A bit Perplexed...

[JeNu10]

Hi everyone, I think I need some help. Tomorrow marks day 14 of a clean induction for me. I started at 180 and after 6 days was down to 174. Then we got a new scale. Im now weighing in at 175 consistently for the last week. I know I could just be losing slower this time around, but I just feel stuck and its really a crappy feeling. I added 2-3 oz of cheddar to my diet..I really hope thats not at fault for this minor pause. I suppose I'll up my water intake and just keep chuggin along. Venting helps a bit

On another note, I have no idea whether I should move onto OWL right away or not. I think i'm going to wait maybe 2-3 weeks. Does that sound like a good idea? ...Thanks!

[Sarah1341]

Re: A bit Perplexed...

Hi Jen!

With regard to OWL, it would be okay to stay on extended if you are still doing okay with the foods (not becoming bored and tempted to stray). But you should not be afraid of moving to OWL. Its still a weight loss phase - you just get to add in more variety!

As to slow losses, that seems to happen to a lot of us this go around. And, cheese has been a staller for some people. I would suggest that you post an example of your daily menu for us to see. Are you eating your veggies? Are you getting in some fats from like butter, oil, mayo?? That will help us help you.

[RachelnLa]

Re: A bit Perplexed...

I started at 180 and after 6 days was down to 174. Then we got a new scale. Im now weighing in at 175 consistently for the last week.

Did you test the new scale to make sure it weighed you the same as the old one? Each one is different.

[DragonflyMoon]

Re: A bit Perplexed...

Hi Jen ~

I think it is fine to stay on extended induction a little longer if you are comfortable with it. As Sarah said, if you are not bored with the foods you are eating now, then it is fine to stay for awhile. Just make sure that you continue to monitor yourself & how you are feeling. The danger of extended induction is staying on it for too long and then getting bored and cheating. But if you are constantly reevaluating yourself, you'll do fine! That and keep checking in here on the boards and posting ~ that really helps.

~ Jenna

[JeNu10]

Re: A bit Perplexed...

A typical menu for me..

breakfast: 3 eggs scrambled/omlette with maybe bacon and some veggie like broccoli or red pepper

lunch is usually a salad: 2 cups romaine or iceburg with last nights leftover meat in it, 1/2 cucumber, maybe some broccoli or red pepper depending on breakfast, and recently 1 oz cubed cheddar, 2.5 tbls dressing

dinner: either chicken, ground beef, or steak always with a veggie on the side.

snacks are usually 1 oz cheese, sugar free jello, or pork rinds. about 2 small decaf coffees a week. I do all my cooking in lots of olive oil and butter.

I might drop the cheese (unfortunately) just to see what happens. It may also be TOM for me soon so there are possibly a few factors. Anything else you guys see?

[boonie stomper]

Re: A bit Perplexed...

The menu looks fine. It is perfectly normal to loose quickly at first during induction and then have the scales start going up, down or nowhere for days at a time. In a nutshell, scale weight will not reflect how much fat you lost from day to day. TOM will throw water on the scales for days to throw off the numbers 5-10 lbs, excess salt can do it, and so can a new exercise regimen, which can cause damaged muscle tissue to retain fluid. You can also be adding muscle while losing fat.

Put the scales away until TOM's gone, and don't take them seriously when you weigh. Look at the trend over time.

[RachelnLa]

Re: A bit Perplexed...

TOM is a major factor for me. Easily 7 pounds before Atkins, now I gain about 3. And I stall out a few days before then jump up the three. Rest assured, I lose that and then some afterwards. Stay true to the diet and it will stay true to you. Remember too that the scale may not be moving but the inches are. The scale catches up later in the week. In three days I lost 3 inches! Amazing.

Are you measuring veggies? I didn't at first, thinking veggies were safe. They still need to be counted. I started counting and wow.. I was overeating my limit. I am learning that the average sized cuke is about 2 cups. I'm trying to learn gauging for when I'm not at home and cannot measure. Always workign on that safety net

[Kiasmama]

Re: A bit Perplexed...

Ya know...that sugar free jello messes me up.

[Outback Jess]

Re: A bit Perplexed...

Hey JeNu,
on pg 138 under "More induction" the book, DANDR gives a wonderful overview about staying on induction or moving forward...Dr. Atkins makes a remark, we should all allow to really get into our thinking "the slower the progress, the more chance you have to permanently CHANGE bad habits over the long term"...
This section offers suggestion, and allows us to practically ask ourselves about which way to go.
Personally, I have been on an extended induction. I am fine here, still finding new things to eat and am enjoying my stay. In previous Atkins experiences, I never left induction, nor did I ever read the next chapter. My goal this time is to slowly progress through all 4 phases of this plan of eating, allowing for it to change my approach at each level.
News to my STACer friends, my daughter has started gaining weight on WW. She after tears and talk, she (not me) has decided to shift over to Atkins. We are using this long weekend to get her thru induction flu...hopefully. So my plan is to walk these next two weeks on induction, with her and together, we will research and then step up to the rungs, mostly so she can continue finding new foods, and be motivated.
Read your DANDR book, knowledge and thoughtfulness, and mindfulness are power, and He wants to empower you. I agree wtih Boonie, put the scales away, and embrace the lifestyle...don't limit your attention to between your toes, feel your clothes, get your measurements, drink water, relax enjoy the good foods...
The weight will take care of it's self, there is so much more here.
Congrats on the weightloss for far that's tremendous!

[JeNu10]

Re: A bit Perplexed...

Thanks Boonie and Jess

I too am enjoying everything about this wol, and that TOM suspicion was accurate. I realize that I'm not really concerned with the scale number, because I don't need a number to tell me what I can already feel and see in the mirror. Thanks for tossing me back into perspective.
As for the 'should I stay or should I go' dilemma, I've decided to stay on extended induction for a while. I start back clinical rotations and classes on Wed. and I would like to adjust to my very long days out of the house with foods I have become comfortable with. Once I feel I'm in a good position with preparing foods for the whole day and dealing with new obstacles, I will move on. I'm already prepared mentally for it, which seems like more than half the battle.

So, thanks again

[Outback Jess]

Re: A bit Perplexed...

Jen, You sound like you have yourself organized. While on extended induciton, it would be good to keep reading ahead in the book, thinking and plotting along. With long days out of the house, you are going to be tired, and clinical rotations, in the medical world I am sure are going to be very long, taxing, stressful and you will be so on the run. You need to have foods lined up, snacks that are in place to get you through. Processed snacks and coffee are everywhere and easily within reach, finding quality whole food snacks will probably have to come with you...Gotta keep ahead of this game, to win.