Hi, Alicia,

You say that you're new, but you're already up to Step 5. Is that right?

It sounds like maybe you might have rushed through the steps ... especially since you say "it's not easy but I'm getting used to it." And you also say you're trying to cut back on sugars. Going slowly makes the program a joy, not something to get used to, to white knuckle through.

What if you slowed down and just focused on one step at a time, starting with breakfast? Your body adjusts better to slow changes ... and your friends might, too!

Did you join the Step 1 list? There you'll find so many people who ARE doing what you're doing, you'll know you're surrounded by friends.

I wish when I had started the program that I had gone slowly and continued to eat with my friends as much as I could. But from the very beginning I turned down dinner dates because, 'I can't eat what you eat." Well, of course people are going to be a bit upset! And it was so unnecessary (and so dramatic). This doesn't have to be dramatic, or traumatic. I missed out on deepening some friendships because I thought I had to be extreme, perfect from day one. I'm sure I COULD have eaten some of the things they had to offer.

Anyway. Slowing down and being very gentle with yourself and others really helps.

These days, my friends and family don't understand necessary, but they accept that this is the way I eat. And I try very hard not to make it a big deal for anyone.

Camille

: Hi everybody. I'm new here. I'm up to
: step 5. Hasn't been easy but I'm
: getting used to it. My problem is
: other people. They either think
: I'm making all this up, or they
: say good for trying, but they
: think I'm being to extreme when I
: try cutting back on sugars. I
: can't get anybody to understand
: how sensitive to sugars and carbs
: I am. They get upset when I don't
: want to eat what they eat. How do
: I get people to understand this?
: I've already given a couple of
: people the book to read but that
: didn't help.