Soon 2 B.

Without sounding blunt, or harsh, I just want to tell you how I go about things. We don't know each other and I have no idea how what I will say will affect you.

For me, this LIFESTYLE is purely a mind game.

Firstly, I refer to it as a lifestyle. Diet for me means deprivation, and the thought of me being deprived of anything will make me eat two, three, four times more than I need to - it's all in the mind!

If you can make that 'shift' in your head, and it takes hard work (!!), your journey will be easier.

Secondly - regarding the deviations you've been experiencing. Here's my take:

IT WILL BE THERE WHEN YOU FINISH!

Food is all around us. It will be there when you get back! Leave it. You don't need it now. You can have it after. Concentrate on what you CAN have.

Thirdly - I'm going to tell you a secret. Another 'mind control' technique that I'm using for my journey.

WARNING - only attempt this when you're feeling STRONG - give yourself the best chance. When no one is looking - walk down the isle of your local supermarket that has the lollies, the crisps and the chocolate (it's usually all in the same isle). Walk slowly. Look at everything around you. As you're doing it, grab hold of the part of your body that you just can't stand. For me, it's my love handles (and there's plenty of them).

So there I am, looking at the kit-kats (which happen to be my favourite), DISCREETLY holding my chubby, chubby hips. I keep looking at those kit-kats until it's associated in my head that one leads to the other. I could buy the kit-kat - I've got enough cash (I even take the right amount of change and jiggle it in my pocket). And I keep looking. And walking. And holding my fatty bits.

And then, AND ONLY THEN, when my mind wins - I walk out of the supermarket empty handed. Not a moment before.

And this behaviour (as strange as it is) - has set an interesting precedent in my head. On the weekend I went out with the girls, and 'we all got' gelati on Acland Street in St Kilda. Best gelati in the world (I know, I've tried most of it!).

All I had to do was give myself a bit of a poke in the fleshy part of my hip, and no worries. I had a bit of a smell at the raspberry one because I was curious, but it didn't even occur to me to TASTE it.

So I suppose, what I'm trying to impart is for you to set yourself up in some way where you can say 'no' and it's easy. Figure out what motivates you.

[I have also hung up the sweetest top in the world on the back of my bedroom door. It's there everytime I walk out of my room, and it's the first thing I see when I wake up. It gets me 're-focused' every morning before breakfast!].

Anyway, enough of my rant.

Keep us up to date with how it goes!



CD

soontb145

You have to plan on this programme (IT IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT POINTS).

Before I started this plan I said to my husband don't expect me to take part in anymore take aways or go to any restaurants while on plan.
If we did go out we had picnics and I prepared and took all my food.
The kids had chips or whatever they had while out but I meant business, I paid alot of money for this plan I was not going to waste it. When the results of the weight loss are so instant why would you want to deviate anyway.

I only deviated when things were out of my environment like xmas at family ,outings with friends but and even at those times I made sure I chose the Cohen's allowable foods and then just guessed the closest weight.

Sure at times I felt like oh......1 chip won't hurt but I thought how many times have I thought and said that and made the excuse to start tomorrow........well too many times to remember which is why I got so fat.

Cohen's was a journey I wanted to succeed on finally and nothing was going to STOP me.

It's been 9 weeks now and I am only a few kgs away from refeed and I am so happy I made the decision to start before xmas and stick with it.
Cohen's really does get into your system but you need to put it in there mentally and prepare your whole life for this change forever - it is the only way to succeed.

Take care
Sam

Great advice guys!! Funny thing is, (or sad thing, really) as I ate that last oreo, i thought, it was so not worth it. It didn't even taste good to me. I felt like i was eating cardboard. But this is a work in progress for me. I have major issues with food, and even though Cohens is wonderful, and I have no doubt in mind that I will be successful on this program, I am a work in progress. Being on this plan has helped me to take a closer look at when and what causes me to overeat. The main thing that I have noticed is that this is a mental trip that I'm on. Talking myself out of eating that cookie, or sitting at a table while everyone eats my favorite foods has been a test of how my mind can control my actions. I'm getting there. I have literally had to talk back to myself in my own head, when those little thoughts of "oh just have those nachos, and start over again tomorrow", which occurs less and less as time goes on. now, I haven't been the perfect cohen eater, but what has kept me from completely giving up is that i focus on being healthy and the benefits that its going to bring to me. Before I started Cohen, I sat in my bed every night and wondered if I needed to go the hospital because my heartburn was so bad, i wasnt sure if i was having a heartattack. and I was sooo uncomfortable trying to sleep on a full stomach. That hasn't happened to me in two weeks. I saw immediate results in that respect. Also, I have a trip coming up in October, and it is my hope that I will be at goal for my trip.

well, thanks to those that respond and give me great advice. I soooo need that.

be back tomorrow.

Hi Soontb145

Thanks for giving us abit more insight into your life it really helps when we can see the full picture.
If you are seeing results albeit they are slow well that is better then not.

I hope I am not becoming too personal when I suggest that you may need to seek counselling to assist with any food issues you may have which is preventing you from losing.
We turn to food for so many different reasons emotional is probably the big one for me. I used food for so many escapes in my life especially after having children. Anyway I am hoping that this is all in the past for me and I will set good examples for my kids for the future.

Take care and hope you reach your goal before october.
ATB
Sam

Happy Valentines!!
Are americans the only ones that celebrate this holiday? Anyways, I've been doing well, but since its a holiday, the traditional thin is to go out for a couples dinner. Did that earlier, and had steak with veggies. I was thinking that would be okay until they brought me the plate and the meat had been marinated and vegetables were pretty oily. I just ate a little bit of it, just in case. And now we have to meet a bunch of couples at a restaurant. I told my husband I wasnt going out for dinner. I dont think I could handle that twice in one day. So they switched it to appetizers and drinks. Which I also can't have any. So I'll be drinking my diet sprite while everyone drinks liquor. Sorry, I'm feeling sorry for myself right now. LOL Anyways, I'm in the mindset that if I cheat now, I'm just prolonging my time on Cohen's, plus like Carpe Diem so poignantly stated, "It will be there when you finish!!!"

Sooo, heres to staying strong.

Be back tomorrow.

Well, I've done it. I've reached my goal for February. My goal was to be at 215 by March 1st and I reached that this weekend. Now, I'm onto my next goal of 200 lbs by April 1st. That would make a huge difference in my life. I think at that point I would be able to fit into a size 16, which would be woooonderful. Right now, my clothes are just fitting me right. Pre Cohen's they were very tight. Their not loose but their fitting me, so thats a good thing.
As for my week, I completed my goal of not deviating. But it was a three day weekend with a lot of socializing. Boy was that tough!!! We went out to eat three days in a row. I'm getting very used to watching everyone eat and drink around me. It takes every ounce of strength to keep my fork from dipping into my husband's plate of rice and beans. I actually catch myself staring longingly at everyone's food. Pretty embarassing. LOL

After all this, I went and had some popcorn today. I guess a person can only take so much before they cave. We've been eating out constantly this week because of Valentine's and Memorial Day weekend, and I resisted all that time. I'm sure I'll pay for it on the scales. But I'm ready to move on and work on my goal of 200 by April 1st. I'm a little worried about my ability to stay on this program for a long period of time because the last time, I only went about three weeks before I threw in the towel. I hit 210 and then the scale didn't move, I got frustrated and just started eating. So now that I'm getting close to that weight/period of time, I'm going to have to start being on my p's and q's mentally. So, any advice/motivation is greatly appreciated.

Well, I'm going to set my next goal for 2 weeks without deviation. Baby steps.

Hi there soon2b145
Go girl, don't focus on the daily ups and downs - life is full of them and always will be. Look at the big picture (and see yourself shrinking in it!). It's all about what you pay attention to. I had a few plateaus - 1 to 2 weeks where I lost nothing. Now I'm finished I can look back and see that I lost a heap of weight overall and those day to day things don't really matter. I wonder sometimes whether we should use the term 'deviation' at all. It's almost like it gives us permission to go off the diet. After all there's even a word for it. Maybe it might help to look at this way. Cohen's works because of the hormonal changes that certain types and quantities of food produce in our bodies. Unless we stick to those exact types and quantities of foods we are not on cohens. Every time we go off cohens we have to start again. That means detoxing again. Going off the program (even for a moment) cancels all the benefits of being on it. We start to feel hungry and to crave suger and carbs. We lose the feeling of wellbeing that the cohens food gives us. It's just too big a price to pay, don't you think?
So my advice, for what it's worth, is to ban the word 'deviation' and to look at this way - if your on Cohen's you're on it 100%. If you're not on it 100% you're not on it. Simple as that.
By the way, I lost 8 kg in the first month (about 20lb) and then lost nothing for nearly 2 weeks! I know how frustrating that can be! I stuck to it though, and everything sorted itself out. One thing I know for sure, if you stick to it it will work. You will be 145 in no time!
Warm regards
Kirsten

Hello to everyone,
as you might have noticed from my previous posts, I am in the middle of a battle of willpower. I'm still following Cohen's but its against my will right now. This is the TOM when I get crazy cravings, but I just have to ride it out. This is also a time in my weight loss when I give up because when I hit around 215 lbs, I feel like my body goes into overdrive, and doesn't want me to keep losing, so it revs up my cravings. I've yet to get past 210. I feel like once I push past that I'll be more in control.

I havent been in the mood to post lately because it hasnt been good news. I indulged myself a few times on Monday and Tuesday, but am back on track. It wasnt that bad but since I went off course I felt like I'd blown the whole diet. I guess thats one thing that I dont like about Cohens. The concept of one small carb and your back at square one. But the most important thing is to keep going. Anyways, I thought I'd be honest and make a point of posting my ups and my downs.

I'm hanging in there and determined to reach my goal weight by September. Wish me luck!!

Hey soon2b145,
I'm hoping you're OK. You can always go back on cohen's so there is no blowing it! This is a very demanding thing you are doing. Be gentle with yourself, after all no one is perfect. One thing I do know though. Unlike other diets, if you can conquer your demons and stick to it, it will work and it will work quickly and reasonably painlessly. Hang in there. Hope to see a post from you soon. I can't get on to the forum every day, but will be keeping my eye out to see how you are.
All the best till then.

Waterlilly,
thanks for the encouragement. Just the idea that someone out there gave me a thought, even if only for a few seconds, keeps me hanging on. I had just about given up, until I read your message. I was down and out because I had stopped following the program. You know, the stench of diet failure, that I have experienced time and again. But, I'm back. Hanging on for dear life is my only focus right now. I'm not even thinking about how much I want to lose or anything like that, I'm just trying to get back on track. On the plus side, I'm the same weight as before my Cohen's intermission, so that makes me feel good.
Bye,for now.

Soon2be145, don't give up!! You CAN do this! You lost 15lbs so far you can keep going and reach your goal!
Just dust yourself off and get your focus back. Remember why you started this in the first place.. Remember how you felt pre cohen's? You KNOW that this works, but it can only make you a gorgeous slim sexy chick if you make the decision to stop deviating, to get excited about your life and the possibilties this program could bring you!
I know the weight is sometimes all too overwelming to deal with but you need to think - 'the time is going to pass anyway wouldn't you rather be skinny at the end of it instead of uncomfortable, self consious or disgusted in yourself?'
It's coming up to summer over there, you can be slim for it and looking hot in the latest summer clothes, or you can choose to be heavy and sweaty and uncomfortable and wear clothes that you think cover you up but really don't.
Everyday you need to tell yourself - 'I can do this, I am worth this, I AM going to slim and sexy!'
Come on girl you can get your Cohen's Mojo back - you just need to lose the negative thoughts and get determined again - don't let the little devil on your shoulder tell you you can't and it's too hard!! Tell him to piss off...
You Can and You Will do it!

Take Care of You.

Mel

Hey mellyP you should consider being a motivational speaker you are good!! soon2b145 don't give up that is why we are all here we need eachother for support!! Just take it day by day and you will get there. Read your cohen's information or just come on and read the posts we are all here in the same boat and it just may spark you on when you can see people can and are doing it. Look at MellyP she has done so well and she only started Cohens in November.... Wow she has done a great job!!! You too can do it. Just refocus and keep on keeping on.

Cheers and skinny thoughts
Jodee

Hi Soon2be,

I hear your pain and your doubts. I've been having that sort of week myself. Totatlly went balistic with a deviation this week. ate half a container of vanilla frosting. Boy, did I pay for it about 15 minutes later (literally 15 minutes!) with horrible stomach pains and bathroom visits!!

I was ready to give up to this week as the scale did not budge and I was not drinking enough water. But, something you will find if you stick with it most of the time is that if the scales don't move, something else will. I got up this morning and was in shock over how much "flatter" my stomach was! Flatter in the sense that I don't have a huge watermelon in my stomach, maybe just a basketball! I measured myself and I've lost 10.5 inches from bust to hips!

The same thing can happen for you. I know we are obsessed witht the number on the scales, but as everyone has told me, I will tell you - STOP LOOKIN AT THE SCALE!! Especially since you know you will give up at a certain weight.

I too have mental battles of will, as I am sure everyone here does. Most of us got fat because of mindless eating, emotional eating. When I get into that mode I literally say "get your butt out of the kitchen and go read a book!" Sometimes that means I have to isolate myself from the family for an hour, but it helps. Keep yourself occupied. Play a game, ask your family for help and you will get through this.

Don't give up and take one day at a time. Wake up today and say "today I will not deviate" and make that your goal. Do one day at a time, baby steps.

Good luck,

Hi everyone,

I haven't been around in a while because I've been too embarassed of my quitting Cohens. I'm pretty disgusted with myself, I went waaaay off track and gained back 10 lbs, but the intense hunger has passed. I've eaten till my hearts content and cant think of anything else to eat. Funny but sad. I've been contemplating Medifast, gastric bypass, weight watchers, because I feel like i'm ready to get back on the wagon. I decided to take a peak at my postings and everyones wonderful advice and encouragement and want to give this another try. The diets pretty simple, so I've got most of the food in my pantry and will be ready to start tomorrow. I know I can do this!! On a side note, I've been reading a book called "Beck diet solution" (something like that) and I'm learning things about myself. Mainly that I'm spoiled, and don't know how to deny myself. Also, that I feel like I'm the only one making sacrifices. Lastly, the negative self-talk is very sabotaging. Its been an interesting read and pretty much hit me on the nail. These are among the many reasons why I have failed at so many diets. Boy, do I need counseling. Also, I'm going back to my old ways of being very active, which feels sooo good. Its springtime in California and the weather is beautiful, so I've been riding my bike and skates, gardening, staying outdoors. Hopefully, this will be a better time of year to really follow Cohens, because during the winter when I'm cooped up in the house all day, for weeks on end because its so cold outside, I go mad with all the food in the house. Well, third time's a charm. I am going to go back to Weight Watchers though, while I'm on Cohens because being weighed in person and talking to a counselor motivates me, and I stopped doing WW and Cohens the last time, after a few weeks.

No need to be embarassed soon2b145, it sounds like you really needed the break and to get a few things into perspective. All the best for day 1 on the plan, remember, you haven't failed at this, failing is when you give up. By starting back up, you have made a concious decision to succeed and finish. Good idea about getting out and about again, get those seratonin and endorphin hormones happening, that'll keep you positive.
Interesting your comment on 'feeling deprived', perhaps by turning it around to 'treasuring yourself by fueling up with good food to help healing (slimming)', you may be able to get a different perspective about the plan, afterall, it isn't forever. I told myself that 'wine ages, chocolate and chippies will always be in the shop, junk food is readily available, Christmas and Easter are annual events and all going well I get to celebrate another birthday and wedding anniversary next year . There are always going to be things we miss out on throughout life, Cohen's or not, so what if I'm putting myself out and denying myself these 'treats', I'm now down from size 22/24 to size 8/10, this is something I am so glad I haven't denied myself, there is truly nothing like it.
Okay, halo off, . Good luck with it all and as you said, "third time's a charm", so get to it.
Lauren