Why am I so scared?

[jebjow2]

I really need to move onto OWL. I truly do. It's been one month today that I started Atkins, I've lost roughly 15 pounds. Only a pound or two over the past 2 weeks !

Not sure why I'm so hesitant and out right scared to move on. I have this preconceived notion in my head that I'll gain weight. Where to begin? I should probably start off on rung 2 b/c over the past week-week 1/2 I've added more veggies to my diet, which in hindsight, I've probably been on Rung 1 all along.

Just tell me moving forward is going to be for the best. Tell me I'll continue (or start again! ) to lose more weight. Just reassure me please...

I can do this... starting tomorrow!

[atkinsgal08]

Re: Why am I so scared?

You cannot get to maintenance without doing OWL.

You can't know what your CCLL is unless you move forward.

[Happy2BThin4Me]

Re: Why am I so scared?

You can totally do this! In fact I might be weird but it actually sort of revved things up for me to add some carbs back into my diet when moving onto OWL. There's hope!! Also make sure to measure weekly and see if you continue to lose inches even if the scale stalls out, that way you know you're still on the right track (in fact most of my main focus is on a inch loss goal or goal waist size even more than a number on the scale). Also remember, exercise tends to speed things up a bit too. Don't worry! You know you can always remove a food from your diet if it affects you badly! You're in control!

-Michelle

[denkiii]

Re: Why am I so scared?

You can do this, and you will lose weight for sure! I'd recommend picking up your DANDR book again and re-reading the parts where the Dr. explains how this works, it'll boost your confidence. It's normal to see things slow down and pick up periodically, the body has its own things to sort out - but a high fat diet with low carbs will not have you put on fat-weight. Don't stress too much about what the scale says. You have a good plan, and motivation. There's no reason this wouldn't work.

[jebjow2]

Re: Why am I so scared?

okay, so I just reread chapter 13, "are you ready for Phase Two". And I don't think I am. I think I need to keep up induction for another month or so. I need to be STRICT. SUPER STRICT. I've been slipping a bit, having more coffee than recommended, I've had to skip breastfast a couple times. I just need to buckle down. Dr. A talks about what your end goal is.... and what "route" you should take when moving onto OWL. He says if you have a lot to lose (I have about 40 more) than you should only move onto OWL if you don't mind losing slower and if you are bored with induction foods. I'm really not bored, but I definately don't want to slow things down. He also says it's safe to stay on Induction for up to 6 months. I think I may just wait a couple more weeks, then move on. I'd like to lose another 20 pounds before going forward.

Does that sound unreasonable?

[CalicoPrairie]

Re: Why am I so scared?

In all honesty, I think goals of 20lbs in 2 weeks, or any others like it, are a setup for failure. I tend to set goals but not with time frames, because we can't really know how fast our body will let go of the pounds.

I don't think it's unreasonable not to move on because you want to make sure you master induction before you go on, I've decided to do the same with Owl 1. This is your journey and you need to make sure you have a firm grasp on what you are supposed to be doing, so to me, that's a great reason!

Just try not to fool yourself into thinking that you will continue to lose at the same rate you have been because you have stayed on induction. Maybe you will and maybe you won't, but why set yourself up for sadness if your body doesn't perform the way you want it to? That's such a bummer feeling.

[PolarBearKing]

Re: Why am I so scared?

Some really good advice here.

My story was like yours. Lost 15 pounds in two weeks and then nada. With the advice and encouragement here I move to Rung 1 and immediately started losing again.

Good luck to you.

[denkiii]

Re: Why am I so scared?

I think sticking with induction to kick your addictions and get things in control is a great idea! I don't think the scale is a good measure of control however. You're well on your way to reach your goal and right now is a great time to sort out your habits and make sure you pick a WOE that works for you in the long run. If that means sticking with induction for a bit so you get it done, good! But don't cheat yourself out of nutrition you need either.

Long story short, I think it's a good idea to stick with induction as long as you don't focus on the scale but on how you act towards certain foods. I have a feeling I'll be on rung one for a long, long time because the minute someone shows me a carrot or a peanut I lose all sense of portion control. (meaning - I'm not ready to eat the higher rungs yet, for sure!) Everyone has their own journey and your challenges are yours to overcome - and you will!

[Elizellen]

Re: Why am I so scared?

I agree with what already has been said, maybe stay on induction a little longer till you have a grip on the food choices and have mastered any cravings, but don't commit to too long

As you have a total of 40 pounds left to lose I think you need to move to OWL when you still have at least 30 left to go. This is because it takes time to move slowly through the OWL rungs, testing each added food and new carb level, and once you are closer to your goal it will not be so easy to tell if you are losing weight on each rung.

Dr Atkins did tell us we should be ready to move to the third phase of Atkins when we have between 5 and 10 pounds left to lose.

[jebjow2]

Re: Why am I so scared?

Thanks for all the advice everyone. I did make it seem like I hoped to lose 20 pounds in 2 weeks but that's not what I meant. I should have said I'll stay on Induction until I've lost another 20 pounds. Maybe after 10 more pounds like Elizellen mentioned. I guess I'll reevaluate once I get to that point.

I'm leaving on a 2 week vacation on Thursday, going to Walt Disney World (super excited!). I think I'll be glad to be on Induction. I wont have a scale with me either... so this should be interesting!

I did measure myself yesterday, and although the scale only moved 1-2 pounds, up & down... I did lose 4 inches. So... it's working.

When I get back I'm rejoining our local YMCA, taking a Zumba & belly dancing class... and have friend's onboard to keep me motivated.

Thankfully where I'm going, nobody will know me... therefore me in a swimsuit wont really be an issue!

[atkinsgal08]

Re: Why am I so scared?

>>I should have said I'll stay on Induction until I've lost another 20 pounds.>>

That can backfire on you though. Remember, Induction isn't about losing ... it's about getting your body ready to lose. The losing happens on OWL.

>>going to Walt Disney World (super excited!). I think I'll be glad to be on Induction.>>

I would want to be on OWL Rung 1 ... gives you additional vegetables!

[jebjow2]

Re: Why am I so scared?

I was thinking that also. I think OWL 1 will be best for vacation.