I'm a college student and have to eat in the dining hall for just about every meal. There aren't always tons of options (though some days there are very good things), and sometimes the few options available don't taste good.

Unfortunately, tonight was a night when there weren't any good options. I managed to get down some chicken, but couldn't even eat much salad because for some reason the dressing was thicker than normal. The worst part is that it coincided with me having a big craving for a cookie or some ice cream. I almost did really well, but then I caved in. I don't cave in too often, so I suppose it could be worse, but I still feel guilty... To make matters worse, I'm going away this weekend and might not always be able to eat low carb, and even when I do I may just be eating an Atkins bar.

I realize it isn't the end of the world, but I haven't lost much weight in the past month or so (maybe like 1 or pounds)... though that could be because I've been working out a lot.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to combat the cookies and ice cream that stare at me at every meal? Usually I can handle it, but sometimes it's just sooo hard...

This is a toughie. Congratulations on nearly reaching your goal weight, though, not far to go.
One thing I learned about cravings. (I quit smoking a few years back) Just say "Well, I know I'm going to have a cookie some day.....but not today". Don't tell yourself you're never going to have one. Some times you can tell yourself "I'll have one tomorrow....but not today"
But if you give in, don't beat yourself up over a cookie. It's just a cookie.
This is a long term WOE.

You're absolutely right. And usually that's the strategy I use and it works well. I just wish there was some way to fight the cravings on the days they're really bad.

As for me almost being at goal weight... well, apparently 140 was too high of an estimate. I still have a lot more fat on my body and all that arm flap that I assumed would have started to go away is still there. =)

know what i do if i eat in the dining hall? we have a sandwich area, and i just have some cheese and lunch meat. the cheese especially helps to get me full. you should get some lettuce along with it and make yourself some lettuce wraps. a little mayo or mustard, and you're good to go! also, see if there is dry tuna without the mayo (sometimes tuna salad can be made with sugar), then get some mayo and make your own. then get creative... is there a microwave in your dining hall? if so, melt the cheese. and add some mushrooms, or some tomatoes from the salad bar instead of having a salad... TRUST me, i know the dining hall can be hell for us low carbers, but as good as that cookie would be in the 10 seconds you're eating it, the feeling you'll have when you walk out of there after having resisted it will be 100 times better!

Those are some good ideas, definitely things that I haven't done too much. Might be worth a try to use those a little more frequently. May I ask how long it took you from get to 150 to 126?

it's been a VERY gradual process. but when i started atkins last summer, i was doing it all wrong. i was losing weight, but i exersize religiously, and like 2 hours a day, so that was probably why. now that i strictly follow the rules, i lose weight and can work out a normal amount! if you really follow the rules and are just aware that most everything has carbs that can creep up on you, and don't cheat !!! your weight should come off pretty swiftly
it's tough being in college and doing this. i feel like i'm constantly under scrutiny from my friends... seems sometimes like they are just waiting for me to slip up. not a good feeling!! so i can understand your situation.
just try to stick to it (i know, easier said than done!). before you eat something sugary, try to imagine the feeling you will have after you eat it... that guilty, "what have i just done" feeling... that stopped me when i was having cravings!