The tipping point

[HulaMom]

Re: The tipping point

Aloha,
I'm posting on an old thread I started, when I was at a tipping point. Proudly, I have stayed faithful for a month (with one luau slip of a dessert) and I can tell that my body made the switch to ketosis. I have the signs and I'm feeling in a better place with diet, energy, and all. I am intellectually convinced that this is the WOE for me!

Yet, I'm so sad! I'm going to reveal some numbers here... a simple table:

Pounds
14-Mar-08 176
21-Mar-08 172
28-Mar-08 169
4-Apr-08 172
11-Apr-08 173

I've just started to move to rung 1, adding more veggies and some heavy cream. I'm going to have to drop back to induction again.

How can I be so far from getting in the groove with this? It just doesn't make sense.
* I've come through the detox part and am not even tempted by carbs.
* I've faithfully taken supplements as recommended by Dr. A.
* I'm still exercising above my average.
* I'm drinking water like a fish.
I'm doing everything right, and I'm very committed.

So why, oh why?
Okay, perhaps I have stress because I have a big looming deadline and I haven't started my taxes. But it is not nearly the stress that I normally carry.

I don't expect that anyone here will have the answer. I guess I just need a hug and some encouragement to keep going.
Mahalo, Hula

[theamazingunderdog]

Re: The tipping point

Hi Hula!

I can think of a few things, and they are not nitpicky food things either. Maybe it will help you, because I don't think you need to return to induction.

1. How much cream? I think that was one thing I really overdid on using it for my dairy I ended up regaining 5 pounds in about a week, while still in ketosis! That might be it for you?

2. Are you taking 2 days off a week from the exercise for your body to heal? It needs it. I know some do not believe that, but when muscles are built, it is a build and repair process. You need the downtime for the repair.

3. Getting any sleep? This is a huge factor, I have found, for me. I have zero down time - I have to take my downtime sleeping, or else I am not only tired, but can't take weight off and even gather it back up! Your body needs sleep to heal.

Try these things, and give it a few more weeks. I am seriously stalled right now, and trying small adjustments to lifestyle instead of just food. Sleep and rest are really important. (I tend to forget, so I'm telling both of us)

[theamazingunderdog]

Re: The tipping point

OH! And keep in mind, you HAVE lost 7 pounds. You did lose those pounds. You did that!!

Did you start taking in more calories to fuel your body? I recall you weren't eating much. With all the exercise and stress, you need to fuel the body. Have a steak!

At what point did you have the dessert? Dr Atkins says that if you go out of ketosis, you can gain back a few pounds in a day! (Am I misquoting? Something crazy like that.) Dessert is just not worth it!

Now, I know you can do it, because you already did! Keep it up! Stay with the number of carbs you are at, but I'd suggest eat more chicken, fish, and beef. Awesome that you are drinking a lot of water, too!!

[HulaMom]

Re: The tipping point

Aloha Underdog,
It is true that I lost the 7 pounds, but then I gained back 3 last week and another pound this week. When I saw the pound up, I just got really sad. I really got the blues today.

You gave really good tips! These are things I can improve upon. I need to remember to eat at a level that doesn't kick me into a starvation mode. I need to get peaceful sleep. Perhaps I should cut dairy out for now.

Your photos look great, and you glow as an inspiration. Thanks for giving me a little push. I need that!

[Zarabelle]

Re: The tipping point

Hi Hula

As you know from my thread the other day, I was also not losing and just couldn't understand why. I got some really good advice and have increased my carb intake to 25g and eat as many of those carbs as possible as vegetables. I have lost 3.5 so far this week and am amazed.

If I were you, I would leave out the ranch and use olive oil instead. Make sure you are eating a lot of fat (add a couple of tbsp olive oil to your salad - yum) and vegetables. I have found this new approach so much more satisfying. I am amazed that I have eaten 2000 cals (70% av fat) most days and still lost weight! The food I have eaten since doing OWL rung 1 properly is in my journal stats. Feel free to take a look.

You can do this hula!!! Listen to the guys with experience - I am so glad I did.

Love

Zx

[chinadoll]

Re: The tipping point

Just want you to know I am right there with you. First time on Atkins I lost five pounds the first week. This time, I gained two! But I am doing everything right, no cheats, and sticking with it. I have now lost the two I "gained" and have lost a full inch off my thighs and half an inch off my waist so even if the scale wants to trick me into giving up I know the WOE is working. I locked my scale away for a once in two weeks weigh in. No more daily agony. Hang in there it is worth not giving up!

[theamazingunderdog]

Re: The tipping point

Aloha Underdog,
It is true that I lost the 7 pounds, but then I gained back 3 last week and another pound this week. When I saw the pound up, I just got really sad. I really got the blues today.

I hear you! I met my first goal, then promptly put on 5 pounds in about 3 days. Those 5 eventually came off... now I am stalled for 3 weeks at the same weight and measurements. But now I realize, just give it time. Make small changes that dont' deprive you, like someone said using olive oil instead of ranch. See how that goes for a week or two.

We get so used to the weight melting off in induction, and I think we get spoiled.

You gave really good tips! These are things I can improve upon. I need to remember to eat at a level that doesn't kick me into a starvation mode. I need to get peaceful sleep. Perhaps I should cut dairy out for now.

If you're anything like me, you should try getting 7-8 full hours of sleep for a week before cutting out any food. Sleep matters that much. I have been converted to this belief by trial and error...

Your photos look great, and you glow as an inspiration. Thanks for giving me a little push. I need that!

Thanks!! I needed some push this week too. I'm glad I could help.

[HulaMom]

Re: The tipping point

Mahalo nui!
I was expecting only hugs and instead I have received awesome advice

Here are some tweaks that I'm going to try.
* Cut down on dairy (cheese and cream) and on dressings and get my fats from pure oils like olive.
* Focus on carbs from veggies. I'm going to make this a spinach week. I think I may need the fiber-movement as well.
* Rest and exercise combo in balance.

I'm also going to try to rebalance my timing to have a substantial breakfast but to cut back on eating after 7:00pm.

Jill, thanks for the reminder that I'm not alone and that we can do this with patience and fortitude.
Hula

[partytrouble]

Re: The tipping point

hi hula,

don't despair!! you are getting there, there are many MANY factors that affect your day to day wt. keep on doing what you are doing, it will come off.

i sent you a PM the other day, so curious as to where in HI you live? i used to live there and miss it so much....during rush hour particularly miss makani and the rubbahneck check!

[HulaMom]

Re: The tipping point

Aloha Party!

I can tell you are a Hawaii gal! Your shaka gives it away.
I love it here... I can see the neighbor islands and diamond head from my living room windows. Kaimuki just up the hill from Waikiki. 1m from the beach.
I'm from the east coast but have been here 15 years. My boys are so local.

Atkins local means: Korean bbq, poki with limu, and kalua pork.

Your pictures are an inspiration! Mahalo for the support.
Hula

[partytrouble]

Re: The tipping point

aloha hula mom!!!
aw, i miss it so much, and hearing you talk about poki and kailua pork makes me so sad!!!! how funny your boys are local!!! i lived on ohua ave in waikiki, and i miss looking out the windows at diamond head and kapiolani park...how funny, you have that same view!