Yes, it's not easy, yes, stop beating yourself up over this, yes, it does happen and yes, it does get easier.

Having absolutely NO forbidden foods around is a big help...if you cook carbs for someone else, that can sidetrack you big time, so for the first few weeks, just take them along w/ you on your adventure into health and slimness. If you don't advertise what you're doing, kids, spouses, neighbours will go along w/ it and just think you're cooking really good these days as they chow down on cream, cheese, meats, big salads and scrumptious desserts.

Try to analyze what's taking you away from where you want to be. Just knowing that you *should* eat this way does not make the Atkins Faery pop down your chimney and say "Hi!" You've got to understand why you are straying before you can fix it.

If it's something about the end of your day, try setting a special treat for around that time. Try a new dessert recipe out for dinner. While you are cooking, be sure you have some legal food ready to pop into your mouth so you don't get too hungry before dinner. Maybe you're not eating enough food during the day...if you are too hungry you can't think straight and will scarf anything available.

And try to stop stressing yourself about how much you need to do this plan and how much you are failing. Stress itself will raise your insulin levels and make it even harder to not stray. Forgive yourself your temptations as soon as they have occurred, and don't drag them back up again afterward. Hey, temptation happens, and must be dealt w/ in a healthy manner. Get back on the wagon, wipe your mouth and move on w/o guilt!!! Each hour of each day is a new opportunity for you to begin again, and for the first couple of weeks you will begin again a LOT!

Love yourself and know that we all love you, too...now go get 'em, Tiger!!!

Get on back here tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow and tell us how well you are doing, you hear?