Here we go again...

[cranberry]

well, as of June 1, I am back on the Atkins Wagon. I had great success with this WOE for a while, and then I hit a plateau of the worst kind. It lasted almost a year. I followed the plan to a tee. After 2 months of the plateau on strict induction, I moved to OWL. I increased my exercise & water. Still nothing. I tried lowering my cals, upping my cals, eliminating certain foods, adding certain foods, went to the doctor to have my thyroid checked, checked for yeast overgrowth, went off my birth control to see if that was a factor -- still, nothing. Since then, I have tried fat fasting, GI, low fat & low calorie. Still, nothing. I guess it's been about 8 months since I've Atkins. On the bright side, I have maintained my weight loss. On the negative side, I have not lost. I am discouraged because I have worked so hard and my body just does not seem to want to let go of the fat. I want to lose about 30lbs and it is going nowhere. Anyway, I am back and trying again. I am not fully confident though because I still have no clue why I was unsuccessful in breaking my plateau. I am not sure where I went wrong, and what I can do better this time. My hope is that perhaps being off the plan for some time will induce or kick start weight loss this second time around.

I will eat no frankenfoods, drink only water (maybe the occasional herbal tea, depending on if my weight reacts to it). I am exercising 6 days a week, alternating between cardio and weight resistance (to start). When I get back in exercise mode, I intend to increase my cardio to 4-5 days/week, keeping weight resistance at 3/week.

Anyway, so here I am. Best of luck to everyone here.

[aggie]

Re: Here we go again...

Hi cranberry. You know... looking at your picture I can't imagine you needing to lose 30 pounds. I'm wondering if your goal is reasonable. I tend to think that if you eat properly on Atkins and go through the stages you probably level off at the right weight or am I wrong? Of course, what do I know? I'm way far from there eh? But seriously, do you think you're being reasonable about your goal? I often wonder how we know what is the right weight. There is so much pressure in this world to look like an anorexic. I get livid when I see runway models. We are not waif like 15 year olds and should never aspire to be. We are strong and healthy women who need to be reasonable about our weight. But I've gone off on a tirade which may not even apply to your situation. I figure if you're fit enough to race about and lift things and eat reasonably and have a genuine zest for life... well... what else is there? I guess my question is, is it possible you are actually at goal and haven't realized it? I might be way off the mark here so ignore me if I am... You look beautiful and healthy. Stay strong.

[cranberry]

Re: Here we go again...

aggie... thank you... but no, I am definitely still overweight.. I need to lose more and my doctor agrees... good pic, I guess.. I will have to find a full body to post... I am 5'9", small to med bone frame, my goal is 150-155. I pack my weight in my belly.. which of course you cannot see here


though I do agree with your assessment on unreasonable goals... thanks to mainstream media... women were not made to be rail thin... i dont think it's healthy or attractive.

[aggie]

Re: Here we go again...

Belly dancing! That's it! You must sign up for belly dancing classes! That'll fix your problem! You look great in that photo so be gentle with yourself. Where there's a will there's a way. You will find it.

[Lady_Hawke]

Re: Here we go again...

Cranberry! Hello Beautiful! Its so nice to see you here!
Maintaining and not gaining is wonderful - I'm so proud of you for that!
I know you will reach your goal! You have a well thought out plan of action and a wonderful attitude!

[2big4mysize]

Re: Here we go again...

welcome back. just in time for the new 6WEC to join up.

[Heidi3]

Re: Here we go again...

I swear it works if you eat good food just keep trying and welcome back OOOXXX

[cranberry]

Re: Here we go again...

aggie - I am taking your advice and starting belly dancing today... thanks for the idea

[2big4mysize]

Re: Here we go again...

enjoy your belly dancing classes and the practicing at home so you can do the different rythums you need ofr hands feet and hips.

[sallyseachange]

Re: Here we go again...

I love your attitude! So glad you came back and that you are so sensible in your approach. Hang in there... you'll be the winner in the end... and in health, you'll be the winner from the start!