Should I move on to OWL?

[Yo Yo Girl]

Hi everyone. I would appreciate some advice as to whether I should now move on to OWL. I have just completed 14 days of induction. However, my results have been a bit mixed. I seem to have put on a few pounds since starting, but my body fat percentage has decreased. I have been sticking to the rules, and have been doing a fairly strenuous fitness program every day - lots of cardio, weights, pilates etc. Is it muscle I am gaining which would explain the increase in weight?

I am a little discouraged and don't want to stall my weight loss any further by adding more carbs.

Any help much appreciated

[PeachyQ]

Re: Should I move on to OWL?

As a personal trainer I can tell you that if you are working out, cardio and ESPECIALLY using weight resistance machines, you will without doubt increase your muscle density. Even if you are not lifting weights with the intent to "build" muscle, the act of moderate to heavy resistance training on the muscles causes the muscle to densify. The more muscle, and the more dense your muscle is.....the heavier it weighs. Therefore muscle weighs more then fat.

This is the hardest and most challenging issue to overcome with those who have the scale as the main reliant factor for their weight loss. You must NOT rely completely on the scale.

I'll share a story:

I once, trained for a fitness competition and trained with heavy weights for years. At the absolute best shape of my life.......I weighed 130lbs. My BMI was only 12=15 ( for a short time). I've been 115 lbs without much dense and lean muscle with a higher BMI. ( more fat on me and less lean muscle mass)

You must use inches, and the way your clothes fit as your MAIN tool for weight loss. You could be on the road to best body and shape ever and I'd hate to anyone lose faith , give up just because of the scale.

Does that help?

[Yo Yo Girl]

Re: Should I move on to OWL?

Thanks for those encouraging words Peachy. Much appreciated, especially since you are so well-informed and experienced in this area. I take it that means I should go on to OWL?

[Sera]

Re: Should I move on to OWL?

Yes, move on...extra veggies wont hurt anyone, I'm sure.
After the first rung you can re-evaluate again if you feel comfy with moving further.

[ValidRouge]

Re: Should I move on to OWL?

I agree to go ahead and move into OWL. Your body will appreciate the extra veggies (and fiber).

[not2late]

Re: Should I move on to OWL?

If your percent body fat decreased, then you did good! Remember, we are losing weight to lose fat.

[Hoping]

Re: Should I move on to OWL?

I would say move on. I lost more on OWL, because I stalled out on ext. induction.

[Mirya]

Re: Should I move on to OWL?

I think it is a good idea if you are done with induction and want to get more variety. Dr. Atkins states in his book that you can stay in induction as long as you feel you need to. I personally could eat like this for the rest of my life. lol people at work are even looking at me wierd because I just got gourmet chicken salad and it had cranberries in it and I picked them out. I like losing the weight, and feeling good about myself and from my perspective I am not yet comfortable in going to OWL yet.

[sallyseachange]

Re: Should I move on to OWL?

I'll join the chorus of "Move to OWL".... particularly as you only have 18 lbs more to lose. It's better to take the trip up the rungs in a leisurely fashion.
You're doing fine and you'll be fine still.

[DebOnAtkins]

Re: Should I move on to OWL?

I just completed 14 days of induction too and it worked great. I was a little anxious about moving on so I am just taking "baby steps" and carefully moving up the rungs so I can learn what works for me and what doesn't. Good luck to you!

Deb

[Yo Yo Girl]

Re: Should I move on to OWL?

Thanks for all your encouragement guys. I'm moving on to OWL!