Having a hard time

[mama26]

Hi everyone. I've done and had great success with this diet in the past. Unfortunately I've also gained a few more than I'd like back. I realize that since this is not my first time, it will take longer and my body will be more resistant. But I'm getting a little frustrated. It's been 2 weeks and I've been using ketostix and I'm barely at trace amounts of ketones. Does anyone know of something I could do to get things going for me?

Thanks!

[moniegail]

Re: Having a hard time

so sorry you're having such a hard time. i'm only on my 2nd day of induction, but this is my 3rd time around. It's really hard to say why you haven't went into ketosis yet. maybe if you posted some daily menus some of the more knowledgeable members could give you some advice. also are you drinking all your water, that's always a must.


good luck to you



moniegail

[julirama723]

Re: Having a hard time

mama--Please don't believe the "golden shot" myth (that you've only got one chance at Atkins) because it's not true. It will work for you if you stick to the plan diligently.

Ketostix aren't the only indicator of ketosis. Has your appetite been suppressed? Do you have more energy? Are your clothes looser? Have you lost pounds? All of these things indicate that you are in ketosis and that the plan is working. I have NEVER used ketostix (and many others haven't) and I've been successful because I've noticed these other indicators.

However, if you're showing trace amounts, that's good enough. Being in ketosis is like being pregnant--either you ARE or you AREN'T! The results can be affected by time of day, how much fat you've eaten, how much water you've had to drink. Please don't be discouraged because your sticks aren't deep purple! There are many other ways to measure success with Atkins!

Like monie said, try posting a menu. Perhaps you have hidden carbs, aren't eating enough veggies, eating too much cheese, not eating enough food, etc. Whatever it is, we can take a look at it and make some suggestions!

[Outback Jess]

Re: Having a hard time

Hang in there Mama, I too have been on and off Atkins in the past, and it still works for me, there is no golden anything here. Keep looking through the book checking things making sure you are eating correctly. Sometimes the body just has trouble getting going? Have you been on other diets recently, your body may be in "horde" mode where it's just holding on to because it senses you are trying to loose weight.
Like Julie said, hang in there, post some menus....think about making this a lifestyle more than a diet, that too will help, but check yourself out for the other "body indicators"...breath, measurements, loose clothing, energy, diminished appetite and reduced cravings.

[mama26]

Re: Having a hard time

Thanks for your great suggestions! I do feel better just hearing them
Here is what I ate yesterday:

Bacon, eggs and cheese for breakfast.

slimjim, hard boiled egg

salad with grilled chicken, little cheese, tuna, bacon, dill pickle and lite italian dressing (2 carbs per 2 tbsp)

sugar free jello

grilled kiebasa with garlic, spicy mustard and green beans

more jello

2 carb atkins bar

[moniegail]

Re: Having a hard time

i think you're menu looks pretty good for the most part, but the one thing you might want to think about dropping is the atkins bars. they were a big staller for me and i know alot of other people have said the same thing. instead of that you might want to try eating some cheese or pepperoni chips, or even a few veggies and some ranch dip. also atkins bars are pretty bad for causing cravings for other sweet things that are no-no's in this woe.
you might even consider dropping atleast one serving of jello and also make sure you check the label on your slim jim, it may have sugar in it.

and remember to drink lots of water.

good luck
moniegail

[mitzimarie]

Re: Having a hard time

Here is what I ate yesterday:

Bacon, eggs and cheese for breakfast.

slimjim, hard boiled egg

salad with grilled chicken, little cheese, tuna, bacon, dill pickle and lite italian dressing (2 carbs per 2 tbsp)

sugar free jello

grilled kiebasa with garlic, spicy mustard and green beans

more jello
2 carb atkins bar

Hello

First, I just want to second the notion that it definitely can be done the second time around. In fact, I'm doing better this time than the first time.

Sugar free jello and Atkins bars are known stallers for most people. I tried getting away with eating the bars in the beginning of this time around, and they sure enough did stall me. I cut them out, and started losing again.

One of the points of induction is to break the addiction to sweets. It is hard at first, but I promise that it gets easier. Try to lay off of the jello.

Are you drinking plenty, plenty water? It's very important.

Hang in there and stick close to the board. Post often... ask questions. Best wishes to you.

[partytrouble]

Re: Having a hard time

Hi there,
In addition to the suggestion by Mitzi to limit Jello and by moniegail to cut out bars, which I definitely agree can make you stall, one more thing I would try is to limit the amount of processed meat you eat during Induction, like the slim jim and the kielbasa.
Sometimes those cause me to stall, and if you can hang in there and cut those things just for the first 2 weeks you will maybe get into a stronger ketosis and start blasting off those pounds.
Continue to post here, it really helps!

[Discolemonade]

Re: Having a hard time

Agree with all of the above comments. Thumbs up Party people!