Returning Atkins-er...please review my menu!

[tebtosca]

Hello all, first time poster on the board, although I've been lurking a long time! I'm entering my third week of induction and I've lost about 8 pounds so far (although I don't like to weigh myself...usually go by how my clothes feel).

My current menu (with varies only at dinner, usually)

Breakfast: Omelett with 3 eggs, 1 oz. mozzarella cheese, tbsp spinach

Morning snack: 1 oz. extra sharp cheddar cheese

Lunch: Salad with 2 cups romaine lettuce, 3 oz. skinless chicken breast, 1 oz. mozzarella or goat cheese, olive oil and rock salt

Mid-afternoon snack: herbal cinnamon tea

Dinner: Meat (last night I had some pork shoulder, tonight will be chicken) cooked usually with some olive oil and legal spices, plus a veggie (I try to keep to the 1 cup rule, although I don't measure as much as I should) like string beans, broccoli, cauliflower, or eggplant. Veggies almost always with a sauteed with olive oil and spices, or else steamed with I can't believe its not butter spray.

Dessert: Last night, less than 1 oz of cream cheese with a touch of cocoa powder and 1 splenda. Other nights, a sugar free popsicle.


Sorry if this is long, but just wanted to get some feedback. This site has been a big inspiration for me lately as I try to get back into the Atkins lifestyle. I did Atkins religiously for 2 years (lost around 70 pounds) and have slacked off the last few years and gained about 20 back.

Thanks everyone!

[ValidRouge]

Re: Returning Atkins-er...please review my menu!

I think your menu looks fine. Since you are going into your third week, I strongly encourage you to move into the OWL rung 1 which is to increase your carbohydrate level by 5 net carbs through adding more veggies.

Most people experience a 'pause' in weight loss around weeks 3-6, and the additional veggies help in 2 ways. 1, you just get more food, and 2, the extra FIBER from the veggies help clean out our systems which keeps the weight loss going on the scale. All of this helps with motivation and momentum!

Congratulations on following the plan which is evidenced by your weight loss. Keep up the good work!

[Sherri]

Re: Returning Atkins-er...please review my menu!

I agree with Joy. Your menu looks good, although I would trade your "I can't believe it's not butter" in with real butter. It's okay to have fat on Atkins.I can't believe it's not butter has soybean oil in it Rung 6 Lagumes, so not very Induction friendly either.
I also believe it's a great idea to move onto OWL Rung 1 Veggies. It's just 5 more grams of veggies and most certainly will keep the scale moving on a downward slide.
Great job on your menu planning. I like how you are spreading your veggies out throughout the day. Great Job and great variety!
You also don't mention the amount of weight you want to lose. Which may make a difference on how you want to work yourself up the rungs.
Keep up the fantastic work you're doing, your doing great!
Sherri

[tebtosca]

Re: Returning Atkins-er...please review my menu!

Thanks ladies! I think I will definitely add some extra veggies. I've been thinking about replacing the cheese snack with some raw veggies like broccoli or celery.

Anyone have any recommendations for a good dip with mayo (for example)?

For the record, here are my stats:

Height: 5'9"
Starting Weight: 236
Current weight: 228
Goal Weight: 170