I don't understand what is going on

[kat1974]

I have been on the Induction phase of Atkins now for around 5-1/2 to 6 weeks. In the beginning (first 3 weeks) I lost close to 18 pounds and stayed in the heavy range of ketosis according to the keto strips I use daily.

I haven't changed anything diet wise except taking in more caffeine (don't yell at me, if I can't have sugar or fruit, I need something!). I have been doing 10 miles a day on the ellipitical machine and keeping my carbs between 17 and 24 a day.

Well now I am no longer in ketosis or the strips are just barely turning color, I haven't lost anymore weight or inches and I seem to be at a stand still.

What is going on? Do I need to move on to OWL or should I keep going on Induction?

Any help would be appreciated. I tend to get very discouraged when I don't see the scale go down every week.

Kat

[higgies]

Re: I don't understand what is going on

I wold suggest moving to OWL or just stand pat. Weight loss is not linear. While I was on induction, for an extended period of time, I could go a couple weeks without losing anything or even gaining a pound or two and then all of a sudden I'd drop 6 over night. Your body does take some time to recover from the initial rapid weight loss and needs to adjust to the new style of eating.

Oh, and IMHO...throw those stupid ketostix out. If you feel the physical signs of ketosis, then you probably are still in it. Plus, they do go bad after a few weeks I've found.

[elsy]

Re: I don't understand what is going on

Hi there Kat! I stayed on Induction too for 5 weeks, the last week I had a zero loss. With the encouragement of everyone here, I moved on to OWL (just added 5 more veggie carbs) and boom! It's almost like I jumpstarted the fat loss all over again. I'm already on Rung 2 and it's great. Give it a shot. If you don't lose after the 1st week then you can always go back to induction. What do you have to lose, except weight.

[Theperfect10]

Re: I don't understand what is going on

I'm with the others. Go to OWL and you'll be surprised at how your body responds. Congratulations on your losses to date, your doing great.

[kat1974]

Re: I don't understand what is going on

Thanks guys, I appreciate the support believe me! I am just worried about going on to OWL as I feel like I will start gaining weight if I add more carbs, even if it is just 5.


I will try it though and see what happens....wish me luck!

[sallyseachange]

Re: I don't understand what is going on

I vote for a move to OWL. You don't need to move up the rungs fast and can stay at rung one for a long time if you want. Many people find that the first rung re-jumpstarts weight loss or increases it, with the extra veggies. Why not give it a try?
Ditto what Higgies says about the stix. They mean very little. They could have gone bad, or it could be that you're drinking more so they go lighter... or that you're testing at a different time of day. Lots of us reached goal without those pesky sticks turning colour at all.

Hang in there... you'll be fine.

[mitzimarie]

Re: I don't understand what is going on

Hello

Three things from me:

1) I've never used the sticks and never will

2) You are probabaly NOT going to lose every single week. Be patient. This is a lifestyle, not a diet.

3) OWL rocks!

Best wishes

[julirama723]

Re: I don't understand what is going on

Another issue I want to bring up is...

Are you eating enough? If you are doing 10 miles a day on the elliptical machine, that should be burning some serious calories. If you don't eat enough, your body will go into starvation mode and you will NOT lose weight. Along with moving to OWL, I'd post a typical day's menu in the "Review My Menu" section.

[Sherri]

Re: I don't understand what is going on

Mitzies right, lose the stix, they'll drive you bonkers! I can remember the first year I was in this woe and thirty six days passed before I started losing again after a stall. That's when I remember my tape measure becoming my best friend. Give your body a chance to catch up to your weight loss thus far, and move into owl. You'll be glad you did.