Cohen's Lifestyle My journey - 3-D for life!

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T

tripled

New member
Dear All,

I’ve been reading this forum for a little while, and I must say that you that you are all inspiring and such lovely and supportive crowd! Cate, Nicky, Miss Kristy, 28...you are amazing – truly!

A bit about me...I started and successfully completed Cohen’s in 2007. I manage to keep the weight off for over a year, and then in late 2008/early 2009, life seemed to take a turn of its own (crisis on all fronts – from personal to professional), and I took the easy way out. I gorged on sweets – my weakness! While I have not ballooned, and have managed to lose a bit of weight which (since my biggest in July 2009), I can’t seem to shed all of it. Cohen’s was the only ‘lifestyle eating method’ that ever worked for me, so I’m not sure why since July 2009, I tried every other possible route to shed this weight – except for the tried and tested one! I guess I always seem to take the long and difficult route in whatever I do in life! But, every crisis can be turned into an opportunity – and I take this one as a learning path (on all levels – not just weight, but emotions, philosophy, myself basically) to change for good, for better and for life!

I need to lose 9kg in order to get to my desired weight, and while that (numerically) does not seem a lot (in comparison to 23kg from first weight loss), it’s the mental attitude that stopped me in the past. I believe I generally use weight to stop me from living life in all its potentials and offerings. Having the weight baggage means (or meant – as I choose no longer to ascribe to that attitude!) that I can live a sheltered (and depressed) life, and where for some silly reason I don’t feel confident enough to enter an intimate relationship! All my life I’ve run away from love – in all its’ different palettes – and the way to protect myself from it, I used weight as some sort of a shield (a false one!). Actually, one of the last strings that pushed me into the roll-coaster of emotions and food deviations in late 2008 was an unsuccessful intimate relationship. While now, when I look back I can see that the guy was not right for me in the first place (too selfish, immature...), and that I can only thank the Universe for in some ways stopping the relationship from going further, I must in some ways still be stuck in this fear of hurt or unanswered love/intimacy for me to keep sabotaging myself with food. I have come to realise that life will always be a roll-coaster ride, and that dealing with it with food is actually not dealing with it all, but instead burying myself deeper and deeper...Now, I realise that I have wasted too much of my life – and that the only person who I’ve ended up hurting in the end is myself!

I am excited (and slightly scared) to be starting Cohen’s again! It took me a very long time to lose 23 kg the first time (the consultant said that I have an extremely slow metabolism...and that I generally need very little food to keep me going – due to thyroid?!?!). But, I am disciplined, determined and driven to give it 110% start, and to do this for life! Just like alcoholics or drug addicts seem to have a ‘problem’, I have the same one with food (and it will probably always be there – I just need to understand what sparks these deviations to then learn how to manage and control them). It is only when I am at my optimal weight (when I am a ‘flat plane’) that I feel that emotionally I become unblocked and start to participate in life in all its intensities. Similarly, my senses become open - I feel more, I touch more readily, I hear...I smile more. I am not sure... but what I do know is that I am a much happier and more giving when there is no extra flesh dragging me down. It is the riddance of flesh that allows me to be more giving, and it is in the act of giving that I am most myself. So, the ‘abstinence’ of food seems like a small price to pay to get all of the above.

Gee, I’ve gone on for way too long in this first post...:rant::rant:

So, here is to a new me – for life – disciplined, determined and driven!!!
3-D xxx

p.s. Does anyone know how to change a profile name...I've tried going into settings etc, but there was no link to do it...
 
Hi triple D & welcome to the forum. I tried to change my user name not long after I joined but couldn't find a way. I just wanted to make my first initial a capital. I could have asked the admins (mods) but didn't bother. It's worth asking- they're very helpful I find. Thank you for sharing. I'm sure most of us can relate very well to your story & that most of us have hidden behind our fat. It's time for us all to come out & shine, xo Cate
 
End of Day 1 – woohoo! :willy_nilly:!!

Thank you for the welcome note Cate, I placed a mini post in your diary earlier today.

I feel good! There were no major hunger periods, but that was the case last time too. I experienced it more later on in the journey – but that was possibly due to including diet soft drinks in my diet. This time around – they are out! Generally, I find that they make me jittery and more anxious, and there is no room for that in my life any longer! By removing diet soft drinks, I am hoping that my insomnia will also be cured – I go through insomnia driven nights. Having said this, I am not sure whether that was due to diet soft drinks, or having too much on my mind, or some hormone/insulin imbalance. Tiredness – too. But – that could be due to being tired of myself, tired of witnessing and giving conscious consent to wasting my own life – by hiding behind fat (as well as using fat for every negative in my life...)

I've been thinking...I think I need to love myself more in order to be loved, in order to receive love in all its intensities. I need to believe in myself more, and all my abilities. I need to accept myself – in all my glories and dooms, and not to take things too personally.

There is something about Cohen’s, and its' regimented and black/white outline that I like – following it makes me feel right, in control. It feels good being back! While I am aware that I am on a high – and that life comes in highs and lows, I believe that change is on the way – and that I am going to stop abusing my body / spirit / mind (my life!) by resorting to food when I a strong wind or a hailstorm hits my shores.

OK, I’m off to bed...

Take care all,
3D x
 
Hey there and welcome to the forum! Sorry I haven't posted before now, I did read your first post but have not been feeling very inspirational lately!!! Thanks so much for your kind words though, means a lot =o)

You really sound like you're in the exact right mind set for starting cohens, well done! You'll do amazing and I hope coming to this forum for support will make your journey that much more intersting and easier. I found that having a place to come to where you know people will be able to give you great advice and understand everything you're saying means so much. I dont know what I would have done without the support of the lovely ladies on this forum!

Congrats on making it through Day 1 and here's to many more successful days on the program!

Welcome again.
Kristy
 
Good evening all,

Thank you for the lovely welcome Kristy!!! I hope that you are feeling better. I found that when I finished Cohen’s first time, that in order not to throw my body into a shock and gain weight (which did end up happening a year later, but let’s say that I only did the ‘job’ ½ way the first time – focused on the food and weight loss, while not working on myself emotionally etc....). Anyway, to get back to my point – in order not to start gaining weight the first time around (as I don’t think that the reefed really prepares the body well – not in my case anyway), for the first several months post Cohen’s I stuck to 4 100% Cohen’s days (90% did not work – it had to be 100%), and the remainder followed Cohen prescribed guidelines, with an indulgence or two on a Saturday / Sunday. That seemed to work really well – I actually ended up losing an extra kilo or two in that time period. I am not sure whether this helps, but ... (actually I'll post this in your thread, in case you don't read my diary...)


Today was a bit of a struggle - I felt the hunger on and off. That could be partially due to having fruit with yoghurt in the morning for breakfast (instead of just yoghurt). The last time, I tried to space out meals so that I ate every 2.5 hrs, with protein 5 hrs spaced apart. That way my body constantly fuelled, and in some ways started to work like a furnace (OK, I am exaggerating here a bit – I never had a fast metabolism, but in comparison to how it was before Cohens 2007, it improved considerably). I’ll have to continue with the ‘grazing logic’. Also, I was very tired today, I hardly had energy to do anything – lucky it’s a Sunday.

Since I did not do much today, I had a lot of time to think... I was thinking that instead of prescribing a staple diet of carbs etc (food pyramid – which never worked for me), the intent could / should be to make feelings such as love, harmony, understanding, acceptance and just all around communication as a staple. That would eliminate a lot of over-eating and looking to inadequate sources for fulfilment (by resorting to food to fill the void).
Having said all this, and on a personal level, there is no point by dwelling on past, and resorting to blame or pointing a finger to parents, siblings etc and their words and actions. There comes a point when blame needs to be chucked out of the system and responsibility needs to be taken for the person I am now and will become in the future – and that is by starting to re-shift my current thoughts, words and actions. What sort of a life do I want? I am choosing and writing the script, and I am the one who gets to perform it –and alter it when felt necessary.

I have never been much of a diary person, but for some reason I like the fact that by using the virtual world, I am making the actual happen. Also, while this journey is ultimately about me and my life, by having a community around that is very supportive, there is a notion of responsibility, which gives me extra incentive and 3-D to push myself by shrinking myself physically and expanding myself emotionally and spiritually.

Well, that’s all for me. I still have my dinner to look forward to – in another 30mins!

Take care all,
3D x
 
I am feeling very average today – I feel bloated, fat and the pants that I am wearing feel tighter on me than 3 days ago?!? Go Figure?!?! It has nothing to do with my monthly cycle...

Acceptance of myself will take time, it seems. I get so angry sometimes (like tonight for example) when I look in the mirror and see what I’ve allowed myself to become. But, anger is a negative and wasted energy – I know that in theory, yet practice is a different matter. I am still not able to look at myself fully naked in the mirror – I seem to do this in parts – face, portion of my lower legs, and chest area are manageable, the rest is a nightmare. I’ve always been smaller in my upper body, while 80s shoulder pads seem to like to take refuge around my hips, thighs and upper legs! My body looks so out of proportion! Like an oompa – loompa ball – ready to be bounced around or burst if you prick it with a sharp pin! Grrrr....

I am just about to have dinner, even though I’m not hungry. Anyway, hopefully I’ll start to see the changes soon ...

Take care,
3D x

p.s. Hope the rest of the crew (Cate, Kristy and anyone else reading my diary) have had a better day! Cate – I am glad I made you smile/laugh – even though my comment was a genuine one. Kristy, brilliant on fitting into size 8 pants! You go girl!!!
 
3D- Sweets, I am so sorry that you feel that way about yourself. You must learn to love yourself. You will lose your excess weight but working on the brain I think is the hardest challenge. I knew you meant well with the mother hen comment. I laughed & took it as a compliment. I just am silly sometimes (the brrk brrk thing- I had actually made the sound out loud & then had to explain why to my OGS.)3D- don't worry too much about the bloating and/or feeling yucky- this will not last. Your body is in shock & as is probably reacting to change. It gets better after the first few days. Have you read some of the motivational sayings? When I first started that thread a lot of my posts were affirmations. I need them as much as anyone & need to reinforce my self-love & respect. I always will. Excuse me if this sounds like I'm waffling on a bit as I'm really tired tonight. I'll be back tomorrow & see how you're going, xo Cate
 
Hey!

It must have been one of those days I think. I felt awful today and had the exact same bloated/disgusting feeling. My pants felt so tight and I felt as though I was 72kgs again! Isnt it silly how we see outselves sometimes.........sigh! Im still going through a bit of a mental struggle transitioning into maintenance, but ill get there.

I hope that you have a better day tomorrow, we all have these days. You are doing fantastic and will continue to do so. It won't be long until you're really feeling that cohens balance and looking amazing. Im sending you all the positive vibes I can hun :)

Check back in soon, you can always come and vent to us!
K xo
 
Hello all,

Wow – I just got home! What a packed day! Actually, the whole year is seeming to pan out that way - lucky that I enjoy what I do! Having said it, my problem has always been finding a balance between work and private life (especially intimacy). I hope to achieve a greater sense of equilibrium in re: those two spheres in my life this year too. (definitely on my ‘to-do’ list for this year!)

Thank you Cate and Kristy for your kind words, support and concern...Truly! Yes, you are right Cate, positive affirmations are crucial to re-routing current patterns, and instigating change. It’s amazing what thoughts do to one’s definition, understanding and embodying of self – thoughts turn into words, words into actions, and actions into habits. Hence, to break that cycle, or at least rupture it, takes work and time.
Also, I think I was so ‘over things’ last night that I wasn’t expressing verbalising my thoughts well – what I was trying to say Cate was that I am glad that my comment made you smile. Humour, laughter and generally a sense of fun are crucial in any situation and life – I think.
Kristy, your attitude of ‘you’ll get there’ is really good – it’s a journey, and I think it’s more important how one deals with a ‘situation / crisis’ and turns it around into an opportunity – as opposed to actually dwelling on what that ‘situation’ actually is. Gee, I am just rambling on here....

I think that yesterday was just one of those days – when they hit me, they hit with such force that I often flat on my face. But, one step at a time - Rome wasn’t built in a day either. I didn’t gain a chunk of my weight back overnight, and I certainly won’t lose it overnight. Patience is a virtue! Also, yesterday was such a humid day – and my body generally retains a lot of fluid when exposed to unexpected weather changes – especially humidity! Cohen’s ‘fixes’ that problem to a point when I am at an ‘idea’ weight, but even then I have fluctuations (maybe due to thyroid?!?).

Anyway, end of day 4 – I didn’t really feel the hunger today – probably because I was so busy. Actually, maybe that’s the key – not to focus so much on myself (in re: weight), but just get on with life while practising Cohen guidelines...

Anyway, I better go...I’m so tired.

Take care,
3D XXX
 
Hey there,

I think you're starting your journey really well - we all recognize that we have to change our mindsets that got us to our heaviest weights and it's hard to actually get there and do it. To be honest, I never thought I was an emotional eater until I started to chronicle my thoughts with food on a diary then it was like... oh lightbulb! Plus, I just never really bothered to learn more about eating healthy. Before I reached my heaviest, I've always thought.. well I'm just a little plump, I'm still healthy but how I was viewing food (and even the preparation of food!) was not.

I'd be checking in again (and writing more posts) so do update! You have a lovely way with words and I enjoy reading your diary.
 
Thank you for your lovely words DietGirl. I do enjoy writing and I am glad that you enjoy reading ‘my words’. I truly do hope too that that time I am doing it the right way– one needs to reach crisis point so many times before understanding how to turn that into an opportunity. I have faith that this is my moment of ‘opportunity’.

I just had my dinner – actually, it was a bit of a struggle to stop myself from devouring it before the 5hr protein mark, but I somehow managed to stop myself from doing exactly that. Honestly, I think what stopped me is that I thought about this forum, and if I had cheated, I would have had to write that it my diary. Walking and talking myself through that idea prevented me from cheating!!!

I have decided to weigh myself at a 4 week mark - that way I will hopefully see a considerable loss! I hope, I pray, I believe...

Well, that’s all from me for today. My brain feels like a stack of hay – work overload I think.

Enjoy the rest of the day everyone...
3D x

p.s. Cate, I read your post of how affirmations need to be in the present tense – you are so right! Placing affirmations in present tense allows for a sense of ownership to take place and therefore makes them resonate more strongly.
 
Hi all this is my first post I just read 3D journey and she seems to have the same emotional roller coaster as me,
I really do think the key to all of our weight problems is our mental state get that sorted and the rest will follow I got into
A positive mindset through self hypnosis and lost 84 pounds in 6 months, my friend tried it and has lost 30 pounds
 
I agree whole-heartedly. Changing our mindset is the most important aspect on our weight-loss journey. Well done sdr on your weight-loss & triple D on yours, because I'm positive that you will be losing on Cohen's! I'm enjoying your diary triple D. Thanks for sharing with us, xo Cate
 
Hi 3-D why the name? I was thinking in relation to bra sizes :) a tripel D. he he he

I absolutly love your writing style and all that you have written has hit home with me. I think we can all benefit from reading your words as they really resinante with most people who have the weight-loss challenge. I hope you keep journaling, I found that by writing down how I felt as scary as it can sometime be really help. You can vent and realise that sometimes when something is in your head it seems so much worse. We can all relate to one another and feel what your going through.

I have also been on and off of Cohen's countless times but this time it's to finish this race. I also have a very slow metabolism so will be watching you once in maintainence to see how you fair and what you can and cant eat. I can put on weight at the drop of a hat so know that my future is going to have to be strict to maintain.

I am also weighing in after 4 weeks and am really looking forward to a big drop :) I only have 3 days to go and then I can find out! I will be sure to post it! Have you thought about getting a ticker? I find them really inspiring and motivating as you look forward to up-dating it. After this first month I am going to weight every week again as I find I really enjoy it.

I hope to hear more from you soon and am sure you will start to get into the Cohen's ''zone'' soon!

Best of luck, or should I say make the best decisions cause it doesn't come down to luck after all!

xx nicole
 
Hey 3-D, welcome to the forum!

Firstly I want to say I also used to feel disgusted when I looked at myself in the mirror and it totally ruins ones self confidence. I eventually just stopped because it would only ruin my mood for the day.

However now I look at myself in the mirror and focus on the positive things, things I like about myself. The other things are only temporary imperfections that I WILL rectify.

I think the main thing that you should be proud of is that you have taken a decision to sort out your weight and become healthy! Kudos to you for that!

On this forum I have found a lot of support and people motivating me. You are not alone and we will all help you through this journey. Keep strong and stay focused.

Good luck and you can do it gal!!
:waving:
 
Heya tripled,

Where have you gone? I hope everything is still going well for you on plan. Would love to hear how things are going for you.

Cheers
Kristy
 
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