About to jump in the deep end...

[Lulabelle]

September 9th is D-Day.

September the 9th is when I will start my Cohen's program, and leave behind a lifetime of bad habits, yo-yo diets and it's when I will become closer day by day to fitting into my favourite clothes, feeling fit and being healthy.

I have approximately 13kgs to lose. Which after reading so many people's amazing experiences with Cohen's doesn't sound like a lot. And it really isn't. But my problem isn't measured in KG's for me. It's measured by the fact that I'm 31 and that I have spent the better part of the past 16 years trapped in a cycle that ranged from binge/starve/binge... to binge/healthy diet and exercise/binge. My weight has fluctuated everywhere from 75kgs to 52kgs (which is considered my goal weight as I'm only a shorty)... and it's fluctuated often and dramatically.

I am commiting myself mentally and financially ($750 is a lot of money for me) to Cohen's in an effort to break my bad habits, to step off the merry-go-round and knuckle down to a scientifically/medically sound regime (the first time I've ever tried a "diet" perse) which will hopefully retrain my body and give me a kick start to retraining my mind.

I have seen a very close family friend lose 25kgs on Cohen's... and she has kept it off for almost 3 years now. Previously she would lose and regain that much weight on almost a yearly basis. EVERY year. This has given me the confidence in the program that it's a good tool to assist in breaking those bad habits for good.

I'm having my blood tests this week, with the hope of receiving my program within the next 2 weeks. I come back from a short trip on the 8th of August and intend Tuesday 9th of September to be Day 1 for me.

In preparation, I have started to cut caffeine out of my diet so as to avoid withdrawals. After reading through some of the tips here I have started to try to cut down on carbs also. I have purchased some good digital scales. I've created a lil Excel chart to track my progress (I'm a geek and this really motivates me)... and I'm working on getting myself mentally excited about this step. Joining forums like this is a big part of that for me. I find other people's stories SO inspiring and love the idea of holding myself accountable publically (even if it's anonymously)... so thank you for having me!!!

[TwoZeds]

Jump Lulabelle....because I am jumping right beside you!!! Although, I think you started a week ago...I started today.

Chailee

[Lulabelle]

Chailee... I *AM* right beside you.

I just realised I start on SEPTEMBER 9th... not August *LAUGHS* I'm sorry!

Goodness, I hope Cohen's is good for brain power

Congratulations on starting today!!! That's so exciting... how are you feeling?

[TwoZeds]

Feeling much better, although I did have 2 x Nurofens.....so my headache has gone. Seriously, I spent the day on the couch....

I am sitting here with my daughter on my lap and she's eating bikkies...temptation no1!! I keep thinking of the "little bit pregnant" analogy....
I am not going to bugger this one up. I WANT to reach 63kg!!! How cool would that be!!!!

[Lulabelle]

Just remember that it only takes maybe a minute to eat a biscuit? They don't ACTUALLY taste that good, they're just processed to hell... and the consequences last for life (if we don't stop resisting the urges)... resisting seems like a VERY good deal to me

Fitting into your 63kg wardrobe will feel MUCH better than a momentary "fix"!

Do you feel really empowered to be on your way??? Hopefully the worst is over with your headache... I guess it means your body is getting into gear to function at optimum fat-burning pace *YAY*

[louise41]

Welcome, I bet you cant wait for September 9th. I whope that this program really helps you to break out of your old cycles and get new habits that last for life. I have been told (have yet to experience it) that the most important part of the program is refeed. It sounds like that is what sets us up to cope beyond the program. You will be amazed at how quickly you will get to goal considering the amount you have to lose. I wish you every success - you dont need luck if you stick to this program!
Louise

[Lulabelle]

Thanks so much Louise It's AMAZING how much you have lost since your start date (I noticed in your signature)... it must be SO motivating to keep going when you see it really works and agrees with your body!

[Annabelle Joy]

Welcome, Lulabelle. You can have up to three cups of coffee a day on the diet, although I've been using mainly brewed decaf coffee. The important thing to cut out is the carbs. Get rid of as much as you can in your meals, just use low carb vegetables and a couple of pieces of fruit and some crispbread a day. Have you read the pre-Cohen thread: http://newyouforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4354?

AJ

[Lulabelle]

Thanks so much AJ I'm trying to cut out the coffee as I like my coffee with lots of full fat milk and 2 big sugars *blushes* So I'm going to take the opportunity to break myself of the coffee habit while I'm on a roll. Thanks for the advice re the carbs though. The pre-Cohen's thread is great... I've been trying to incorporate a few of the tips into my routine already because my first inclination is to feel like indulging every single craving leading up to starting my program (sort of the feast then famine thing), so I want to get out of that mentality ASAP... which the pre-Cohen's guidelines is great for!

Thanks again for the welcome!

[TwoZeds]

Lulabelle, that's how I like my coffee..so it's going to be a HUGE adjustment to go to black only, or even cutting it out altogether.

Just wondering why you picked the 9th Sept?

[KyMMy]

hi Lulubelle,

congrats on takin the plunge.... I'm same age as you....I know how hard it is too...

all the best on your 1st day!

[Lulabelle]

Chailee I sort of just ended up with the 9th of September. I decided to start Cohen's about a month ago and contacted them for the information pack etc. Having read how important it is to avoid deviations (especially early on in the program), I asked the consultant whether I should start ASAP, or wait until I returned home from a prebooked holiday. They said it's best for me to start the program after my holiday to avoid the chances of deviating early on. I get home on the 8th, and want to be ready to rock and roll on the 9th

I'm going to try to use the program as a breaking point with my coffee addiction. I know it's essentially not good for me (even without the sugar and milk), so I want to learn to love black tea or just break the habit of hot "comfort" drinks altogether.

KyMMy thanks so much for the message! WOW... you're UNDER your goal weight!!! That must be an amazing feeling CONGRATULATIONS!

[TwoZeds]

I understand picking that date - I would have done the same. I guess the enxt few months are a minefield of "deviation bombs" which I will have to navigate my way through. In my family....from Sept, it's BIRTHDAY SEASON, which piggybacks onto the Festive Season....sigh. But you know what? If I don't get in control of this extra weight on me now, when will be a good time? No bday cakes for me...I can celebrate next year. They probably all taste like crapola anyway right??

[Lulabelle]

That's exactly right Chailee

I've been trying to readjust my thinking lately. And the truth is, when I think about it... the emotional and physical energy I've spent through the course of my life worrying about my weight, trying to lose weight, feeling less than happy with myself because of my weight etc... I've put myself through ALL of that JUST because of the things I've chosen to put in my mouth. When I think of that, I find it astounding that I've not gained control over what passes my lips sooner.

A 30 second biscuit here, a 5 minute piece of cake there, a 2 minute Big Mac, a 2 minute chocolate bar etc etc etc... and the trade off for me? Almost 2 decades of going up and down like a yo-yo and feeling unhealthy and unhappy (with my weight specifically) for big chunks of those.

I think I've finally worked out that I have a LOT more to gain (or should that be lose??? ) by learning to control what I put in my mouth and finding healthier and more productive ways to deal with stress or to find comfort or even to celebrate things.

I think you will get through the birthday season without a hitch! We are out socialising almost every weekend and very often through the week... so my life is a mindfield of temptation most days. But at the end of the day, it's as simple as saying NO to things which are not allowed, and trying to eat what IS allowed before of after and coming home feeling victorious

Just think of the celebration you'll feel like having when you reach your goal! Who needs cake when you can go shopping for an amazing new outfit to compliment your new body???

[TwoZeds]

Lulabelle, you are so right. And I am right there with you. I wish I had of learnt this skill many many years ago, but alas, i did not...

I totally hear you, I have completely wasted about 10 years I think, obsessing about losing weight. I am SO OVER IT. And I am sure my HB is too. I remember many times saying "I want to lose this much by (insert date, or event)". But instead, I just went up and up!!! So now it's time to go down and down.

So here goes...

[Lulabelle]

Just imagine, if we can be strong and firm for the next few months and keep applying the lessons we learn what the next 10 years will be like

I'm sure your husband is already very proud of you for taking this big step and will enjoy celebrating with you once you achieve your goals!

How are you feeling today? Has your headache eased up at all? How have you found the meals you've prepared thus far?

[TwoZeds]

No headache today. Or, maybe a slight one. But that could be the Barbie Fairytopia movie playing in the background

[Lulabelle]

*LAUGHS*

I haven't been subjected to Barbie since I was playing with them myself! How old is your daughter?

[TwoZeds]

She's 3.....going on 43

[Lulabelle]

aWww beautiful I don't have any kids, but have 3 little nieces and nephews (6 months, 3yrs and 5yrs) who I love dearly

I'm sure chasing after her will make sure your exercise needs are met for the next few years!