often. I have deviated and have been deviating for a month now. I started on the last week of August and have done it for 2 months 100%. It started just before xmas.. I feel really awful, I know it's within me to solve the problem but I really don't know what to do. I'd be ok for breakfast and lunch but dinner when the whole family is here is the hardest as I feel my resistance for food is not as strong as before. My will power is not as strong as before. I didn't really want this to be made public as I strongly discourage deviating but I really still want to go ahead and finish my plan. I'm wondering too if the program will still be ok after a month of deviation and do I still have to take vitamins even if I just have 5 more kilos to go? How important is it? And also I've been reading the forum and I've read that some people have done the plan 100% and then still gained their old weight back. What if it happens to me too? ANd when I think that way, the more I deviate, It's very stupid I know but I'm really at my wit's end. I think my subconscious also tells me that I need to talk to you so I can get it off my head the things that are bothering me and hopefully start anew. Can someone pls help me? Thank you. Any kind advise would be appreciated.

[maria1969yellow]

Hey Im not an expert but good on you for reaching out. You know the programme works for you and dont do it half measures. I say get yourself back on the vitamins. Even if your not doing the programme things like the b group vitamins help us with stress, energy, metabolising fats and proteins etc etc etc...

You can do this. Come on finish what you started. Be kind to yourself and do it for you! Its only tough for a few days maybe a week to get the cravings and your head to clear.

I say go speak to your consultant and if shes not good get another one. You may not need a new programme but thats what they are there for and they will find out the answers. (Saying that these guys here are pretty onto it and hopefully they will let you know also.)

Did you have an old diary here? If not come on and let us know a bit about you. I use the diary as my free therapy. And if I cant say so myself we are awesome people....

If you were on it for 8 weeks DF you must of been feeling awesome look back and maybe see what the triggers were if you feel you need to learn from it...
Hows your weight going now? Im being nosey...Sorry...I say dont worry about whats in the future ( about you saying what people have gained that weight back on...) Lets just enjoy being fit, healthy and proud of who we are....
Sorry sound like Im preaching but today I came to a realisation that I have self worth. (Thanks to some lovely people here showing me that.)

Come on even if the programme needs to be revamped Im sure it will be better than doing nothing at all about it. Especially if your reasonably healthy of course.
Do it!!!!!!!

[Kristine..]

Hi Silverbee

When all else fails, write it down.

Make yourself a proper daily program, write up the weights of the food, and record when you eat each meal, fruit and crispbread.

Don't even let the idea of eating anything not on the list enter your mind.

If it's not on your list, you can't have it ......YET.

Yet is a very important word.

It doesn't mean a lifetime of this. It just means that this is what we are doing now, and we can do something else later.

You are obviously a tiny person to have a goal weight of 49 kilos.

Dainty and delicate, that's you.

If 49 kilos is your ideal weight, you deserve to get there. But you won't get there ..... yet, if you keep sabotaging yourself.


Does the rest of the family know, or care, what you eat? So just go about your business and look after yourself.

If we have children, we set a great example with this program.

We are showing them that if something bothers you in life, you can take action and deal with it.

We are showing them that we are not all hat and no cattle.

When we say we are going to do something, achieve something, we dedicate ourselves to the task and we do it.

That's what we are showing, that's what we are demonstrating. The ability to make a decision, to make a committment, and to take action and to see it through UNTIL THE END.

You know you can do this.

You know you were not happy at 75 kilos. If you do nothing else, do this.

Afterwards, when you have finished the program, done the refeed, and come out the other side, why would you put on weight again?

Yes, some of us have done.

We have given, but recognised, the circumstances involved with our weight gain. We have made all sorts of excuses and everything sounds plausible.

But the common thread of the weight gain is:

NOT VALUING OURSELVES ENOUGH TO PUT OURSELVES FIRST.

For the next five kilos, you have to put yourself first.

Your family will not keel over because you don't eat pizza with them. You can still sit at the table, have fruit & crispbread and water while they eat.

If you dither about this will take you forever and you will find yourself to be unhappily yo-yoing until the 'next time' when you decided to have another go at losing weight.

How boring.

How self defeating.

Make a chart. Make a committment. Do not waiver for any reason, for any circumstance, until you have reached goal weight.

It's not long. Refeed is a challenge and an adventure

And life is just great being slim.

Yet.

Remember the word.

Yet.

Not long to go. Hang in there. You can be finished by when? The end of March? Just in time for Easter!!

So think of the example you are setting. You are no quitter! Get back in the saddle, round 'em up and ride 'em out!

Hi, Ho, Silver!



Cheers
Kristine

[shell]

Hi Silverbee,

Well done on taking a step in the right direction and coming back and asking for help- that is what we are here for.

Here is a book that has helped a lot of people- Beck's diet solution:

Don't give up you are SO close to finishing.

Just imagine how you will feel once you do get to goal weight, I am sure it will be 1000 times better than how you are feeling at the moment. You know you can do it, you just have to WANT it!

With only 5kg to go, that won't take you long at all.
If you can only get through the first 3-4 days 100%, you should get a decent drop in the first week, which will motivate you and then you will only have weeks to go.

YOU are the only one who can decide to do this for yourself - because you are worth it!

Shell

[Kohinoor]

Hi SB,

A wee comment from a different perspective.... Is your ticker weight correct at the moment? More importantly, do you know if the BMI showing is "about right" (that's based on your height, and there's a formula).

Maybe it is just an error when building your ticker? If you would like to post your height, we can work it out, and check to see if the ticker IS correct as shown.

If these (weight and BMI) ARE both "about right", I'd suggest you call your clinic to discuss your goal weight, as I have not (in my recollection) seen anyone else on here with a goal weight that puts them ~19 on the BMI scale. Most seem to finish around 21 - 23. This could indicate you're trying to go too low with your weight - which would make it VERY hard to get there....

Koh

[Annabelle Joy]

Wise words from Koh, as always.

Silverbee, if you are to continue, you need to get your head sorted out and helping you. Yes, you know you have to get back on the diet to get to your goal (if that is your goal). However, if you are not able to stick with the plan in the latter part of the day, spend a few days preparing your head to get back 100%. Do everything you can to motivate yourself and become enthusiastic again. As Lily so wisely said in her post this morning (read it here if you haven't already done so ),

don't even try it til your head's in the right space mate !!! It's the secret.....

Good to see you back here. This is the best place for help with motivation.

AJ