Hi Nitro Vixen

Oh you sound a lot like me in the way you used to eat, I've always been thin, even underweight till the last year (quitting smoking and age) I went for years on Atkins or Stillman when they first came out - 5 days a week virtually no carb and then partying on weekends, after that it was low fat, low cal, and I suppose it was a control thing because I actually never felt hungry - at times I would go for over 48 hours without eating and never felt a hunger pang.

I totally understand what you mean about not feeling attractive - if you've got 20lbs more than when those photo's were taken then you're definitely not fat - but I know how you will feel you are. It dosen't help that your acting and modelling require a specific body type. When I first gained weight (it was a rapid weight gain when I quit smoking - about 20lbs over 3 weeks ) I couldn't bear to look at myself in the mirror, I would shower in the dark!!! because I just couldn't handle seeing my naked body. I don't tell a lot of people that because it seems so ridiculous, but somehow I think you would understand that feeling.

Regarding the All Bran - yes it does have sugar but it's just a tinch and Allbran is quite low on the GI - I really think that the benefits of the bran far outweigh the tiny bit of sugar that's in it - but of course it's a totally individual decision - I don't have a sugar addiction or any sensitivities so it's not a trigger for me.

I realize you must be very busy, with your day job and the acting but could you spare an hour or so a week to make your own turkey patties (you could buy ground turkey or chicken) and freeze them in individual portions.



If you're following SPII then honey would be the best choice - she does list some ready made products in the book and some of them are breads, crispbread type things - Even though honey or sugar is listed in the ingredients again I think you have to look at the bigger picture. I used to make my own bread and in a recipe containing about 13 cups of flour there was 1 tablespoon of sweetner (sugar, mollases or honey) it's needed in most bread recipes to help in the chemical reaction - so really by the time you break it down -how much of that sweeting agent would be in one serving of the bread. Like the all bran - sugar is the second ingredient (ingredients are listed in order of the quantity) - BUT there are only two ingredients in it (except some added vitamins) .



Remember now what the good Dr. says - baby steps - there was a lady here with a good quote that I'm sure I don't remember exactly but it was something like - 90% 100% of the time is better that 100% 10% of the time.

I really hope your body settles down soon, and you can be more comfortable with this balanced eating. I was terrified of gaining more weight on the plan (which is why I'm not being a good Beiner right now ) but when I was on in quite strictly I didn't gain anything which is really saying something, I gained on Atkins when I started back in January. Remember to that she says some of the weight gain could be attributed to bones and inner organs rebuilding. I suppose there could be a bit of a rebound too, depending on how long ago and how long a time you were staying at extremely low caloric intake, it might take your body a while to realize it's being fed on a regular basis and has no need to hang on to every ounce (says she of the sardine and egg diet )

Please hang in - your acting might need a slim body but it also needs your beautiful face and it takes proper nutrition to keep it beautiful.